5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) Idaho

While 5-HTP can be obtained with the use of supplements, an amino acid that leads to its natural production, tryptophan, can be found in a number of food sources. These include red meats (beef, pork, lamb, and wild game), poultry (chicken and turkey), and seafood (tuna, salmon, halibut and shrimp), as well as cottage cheese, Swiss cheese, peanuts, cashews, and avocados.

5-HTP may also help sleep disorder sufferers in getting some rest. In one study, patients suffering from mild insomnia experienced significant improvement taking 5-HTP before bedtime.(4) Another study found that participants treated with 5-HTP had long-term improvement of sleep disturbances.(5)

Benefits have also been reported for patients with headaches, migraines, and fibromyalgia. In a study with children who experienced recurrent headaches, those treated with 5-HTP had a 70% reduction in the number of headaches compared to a 11% reduction in the placebo group.(6) In another study lasting for 8 weeks, there was no difference in the number or severity of headaches between the 5-HTP group and the placebo group. However, in the 2 weeks following treatment, the patients who had been treated with 5-HTP decreased the amount of pain medication used and had a fewer number of days with headaches.(7) Other studies have demonstrated positive results in using 5-HTP to treat headaches.(8) A study on 5-HTP for migraines reported a significant reduction in pain and duration of attacks for 71 percent of test subjects.(9) Other long term studies for migraine sufferers have demonstrated positive results as well.(10) In one fibromyalgia study, half of the patients experienced "fair" to "good" improvements in the number of tender points, pain intensity, quality of sleep, and fatigue.(11)

Finally, 5-HTP has shown promise for treating obesity. One study reported reduced appetite and significant weight loss in test subjects.(12)