What's the difference b/w 5 HTP and L-tryptophan

[Guest guest]

Which is more effective?

[Guest guest]

I have better experience with tryptophan. 5htp has to go through an extra

conversion if I remember correctly. I never felt like 5htp was working for

me but when I take tryptophan I feel a noticeable difference. I take

tryptophan to help with sleep so others may have different

experience/knowledge. J

R

[Guest guest]

Tryptophan -> 5-HTP -> Serotonin -> forgot what this one is called ->

Melatonin. Most of these reactions require B6 and Mg if I recall correctly.

However, Tryptophan -> Niacin (in the event of deficiency).

Theoretically, 5-HTP would be most effective unless you have some form of

niacin deficiency. However, 5-HTP is usually in the form of a high oxalate

herb and you have to digest it before you can absorb it while Tryptophan is

pharmacologically pure.

Back when I was still supplementing, I personally had the best luck with a

combo of Tryptophan and Niacinamide, with a dash of B6 (preferably P5P) and

the occasional Epsom or Nigari Salt bath - all right before bed to ensure

excessive light wouldn't burn through my melatonin.

-Lana

" There is nothing more useful than sun and salt. " - Latin proverb

On Sun, Oct 4, 2009 at 2:10 PM, LR <zanyzingzap@...> wrote:

> I have better experience with tryptophan. 5htp has to go through an extra

> conversion if I remember correctly. I never felt like 5htp was working for

> me but when I take tryptophan I feel a noticeable difference. I take

> tryptophan to help with sleep so others may have different

> experience/knowledge. J

>

> R

[Guest guest]

I think you have it backwards, 5HTP is one step closer to serotonin

than tryptophan is. The body makes 5HTP from tryptophan.

But of course there can be individual differences in response.

Jeanmarie

On Oct 4, 2009, at 2:10 PM, LR wrote:

> I have better experience with tryptophan. 5htp has to go through an

> extra

> conversion if I remember correctly. I never felt like 5htp was

> working for

> me but when I take tryptophan I feel a noticeable difference. I take

> tryptophan to help with sleep so others may have different

> experience/knowledge. J

>

> R

>

>