The Essential Diet Tool: 5-HTP

Keeping a structured diet can be a difficult task.  One of the biggest struggles to overcome is carbohydrate cravings and binge eating during a diet. This is where 5-HTP can help.  Findings show that low serotonin levels may be directly associated with these tendencies to “cheat” on a diet.  Since 5-HTP is the immediate precursor to serotonin, an increase of this amino acid in the brain may contribute to weight loss success.

Numerous scientifically controlled clinical studies have shown 5-HTP to be effective in weight loss programs.  The following is a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition:

“Obese patients were randomly assigned to receive either 5-HTP (900 mg/d) or a placebo. The study was double-blinded and was for two consecutive 6-wk periods. No diet was prescribed during the first period, a 5040-kJ/d diet was recommended for the second. Significant weight loss  was observed in 5-HTP treated patients during both periods. A reduction in carbohydrate intake and a consistent presence of early satiety were also found. These findings together with the good tolerance observed suggest that 5-HTP may be safely used to treat obesity.”

A University of Louisiana study states the following:

“Administration of 5-hydroxy tryptophan to obese and diabetic subjects will decrease food intake probably by enhancing brain tryptophan, which is converted to serotonin, a neurotransmitter known to reduce food intake. Tryptophan is transported across the blood brain barrier by a transporter that also transports other large neutral amino acids. When these other amino acids are increased, tryptophan entry is reduced by competition for the transporter.”

This and other research has found that 5-HTP might help with not just obesity, but with a wide variety of conditions, including depression, sexual behavior, and pain sensation.  This is because serotonin levels have been implicated in the regulation of appetite, sleep, depression, anxiety, aggression and even temperature.  5-HTP promotes optimal serotonin balance in the brain in a similar fashion as prescription weight loss products.  It easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and increases brain synthesis of serotonin and melatonin. 

This endogenous amino acid is well absorbed from an oral dose, with about 70% ending up in the bloodstream.   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 

References:

Birdsall TC. Altern Med Rev. 1998 Aug;3(4):271-80

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 56, 863-867

http://www.5-htp.net/weight-loss.asp