Benefits:

5-HTP functions as the precursor for serotonin, a monoamine neurotransmitter found in the central nervous system (CNS) and some cells of the digestive tract. In the body, 5-HTP is formed by the addition of a hydroxyl group (–OH) to tryptophan, a reaction catalyzed by the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase. This enzyme can be hindered by stress and conditions such as vitamin B6 deficiency, which is one reason B6 is included in this formula. Additionally, pyridoxal phosphate (vitamin B6) is necessary for 5-HTP to be converted to serotonin. Vitamin C participates in the conversion of tryptophan to 5-HTP and of tyrosine to norepinephrine, another important neurotransmitter.

Synthesis of serotonin in the brain requires an adequate supply of either tryptophan or 5-HTP as precursors in the CNS. The supply of tryptophan available for conversion to 5-HTP depends on a number of factors, including the nutritional status of the individual and the competition between tryptophan and other amino acids for transport across the blood-brain barrier. Whereas tryptophan may be sidetracked into the production of niacin or protein, 5-HTP readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and becomes available for serotonin synthesis. Therefore, supplementation with 5-HTP is a more direct route to serotonin production.1

In contrast to tryptophan, orally consumed 5-HTP is readily absorbed by the mucosal cells of the gastrointestinal tract, with up to 70% then appearing in the bloodstream.2 The implications of possibly altering serotonin in this manner are significant: serotonergic neurons (nerve cells stimulated by serotonin) regulate sleep, appetite, nociception (the perception of pain), and aggressive behavior.

Enhances sense of well-being.*

A synaptic serotonin deficit is hypothesized to be capable of a major adverse effect on mood.3 Supplementation with 5-HTP therefore is believed to balance mood via an increase in serotonin synthesis. This was researched extensively upon discovery that 5-HTP could be used to alter serotonin levels in rats. In a pilot study on humans, the subjects receiving 5-HTP showed a 35% increase on a mood rating scale, whereas the placebo group showed a 6% decrease.4

A comprehensive review of seven open and seven controlled clinical studies found that oral consumption of 5-HTP improved mental and emotional status in 60 to 70 percent of subjects.5 The results varied from 'modest' to 'marked'. Dosages ranged from 50 to 300 mg daily.

In a study of 134 recently bereaved men, mood was assessed using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. Men in this study who had adequate pyridoxine (vitamin B6) status had significantly better total mood disturbance (TMD) and confusion-bewilderment subscale scores. Additionally, pyridoxine deficiency was specifically related to a fatigued mood.6

Promotes calming down and relaxing.*

In a study of 32 healthy adults, half of the subjects were given 200 mg of 5-HTP, and the other half given placebo. All of the subjects were then given a stress-inducing substance (CCK-4) to provoke tension and elicit nervous irritability. In the female subjects who took the 5-HTP, there was a significant reduction in the rate and intensity of the negative cognitive reaction.7 This research built on previous studies where administration of 5-HTP produced a calming effect in subjects prone to nervous irritability.

Promotes satiety and supports healthy eating patterns.*

May promote weight loss as part of a weight loss plan.*

An exciting area of research recently regaining attention is the relationship between serotonin and appetite—and therefore its potential to aid in the maintenance of a healthy weight. While serotonin is reknown for its function in the brain, 95% of serotonin is actually found in the gastrointestinal tract. Accordingly, serotonin is deeply involved in gut physiology, including visceral perception and weight maintenance.8 In research where 5-HTP was administered at higher doses, it was discovered that these high doses of 5-HTP produced weight loss in subjects, mainly through its influence on satiety and an altered appetite for specific macronutrients.

A study that orally administered either 5-HTP or placebo to 19 women for 5 weeks (without any dietary restrictions) resulted in significantly decreased food intake and weight loss in the women taking 5-HTP, compared to placebo.9 In a double-blind, randomized study, 20 subjects received either 5-HTP capsules or placebo for 6 weeks with dietary restrictions, and then for 6 weeks without dietary restrictions. During both periods (with or without dietary restrictions), the 5-HTP subjects experienced early satiety, a reduction in carbohydrate intake, and significant weight loss compared to placebo.10 In a subsequent double-blind, randomized study, 11 subjects received placebo and 9 subjects received 5-HTP capsules for 2 weeks. The 5-HTP group experienced weight loss through a significant decrease in carbohydrate and fat intake.11

An animal study took experimental use of 5-HTP a step further by investigating food deprivation and also stress-induced eating. Although the 5-HTP was injected rather than orally administered in the rats, results clearly showed that administration of 5-HTP suppressed e
ting compared to placebo treatment in food-deprived rats and even more so in rats undergoing stress.12

May improve quality of sleep.*

Studies have shown that 5-HTP influences the quality of sleep by increasing REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Administration of as little as 200 mg of 5-HTP in the evening prior to bedtime has been shown to increase the duration of REM sleep from 5 to 53% and decrease the amount of non-REM sleep.13

Potent scavenger of free radicals.*

Compounds such as vitamin E and flavonoids derive their free-radical quenching ability from their hydroxyl groups (–OH), which donate electrons to oxidants. 5-HTP is formed from tryptophan by the addition of an –OH group, which gives 5-HTP its antioxidant properties. This is in contrast to tryptophan, which is sensitive to oxidation. The effectiveness of 5-HTP in preventing lipid and protein oxidation is believed to contribute to liver cell integrity by countering membrane rigidity.14 A recent laboratory test demonstrated that 5-HTP is a more effective hydroxyl radical scavenger than even vitamin C.15

Safety:

Oral administration of 5-HTP in clinical studies has resulted in gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. According to a review of several studies, these effects are tolerated by most patients and tend to lessen over time. Side effects are more marked with higher doses.5 A recent review in a toxicology journal concludes that while undue speculation was raised years ago, 'there is no evidence to implement 5-HTP intake as a cause of any illness'.16

Scientific References:

1. Birdsall, T.C., 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor. Altern Med Rev, 1998. 3(4): p. 271-80.

2. 5-hydroxytryptophan. Alternative Medicine Review, 1998. 3(3): p. 224-226.

3. van Praag, H.M. and J. Korf, 5-Hydroxytrytophan as an antidepressant. The predictive value of the probenecid test. J Nerv Ment Dis, 1974. 158(5): p. 331-7.

4. Turner, E.H., J.M. Loftis, and A.D. Blackwell, Serotonin a la carte: supplementation with the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan. Pharmacol Ther, 2006. 109(3): p. 325-38.

5. Byerley, W.F., et al., 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a review of its antidepressant efficacy and adverse effects. J Clin Psychopharmacol, 1987. 7(3): p. 127-37.

6. Baldewicz, T., et al., Plasma pyridoxine deficiency is related to increased psychological distress in recently bereaved homosexual men. Psychosom Med, 1998. 60(3): p. 297-308.

7. Maron, E., et al., The effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan on cholecystokinin-4-induced panic attacks in healthy volunteers. J Psychopharmacol, 2004. 18(2): p. 194-9.

8. Hasler, W.L., Serotonin and the GI tract. Curr Gastroenterol Rep, 2009. 11(5): p. 383-91.

9. Ceci, F., et al., The effects of oral 5-hydroxytryptophan administration on feeding behavior in obese adult female subjects. J Neural Transm, 1989. 76(2): p. 109-17.

10. Cangiano, C., et al., Eating behavior and adherence to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects treated with 5-hydroxytryptophan. Am J Clin Nutr, 1992. 56: p. 863-867.

11. Cangiano, C., et al., Effects of oral 5-hydroxy-tryptophan on energy intake and macronutrient selection in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients. International Journal of Obesity, 1998. 22: p. 648-654.

12. Amer, A., et al., 5-Hydroxy-L-tryptophan suppresses food intake in food-deprived and stressed rats. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 2004. 77(1): p. 137-143.

13. Wyatt, R.J., et al., Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan on the sleep of normal human subjects. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol, 1971. 30(6): p. 505-9.

14. Reyes-Gonzales, M.C., et al., Effects of Tryptophan and 5-Hydroxytryptophan on the Hepatic Cell Membrane Rigidity Due to Oxidative Stress. J Membr Biol, 2009.

15. Keithahn, C. and A. Lerchl, 5-hydroxytryptophan is a more potent in vitro hydroxyl radical scavenger than melatonin or vitamin C. J Pineal Res, 2005. 38(1): p. 62-6.

16. Das, Y.T., et al., Safety of 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan. Toxicol Lett, 2004. 150(1): p. 111-22