Everyday Systems: nosdiet: message 2316 of 3212

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----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Debbie Feder" <deborahfederlmt@...>
PS. No I took the 5-HTP just a little after dinner, and it is the precursor 

to serontonin :)

Hmm, I thought I wasn't quite remembering. Here's a link:

http://www.weightloss-news.com/5htp.htm

Here's what the site says: "5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is the breakdown 

product of tryptophan, an essential amino acid present in most protein 

foods. It is a precursor to serotonin (5-HT), so people with a serotonin 

deficiency, or too-rapid uptake of serotonin can probably benefit from 

5-HTP. I use it for sleep in place of a tricyclic antidepressant. It has the 

delightful side effect of reducing carbohydrate cravings. (I believe this is 

because people with sufficient serotonin don't have to load up on 
tryptophan-containing carbohydrates.)"

So I got it backwards...I'm no scientist but it sounds like the progression 

is tryptophan...5-HTP...serotonin...but it looks like any of those produce 

the same effect in the body. Still sounds like pretty good stuff...would 

you try again, with less?

Here's another quote: "Usual dose for sleep is 100-600mg at bedtime. For 

people who had success with L-tryptophan in years past, the ratio of 
tryptophan to 5-HTP seems to be about 5:1. Thus, if you used to take 1500 mg 

of L-tryptophan, you'd probably take 300 mg of 5-HTP."

P.S. If anyone is interested, here's the dirty little story about 
Tryptophan: http://www.ceri.com/trypto.htm