Boosting Serotonin-which supps?

[Laurie in Az]

I have found during my reading that my son's symptoms can all be caused by low serotonin levels. I would like to slowly increase his levels and see if it helps. I have seen many supplements and herbs that are reported to increase serotonin or to slow down reuptake. So far-SAMe, methionine, St John's wort, 5htp, tryptophan. Can someone help explain the differences between the most popular supps. for increasing serotonin. Are there any guidelines for choosing a supp to increase serotonin? Have I missed any that I should know about? Thank you for any help. I am very confused.

 

Laurie

[Chemar]

hi Laurie

 

you have left out the safest and often the most effective supp for boosting serotonin...the B vitamin INOSITOL

 

starting with Inositol and vit B6 may well be all that is needed (they are frequently sold combined)

Inositol is generally very well tolerated

 

5HTP and L-tryptophan have a marked effect on serotonin and can work great for some but not for everyone, so it is trial and error if you decide on one of them (do NOT use combined)

My son did very well on 5HTP when his OCD was severe

Now he only takes Inositol/B6 combo

 

 

samE is a form of methionine, which has been shown to be very helpful for OCD

 

st John's wort is another serotonin booster, used most often for depression