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5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)

Description

5-HTP, otherwise known as 5-hydroxytryptophan, is an amino acid that is the immediate precursor of serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter. During the biosynthesis of serotonin, tryptophan is hydroxylated to 5-HTP and then decarboxylated to serotonin. Serotonin plays a big role in sleep, emotional moods, pain control and inflammation.

Signs and Symptoms for Nutrient Applications

- Depression - Anxiety - Fibromyalgia - Bipolar (manic) depression - Obesity - Migraine headaches and insomnia

Clinical Applications/Research

5HTP

The human body manufactures 5-HTP from L-tryptophan, an amino acid found in dietary proteins. 5-HTP is not found in significant amounts in the diet, and eating foods that contain tryptophan does not significantly increase 5-HTP levels. Supplementing with 5-HTP may have some benefit in the following conditions:

Depression and Anxiety

5-HTP supplementation has been shown to improve mood, anxiety and insomnia. Depression has been linked to serotonin imbalances in the brain, thus researchers are hypothesizing that 5-HTP may increase serotonin synthesis and may be helpful for people with depression (300 mg per day).

Fibromyalgia

Numerous clinical studies have suggested that low serotonin levels are the cause of fibromyalgia symptoms. Treatment with 5-HTP enhances serotonin synthesis, which increases pain tolerance and quality of sleep. The somatic pain (tender points) found in fibromyalgia patients has shown improvement after 5-HTP supplementation (300 mg per day) (Caruso, I, et al, Double Blind study of 5-HTP versus placebo in the treatment of primary fibromaylgia syndrome., J Int Med Res 1990; 18:201-09).

Bipolar (manic) depression

5-HTP (as high as 200 mg three times per day) combined with lithium may be helpful in the treatment of manic depression.

Obesity

5-HTP may cause a decrease in carbohydrate consumption, by promoting satiety in patients. One study with obese women reported that after 12 weeks, the 5-HTP group lost an average of 10.13 pounds versus 2.28 pounds in the placebo group (Am J Clin Nutr 1992; 22:648-654). Another study found 5-HTP reduced caloric intake despite the fact the participants made no conscious effort to eat less (J Neural Transm, 1989; 76:109-117).

Migraine Headaches

Migraines are related to abnormal serotonin function in the blood vessels. 5-HTP may correct this abnormality and reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. Doses as high as 200-600 mg/day for two to six months are suggested for relief (Kimball, RW, et. al. Effect of serotonin in migraine patients. Neurology 1960; 10:107-11, Adv Exp Med Biol 1999; 467:177-82, Headache 2000 June; 40(6):451-6).

Insomnia

Clinical studies have shown that 5-HTP reduces the time required to fall asleep and improves the quality of sleep in many individuals. Insomnia has been associated with tryptophan deficiency in brain tissue; therefore, 5-HTP may be helpful.

Pyridoxine HCl and Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate

B6 serves as a cofactor in the conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin.

Suggested Dosage

50-100 mg three times daily or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Contraindications/Toxicology

Consult with your physician before taking 5-HTP in combination with anti-depressant drugs (MAOI’s or selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s)). 5-HTP may potentiate the action of St. John’s Wort.

Disclaimer: The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. The nutritional suggestions and research provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. Please see your health care professional in all matters pertaining to your physical health.

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