Evidence from several studies has indicated that low serotonin levels may play a role in the development of fibromyalgia.
It is believed that serotonin abnormalities could be responsible for depression and insomnia—symptoms that many fibromyalgia patients suffer from.  Because 5-HTP could raise low serotonin levels, it may be helpful in alleviating such symptoms. 

5-HTP and Fibromyalgia 

Although no one knows exactly why 5-HTP effectively improves fibromyalgia symptoms, researchers believe that low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin may be involved in symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, as mentioned above.  Serotonin is believed to mediate slow-wave (deep) sleep, as well as influence how pain is perceived by the body and mind. 

Leading sleep and fibromyalgia experts H. Moldofsky and J.J. Warsh theorize that primary fibromyalgia may result from a deficiency of circulating tryptophan, an amino acid.  This lack of tryptophan in turn restricts serotonin and interferes with what is known as deep sleep. The researchers also reported that the higher the concentration of unbound tryptophan in the plasma of FMS patients, the more profound their symptoms. (1)

Additionally, 5-HTP is the intermediate between tryptophan and serotonin and it is readily absorbed and crosses the blood-brain barrier.  It is also promoted for depression. (2)

Even though the cause of depression varies widely from one person to the next, most people with depression have low serotonin levels. Whether low levels of serotonin cause depression or depression causes serotonin levels to fall is not yet clear but what is certain is that by raising serotonin levels depression can often be alleviated.

Research 

A 90-day study of the effects of 5-HTP on 50 fibromyalgia patients published in The Journal of International Medical Research; 1992; 20:182 – 189 concluded that a "good" or "fair" clinical improvement occurred in 50 per cent of the patients. These patients ranged in age from 18 to 65. When clinical variables such as tender point soreness, anxiety, pain intensity, quality of sleep and fatigue were compared with baseline results, researchers concluded that all symptoms had been  improved after 90 days of taking 100 milligrams of 5-HTP three times daily.

Low levels of serotonin in the brain can contribute to the development of depression.  Some studies indicate that 5-HTP may be as effective as certain antidepressant drugs in treating individuals with mild to moderate depression. Such individuals have shown improvements in mood, anxiety, insomnia, and physical symptoms.

Read more about 5-HTP and Fibromyalgia on our new Fibromyalgia website here: 

References

1.  H. Moldofsky and J.J. Warsh; Pain; 1978; 5:65 71;  
2.  Birdsall, Altern Med Rev 8/98;3:271.

The production of Melatonin decreases as we get older. A decrease in Melatonin levels can lead to a compromised immune system and an increase in cell disorders, heart dysfunction, and high blood pressure. Many medical researchers believe Melatonin supplementation may help with these types of conditions.

Melatonin also plays a unique roll as a powerful anti-oxidant. Unlike other anti-oxidants, the extremely small size of the Melatonin molecule allows it to penetrate the cell membrane. Research shows that Melatonin may improve brain function and may also be one of the most powerful anti-aging hormones yet discovered. Researchers are also studying its effect on preventing or helping Alzheimer”s and Parkinson”s disease.

Furthermore, studies have shown Melatonin to inhibit several types of cell abnormalities. It seems to not only inhibit the start, but also the metastasis of these cell irregularities.

• Sleep Disorders
• Jet Lag
• Fibromyalgia
• Depression
• Superior Anti-Oxidant
• Poor Mood

Fibromyalgia suffers can use melatonin in the form of a cream with the same beneficial effects of an oral form to help with sleep disorders, depression, and mood. Energetic Nutrition offers Melatonin cream and Melatonin sublinguals.  The sublingual form is absorbed directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessels under the tongue and in the cheeks, bypassing the liver and allowing for quick entry into the system.  The cream is absorbed into the skin and goes to the bloodstream quickly as well. Please visit our website pages on Melatonin for information regarding precautions when taking this supplement.