Tryptophan, also called L-tryptophan, is an amino acid and part of a group of substances that act as building blocks of protein. Your body cannot produce tryptophan and must obtain it from food sources; it is not available in the United States as a nutritional supplement. Your body converts tryptophan into 5-hydroxytryptophan, also called 5-HTP, a substance that may play a role in weight loss.
Tryptophan
Tryptophan is the amino acid in turkey that may lead to sleepiness. This amino acid is present in most animal and plant proteins. After converting the tryptophan to 5-hydroxytryptophan, your body then uses it to make serotonin, a brain chemical that helps control your mood and behavior.
5-Hydroxytryptophan
Consuming foods high in tryptophan has a slight effect on the levels of 5-HTP in your body, but taking 5-HTP supplements may have a greater impact on serotonin production. As a supplement, 5-HTP comes from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia, a plant native to Africa. According to MedlinePlus, early research suggests that taking 5-HTP might help control weight in obese people, possibly by reducing appetite and resulting in a lowered intake of calories; there is not enough evidence to confirm these preliminary findings.
Safety
The Food and Drug Administration limited the availability of tryptophan supplements after some cases of illness associated with this supplement occurred in 1989 and 1990. A condition known as eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome, or EMS, showed up in some individuals who took the supplements. The same substance that might be responsible for the EMS outbreak also might exist in small amounts in 5-HTP supplements, although there is no evidence that taking these supplements according to dosage instructions will result in symptoms of EMS. Tryptophan is not a proved or standard remedy for obesity.
Considerations
Some small studies show that 5-HTP might provide some weight-loss benefits in obese people, even in individuals who do not attempt to lose weight, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. This could be due to an increase in satiety, the sensation of feeling full after eating, which can result in consuming fewer calories. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplement to help you lose weight, especially if you take medications or have any chronic health conditions.
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