Related Experiment Videos
Safety of 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan
Yesu T Das1, Manashi Bagchi, Debasis Bagchi
1ISSI Laboratories Inc., 515 Blue Ridge Avenue, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
Toxicology Letters
|April 8, 2004
Summary
5-Hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP) is a safe dietary supplement, unlike L-tryptophan (L-Trp). Extensive analysis shows 5-HTP lacks toxic contaminants, with no definitive toxicity cases reported globally.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- 5-Hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP) is a direct precursor to serotonin (5-HT).
- L-tryptophan (L-Trp) supplements were withdrawn in 1989 due to eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) linked to manufacturing contaminants.
- 5-HTP gained popularity as a L-Trp alternative, prompting safety scrutiny.
Observation:
- Despite widespread use for two decades, no confirmed cases of 5-HTP toxicity have been documented.
- One unresolved case of a Canadian woman remains an exception.
- Rigorous analysis of various 5-HTP sources revealed no toxic contaminants comparable to those found in L-Trp.
Findings:
- Extensive testing has not identified significant impurities in 5-HTP supplements.
- The credibility of 'peak X,' a minor chromatographic anomaly, is questioned due to artifacts and trace levels.
- No evidence supports toxicity concerns linked to 'peak X' or other impurities in 5-HTP.
Implications:
- 5-HTP appears to be a safe dietary supplement with a favorable safety profile.
- The absence of contaminants differentiates 5-HTP from the problematic history of L-Trp.
- Further research can solidify the safety and efficacy of 5-HTP for consumer use.