Sunday Sept 22, 2013 (foodconsumer.org) -- 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a supplement that helps a variety of conditions associated with serotonin deficiency and has a positive effect on insomnia, depression, anxiety, suppression of appetite or increasing satiety (helping weight loss) and pain relief among other things.   The compound does not exist in any food and in the body it is synthesized from an essential amino acid called tryptophan, which is found in foods including turkey, milk, chicken, potatoes, pumpkin, sunflower seeds, greens like collard greens and turnip, and seaweed.  5-HTP is often extracted from the seeds of the African tree Griffonia Simplicifolia. The benefits 5-HTP provides include but not limited to the following.

Depression

Some studies have found that 5-HTP can work as well as certain antidepressant medications to treat patients with mild-to-moderate depression. This is understandable because some antidepressants like Prozac (fluoxetine) and sertraline (Zoloft) like 5-HTP increase the serotonin levels in the brain by inhibiting serotonin reuptake. IN one study, 5-HTP was found as effective as fluvoxamine (Luvox) in 63 people with depression.  Better yet, people taking 5-HTP had fewer side effects than those taking Luvox.  These studies are small and further research is needed to confirm the efficacy.

Fibromyalgia

Some studies have shown that 5-HTP can relieve symptoms of fibromyagia including pain, morning stiffness, anxiety, and fatigue among other things.   Many patients with this medical condition actually have low levels of serotonin and clinicians often prescribe antidepressant medications.  Because 5HTP acts as a precursor to serotonin, 5-HTP can work as well as antidepressants to raise levels of serotonin in the brain.   But like any medications, 5-HTP does not work in 100% patients. 

Insomnia

At least one study shows that people taking 5-HTP went to sleep more quickly and deeply than those taking placebo.  The researchers recommend a dose of 200 to 400 mg per night to stimulate the production of needed levels of serotonin.  

Migraines and headaches

Because 5-HTP acts like antidepressants and antidepressants are sometimes prescribed for migraine headaches, 5-HTP may help people with migraines and headaches too.  Some studies suggest that high doses of 5-HTP may help people with a variety of headaches including migraines.

Anti-Obesity and weight loss

Some studies have found that people taking 5-HTP ate less than those who took placebo.  Researchers suggest that the study group ate less and lost weight because 5-HTP can lead people to feel more full (satiety) after eating.

Cautions

5-HTP should not be given to children.   

In 1989, 5-HTP was found associated with some cases of eosinophilic maygia syndrome or EMS, a potentially fatal disorder that affects the blood, skin, muscles and organs.  Researchers could not identify the cause. Some claim tryptophan in 5-HTP supplements may play a role and some claim Peak X may be the cause for the adverse effects.  The good news is that 5-HTP produced now has not been associated with this type of adverse effects.

Generally, side effects are mid if there is any.  Like any medications, side effects including nausea, heartburn, feelings of fullness, gas and rumbling sensations may show up in some people when they take 5-HTP.

If you feel anything bad after taking 5-HTP, you should discontinue using the supplement and talk to your doctor about your condition.

Possible interactions with medications

Because 5-HTP may acts like antidepressants in producing serotonin, people taking antidepressants should not take 5-HTP without taking to their physicians first.  One concern is that both 5-HTP and antidepressants can raise serotonin to such levels that a condition called serotonin syndrome which includes symptoms like metal changes, hot flashes, blood pressure fluctuation and heart rate change may develop.

People who take medications Carbidopa, Tramadol (Ultram), Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM), Meperidine (Demerol), Trptans including Naratriptan (Amerge), Rizatriptan (Maxalt), Sumatriptan(Imitrex), Zolmitriptan (Zomig) may need to avoid taking 5-HTP.

Dosages

For adults, some studies used 200 to 300 mg a time and three times a day to have an efficacy.  Some sources claim that health care professionals recommend 50 mg of 5-HTP taken one to three times a day.  But a low dose may not result in any effect. 

Other options

Serotonin and tryptophan supplements may have the same or similar effect as 5-HTP does. (DL)

Updated on Sept 22, 2013