Tryptophan vs 5-HTP: A Naturopathic Doctor’s Perspective

🌿 Tryptophan vs 5-HTP: A Naturopathic Doctor’s Perspective

As a naturopathic doctor, I often get asked about tryptophan and 5-HTP. Which one is better and what are the differences? Here’s what you need to know:

👉 Tryptophan is an amino acid found in protein-rich foods like turkey, chicken, and eggs, and is converted into 5-HTP, which is then converted into serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite. Tryptophan can also be converted down a different pathway called the kynurenin pathway, especially in those with higher levels of inflammation. Keep in mind that tryptophan also competes against other amino acids for transport across the blood brain barrier.

👉 5-HTP is a supplement that is a direct precursor to serotonin and can help with depression, anxiety, and insomnia. 5-HTP can readily cross the blood brain barrier without competition from other amino acids. 5-HTP turns into serotonin at a higher rate than tryptophan, so there is a risk of depleting dopamine. This is because the same enzyme is used to convert L-dopa into dopamine that is used to convert 5-HTP into serotonin.

Tryptophan and 5-HTP both have their place, but it depends on the unique needs of the individual and their medical history to determine which one, if any is best.

*It’s always important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.

*this is not medical advice

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[AnnUnicornStar]

it's really a skill to say something so concise without any extra words in there. Most people can't do that and waste others time with a lot of rambling. thanks for making a to-the-point video that doesn't waste time. *applause*

[coolfix]

Tryptophan is like a gentle guy and 5htp is like a sailor on leave.

[maskofsorrow]

Great video. Straight to the point, no waffling on about irrelevancies like so many. Keep up the great work Doc!

[Carnegiered]

Accidentally took overdose of 5htp and experienced bad flu-like symptoms for about six hours. Like being poisoned.

[thepandatrading]

Its better to take 5htp with L-tyrosine together. Why? Because to keep balanced dopamine, with just 5htp l-dopa will low down

[saulsainz]

Morning/Day = Tyrosine (Ideally empty stomach, try not to ingest right before or after a meal probably)
Evening/Night = Tryptophan
Anytime, but probably more suited for afternoon-night use = L-theanine (Prevents dopamine toxicity and acts as a balancing agent, I also think it helps transition the body's natural way of turning from high dopamine, low seratonine levels at morning to low dopamine and high seratonine at night).

Also, aren't there some studies where it demostrates how 5-HTP supplementation could lead to heart valve issues?

From my undertanding if we take tyrosine and tryptophan togehter, at different times of the day (Since they compete with each other in the Blood Brain Barrier), it acts as a balancing act between dopamine and seratonine. Theanine would just aid in this balance?

Question: For an average joe, would daily consumption be ideal or would cycling be needed?

[samhassan]

5HTP is Miracle treatment of OCD and depression but still you need other amino acids to balance all together, It fights infections as well, Help you on your appetite and every single process on your body !

[MM]

Thanks for the info doctor. You just left out one tiny detail... TRYTOPHAN ALSO GETS CONVERTED INTO MELATONIN.

[brianpendez]

Took 5-htp for first time last night and boy did I have some vivid dreams.

[MisterMichael]

That was very useful information thank you! What enzyme is used to convert 5-htp into seratonin and L-Dopa into Dopamine? Is there a way to supplement that to avoid hitting a deficiency?

[EvoK]

Dear Dr, great video straight to the point like a sling shot. I am suffering from insomnia and I want to give 5HTP a go. After hearing you that it can deplete dopamine how does one combat it is it with other supplements? May thanks Evo

[stevealt]

But its ok to consume high tryptophan foods like raw cheese if you wait for the conversion to be done and then take 5 HTP afterwards to avoid competing.

[singwings]

0:52 Great video. This is so interesting. Saying 5-HTP converts to serotonin at a much faster rate and competes with Dopamine, and mentioning earlier in the video that Tryptophan creates 5-HTP, begs the question does supplementing Tryptophan not also compete with dopamine (after the tryptophan becomes 5-htp)? If not then why not. How does the tryptophan interact with dopamine when it creates 5-htp? Thank you @dr.dansullivan

[jackiesicilian]

I read an article that a doctor from Portugal wrote. She's stating that she thinks the tryptophan to 5-HTP process to turn it into serotonin isn't working in fibromyalgia patients would taking 5-HTP help this?

[kareemahmed]

Hello.., if 5 HTP depletes dopamine what is the solution to maintain the balance of serotonin and dopamine?

[ambrosialovly]

What is the difference between tryptophan that is in herbs and tryptophan that is in meat is there something way different we need to get to the bottom of it

[Tilr]

Please elaborate how to use it for sleep?

[tanishamaher]

thank you doctor for the brief information

[HelloworlditsSamuel]

Hello Dr Dan, I was previously taking BD oil from the health food shop for my auDHD, but it lowered my blood pressure too much and was recommended this. I want to try this but I do have heart issues and prone to blood clotting, I have heard on a website (medicalnewstoday) that this could potentially cause clotting, does anyone know wether this is true?

[Not_Andrew_Huberman]

Can I take 200mg 5htp in the morning, tryptophan before bed, tyrosine to balance dopamine, and some taurine for giggles?