Fat Burners Under the Microscope!

Fat Burner #5: 5-HTP (5-hydroxy tryptophan)

What is it?

Not typically thought of as a fat-loss supplement per se, 5-HTP is naturally derived from the seed pods of a West African plant known as Griffonia simplicifolia. In the body, the amino acid tryptophan is converted to 5-HTP, which is converted to serotonin. 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin, the neurotransmitter that signals our brains to feel happy and content. 5-HTP is normally used then to induce quality sleep and fight depression. But more recently, it's been marketed to help curb cravings for sweets and other carbohydrates, which is why it's quickly showing up on the labels of a number of fat-loss formulas and could be very helpful for those trying to lose weight.

How it works

It is theorized that many people are overweight because their bodies have a decreased conversion of the essential amino acid tryptophan to 5-HTP and, as a result, have lower levels of serotonin. By providing 5-HTP, this chemical reaction may be bypassed, so more serotonin is manufactured to help "turn off" feelings of hunger.

5-HTP is also believed to cause a feeling of early satiation. In other words, you may get full faster, causing you to eat less. Thus, 5-HTP is believed to be especially helpful for people who have a difficult time controlling how much they eat, specifically high-sugar and/or carbohydrate foods.

What does the science say?

There is no question that low serotonin levels can illicit cravings for high-sugar foods, but whether 5-HTP can or should be considered as a key part of a weight-loss strategy is still up for debate. One study demonstrated that 5-HTP was able to lower calorie intake and encourage weight loss, even in women who made no conscious effort to lose weight. The average amount of weight lost during this five-week study was over three pounds. Another notable study showed that 5-HTP helped people stick with their nutrition plans over a 12-week period. Those on the placebo lost only 2.28 lbs, while those supplementing with 5-HTP lost 10.34 lbs.

One caveat, though, scientists have found traces of the chemical Peak X—a compound similar to that found in the tryptophan contaminated in 1989 (that was linked to 38 deaths)—in some batches of 5-HTP. Supplement makers have since taken precautions to ensure their 5-HTP doesn't contain Peak X, and the FDA has confirmed that no other cases have been reported. Still, while 5-HTP's been cleared of any wrongdoings for quite some time, many past and potential users remain a bit skeptical about using it because of these unfortunate events.

How to take it

Reported beneficial dosages range from 50 to 300 mg per day, one to three times daily before meals. Fifty milligrams three times a day is the common dosage and the recommended place to start. After two weeks, increase the dose to 100 mg three times per day. Daily ranges used in weight-loss studies were as much as 700 to 900 mg.

5-HTP Ratings

• 5-HTP Ratings published in your complimentary Fat-Burners eBook. Click to Download Here: It's Free!
• Read about the next fat burner: GUGGUL LIPID

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