Effects of Daily Supplementation of 5-HTP on Body Composition

Effects of Daily Supplementation of 5-HTP on Body Composition, a Randomized Investigation

The purpose of this investigation was to compare supplementation with 5-HTP to placebo on indices of body composition. A randomized trial compared a sample of 48 resistance-trained individuals taking either 100 mg of 5-hydroxytryptophan supplementation or a placebo.

The investigators tested anthropometric measurements using a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance device (InBody® 270). The primary outcome (i.e., changes in anthropometric measurements) was assessed at the first visit (pre-test-) and post-test (8 weeks). Secondary outcomes include resting heart rate, blood pressure, and dietary intake.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy or free of disease
• Minimum of 1 year of regular physical activity. Regular physical activity is defined by a minimum of 150 minutes of aerobic activity or performing muscle-strengthening exercises at least 2 days a week.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Physically inactive
• Regularly used sleep aids of any kind
• Currently taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and/or 5-HTP containing supplements.