L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a substance that the body makes from tryptophan, which is Amino acid It is found in a large number of foods. In the body, it serves as the basis for the production of serotonin, a chemical messenger involved, among other things, in the regulation ofmoodSleep and appetite.
| European health authorities’ decision |
|---|
In 2012, European health authorities (EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority and the European Commission) commented on some of the health claims for dietary supplements containing L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). After reviewing the scientific data, they considered that these products cannot Not Claim :
These claims of effect have now been banned for dietary supplements containing L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). |
Uses and properties of putative L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
Dietary supplements containing 5-HTP were first marketed to replace those containing tryptophan, which are banned in the United States and Canada after side effects severe (see below). These toxicity problems were ultimately due to a contaminant, but bans on tryptophan-based supplements are still in effect in these countries.
5-HTP is offered for relief depression Mild to moderate headaches, symptoms of anxiety, and fibromyalgia (a medical condition that includes muscle pain and symptoms anxiety). It is also suggested to reduce appetite in order to lose weight.
How effective is L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)?
The effects of 5-HTP have been mainly explored in the context of depression Chronic headache. About twenty studies, based on more than a thousand patients, looked at depression, and about ten studies, based on about six hundred patients, explored its effects against headache. Unfortunately, these studies are outdated and use poor quality statistical methods, which makes their interpretation impossible.
The benefit of 5-HTP in the context of fibromyalgia and anxiety has not been formally proven, despite some studies on the topic. Finally, the effect of 5-HTP on appetite has only been rigorously explored in rats, as it leads to reduced food intake and increased serum leptin levels, hormone associated glut.
In 2012, in the absence of convincing evidence, European health authorities decided to ban health claims related to certain effects of 5-HTP on Psychological Weight loss (see box above).
Precautions To Take With L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
The side effects The severe symptoms seen with tainted nutritional supplements containing tryptophan resulted in severe muscle pain and death. This toxicity has been reported with dietary supplements containing 5-HTP also contaminated with an unknown substance, possibly from the manufacturing process.
In addition to these contamination problems, 5-HTP is contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with Down syndrome as well as those withhigh pressure, heart problems or scleroderma (a disease characterized by thickening of the skin). 5-HTP is also contraindicated in people taking medications depression (including herbs) or disease Parkinson’s Disease.
The side effects The most common are drowsiness, digestive problems, blurred vision, or heart rhythm disturbances. a overdose 5-HTP can cause an increase serotonin In the body, an excess results in confusion Insomnia, sweating, muscle twitching and possibly cramps or one coma.
Origin, Forms, and Strength of L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
5-HTP is extracted from the seeds Griffonia Simplicifolia African plant. It is marketed as capsules or tablets. Doses used in clinical trials ranged from 150 to 600 mg per day. extract capsules Griffonia Also available commercially.
| Specialist opinion on L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) |
|---|
| Health authorities strongly discourage the use of 5-HTP in Europe and North America. To enrich your diet with tryptophan and serotoninIt is best to eat bananas, tomatoes, peaches, avocados, eggplant, nuts and pineapple. |
| European health authorities’ decision |
|---|
In 2012, European health authorities (EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority and the European Commission) commented on some of the health claims for dietary supplements containing L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). After reviewing the scientific data, they considered that these products cannot Not Claim :
These claims of effect have now been banned for dietary supplements containing L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). |
| Specialist opinion on L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) |
|---|
| Health authorities strongly discourage the use of 5-HTP in Europe and North America. To enrich your diet with tryptophan and serotoninIt is best to eat bananas, tomatoes, peaches, avocados, eggplant, nuts and pineapple. |