5 HTP and 5-Hydroxytryptophan Information

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.

Suggested Medical Indications of 5-HTP

5-HTP may be helpful when used in connection with 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 levels, 5-HTP may be just as effective for individuals with mild depression. Individuals taking 5-HTP have seen signs of improvements in mood, anxiety, 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 with 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.
Dosage and Administration

When taking 5-HTP in connection with depression, 300 mg per day is usually effective, although this has not been conclusively determined. In a placebo-controlled trial a single 100-mg nighttime dose of 5-HTP was sufficient to improve the duration and depth of sleep for suffers of insomnia. Amounts ranging from 400-600 mg per day have been suggested to reduce the duration and severity of migraine headaches. For tension related headaches, 100 mg of 5-HTP (3 times per day) has shown to significantly reduce severity.

Appetite reduction and consequential weight loss (averaging 11 pounds in 12 weeks) has occurred with amounts of 600 to 900 mg daily. Other studies have indicated that 750 mg of 5-HTP taken daily can effectively decrease carbohydrate and fat intake and promote weight loss.