Tryptophan is an amino acid that you obtain from food. Some tryptophan is converted in your body into 5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, which is a precursor to a neurotransmitter called serotonin. Serotonin is important in determining your mood, sleep patterns, level of appetite and some aspects of your sensations and behaviors. Made from seeds of an African tree, Griffonia simplicifolia, 5-HTP supplements are commercially available and may be useful in treating several conditions. Discuss use with your doctor to determine if it is an appropriate choice for you.
Depression
Depression affects more than 20 million Americans, according to MedlinePlus. In some cases, problems with serotonin metabolism lead to the condition. 5-HTP supplements may help relieve some of the symptoms of depression, including feelings of sadness, loss of energy, difficulty sleeping and other problems. In a review of several clinical trials with 5-HTP published in 1977 in "Archiv fur Psychiatrie und Nervenkrankheite," a German journal, the supplement was found to be equally effective in reducing symptoms of depression as a prescription medication and was judged to produce fewer side effects.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes muscle pain, points of tenderness and feelings of tiredness. It may also cause sleeping problems, headaches and memory disturbances. Although the cause is not well understood, 5-HTP supplements may help relieve some of the symptoms. In a clinical study of 50 subjects with the disorder, published in 1990 in the "Journal of International Medical Research," subjects who took 5-HTP experienced significant improvement in their symptoms compared to those who took a placebo, with no significant side effects from the supplement.
Weight Management
Several clinical studies have suggested that 5-hydroxytryptophan may also help with weight management, possibly by increasing feelings of fullness after a meal. In one study, published in 1992 in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," 20 obese subjects took 5-HTP or placebo for 12 weeks without any change in diet. At the end of the study, those who took the supplement consistently reduced their consumption of carbohydrates, had feelings of satiety early in a meal and experienced significant weight loss. Those who took a placebo generally maintained their weight.
Recommendations and Precautions
The recommended dose is 50 mg of 5-HTP, one to three times each day. Usual side effects from 5-HTP are minor and include occasional nausea, gas or heartburn. Do not take 5-HTP without first consulting your doctor as it is rarely but occasionally associated some toxicity. Do not consume 5-HTP if you have liver disease, are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you take antidepressants.
References
- "Archiv fur Psychiatrie und Nervenkrankheite"; The Treatment of Depression with L-5-Hydroxytryptophan Versus Imipramine....; J. Angst et al.; October 1997
- University of Maryland Medical Center: 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
- MedlinePlus: Depression
- "Journal of International Medical Research"; Double-Blind Study of 5-Hydroxytryptophan Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Primary Fibromyalgia...; I. Caruso et al.; May-June 1990
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; 5-Hyrdoxytryptophan: A Clinically-Effective Serotonin Precursor; T. Birdsall; August 1998
- MedlinePlus: Fibromyalgia
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