5 HTP (5-HYDROXYTRYPTOPHAN)

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is derived biochemically from the essential protein amino acid L-tryptophan. Tryptophan and 5-HTP dietary are believed to aid in increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which may have a beneficial effect on sleep, mood, anxiety, aggression, appetite, temperature, sexual behavior, and pain sensation.

Until November, 1989, L-tryptophan was a popular nutritional supplement in the U.S. In November, 1989, the FDA recalled supplementary L-tryptophan because of several reports associating the amino acid with some severe side effects. These side-effects were part of a syndrome called the eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. As it turned out, the cause of the syndrome was due to a contaminant in a batch of L-tryptophan that was produced from a genetically modified microorganism (GMO), and not L-tryptophan itself. Although the manufacturing of 5-HTP is different from that of tryptophan, there is still concern that some 5-HTP supplements may contain similar contaminants. It is important to obtain dietary supplements of 5-HTP from manufacturers that adhere to high quality standards. At least two organizations, NSF International and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), offer programs that make sure manufacturers follow high quality practices.

Medical Indications of 5-HTP

5-HTP may be helpful in treating a wide variety of conditions related to low serotonin levels, including the following:

• Depression
  Low serotonin levels can be a contributing factor to the onset of depression. As many drugs used for depression are used to increase serotonin leveles 5-HTP be be just as effective in treating individuals with mild depression. Individuals taking 5-HTP have seen signs of improvements in mood, anxiets, insomnia and other physical symptoms.
  
  
• Fibromyalgia
  Preliminary evidence suggests that low serotonin levels may play an important role in the development of fibromyalgia. 5-HTP supplementation, through its ability to raise serotonin levels, has shown to improve sleep quality and reduce pain, stiffness, anxiety and depression for fibromyalgia sufferers.
  
  
• Insomnia
  Some studies suggest that supplementation with tryptophan before you go to bed may help to induce sleepiness and waking up. Specifically is has been suggested that 5-HTP supplementation may help treat insomnia directly associated with depression.
  
  
• Headaches
  Some evidence suggests that 5-HTP may help reduce the pain associated with headaches and migraines.
  
  
• Obesity and Weigh Control
  A study of overweight individuals with diabetes suggests that supplementation with 5-HTP may decrease fat and carbohydrate intake by reducing appetite. It appears to do this by stimulating serotonin production in the brain. While 5-HTP has not yet been extensively researched, some human and double-blind studies have shown that 5-HTP promotes weight loss.