Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is a naturally occurring amino acid and chemical precursor in the biosynthesis of serotonin. Its use in treating or supporting Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is based primarily on scientific rationale, rather than long-standing traditional use. The hypothesis is that FMS symptoms—such as widespread pain, sleep disturbances, and mood disorders—are linked to reduced levels of serotonin in the central nervous system. Supplementing with 5-HTP may increase serotonin synthesis, potentially alleviating these symptoms. Scientific evidence supporting 5-HTP’s use in fibromyalgia is limited but suggestive. Several small clinical trials from the 1980s and 1990s demonstrated that 5-HTP supplementation (typically at doses of 100 mg three times daily) led to improvement in measures such as pain, fatigue, sleep quality, and anxiety in fibromyalgia patients compared to placebo. A 1992 double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (J Int Med Res) found significant improvements in pain, stiffness, anxiety, and fatigue with 5-HTP. However, these studies had small sample sizes and methodological limitations, and more recent large-scale, well-designed studies are lacking. Overall, while there is a plausible biological rationale and some preliminary clinical support, the evidence is not robust. Major guidelines do not currently endorse 5-HTP as a standard treatment for FMS. Patients should consult healthcare providers before use, as 5-HTP may interact with other medications and cause side effects.

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