5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

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Comprehensive information on 5-HTP for treating depression, insomnia and fibromyalgia. Learn about the usage, dosage, side-effects of 5-HTP.

Overview

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid. The body makes 5-HTP from tryptophan (an essential amino acid) and converts it to an important brain chemical known as serotonin. Tryptophan and 5-HTP dietary supplements help raise serotonin levels in the brain, which may have a positive effect on sleep, mood, anxiety, aggression, appetite, temperature, sexual behavior, and pain sensation.

It is important to note, however, that an outbreak of eosinophilic myalgia syndrome (EMS; a potentially fatal disorder that affects the skin, blood, muscles, and organs) caused by a contaminated batch of tryptophan led to the removal of all tryptophan supplements from the United States market in 1989. 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 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. As a result, these manufacturers often indicate this information on their product labels.

Uses

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

5-HTP for depression
Low levels of serotonin in the brain can contribute to the development of depression. Many drugs prescribed for depression increase serotonin levels. Some studies indicate that 5-HTP may be as effective as certain antidepressant drugs in treating individuals with mild to moderate depression. Such individuals have shown improvements in mood, anxiety, insomnia, and physical symptoms.

5 HTP for Fibromyalgia
Although many factors can influence the stiffness, pain, and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia, evidence from several studies indicates that low serotonin levels may play a role in the development of this condition. 5-HTP has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce pain, stiffness, anxiety, and depression in individuals with fibromyalgia.

5 HTP for Insomnia
Medical research indicates that supplementation with tryptophan before bedtime can induce sleepiness and delay wake times. Studies also suggest that 5-HTP may be useful in treating insomnia associated with depression.

5 HTP for Headaches
Some studies suggest that 5-HTP may be effective in children and adults with various types of headaches including migraines.

5 HTP for Obesity
There is some evidence that low tryptophan levels may contribute to excess fat and carbohydrate intake (which can result in weight gain). A study of overweight individuals with diabetes suggests that supplementation with 5-HTP may decrease fat and carbohydrate intake by promoting a feeling of satiety (fullness). Additional similar studies of obese men and women without diabetes found that supplementation with 5-HTP resulted in decreased food intake and weight loss.

Dietary Sources for 5-HTP

5-HTP is not commonly available in food but the amino acid tryptophan, from which the body makes 5-HTP, can be found in turkey, chicken, milk, potatoes, pumpkin, sunflower seeds, turnip and collard greens, and seaweed.

Available Forms

5-HTP can be obtained in the diet (from the conversion of tryptophan) or in supplement form. 5-HTP supplements are made from extracts of the seeds of the African tree Griffonia simplicifolia. 5-HTP can also be found in a variety of multivitamin and herbal preparations.