| 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) helps the nervous system by encouraging the production of serotonin. It is manufactured by the body from L-tryptophan, an amino acid which is found in many protein-rich foods. 5-HTP itself is not found in foods to any appreciable extent. For use as a supplement, it is manufactured from the seeds of an African plant (Griffonia simplicifolia). Deficiency of 5-HTP can cause serotonin imbalances, a condition often associated with anxiety1 and Fibromylagia.2
Natural Sources: 5-HTP is also derived from the seeds of the plant Griffonia Simplicifolia.
Useful in the treatment of:
Obesity (Weight Loss)
It is believed that serotonin plays an important role in appetite. The prescription drug fenfluramine was used to modulate appetite before it was pulled off the market because it damaged heart valves. Several studies have shown a benefit for 5-HTP in weight loss. All studies reported decreased appetite, decreased carbohydrate and fat intake, and decreased weight. Studies ranged from 5 to 12 weeks, and diets were not restricted.3,4,5 Dosage ranged from 300 to 900 mg per day.
Depression
Several small studies have compared 5-HTP to standard antidepressants.6,7 Researchers found equal benefit between the supplement and the drug. 5-HTP seemed to work better at reducing depressed mood, anxiety, physical symptoms, and insomnia, but the differences were not statistically significant. 5-HTP caused fewer and less severe side effects. The only real complaint with 5-HTP was occasional mild digestive distress.
Migraine Headaches
Many of the medications used to treat migraine appear to work by either changing serotonin levels or producing serotonin-like effects in the body. There is some evidence that 5-HTP may help prevent migraines too. Some studies are equivocal, but most show benefit compared to placebo or standard treatment regimens.8-13
Fibromyalgia
One study suggests that 5-HTP may be helpful in fibromyalgia. In this double-blind trial, 50 subjects with fibromyalgia were given either 100 mg of 5-HTP or placebo 3 times daily for a month.14 Those receiving 5-HTP experienced significant improvements in all symptom categories, including pain, stiffness, sleep patterns, anxiety, and fatigue.
Dosage: 50 to 100 mg three times daily. Dosages up to 900 mg per day have been used, but have a greater likelihood of gastrointestinal upset. It is recommended that it should not be used for more than 2 consecutive months without a one or two month break.
Interactions/Precautions: If you have any of these diseases or conditions see your doctor before taking 5-HTP.
Cardiovascular Diseases (high blood pressure, coronary artery disease) Parkinson's Disease, Cancer or Autoimmune Diseases (Scleroderma, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus); Lung Diseases; Chronic Alcoholism; Liver diseases (hepatitis or cirrhosis); parasitic infection; AIDS; Anorexia Nervosa; Low protein Diets; Allergies (severe); Myalgia (persistent pain and weakness of the muscles); Peripheral Neuropathy (pain weakness of the muscles); Rash or Flushing; Edema; Nausea; Diarrhea; Sickle cell anemia; hemophilia; Pregnancy.
Concurrent drug use: 5-HTP should not be used if taking: Anti-depressant drugs; Monoamine oxidase inhibitors; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI's e.g., Prozac); Tricyclic medications; Weight Loss medications (i.e., dexfenfluramine); Anti-parkinson medications (e.g., L-dopa); Barbiturates and other tranquilizing drugs; Antihistamines and cold medications; Alcoholic beverages; Intravenous (illegal I.V.) drugs; Cancer chemotherapy or antibiotic medications.
References:
1van Praag HM, Lemus C. Monoamine precursors in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Nutrition and the Brain, vol. 7, eds. RJ Wurtman, JJ Wurtman. New York: Raven Press, 1986 [review].
2Wolfe F, Russell IJ, Vipraio G, Ross K, Anderson J. Serotonin levels, pain threshold, and fibromyalgia symptoms in the general population. J Rheumatol 1997;24:555–59.
3Ceci F, et al. The effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan administration on feeding behavior in obese adult female subjects. J Neural Transm 76: 109–117, 1989.
4Cangiano C, Ceci F, Cairella M, et al. Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan on eating behavior and adherence to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects. Adv Exp Med Biol 294: 591–593, 1991.
5Cangiano C, Ceci F, Cascino A, et al . Eating behavior and adherence to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects treated with 5-hydroxytryptophan. Am J Clin Nutr 56: 863–867, 1992.
6Byerly WF, et al. 5-hydroxytryptophan: a review of its antidepressant efficacy and adverse effects. J Clin Psychopharmacol 7: 127–137, 1987.
7Poldinger W, et al. A functional-dimensional approach to depression: serotonin deficiency as a target syndrome in a comparison of 5-hydroxytryptophan and fluvoxamine. Psychopathology 24: 53–81, 1991.
8Titus F, et al. 5-hydroxytryptophan versus methysergide in the prophylaxis of migraine. Randomized clinical trial. Eur Neurol 25: 327–329, 1986.
9Bono G, et al. Serotonin precursors in migraine prophylaxis. Adv Neurol 33: 357–363, 1982.
10Maissen CP and Ludin HP. Comparison of the effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan and propranolol in the interval treatment of migraine. Schweiz Med Wochenschr 121: 1585–1590, 1991.
11Santucci M, et al. L-hydroxytryptophan versus placebo in childhood migraine prophylaxis: a double-blind crossover study. Cephalalgia 6: 155–157, 1986.
12De Giorgis G, et al. Headache in association with sleep disorders in children: A psychodiagnostic evaluation. Drugs Exp Clin Res 13: 425–433, 1987.
13Longo G, et al. Treatment of essential headache in developmental age with L-5-HTP (cross over double-blind study versus placebo). Pediatr Med Chir 6: 241–245, 1984.
14Caruso I, et al. Double-blind study of 5-hydroxytryptophan versus placebo in the treatment of primary fibromyalgia syndrome. J Int Med Res 18: 201–209, 1990. |
