Functions in the Body:

• Precursor to serotonin
• Influences the synthesis of melatonin
• Influences activities controlled by serotonin, which include mood regulation (anxiety and depression), impulse control (aggression and obsessive behavior), appetite, pain control and sleep

What do depression, the inability to fall asleep, and compulsive eating have in common?- low serotonin levels.

Because the brain, through the amino acid decarboxylase, naturally converts 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) into serotonin, many researchers are looking into its therapeutic use.

Studies have found that 5-HTP may be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of headaches, eating behaviors, depression, symptoms of fibromyalgia, anxiety, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

5-HTP is a natural compound derived from the seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia tree primarily found in West Africa. 5-HTP is an intermediate L-tryptophan metabolite, easily absorbed to support serotonin levels (70% of oral 5-HTP enters the blood stream).^[1]

5-HTP helps keep serotonin at optimal levels. When serotonin drops too low, sleep problems develop, you experience a lower threshold for pain, anxiety increases, and many notice abnormal weight gain.

When you restore your serotonin levels, your mood improves, anxiety disappears, and you feel calm and assured. Now, with the use of 5-HTP supplements, you may be able to positively affect your serotonin balance.*

5-HTP (L-5-Hydroxytryptophan), the immediate precursor to serotonin, is effectively absorbed into the bloodstream and readily passes the blood-brain barrier to promote optimal serotonin balance in the brain.*

In recent clinical studies, therapeutic administration of 5-HTP was confirmed effective in treating depression, fibromyalgia, the binge eating associated with obesity, chronic headaches, and insomnia.*

Furthermore, 5-HTP may also aid in weight control through the same serotonin-increasing mechanism found in prescription weight-loss products.*

Mood/Depression:

A breakthrough in the treatment of depression came with the development of the SSRI (serotonin re-uptake inhibitor) such as Prozac®. These effective antidepressants work by increasing the serotonin level in the brain, which is many times found to be low in those with depression.

There is, however, a natural alternative to SSRIs that may also increase the brain's serotonin level: 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan).

5-HTP readily passes into the brain where it is converted into serotonin.

Since the early 1970s, at least 15 studies involving 511 subjects have evaluated the clinical effects of 5-HTP on depression. The overall results of these studies showed a significant improvement in 56% of the subjects.

We know low serotonin levels can result in sad moods. Supplementing with 5-HTP stimulates the production of serotonin in the brain to enhance mood. A Swiss study compared the administration of 5-HTP with fluvoxamine (an SSRI used to enhance mood) among 36 subjects over six weeks. Researchers found both treatment groups had similar results with a 50% improvement in mood;^[2] therefore, 5-HTP can be a safe alternative to other mood enhancers.

Several studies were conducted in Europe in the late 1970's and early 1980's finding 5-HTP enhanced mood.^[3],[4],[5] Overall, the studies found 5-HTP had a positive effect on balancing mood among 55%-60% of patients, while there was no improvement in the placebo groups.

One such study that examined the effectiveness of 5-HTP as an antidepressant involved 59 depressed patients who where given 150-300 mg of 5-HTP daily. The result was astounding. Forty of the patients (68%) showed a favorable response, most within one week.

In 1991, a study involving 36 subjects compared the effectiveness of 5-HTP to an SSRI. One group was given 5-HTP, while another group was given an SSRI.

After six weeks, both groups showed about the same success rate. When the numbers were totaled at the end of the study, the mean percentage was slightly greater for patients treated with 5-HTP.

Adverse affects where found to be mild, usually disappearing within the first few days, with 5-HTP being more well tolerated then the SSRI. Tolerance of 5-HTP was assessed as being good or very good in 95% of the patience.

As a side note, some researchers have found the effectiveness of 5-HTP as an antidepressant to be increased when combined with L-Tyrosine.

Fibromyalgia:

Fibromyalgia is characterized by general aching, fatigue, morning stiffness, and sleep disturbances.

It appears that low serotonin and tryptophan levels may be a contributing factor to fibromyalgia, indicating that 5-HTP may be useful in treating this debilitating malady. Studies have shown this to be the case.

One 90-day study involved 50 patients suffering from fibromyalgia. A full 50% of the patients showed significant improvement.

Weight Loss:

5-HTP caught the attention of diet researchers, over 35 years ago, as a method of appetite control. ^[9] It has been found that the craving for carbohydrates and the resulting binge eating may be associated with low serotonin levels that accompany dieting.

Increasing the level of serotonin in the brain may therefore contribute to the success of a weight loss program.

And, here too, studies have supported this conclusion. One study on the effectiveness of 5-HTP in weight loss involved 20 overweight people. A reduction in carbohydrate intake, as well as significant weight loss, was observed in those that took the 5-HTP.^[10]

Individuals with problems regulating blood sugar also showed improvement with 5-HTP, believed to be due to their typically low serotonin levels. A two-week, double-blind study of 20 overweight subjects with insulin weaknesses found oral 5-HTP normalized eating behaviors and reduced excessive energy intake.^[11] In addition, 5-HTP can reduce excessive food consumption that can be generated by anxiety.^[12]

Sleep:

A study conducted by the University of Rome found 5-HTP reduced night terrors in children. Forty-five children participated in the study finding 93.5% of the treatment group had a reduced amount of night terrors after one-month in the treatment group, while 83.9% were night terror-free after six-months of treatment.[6]

Headaches:

Chronic headaches, especially migraines, are thought to be the result of low serotonin levels. 5-HTP has been used successfully in the prevention of chronic headaches of various types, including migraine, tension headaches, and juvenile headaches.

A double-blind study recruited 65 patients with headaches finding subjects that took 5-HTP supplementation used less pain relievers and had a reduction in the number of headaches after two weeks of treatment, in comparison to the placebo group.[7]

Another study compared 5-HTP to Propranolol (a beta-blocker used to treat headaches) among 39 patients in a double-blind trial. Researchers found a significant reduction in headaches among both the 5-HTP and Propranolol groups over a four-month period suggesting 5-HTP is a safe alternative to other therapies.[8]

Suggested Use

Suggested Usage: Take 1 to 2 capsules daily, or as directed by a physician. As part of weight loss programs, it is recommended that 5-HTP be taken 20 minutes before each meal, to act as a natural appetite suppressant and reduce the craving for carbohydrates. Start at 100 mg three times a day. If after four weeks the desired results are not achieved, increase the dosage to 200 mg three times a day. Dosage as high as 300 mg three times a day has been well tolerated; however, do not exceed 900 mg per day. Mild nausea is sometimes reported at higher doses, but is generally temporary.

Toxicity / Contraindications:

May have additive effects with tryptophan, St. John's wort, and SAMe. 5-HTP should not be taken concurrently with anti-depressants except under the supervision of a physician, because 5-HTP increases the activity of these drugs. 5-HTP should also not be taken with the drug Carbidopa. Vitamin B6 taken in doses of 5 milligrams or greater causes 5-HTP to be converted into serotonin before it passes into the brain. Since serotonin does not easily pass the blood-brain barrier as 5-HTP does, this effect is undesirable and can be detrimental. Large doses of 5-HTP may significantly increase serum levels of serotonin which, at least theoretically, may result in the serotonin syndrome which can be very serious, although there have been no reports of the syndrome occurring with use of 5-HTP in humans. 5-HTP has been reported to occasionally cause gastrointestinal upset. 5-HTP should be avoided by pregnant women, nursing mothers and those with significant cardiovascular disease. Do not exceed 900 mg per day. Should not be taken in conjunction with SSRI's References [1] Birdsall, TC. 5-hydroxytryptophan: a clinically- effective serotonin precursor. Altern Med Rev. 1998; 3:271-280. [2] Poldinger, W, Calanchini, B, Schwarz ,W. A functional-dimensional approach to depression: serotonin deficiency as a target syndrome in a comparison of 5-hydroxytryptophan and fluvoxamine. Psychopathology. 1991;24:53-81. [3] Van Praag, HM, Korf, J, Dols, LC, Schut, T. A pilot study of the predictive value of the probenecid test in application of 5-hydroxytryptophan as antidepressant. Psychopharmacologia. 1972;25:14-21. [4] Van Praag HM. Central monamine metabolism in depression. II. Comp Psychiat. 1980; 21:44-54. [5] Van Praag HM. Management of depression with serotonin precursors. Biol Psychiatry. 1981;16:291-310. [6] Bruni, O, Ferri, R, Miano, S, Verillo, E. L -5-Hydroxytryptophan treatment of sleep terrors in children. Eur J Pediatr. 2004; 163(7):402-407. [7] Ribeiro, CA. L- 5-hydroxytryptophan in the prophylaxis of chronic tension-type headache : A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. For the Portugese Head Study. Headache, 2000; 40:451-456. [8] Maissen CP, et al. Comparison of the effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan and propranolol in the interval treatment of migraine. Schweiz Med Wochenschr. 1991; 121:1585-1590. [9] Halford, JC, Harraold, JA, Boyland, EJ, Lawton, CL, Blundell, JE. Serotonergic drugs: Effects on appetite expression and use for the treatment of obesity. Drugs. 2007; 67(1):27-55. [10] Cangiano, C, Ceci, F, Cascino, A, et al. Eating behavior and adherence to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects treated with 5-hydroxytryptophan. Am J Clin Nutr. 1992 Nov; 56(5):863-867. [11] Cangiano, C, Laviano, A, Del Ben, M, et al. Effects of oral 5-hydroxy-tryptophan on energy intake and macronutrient selection in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 1998 Jul; 22(7):648-654. [12] Amer, A, Breu, J, McDermott, J, et al. 5-Hydroxy-L-tryptophan suppresses food intake in food-deprived and stressed rats. Pharm Biochem and Behavior. 2004 Jan; 77(1):137-143. * These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.