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| Proper name |
5 hydroxytryptophan, also known as 5 HTP |
| Category |
Amino acid metabolite |
| Functions |
The functions of 5-hydroxytryptophan derive from its ability to increase
levels of serotonin. Unipolar and bipolar depression have been improved
with doses of 50-300 mg per day for 2-4 weeks. Other neurotransmitters that
may be increased by taking 5-hydroxytryptophan include melatonin, dopamine,
norepinephrine and beta-endorphin. Fibromyalgia patients have been experienced
reduced pain, morning stiffness, anxiety and fatigue from ingestion of 5
HTP. Carbohydrate cravings and subsequent obesity have been improved with
5-hydroxytryptophan Insomnia and lack of REM sleep are helped by 5-hydroxytryptophan
Chronic headache, such as migraine, tension headache and juvenile headache
may be helped by 5HTP. |
| RDA |
None |
| Therapeutic
dose |
50 mg, 3 times per day for anxiety, For insomnia, 100-300 mg at bedtime. |
| Deficiency symptoms |
Anxiety/depression and similar mood disorders. Insomnia. |
| Toxicity |
Taken in conjunction with SSRI anti depressants, 5-hydroxytryptophan may
cause serotonin syndrome, characterized by agitation, confusion, delirium,
tachycardia, diaphoresis and blood pressure fluctuations. Mild nausea
may be experienced initially by some persons taking 5-hydroxytryptophan. |
| Best
forms
|
5-hydroxytryptophan |
| Food
sources |
5-hydroxytryptophan is derived from the seeds and an African plant, Griffonia
simplicifolia. It can be produced in the body from foods containing the
amino acid Tryptophan. |
| Lab
tests |
None |
| Drug
interactions |
5-hydroxytryptophan can potentiate the effects of serotonin reuptake inhibitos
(SSI) antidepressants such as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft. This may cause serotonin
syndrome, characterized by agitation, confusion, delirium, tachycardia,
diaphoresis and blood pressure fluctuations. |
| Nutrient interactions |
Unlike Tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophan does not require vitamin B6 or magnesium
to be effective, though these may have synergistic effects. |
| Metabolism |
5 HTP is easily absorbed
in the small intestine. It does not have to be taken apart from food,
as does Tryptophan. Approximately 70% of an oral dose is absorbed. 5 HTP
crosses the blood-brain barrier without requiring a carrier molecule.
In the brain, 5-hydroxytryptophan is converted to seretonin.
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