Uses
5-HTP may be helpful in treating a wide variety of conditions related to low serotonin levels, including the following:
Depression
Low levels of serotonin in the brain can contribute to the development of depression. Many drugs prescribed for depression increase serotonin levels. Some studies indicate that 5-HTP may be as effective as certain antidepressant drugs in treating individuals with mild to moderate depression. Such individuals have shown improvements in mood, anxiety, insomnia, and physical symptoms.
Fibromyalgia
Although many factors can influence the stiffness, pain, and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia, evidence from several studies indicates that low serotonin levels may play a role in the development of this condition. 5-HTP has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce pain, stiffness, anxiety, and depression in individuals with fibromyalgia.
Insomnia
Medical research indicates that supplementation with tryptophan before bedtime can induce sleepiness and delay wake times. Studies also suggest that 5-HTP may be useful in treating insomnia associated with depression.
Headaches
Some studies suggest that 5-HTP may be effective in children and adults with various types of headaches including migraines.
Obesity
There is some evidence that low tryptophan levels may contribute to excess fat and carbohydrate intake (which can result in weight gain). A study of overweight individuals with diabetes suggests that supplementation with 5-HTP may decrease fat and carbohydrate intake by promoting a feeling of satiety (fullness). Additional similar studies of obese men and women without diabetes found that supplementation with 5-HTP resulted in decreased food intake and weight loss.
From:
http://www.healthandage.com/html/res/com/ConsSupplements/5Hydroxytryptophan5HTPcs.html
Also:
There have been several controlled clinical studies in humans. With regard to depression, it appears 5-HTP’s best effect is on those associated with aggression or panic disorders. For some types of depression, it doesn’t fare as well. For example, in people who have seen no benefit from using tricyclic antidepressants in treating their depression, no further benefit is seen by switching to 5-HTP.
Finally, a study indicates that use of 5-HTP in obese people resulted in feelings of early satiety (feeling full after eating a small amount) and reduction in carbohydrate intake. Significant weight loss was found in the group using 300 mg of 5-HTP, 1 hour before meals.
References
Sandyk R. L-tryptophan in neuropsychiatric disorders: A review. Int J Neurosci 1992; 67:127-44.
From:
http://www.lifelinknet.com/siteResources/ArchivePages/HTP-B6-Controversy.html
Hope that's a help to you - I found some good information just by searching on
www.google.com for the keywords "5-HTP uses". When I was asked what I needed 5-HTP for by people who wouldn't want to hear about drugs, I told them that it was a natural supplement used to help lower anxiety and help sleep, used by people who are under stress. That's mostly true...
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