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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by saturn on July 25, 2006, at 7:28:23
Does anyone know the benefit of L-tryptophan over 5-HTP? Does 5-HTP cause heart problems? My understanding was that 5-HTP does not penetrate the brain well in order to make serotonin--is this correct?I had tried 5-HTP and IMHO it is snake oil. I am curious if tryptophan is the same or actually has clinical studies to back it up? Could anyone give some feedback on this? Thanks...Saturn.
Posted by Tomatheus on July 26, 2006, at 19:32:34
In reply to tryptophan vs 5-HTP, posted by saturn on July 25, 2006, at 7:28:23
Saturn,
I can't answer all of your questions, but I can tell you that l-tryptophan's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier is limited by the fact that it must compete with 14 other amino acids to be transported to the brain. However, as you mentioned, there is some evidence that 5-HTP also does not cross the blood-brain barrier easily, so it's difficult to say whether l-tryptophan or 5-HTP would be superior in this regard.
In Googling l-tryptophan and 5-HTP, I came across an article that you may find helpful. Here's the URL:
http://www.ceri.com/rev-sero.htm
As far as the effects of 5-HTP are concerned, I have personally found that the product brand actually makes a difference. When I took Natrol brand 5-HTP capsules (50 mg), I noticed a definite (but rather mild) antidepressant/calming effect, whether I was taking it with (non-serotogenic) meds or without meds. The effect never lasted for longer than a few hours, but in my case, the effect was definitely there. However, when I took 5-HTP manufactured by Solaray (also in 50 mg capsules), I didn't notice a thing. So, some brands of 5-HTP may be more effective than others, and of course, the effects probably vary from one individual to the next.
I've yet to supplement with l-tryptophan, so I can't say based on my experience whether or not it's more effective than 5-HTP -- at least as far as my individual case is concerned. And based on what I know about the two supplements, I can't think of any reason why taking l-tryptophan would be more beneficial than taking 5-HTP. Both are believed to be somewhat limited in their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, and l-tryptophan (unlike 5-HTP) isn't just a precursor to serotonin. It's also a precursor to a chemical called kynurenine, which suggests that l-tryptophan may, if anything, be less potent than 5-HTP. Of course, my knowledge is limited, and it's possible that some individuals may find l-tryptophan to be more beneficial than 5-HTP, but based on the information that's available to me, I can't think of any reason why it would be.
Sincerely,
Tomatheus> Does anyone know the benefit of L-tryptophan over 5-HTP? Does 5-HTP cause heart problems? My understanding was that 5-HTP does not penetrate the brain well in order to make serotonin--is this correct?
>
> I had tried 5-HTP and IMHO it is snake oil. I am curious if tryptophan is the same or actually has clinical studies to back it up? Could anyone give some feedback on this? Thanks...Saturn.
Posted by daorlando on August 5, 2006, at 6:08:16
In reply to Re: tryptophan vs 5-HTP » saturn, posted by Tomatheus on July 26, 2006, at 19:32:34
I tried both 5-htp and L-tryptophan and it was like two different substances. 5-htp eased my anxiety yet at the same time made me dull – completely zombie like. It also caused a severe depression in the next couple of days. L-tryptophan on the other hand made me a bit manic, yet the effect was much more positive than with 5-htp.
Posted by dessbee on August 5, 2006, at 11:43:02
In reply to Re: tryptophan vs 5-HTP, posted by daorlando on August 5, 2006, at 6:08:16
How much tryptophan do you recommend?
Posted by KarenRB53 on October 25, 2008, at 8:41:26
In reply to Re: tryptophan vs 5-HTP » daorlando, posted by dessbee on August 5, 2006, at 11:43:02
> How much tryptophan do you recommend?
I would be interested also in how much tryptophan you took and if you still take it.
Posted by ChrisUK88 on January 5, 2009, at 8:46:27
In reply to Re: tryptophan vs 5-HTP, posted by KarenRB53 on October 25, 2008, at 8:41:26
I actually prefer tryptophan to 5-HTP.
Don't ask me why but I just do, there's something different about it.Plus its safer of course.
Posted by KarenRB53 on January 5, 2009, at 12:59:02
In reply to Re: tryptophan vs 5-HTP, posted by ChrisUK88 on January 5, 2009, at 8:46:27
> I actually prefer tryptophan to 5-HTP.
> Don't ask me why but I just do, there's something different about it.
>
> Plus its safer of course.Have you tried St.Johns Wort?
Posted by Thomas098 on February 25, 2009, at 18:49:25
In reply to Re: tryptophan vs 5-HTP, posted by KarenRB53 on January 5, 2009, at 12:59:02
I took 500mg of tryptophan night 1 and I slept a little beter then usual. However it did make me a bit manic. I tried it again the 2nd night with 1000mg and I was manic. I did feel a bit better after the first night, but did not sleep as much. I tried 5HTP about 8 years ago, and It made me dead tired. I know my brain is different now, and am unsure if I wanted to try the 5htp again. Ive been going through benzo withdrawl and really need something to help, especially with sleep. Currently Im using meletonin, but I think it could be causing some depression.
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