Medical References: FitFight

Clinical Applications

• Nutritional support for carbohydrate, alcohol, and drug cravings*
• Supports healthy weight by reducing carbohydrate cravings*
• Improves sense of well-being and energy*
• Supports healthy serotonin levels*

FitFight is formulated with essential amino acids that are crucial for the production of neurotransmitters, which play a significant role in managing appetite, controlling cravings for carbs or fats, and influencing mood. It also includes chromium, an important element in maintaining healthy glucose metabolism and regulating food consumption.*

Discussion

5-Hydroxytryptophan, commonly known as "5-HTP," is an amino acid precursor that naturally occurs and leads to the synthesis of serotonin. Studies throughout the 1990s, which included randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled methodologies, have established the effectiveness and safety of 5-HTP in diminishing food consumption and appetite in individuals with obesity, including those with non-insulin-dependent diabetes.[1,2,3] Research conducted in 2006 on mice inferred that the appetite-reducing effects of 5-HTP might be due to enhanced leptin secretion.[4] Essential cofactors in converting 5-HTP to serotonin include Vitamins B6 and C. Of the identified serotonin receptors, the 5HT2C receptors are believed to play a role in regulating food intake. Mice deficient in this receptor show tendencies towards increased food consumption and obesity.*[5]

DL-Phenylalanine, or DLPA, combines both the d- and l- forms of this vital amino acid. It aids in appetite suppression by influencing the secretion of cholecystokinin, which signals a feeling of fullness in the brain. While D-phenylalanine boosts endorphins, L-phenylalanine acts as a stimulant similar to amphetamines. Studies have shown that DLPA can enhance mood, suppress appetite, and alleviate pain.*

L-Tyrosine, a crucial amino acid, is necessary for the synthesis of catecholamine neurotransmitters which are often depleted by stress: dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Additionally, it serves as a precursor for thyroxine. Medical professionals have utilized tyrosine for mood enhancement, to improve alertness following lack of sleep, and as an appetite suppressant; however, evidence supporting the latter is mostly anecdotal.*[6]

L-Glutamine, acknowledged for its benefits in supporting gut health and the immune system, is also touted for its potential in curbing cravings for carbohydrates and aiding in alcohol withdrawal, though its exact mechanism in these roles remains unclear.*[7,8]

Chromium, particularly in the form of chromium picolinate, is frequently used to enhance insulin function, thus preventing fluctuations in blood sugar levels that could trigger cravings for carbohydrates. This specific form of the mineral has been shown in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study to effectively reduce carbohydrate cravings.*[9,10]

References

1. Cangiano C, et al. Eating behavior and adherence to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects treated with 5-hydroxytryptophan. Am J Clin Nutr 1992 Nov;56(5):863-7
2. Cangiano C Effects of oral 5-hydroxy-tryptophan on energy intake and macronutrient selection in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 1998 Jul;22(7):648-544
3. Amamoto T, Sarai K. On the tryptophan-serotonin metabolism in manicdepressive disorders. Changes in plasma 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels and urinary 5-HIAA excretion following oral loading of L-5HTP in patients with depression. Hiroshima J Med Sci. 1976 Sep;25(2-3):135-40 [PMID: 1088369]
4. Yamada J, Sugimoto Y, Ujikawa M. Involvement of leptin in hypophagia induced by the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) in mice. Biol Pharm Bull. 2006 Mar;29(3):557-9 [PMID: 16508167]
5. Rogers PJ, Blundell JE. Reanalysis of the effects of phenylalanine, alanine, and aspartame on food intake in human subjects. Physiol Behav. 1994 Aug;56(2):247-50 [PMID: 7938234]
6. http://web.indstate.edu/thcme/mwking/aminoacidderivatives.html {accessed 09 July 07}
7. Goodwin, F. APA Psychiatric News, Dec 5, 1986 in Atkins, R. Dr. Atkins Vita- Nutient Solution. Simon & Schuster, NY 1998 p169
8. Rogers,L., Pelton, R. Quarterly Journal of Studies of Alcohol, 1957;18(4):581-87 in Atkins, R. Dr. Atkins Vita-Nutient Solution. Simon & Schuster, NY 1998 p169
9. Broadhurst CL, Domenico P. Clinical studies on chromium picolinate supplementation in diabetes mellitus--a review. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2006 Dec;8(6):677-87 [PMID: 17109600]
10. Docherty JP, et al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, exploratory trial of chromium picolinate in atypical depression: effect on carbohydrate craving. J Psychiatr Pract. 2005 Sep;11(5):302-14 [PMID: 16184071]