Posted by Larry Hoover on June 21, 2004, at 12:02:19
In reply to Re: Tryptophan Larry Hoover, posted by linkadge on June 19, 2004, at 21:39:43
> what about 5-htp, isn't this more direcect that tryptophan ??
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> LinkadgeYes, but it is a highly reactive molecule, in the body's biochemical environment. If you decarboxylate 5-HTP, you get serotonin, and there are decarboxylase enzymes everywhere. You don't want serotonin all through the body. You want it in the brain.
The rate-limiting step in the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin is the hydroxylation to 5-HTP. The next step is considered to be virtually instantaneous. The enzymes that hydroxylate tryptophan are only found in tissues that use serotonin. So, I think supplying "regulated" raw materials is a better idea than supplying reactive intermediates. Your body knows what to do with tryptophan. It can do the wrong thing with 5-HTP.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:358026
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20040613/msgs/358607.html