5-HTP for Fat Loss

Brain chemical 5-HTP may promote fat loss by reducing appetite. 

• Reducing appetite. 5-HTP may indirectly support weight loss by reducing appetite and subsequent food intake.

Overview

5 Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a vital compound naturally produced in the body from the essential amino acid tryptophan as well as present in the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simiplicifolia. It is best recognized as the precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood and social behavior.¹

Whereas dietary sources of tryptophan increase 5-HTP levels by a minuscule amount, 5-HTP supplements have been shown to be far more effective. The current rise in popularity of 5-HTP supplementation in conjunction with scientific research has led to the discovery of multiple potential health benefits:

• Mood improvement. 5-HTP seems to impart nootropic-like effects, including boosting positive vibes and reducing depression and migraines.
• Stress reduction. 5-HTP may help alleviate anxiety, tension, and insomnia.
• Growth hormone enhancement. 5-HTP appears to elevate growth hormone levels.

Although not as well-known as some other fat-burners, 5-HTP has also been proposed to support weight loss by reducing caloric intake.

How 5-HTP Might Help With Fat Loss

Regulate caloric intake

5-HTP does not directly trigger fat burning, but it is a natural serotonin precursor that inherently elevates serotonin levels, and serotonin has long been associated with reduced appetite and increased satiety, especially in obese or overweight persons.³ In addition, low serotonin levels are known to induce carbohydrate cravings.⁴

5-HTP Benefits & Uses for Fat Loss

While not a fat burner per se, 5-HTP is a popular option for reducing appetite, which in turn reduces food intake and leads to weight loss. More specifically, 5-HTP may be used to lower overall appetite before meals, limit additional consumption for people on fixed-calorie diets, as well as maintain diet restrictions in cases of obesity or type-II diabetes.⁵ Current research evidence seems to support 5-HTP’s ability to curb food cravings and lead to notable weight loss.

Research

Animal Research

Animal studies of 5-HTP have discovered that it may:

• Reduce food intake and bodyweight gain in rodents.⁶

Human Research

For the most part, clinical research confirms that 5-HTP can suppress appetite and lead to weight loss.

5-HTP (900 mg) may increase satiety and promote weight loss in obese individuals

In this double-blind study, 20 obese adults were given either a placebo or 900 mg of 5-HTP daily for two consecutive 6 week periods. The 5-HTP group had significant weight loss, which was associated with decreased carbohydrate intake and feeling full more quickly.

• The study concluded that “these findings together with the good tolerance observed suggest that 5-HTP may be safely used to treat obesity.”⁷

5-HTP (750 mg) seems to trigger weight loss in type II diabetes

In this randomized, double-blind study, 25 overweight type II diabetics took either a placebo or 750 mg of 5-HTP every day for 2 weeks. 5-HTP was found to reduce carbohydrate and fat intake and subsequently cause weight loss.

• The study concluded that “patients receiving 5-HTP significantly decreased their daily energy intake, by reducing carbohydrate and fat intake, and reduced their body weight.”⁸

5-HTP (8 mg/kg) appears to promote weight loss in obese women

In this double-blind, crossover study, 19 obese women were given either a placebo or 5-HTP at 8 mg/kg body weight every day for 5 weeks. At the end of the investigation, 5-HTP was reported to decrease food intake and lead to weight loss.

• The study concluded that “the administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan resulted in no changes in mood state but promoted typical anorexia-related symptoms, decreased food intake and weight loss.”⁹

5-HTP (900 mg) seems to promote weight loss in obese women

In this study, 14 obese women took either a placebo or 300 mg of 5-HTP before each meal daily for 6 weeks with no diet and 6 more weeks with a low-calorie diet. The 5-HTP group experienced an increase in satiety and subsequent weight loss (99.7 kg to 98 kg in first 6 weeks; 98 kg to 94.7 kg in second 6 weeks) of 5% of total body weight.

• The study concluded that “the prevalence of anorexia was higher in the group of patients receiving 5-HTP than in the placebo group.”¹⁰

5-HTP (sub-lingual spray) may help control appetite during a weight loss program

In this randomized, double-blind study, 27 women were given either a placebo or 5-HTP in the form of a spray under the tongue (5HTP-Nat Exts®) 5 times a day for 2 months. The 5-HTP group experienced a significantly greater increase in satiety and fasting time.

• The study concluded that “5HTP-Nat Exts may be safely used to treat the problem of appetite control in overweight women during a weight loss program.”¹¹

Dosage for Fat Loss

• Research studies use from 300 – 900 mg of 5-HTP
• Typical 5-HTP supplement capsules range from 50 – 100 mg
• Sublingual 5-HTP spray seems to be a viable alternative