Should It be L‑Tryptophan or 5-HTP?
After the tragedy of contaminated L‑Tryptophan brought on by Showa Denko K.K. in 1989,8-11 it was believed that another precursor for serotonin would be a viable substitute. The health professional community and nutrient distributors who supply it turned to 5-Hydroxy-L-TryptoPhan (5-HTP) as the alternative supplement. In fact, the 5-HTP has been effective therapy for some, but according to Joan Mathews Larson PhD, author of the book, Depression Free Naturally, 5-HTP has been somewhat troubling as a therapeutic agent. Because it bypasses the body and brains regulatory control mechanisms, 5-HTP may put patients at risk for the same heart-valve problems caused by the pharmaceutical diet drug Fen-Phen. As with 5-HTP, Fen-Phen also promotes uncontrolled creation of serotonin. L‑Tryptophan, unlike 5-HTP, is an essential amino-acid, which the body also uses to create proteins, vitamins (niacin), and enzymes. L‑Tryptophan can be readily converted to 5-HTP as needed, but 5-HTP is no substitute
