Is It Possible to Drop Unwanted Pounds with Tryptophan?

An amino acid that aids development of serotonin, tryptophan was banned as a pharmaceutical in 1989 when a small batch from Japan was found to be contaminated. Today, however, tryptophan is available again, in a slightly different form called 5-HTP.

Various small studies showed that people were able to reduce the amount of carbs they ate when consuming large amounts of 5-HTP. While these studies might point to the positive effects of the chemical, the dosages and concentrations available over the counter at health food stores today are much smaller than the dosages applied in the studies. Another study in 1985 showed that tryptophan did not seem to help weight loss in obese patients who crave carbohydrates.

While none of these studies can be considered comprehensive, the evidence points to a negligible effect, if any, on most people trying to lose weight. The substance isn't harmful, and it may help elevate your mood and relax you in stressful situations (which might in itself help curb eating due to stress). Be aware, though, that it may have negative effects on your liver if you ingest it in large doses.

As with any herbal or natural supplement, you should always consult your physician before deciding to make it a regular part of your diet.

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