Prescribed 5-htp for weight???? - http://www.sjwinfo.org Forums
Topic Title: Prescribed 5-htp for weight????
| |  "Prescribed 5-htp for weight????"
, Thu 1 Apr 05:06
Can anyone explain why I would be advised to use 5-htp for weight loss??? I recently went into a health shop and asked the assistant for some advise with weight loss, and she advised (and sold) me 5-htp! well is it good for losing weight??? from reading this site it doesn't seem as if that's it's main purpose!
Posts: 7 | | Registered: Fri 26 Mar 2004 7:6 |
| |
| | "Re(1):Prescribed 5-htp for weight????" , Fri 2 Apr 06:24
Following is information on why you may have been advised to take 5HTP for weight loss. This information was taken from the web site:
http://www.thorne.com/altmedrev/fulltext/5htp3-4.html
________________________________________________________
Obesity: During dieting, serum tryptophan levels and CNS serotonin levels drop dramatically.39-41 These low serotonin levels in obese patients have been associated with carbohydrate cravings and resultant binge eating. It has been theorized that 5-HTP can help prevent this dieting-associated decline in serotonin, thus enhancing weight loss. Three clinical trials in obese patients have demonstrated decreased food intake and subsequent weight loss with 5-HTP supplementation.42-44
Using a placebo-controlled, double-blind protocol, researchers at the University of Rome evaluated the effects of 5-HTP (300 mg three times daily) on the eating habits and weight loss of 20 obese female patients. All patients had a body mass index between 30 and 40, and were determined to consume an excess of food daily, based on calculated energy needs. The twelve-week study period was divided into two six-week sections. During the first six weeks, the patients took either 5-HTP or placebo, but no dietary restrictions were placed on them. In the second six-week period, the patients were placed on a 1200 calorie per day diet, while continuing to take either the 5-HTP or placebo. Subjects compiled detailed 3-day food diaries once every two weeks.42
Those in the placebo group did not experience significant weight loss in either of the two periods (94.3 ± 5.6 kg vs. 93.2 ± 5.3 kg ), while the subjects in the 5-HTP group showed significant weight loss in both the first period (99.7 ± 5.9 kg vs. 98.0 ± 5.0 kg, p<0.03) and the second period (98.0 ± 5.0 vs. 94.7 ± 5.1 kg, p<0.02). The placebo group also did not show significant change in their calorie intake, even in the second period when instructed to reduce food intake, while the 5-HTP group had a significant spontaneous dietary intake reduction during the first period, from 3220 calories/day to 1879 calories/day (p<0.001), with carbohydrate intake falling by 50 percent. During the second period, the calorie intake of the 5-HTP group decreased further, to 1268 calories/day (p<0.01), with further reductions in carbohydrates. The researchers interpreted these findings as supporting the theory that 5-HTP decreased carbohydrate cravings and binge eating, even in the absence of a structured diet.42
At this high dosage of 5-HTP (900 mg/day), about 80 percent of the subjects initially reported experiencing some nausea. However, this side effect was not severe enough to cause any of the subjects to drop out of the study, and was less frequent during the second six-week period, suggesting that this symptom may be a transitory effect of 5-HTP administration.42
Posts: 52 | | Registered: Mon 8 Dec 2003 10:23 |
| | | "Re(2):Prescribed 5-htp for weight????" , Fri 2 Apr 08:13
Thanks Denn, for taking the time to send me that information it's much appreciated!
Steph.
Posts: 9 | | Registered: Fri 26 Mar 2004 7:6 |
|
|
|
post new
search
register
FAQ
email/admin
forum index