5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP or 5-Hydroxy-l-tryptophan) is an amino acid that converts in the brain into a chemical called serotonin. Serotonin is an important brain chemical involved in mood, behavior, appetite, and sleep. Serotonin is known as 5-HTP, or 5-hydroxytryptamine, and is found in many places in the body particularly the brain, gastrointestinal system, and blood cells.

5-HTP was introduced to the over the counter market in 1994. Even though it is relatively new to the United States health food industry, it has been available through pharmacies for several years. Since the 1970's it has been available in several European countries as a medicine. 5 HTP is extracted from the seeds of a West African medicinal plant, Griffonia simplicifolia, a plant relative of carob. Very small amounts of 5 HTP, as well as serotonin, are found in food sources, including bananas, tomatoes, plums, avocados, eggplant, walnuts and pineapples. The Griffonia simplicifolia used in WARP 9 formulations are standardized to 95% 5 HTP.

As glucose levels drop, so does serotonin, which causes cravings and a brain hunger signal for more food (usually carbohydrate) thus breaking the diet. Not only does low serotonin levels initiate you to break your diet, the extra food increases circulating insulin from excess carbohydrates which opens the door to fat storage.

How Does It Help Me Reduce Appetite?

This natural supplement ultimately converts in the brain to reduce appetite thru the neurotransmitter, serotonin, which can curb cravings to acheive weight loss. This serotonin increase is important to a dieter because it helps reduce appetite, especially for sugar, which leads to a successful dieter. Acheiving serotonin balance is helpful to the dieter to combat these carb and food cravings while other lifestyle and dietary changes are being incorporated. 5 HTP supplementation has been shown in placebo-controlled clinical studies to reduce appetite and promote weight loss* (Cangiano 1991, 1992, 1998, McCarty 2000).

With it being so new, the safety issues are still unclear. Little is known about the chronic use of 5-HTP and it is recommended to take 5-HTP in the minimum effective dosage and to avoid prolonged use. A tolerance may develop in people with continual use. No reports of life threatening side effects have been reported from use of 5-HTP.

Studies Show Optimal Serotonin Levels Equals Weight Loss

A number of pre-clinical and clinical studies suggest that 5 HTP induces serotonin to promote weight loss and create emotional balance. Studies have shown that 5 HTP supplementation produces weight loss, primarily through decreasing energy intake, especially in terms of carbohydrate consumption. A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study in 20 overweight patients found that 5 HTP significantly decreased their daily energy intake, by reducing carbohydrate by 75% and fat intake (to a lesser extent), resulting in an average reduction in body weight of 4.5 pounds. (Cangiano 1998).

In another study conducted by researchers at the University of Rome, 20 patients received either 5 HTP or a placebo for two consecutive six-week periods. In the 5-HTP group, a significant weight loss occurred during both periods (2 percent of initial weight during the first period and 3% during the second period). Other key findings in this study were a reduction in carbohydrate intake, a consistent presence of early satiety and good tolerance to 5 HTP for the participants in this 12-week trial (Cangiano 1992).

In another double blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, 5 HTP administration (8 mg/kg/day) resulted in decreased food intake and weight loss during the period of observation. Eating at their own discretion, women taking 5 HTP consumed 1800 calories/day, while those on the placebo consumed 2300 calories/day or 22% more food calories than the 5 HTP group. Those on 5 HTP lost over three pounds during this 5-week period (McCarty 2000, Herbs & Supplements 2001).* In order for 5 HTP to become utilized properly in the body vitamin B6 has been added as it assists in the body's conversion of 5 HTP to serotonin.

What is an Optimal Dosage for 5-Htp to Stop Sugar Cravings?

Most people start off with 50mg daily, and if no improvement is seen the dosage can be increased to 100mg. For depression, dosages of 300mg daily were shown to be effective. 5-HTP can be taken with food, but if you are using it for weight loss it is recommended that you take it 20 minutes before meals.