A new study published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements, found daily supplementation with 5-HTP may reduce body fat mass in both men and women.
48 trained men and women were recruited to participate in this trial. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 100 mg of 5-HTP or a placebo. Participants did not change either their eating habits or their training routines. The study lasted 8 weeks. Body composition was assessed using a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance device.
Participants receiving the 5-HTP supplement saw a decrease of .7kg in body composition on average when compared to the placebo group who saw an average increase of .2kg in body composition. Additionally improvements in both percentage of body fat and lean body mass were seen in the supplement group when compared with the placebo group.
5-HTP is an intermediate in the metabolism of the amino acid L-Tryptophan into serotonin. By increasing serotonin levels in the brain, 5-HTP could affect pain sensation, appetite, anxiety, mood, as well as sleep in a positive way. In the past 5-HTP supplements have been known to support mood. This is the first study to actually examine the potential benefits of 5-HTP for improvements in body composition in exercise trained women and men.
Further studies are needed.
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