Now there is a safe and natural alternative to drugs like Prozac®. These drugs work by increasing the serotonin level in the brain. A natural method for producing this same result was sought and found in 5-HTP (5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan), an excellent alternative to the now restricted L-Tryptophan.
5-HTP, the immediate precursor to serotonin, is effectively absorbed into the bloodstream and readily passes the blood-brain barrier, to promote optimal serotonin balance in the brain.* 5-HTP was found to be superior to L-Tryptophan in this respect due to its being a step closer chemically to serotonin.
In recent clinical studies, therapeutic administration of 5-HTP was confirmed effective in treating depression, fibromyalgia, binge eating, chronic headaches, and insomnia.*
Depression: A breakthrough in the treatment of depression came with the development of the SSRI (serotonin reuptake inhibitor) such as Prozac®. These effective antidepressants work by increasing the serotonin level in the brain, which is many times found to be low in those with depression. There is, however, a natural alternative to SSRIs that may also increase the brain's serotonin level: 5-HTP (5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan). 5HTP readily passes into the brain where it is converted into serotonin.
Since the early 1970s, at least 15 studies involving 511 subjects have evaluated the clinical effects of 5-HTP on depression. The overall results of these studies showed a significant improvement in 56% of the subjects.
One such study that examined the effectiveness of 5-HTP as an antidepressant involved 59 depressed patients who where given 150-300 mg of 5-HTP daily. The result was astounding. 40 of the patients (68%) showed a favorable response, most within one week.
As a side note, some researchers have found the effectiveness of 5-HTP as an antidepressant to be increased when combined with L-tyrosine.
Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is characterized by general aching, fatigue, morning stiffness, and sleep disturbances. It appears that low serotonin and tryptophan levels may be a contributing factor to fibromyalgia, indicating that 5-HTP may be useful in treating this debilitating malady. Studies have shown this to be the case.
One 90-day study involved 50 patients suffering from fibromyalgia. A full 50% of the patients showed significant improvement.
Weight Loss: It has been found that the craving for carbohydrates and the resulting binge eating may be associated with low serotonin levels that accompany dieting. Increasing the level of serotonin in the brain may therefore contribute to the success of a weight loss program.
And, here too, studies have supported this conclusion. One study on the effectiveness of 5-HTP in weight loss involved 20 overweight people. A reduction in carbohydrate intake, as well as significant weight loss, was observed in those that took the 5-HTP.
Headaches: Chronic headaches, especially migraines, are thought to be the result of low serotonin levels. 5-HTP has been used successfully in the prevention of chronic headaches of various types, including migraine, tension headaches, and juvenile headaches.
A study on the effectiveness of 5-HTP in treating headaches involving 124 people that suffer from migraines resulted in a full 71% of those that were given 5HTP reported a significant improvement. 5-HTP tended to reduce the intensity and duration of the attacks.
If you suffer from depression, fibromyalgia, chronic headaches or need to lose some weight, consider improving your serotonin levels with 5-HTP
*The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
PROZAC is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company.