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5-Hydroxytryptophan: What does it do?
5-HTP is used by the human body to make serotonin, an important substance for normal nerve
and brain function.
Serotonin appears to play significant roles in sleep, emotional moods, pain control,
inflammation, intestinal peristalsis, and other body functions.1
Where is 5-Hydroxytryptophan found?
5-HTP is not present in significant amounts in a typical diet. The human body manufactures
5-HTP from L-tryptophan, a natural amino acid
found in most dietary proteins. However, eating food that contains L-tryptophan does not
significantly increase 5-HTP levels. Supplemental 5-HTP is naturally derived from the seeds of
Griffonia simplicifolia, a West African medicinal plant.
Who is likely to be deficient of 5-Hydroxytryptophan?
Disruptions in emotional well-being, including
depression and anxiety, have been linked
to serotonin imbalances in the brain.2 People with fibromyalgia often have low serotonin levels in their
blood.3 4 5 Supplements of 5-HTP may increase serotonin
synthesis in these cases. The cause of migraine
headaches is related to abnormal serotonin function in blood vessels,6 and
5-HTP may help correct this abnormality.
Insomnia has been associated with tryptophan deficiency in the tissues of the
brain;7 therefore, 5-HTP may provide a remedy for this condition.
How much 5-Hydroxytryptophan is usually taken?
In a controlled trial, 5-HTP (300 mg per day) was shown to be effective in reducing many
symptoms of fibromyalgia, including pain, morning stiffness, sleep disturbances, and anxiety.8
For depression, 300 mg per day is often
effective, though much of the research used 5-HTP in combination with drugs or was
uncontrolled.9 10 11 For insomnia, a single 100-mg nighttime dose of 5-HTP was
sufficient to improve the duration and depth of sleep in one placebo-controlled
trial.12 For migraine headaches,
amounts ranging from 400–600 mg per day have been shown to be effective at reducing the
frequency and severity of attacks in most clinical trials.13 14
15 16 17 For tension
headaches, 100 mg of 5-HTP taken three times per day led to a significant decrease in
consumption of pain-relievers, but no significant change in headache duration or
intensity.18
Appetite reduction and weight loss
(averaging 11 pounds in 12 weeks) has occurred with amounts of 600–900 mg
daily.19 20 In another clinical trial, 750 mg per day has been shown to
be effective at decreasing carbohydrate and fat intake, and promoting weight
loss.21
Are there any side effects or interactions with 5-Hydroxytryptophan?
During the clinical trials described above, some people taking large amounts of 5-HTP
experienced gastrointestinal upset (e.g. nausea) or, less often, headache, sleepiness, muscle
pain, or anxiety.
A substance known as “Peak X” has been found in low concentrations in several
over-the-counter 5-HTP preparations. Some researchers think this substance may be
linked22 23 24 to toxicity previously reported25
26 27 in a 1989 L-tryptophan contamination incident. However, there is
serious question about whether Peak X is actually the toxic agent and it may be unrelated to
the problems previously associated with L-tryptophan.28 29 30
31 32 33 34 35 Although two articles
reported possible associations between 5-HTP consumption and toxicity symptoms similar to
those attributed to contaminated L-tryprophan,36 37 evidence linking
5-HTP or Peak X with any toxicity symptoms remains speculative. Although the structure of Peak
X has recently been identified, there is no firm evidence that this substance has caused or
contributed to any toxicity or disease.38
Very high intakes of 5-HTP have caused muscle jerks in guinea pigs39 and both
muscle jerks40 and diarrhea in mice.41 Injected 5-HTP has also caused
kidney damage in rats.42 To date, these problems have not been reported in humans.
“Serotonin syndrome,” a serious but uncommon condition caused by excessive amounts
of serotonin, has not been reported to result from supplementation with 5-HTP; in theory it
could be triggered by the supplement.43 However, the level of intake at which this
toxic effect might potentially occur remains unknown.
5-HTP should not be taken with
antidepressants, weight-control drugs, other serotonin-modifying agents, or substances
known to cause liver damage, because in these cases 5-HTP may have excessive effects. People
with liver disease may not be able to regulate 5-HTP adequately and those suffering from
autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma may be more sensitive than others, to
5-HTP.44 These people should not take 5-HTP without consulting a knowledgeable
healthcare professional. The safety of taking 5-HTP during pregnancy and breast-feeding is not known at this
time.
Are there any drug
interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with 5-hydroxytryptophan. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
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Copyright © 2004 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in
vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article.
The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of
the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter
medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or
pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before
making any changes in prescribed medications.
References:
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