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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by zefdie on July 28, 2004, at 11:41:39
I recently purchased pure l-tryptophan powder (searched the board and found Larry Hoover's recommendation) and would like to know if any of you take it as well and in what amount. Do you have to take it before bed to avoid fatigue?
Thanks!
Posted by WAKI on July 28, 2004, at 13:08:18
In reply to Dosage for l-tryphophan?, posted by zefdie on July 28, 2004, at 11:41:39
Hi I used to take l-tryphophan and quit when I had better results from L-Tyrosine.
My personal opinion from experience is for you to start off with the Low Dose article I posted below. If you see no results then consult your doctor before starting the higher dose. Mine gave me the okay, but then again I dont have any liver problems etc... Bottom line is ask your P-doc before the high dose.
I started on the low dose recomendation and had no results. I then went to the high dosage recomendation after checking with my P-doc and had some positive results.
I now take 1000 mg per day of L-Tyrosine before bed with better results, hence I stopped the l-tryptophan.
I searched through my document file data base and found two articles I used to reference my research and start:
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan or 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan) is a natural supplement that converts in the brain into serotonin.
5-HTP Dosages see below>
LOW DOSE ARTICLE #1)
Some believe that any 5-HTP dose above 50 mg a high dose. Most 5-HTP products on the market are sold in 50 and 100 mg capsules. Some people do well with 20 to 50 mg. There does not appear to be any 5-HTP products on the market that are less than 50 mg. Those who do well with small doses can open a capsule and take a portion mixed with water. 5-HTP is best absorbed on an empty stomach. Medical supervision is recommended if high doses of 5-HTP are required to treat a particular condition. Doses greater than 50 mg are not recomended since some users who take 100 mg get nausea or nightmares.HIGH DOSE ARTICLE #2)
5-HTP (l-tryphophan)
Dosage and Administration: Effective 5-HTP dosage varies widely. Initial recommended dose: 50mg with each of three meals. For optimal 5-HTP absorption meal proceeding should be low in protein and high in carbohydrates. If you do not experience results in 7 days you may increase 5-HTP to 100 mg three times daily. Some research studies have used 600 mg per day and this dosage should not be exceeded. To increase absorption of 5-HTP take vitamins B6 (25-50 mg) - a cofactor that degrades toxic tryptophane metabolites and aids in conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin - Vitamin C (200-500 mg) and magnesium (10 mg) at least 30 minutes before or after 5-HTP dosing. Alcohol should be avoided within 6 hours of 5-HTP use.Additional Considerations: Some studies suggest 5-HTP eventually loses agnostic serotonergic effect and becomes a serotonin antagonist. Use enteric coated product that doesn’t dissolve in stomach. Always consult a physician who is familiar with this product and it’s possible immunological side effects before use. High quality 5-HTP products: Allergy Research Group, NF Formulas. Possible other good quality sources: Hypericum Buyers Club, Nature’s Way, Natrol, Weider Nutritional, Now Natural Foods, Life Enhancement.
Good luck!
Posted by Marty mc Fly on July 28, 2004, at 19:44:04
In reply to Re: Dosage for l-tryphophan?, posted by WAKI on July 28, 2004, at 13:08:18
Whoa !
There is a big difference between 5-htp and Tryptophan. Tryptophan is a natural body amino acid and 5-htp is not. They are both precursors to serotonin, but 5-htp is one step closer. That doesn't mean it works better. For some people 5-htp works better and for some tryptophan. And for some people 5-htp turns to serotonin in the body before it can even reach the brain (my experience). Taking b-vitamins along with 5-htp can also reinforce this process.
As for your question: Tryptophan standard doses are 1000-2000 mg per day. Take it on an empty stomach, 3 hours after a meal. 20 minutes after ingestion, consume something with a high glycemic index, to induce a burst of insulin. Insulin clears from the blood most of the amino acids that compete with tryptophan. Tryptophan can reach the brain easier and more serotonin is produced.
I personally use 1600 mg per day 3 hours after dinner. I don't experience drowsiness or fatigue, so that's not the reason I use it right then. How much do you use, and at what time ? Do you take it in divided doses ?
Posted by zefdie on July 28, 2004, at 20:46:57
In reply to Re: Dosage for l-tryphophan?, posted by Marty mc Fly on July 28, 2004, at 19:44:04
> Whoa !
>
> There is a big difference between 5-htp and Tryptophan. Tryptophan is a natural body amino acid and 5-htp is not. They are both precursors to serotonin, but 5-htp is one step closer. That doesn't mean it works better. For some people 5-htp works better and for some tryptophan. And for some people 5-htp turns to serotonin in the body before it can even reach the brain (my experience). Taking b-vitamins along with 5-htp can also reinforce this process.
>
> As for your question: Tryptophan standard doses are 1000-2000 mg per day. Take it on an empty stomach, 3 hours after a meal. 20 minutes after ingestion, consume something with a high glycemic index, to induce a burst of insulin. Insulin clears from the blood most of the amino acids that compete with tryptophan. Tryptophan can reach the brain easier and more serotonin is produced.
>
> I personally use 1600 mg per day 3 hours after dinner. I don't experience drowsiness or fatigue, so that's not the reason I use it right then. How much do you use, and at what time ? Do you take it in divided doses ?
>
>
>
>Thanks for your help! I haven't started taking it yet. It's actually still in the mail. I don't even know how to measure out the doses: I got powder and don't have a scale.
I figured I would try this rather than 5-htp because of just what you mentioned about serotonin and serotonin precurors. I also bought nutritional yeast powder and this, which and will try it after a length of time with l-tryptophan (unless people here think I should do it the other way around. Amino acids aren't exactly my forte):
http://www.iherb.com/highermind.html
I also bought NADH. I'm not going to start downing these supplements all at once, but it was worth it to take advantage of the flat shipping.
Thanks!
Posted by Larry Hoover on August 14, 2004, at 16:42:42
In reply to Re: Dosage for l-tryphophan?, posted by WAKI on July 28, 2004, at 13:08:18
> Hi I used to take l-tryphophan and quit when I had better results from L-Tyrosine.
> I searched through my document file data base and found two articles I used to reference my research and start:
>
> 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan or 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan) is a natural supplement that converts in the brain into serotonin.
>
> 5-HTP Dosages see below>
>
> LOW DOSE ARTICLE #1)
> Some believe that any 5-HTP dose above 50 mg a high dose.> HIGH DOSE ARTICLE #2)
> 5-HTP (l-tryphophan)
> Dosage and Administration: Effective 5-HTP dosage varies widely. Initial recommended dose: 50mg with each of three meals.I suggest you "lose" those references, pronto. 5-HTP is not the same thing as l-tryptophan, and it is dangerous to think otherwise.
Lar
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