L-Tryptophan or 5HTP!?
Question:
L Tryptophan or 5 HydroxyTryptophan?
They are the same thing i know, just wondering if the extra metabolism required for the L-Tryptophan had some possible health benefits within itself...
All answers welcome...
Answers:
5HTP (5-hydroxy tryptophan) is considered by many to be more effective and safer than tryptophan for depression.
L-Tryptophan (which is the desired form) is converted to 5HTP before becoming serotonin; taking 5HTP bypasses this first step of the process.
The effectiveness of 5HTP may be increased with gingko biloba, St. John's Wort, B-complex vitamins with magnesium, tyrosine, flax seed oil, and ginger. Vitamin B6 and folic acid may assist in the conversion to serotonin.
An equivalent dose of 5HTP (compared to 1gm of tryptophan) is about 100mg.
Doses of 100mg tid have been used, but it may be best to start at a lower dose and slowly increase as the side-effect of nausea can occur at higher doses. Starting at a lower dose reduces the likelihood of nausea, which usually disappears in less than 2 weeks.
Take 100mg of 5-HTP 3 times per day.
Generally, side-effects of tryptophan are negligible, and tryptophan does not distort sleep patterns until more than 10gm are taken. Occasionally, some morning sluggishness may occur.
Patients with asthma or systemic lupus erythematosus should not take tryptophan.
Here's a link to Dr. Ray Sahelian's info on tryptophan.
http://www.raysahelian.com/tryptophan.ht...
He does mention that tryptophan follows two pathways, one of which is the 5-HTP pathway. So maybe here is some additional benefit to taking the amino acid.
Amino acids typically have many functions and benefits, so that's something to consider, because quite possibly the tryptophan has lots of other benefits.
You've asked an interesting question!
Good luck and be well.
Kelley
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