Can I take L-tryptophan (5 HTP) for my depression?

5-HTP is a well-known dietary supplement also known as l tryptophan. The amino acid is available in many health food stores and sold for the treatment of depression, pain disorders, sleep difficulties, obesity, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. 

The problem is that l tryptophan has never been fully assessed clinically in randomized clinical trials and so all reports about its efficacy are anecdotal. In the last few years the quality and quantity of l tryptophan sold has also come under question. Moreover, no two same products of L-tryptophan contain the same dose. 

Alternative health care practitioners recommend anywhere from 50- 1,500 mg per day of L tryptophan. As to whether it really works for any disorder is anyone’s guess. Few reports indicate that l-tryptophan may work but the anti depressant effects are mild and usually do not start to occur for about 4-6 weeks. 

If you do decide to use L-tryptophan, a word of warning. Many health supplements come from the Orient and are often spiked with real pharmaceutical drugs- so knowing where to buy your health supplements is also very important.