The body converts dietary tryptophan into 5-hydroxytryptophan. This substance is then converted into serotonin. Chemists can make an identical chemical, 5-HTP, which patients take as a nutritional supplement. Daily use of this substance treats several medical conditions. It can, for example, help with both physical and mental ailments. Such intake, however, may cause unwanted side effects like digestive problems. People should, therefore, consult with a health care professional before using 5-HTP.
Improves Fibromyalgia
Doctors continue to have a poor understanding of fibromyalgia. Yet, patients have options available for treating the widespread aches and pains associated with this debilitating disorder. A 1992 article in the "Journal of International Medical Research" looked at the impact of 5-HTP on fibromyalgia symptoms. Subjects received nightly doses of the supplement during a 90-day experiment. For the group, all clinical measures showed improvement relative to baseline. For individuals, more than 50 percent of subjects considered their condition improved during treatment. Yet, 15 percent experienced supplement-induced reactions. This reaction, typically an upset stomach, forced one subject to withdrawal from the study.
Reduces Panic
Taking 5-HTP may help patients manage other disorders as well. Panic attacks remain common. In fact, they affect seven percent of military personnel. Yet, few treatments are available. A 2004 report in the "Journal of Psychopharmacology" evaluated 5-HTP in an experimental model of panic attacks. Women first received cholecystokinin-tetrapeptide, a drug known to induce feelings of panic. They then received either 5-HTP or placebo in an attempt to block the panic. Volunteers given 5-HTP experienced a smaller number of panic attacks and had less intense panic. Many subjects, however, reported stomach distress. The drug also appeared less effective in men.
Suppresses Appetite
Obesity remains a "pandemic" affecting people of all ages. Patients often use 5-HTP to lose weight, but little scientific research supports this claim. A 2004 paper in "Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior" assessed 5-HTP in an animal model of obesity. The authors tested rats, either deprived of food or otherwise placed under stress. Such conditions typically lead to weight gain when food becomes readily available. Adding 5-HTP to these conditions prevented weight gain relative to adding an inert treatment. No obvious side effects were observed. It remains unclear whether these results apply to human subjects.
Facilitates Sleep
Sleep disorders adversely affect the lives of millions. In fact, up to 22 percent of the population regularly experiences insomnia. Taking 5-HTP may temporarily alleviate sleep problems. A 2008 study described in the journal "Sleep" tested the effect of the supplement on laboratory animals. Rodents received a single dose of 5-HTP or a saline. Relative to controls, mice given the supplement slept longer. The treatment also lowered body temperature, a change which facilitates sleep. The researchers did not detect other differences between the two groups. Because mice are nocturnal, similar effects may not occur in diurnal humans.
References
- "Journal of International Medical Research"; Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome and 5-Hydroxy-L-Tryptophan; Piercarlo Sarzi-Puttini and I. Caruso; April 1992
- "Journal of Psychopharmacology"; Effect of 5-Hydroxytryptophan on Cholecystokinin-4-Induced Panic Attacks in Healthy Volunteers; Eduard Maron, et al.; June 2004
- "Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior"; 5-Hydroxy-L-Tryptophan Suppresses Food Intake in Food-Deprived and Stressed Rats; Ahmed Amer, et al.; January 2004
- "Sleep"; Effects of Serotonergic Activation by 5-Hydroxytryptophan on Sleep and Body Temperature of C57BL/6J and Interleukin-6-Deficient Mice are Dose and Time Related; Jonathan D. Morrow, et al., Jan. 1, 2008
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