People who skip some amino acid supplements to treat insomnia, obesity, headaches and better beware. A report this month of Nature Medicine warns that joint supplements containing 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5HTP) may also harbor a potentially dangerous impurities linked to a disease rare blood. Although no cases of illness have been linked to supplements, the Food and Drug Administration is to keep an eye.
In 1989, more than 1,500 people worldwide have contracted malgia eosinophilia syndrome (EMS), a rare blood disease that causes tissue damage similar to burns, and even death. Researchers suspect - but they do not know with certainty - that the epidemic was caused by impurities in some over-the-counter preparations of L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid. The FDA banned flawed preparations shortly after the outbreak EMS. But manufacturers were allowed to continue selling 5HTP, a derivative of L-tryptophan, despite a handful of reports that it related to EMS.
For several amino acid supplements on the market contain 5HTP, researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, wonders whether the supplements may contain X peaks, one of many impurities suspected. (Scientists do not know what impurity is related to EMS.) The researchers tested six over-the-counter supplements containing 5HTP for peak-X, find the contaminant in all six. The supplements contain X peak at levels ranging from 3% to 14% of L-tryptophan supplements whose traces have been found in people who died of EMS in 1989.
"Before this study person, knew the impurity was in the health food material, "says Esther Sternberg, a rheumatologist at the National Institute of mental health. in a statement released earlier this week, the FDA said its scientists have confirmed the results of the Mayo Clinic. And although the effects on advanced X health are still unknown, according to the FDA statement, "vigilance is warranted." FDA officials say they are now team with researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, and the National Institutes of Health and patient groups to monitor the situation.
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