5-hydroxytryptophan And Weight Loss

The compound 5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in the regulation of another neurotransmitter, serotonin, in the brain. When you consume foods that contain the amino acid, tryptophan, your body converts tryptophan into 5-HTP, which is then converted into serotonin. Because serotonin plays a role in regulating appetite, 5-HTP supplements are thought to contribute to weight loss.

Physiology

When you see or smell food, it stimulates your brain to release serotonin. When you eat the food, your brain continues to release serotonin until the levels in your brain rise to such a degree that an area of your brain, called the hypothalamus, registers the presence of the neurotransmitter. The high level of serotonin causes your hypothalamus to send signals to your body that indicate you are satisfied or full. When your body registers these signals, in theory, you stop eating.

Because 5-HTP acts as a precursor to serotonin, taking 5-HTP supplements is thought to raise your serotonin levels, promoting feelings of fullness.

Evidence

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, several small studies have shown positive results for 5-HTP and weight loss. When taking a 5-HTP supplement, subjects ate fewer calories than those taking a placebo. A study published in March 1992 in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that obese subjects who took a 5-HTP supplement lost 2 percent of their body weight while not dieting and another 3 percent of body weight when following a low-calorie diet. The subjects taking a placebo experienced no weight loss.

Considerations

The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that while the results of the weight loss studies are promising, the dosages of 5-HTP given to patients in these studies were extremely high. The high dosages led to an increased risk of side effects and many study participants experienced nausea while taking the supplement.

Warnings

If you are currently taking an antidepressant medication, you should not take 5-HTP supplements. Taking these medications together can lead to a potentially dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome, which is characterized by excessive levels of serotonin in the brain. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include hot flashes and fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate, which can lead to coma. You should also avoid 5-HTP if you are currently taking medications for migraines, Parkinson's disease or fibromyalgia.

Always talk to your doctor about any potential risks or side effects before taking any type of supplement, including 5-HTP.