Poor Digestion
What is 5-HTP?
5-Hydroxytryptophan, made from the amino acid L-tryptophan with the help of Vitamin B6, is a precursor to serotonin production. The amino acid tryptophan can be found naturally in protein foods such as turkey and milk. Serotonin is a very important neurotransmitter known as "the feel good hormone". In the Central Nervous System (CNS), serotonin has been implicated in the regulation of sleep, depression, anxiety, aggression, appetite, temperature, sexual behavior, and pain sensation.
Why should I consider 5-HTP supplementation?
All serotonin used by brain cells must be made within the neurons, since serotonin cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, the synthesis of serotonin is heavily dependent upon the availability of L-tryptophan within the CNS.
The production and transport of L-Tryptophan from the bloodstream into the CNS can be compromised by several factors including ostress, elevated cortisol levels, vitamin B6 deficiency, and even high dosages (above 2,000 mg) of L-Tryptophan, which all stimulate the conversion of L-Tryptophan to kynurenine, lowering serum tryptophan levels.
According to research, 5-HTP allows for weight loss without dieting, reduces appetite, reduces cravings for carbohydrates, improves mood, helps diabetics to stay on their diets, improves fibromyalgia symptoms, frequency and severity of headaches and even helps protein digestion.
How does 5-HTP help those with Diabetes Mellitus?
Diabetes is associated with depressed tryptophan levels and as a result, higher incidence of depression. Diabetics also suffer from hyperphagia and carbohydrate cravings. In a study where 20 overweight individuals with NIDDM were given 750 mg/day of 5-HTP or placebo for two weeks, daily energy intake decreased considerably. Carbohydrate and fat intake were both reduced. Body weight reduced as well without dietary restriction.5 The conclusion of this study was: "These data confirm the role of the serotonergic system in reducing energy intake, by predominantly inhibiting carbohydrate intake, and suggest that 5-HTP may be safely utilized to improve the compliance to dietary prescriptions in NIDDM."
5 Int J Obes Relat Metab Disor 1998 July;22(7):648-54
Effects of oral 5-hydroxy-tryptophan on energy intake and macronutrient selection in non-insulin dependent diabetic individuals.
Is 5-HTP safe?
5-HTP is available OTC, whereas the FDA no longer allows L-tryptophan to be sold OTC. Where L-Tryptophan is synthesized from bacteria, allowing for contamination, 5-HTP is made from a plant from the seeds of the African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia. L-Tryptophan supplements have been available only by prescription since the 1989 contamination catastrophe.
5-HTP is well absorbed
5-HTP is well absorbed from an oral dose, with about 70 percent ending up in the bloodstream.5,6 Absorption of 5-HTP is not affected by the presence of other amino acids; therefore, it may be taken with meals without reducing its effectiveness. Unlike LT, 5-HTP cannot be shunted into niacin or protein production.
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