An eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome related disorder associated with exposure to L-5-hydroxytryptophan
Michelson D, Page SW, Casey R, Trucksess MW, Love LA, Milstien S, Wilson C, Massaquoi SG, Crofford LJ, Hallett M
Published in Journal of Rheumatology
Methodology
Clinical and analytical investigation of a family who developed an eosinophilia-myalgia-like illness after taking 5-HTP, including chemical analysis of the product consumed.
Key Findings
Family members taking 5-HTP developed an eosinophilia-myalgia-syndrome-related illness; analysis of their product identified contaminant peaks analogous to those implicated in tryptophan-associated EMS.
Conclusions
Contaminated 5-HTP products can cause a serious eosinophilia-myalgia-like syndrome, making product purity a central safety consideration.
Limitations
Case series in a single family; causality inferred rather than proven; does not quantify risk from modern commercial products.
Supplements Studied
Contaminant peaks analogous to those implicated in tryptophan-associated eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome were found in the 5-HTP product consumed by affected family members.
Family members taking 5-HTP developed an eosinophilia-myalgia-syndrome-related illness; analysis of their product identified contaminant peaks analogous to those implicated in tryptophan-associated EMS.
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
United States National Institutes of Health (intramural).
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