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5-HTP

notesDescription

5-HTP is a direct metabolic intermediate in the biochemical pathway that converts the essential amino acid L-tryptophan into serotonin, a key neurotransmitter. Unlike L-tryptophan, 5-HTP can efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier, allowing it to be more readily converted into serotonin within the central nervous system. This direct conversion makes it a potent tool for influencing serotonin levels in the brain. The synthesis of serotonin from 5-HTP is a decarboxylation reaction that requires specific cofactors, particularly Vitamin B6. Once synthesized, serotonin plays a vital role in regulating a wide array of physiological and psychological functions, including mood, sleep cycles, appetite, pain perception, and cognitive processes. Therefore, modulating serotonin levels via 5-HTP supplementation can have broad effects on well-being. By increasing serotonin availability, 5-HTP is hypothesized to help alleviate symptoms associated with low serotonin, such as mood imbalances, sleep disturbances, and cravings. It is commonly extracted from the seeds of the African plant *Griffonia simplicifolia* for use in dietary supplements.

ecoSources
Griffonia simplicifolia seeds
Cheapest 5-HTP supplements
Discover the cheapest 5-HTP amino acid supplements to support mood, sleep, weight loss, and stress relief, helping you find the best value for your wellness needs.
Best 5-HTP Supplements
Discover the best 5-HTP supplements to support mood, sleep, weight loss, and stress relief.
Value 5-HTP Supplements
Explore the best value 5-HTP supplements to support your mood, sleep, weight loss, and stress relief goals effectively.
check_circleOptimal Dosage
Minimum100 mg
Maximum300 mg
report_problemSafety & Toxicity
Toxicity Threshold300 mg
Toxicity EffectNausea, vomiting; risk of serotonin syndrome
track_changesGoals
Mood Support
sentiment_satisfied_altMood Support
Impact
High effect
Typical dose:50–200 mg
As the intermediate step between L-tryptophan and serotonin, 5-HTP bypasses the rate-limiting step in serotonin production, making it a more direct and often faster-acting supplement. Use with caution if taking SSRI medication.
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Sleep Support
bedtimeSleep Support
Impact
Situational effect
Typical dose:50–200 mg
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a compound the body makes from tryptophan and converts into serotonin. Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter for mood and is also the precursor to melatonin. Supplementation can be effective but should be used with caution, especially by those on SSRI medications, due to its direct impact on serotonin levels.
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Stress Relief
self_improvementStress Relief
Impact
Situational effect
Typical dose:50–100 mg
5-Hydroxytryptophan bypasses the rate-limiting step in serotonin production. This can help elevate levels of this key neurotransmitter, potentially improving mood, reducing anxiety, and promoting better sleep, but should be used with caution and awareness of potential interactions.
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Weight Loss
trending_downWeight Loss
Impact
Situational effect
Typical dose:50–100 mg
By increasing serotonin synthesis in the brain, 5-HTP can promote feelings of satiety earlier in a meal. This is situationally effective for individuals who struggle with emotional eating or intense carbohydrate cravings, helping to enforce calorie control.
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sync_altInteractions

add_circle_outlinePositive Interactions

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Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is a critical cofactor for the enzyme that converts 5-HTP into serotonin, enhancing its efficacy.
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Magnesium
Magnesium supports various enzymatic processes, including those involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and function, potentially improving 5-HTP's effects.
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Folate
Folate is essential for methylation cycles and the synthesis of neurotransmitters, indirectly supporting the serotonin pathway facilitated by 5-HTP.
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Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 plays a role in methylation and nerve health, which can be supportive of overall neurotransmitter balance when taking 5-HTP.

remove_circle_outlineNegative Interactions

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St. John's Wort
Both 5-HTP and St. John's Wort increase serotonin levels. Combining them significantly raises the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially dangerous condition.
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Valerian
Valerian has sedative properties. Combining it with 5-HTP, which can also induce drowsiness, may lead to excessive sedation and impairment.
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Melatonin
Melatonin affects sleep and is derived from serotonin. Combining it with 5-HTP may result in excessive drowsiness, altered sleep patterns, or an increased risk of serotonin-related side effects.
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SAMe
SAMe can increase levels of several neurotransmitters, including serotonin. Combining it with 5-HTP might lead to an excessive increase in serotonin, raising the risk of serotonin syndrome.
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Tryptophan
Tryptophan is the direct precursor to 5-HTP. Taking both concurrently can lead to excessive serotonin production, increasing the likelihood of adverse effects including serotonin syndrome.
inventory_2Recommended products
80 Best 5-HTP 200 mg Maximum Strength

5-HTP 200 mg Maximum Strength

Swanson
4.7
★★★★★
(1163 ratings)
5-HTP: 200 mg
A high-potency 5-HTP offering 200 mg per serving at a good price, suitable for those who need a stronger single-ingredient option for mood and sleep.
Buy for $16.29(from iHerb)
Other sellers (1)
82 Best 5-HTP Plus 200 mg

5-HTP Plus 200 mg

Dr. Emil Nutrition
4.7
★★★★★
(95 ratings)
5-HTP: 200 mg
<p>Dr. Emil Nutrition's 5-HTP Plus 200 mg offers a multi-ingredient blend of 5-HTP, L-Tryptophan, SAMe, and Vitamin B6, designed to support mood, stress relief, and sleep.</p>
Buy for $23.69(from iHerb)
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80 Best 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) 200 mg

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) 200 mg

Protocol For Life Balance
4.7
★★★★★
(237 ratings)
5-HTP: 200 mg
This product provides 200mg of 5-HTP with supportive B vitamins, glycine, taurine, and inositol to aid mood and sleep, but at a higher price per serving.
Buy for $32(from Amazon)
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78 Budget 5-HTP 100 mg

5-HTP 100 mg

Spring Valley
4.3
★★★★★
(276 ratings)
5-HTP: 200 mg
This product combines 200mg of 5-HTP from Griffonia simplicifolia with a supplemental dose of 128mg of calcium, focusing on mood and sleep support with a nod to bone and nail health.
Buy for $4.9(from Walmart)
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82 Best 5-HTP 200 mg Time Release

5-HTP 200 mg Time Release

Natrol
4.5
★★★★★
(7950 ratings)
5-HTP: 200 mg
This time-release 5-HTP product delivers a potent 200 mg dose per serving, designed for sustained support for mood and sleep.
Buy for $12.85(from Amazon)
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88 Value 5-HTP 100 mg

5-HTP 100 mg

NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(42246 ratings)
5-HTP: 100 mg
An economical and simple 100 mg 5-HTP capsule, this product is well-suited for basic mood, sleep, and stress support.
Buy for $9.59(from Vitacost)
Other sellers (3)
87 Value 5-HTP 200mg

5-HTP 200mg

Best Naturals
4.8
★★★★★
(258 ratings)
5-HTP: 200 mg
This product delivers a robust 200 mg of 5-HTP per serving, offering exceptional value with its low price per serving and large quantity.
Buy for $17.2(from iHerb)
Other sellers (1)
92 Best 5-HTP Plus+ 200 mg

5-HTP Plus+ 200 mg

NatureWise
4.5
★★★★★
(5694 ratings)
5-HTP: 200 mg
This 5-HTP product offers a robust 200 mg dose paired with the active form of Vitamin B6 (P5P), providing enhanced support for mood, sleep, and stress at a competitive price.
Buy for $12.38(from Amazon)
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75 Budget Serene Science 5-HTP 50 mg

Serene Science 5-HTP 50 mg

Source Naturals
4.7
★★★★★
(9 ratings)
5-HTP: 100 mg
A straightforward 5-HTP capsule delivering 100 mg per serving, this product aims to support mood, sleep, and stress relief with a focused, single-ingredient approach.
Buy for $5.08(from Pure Formulas)
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88 Value 5-HTP 100 mg

5-HTP 100 mg

NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(51896 ratings)
5-HTP: 100 mg
This is a cost-effective 5-HTP supplement from NOW, providing 100mg per serving from Griffonia simplicifolia, suitable for basic mood and sleep support.
Buy for $13.75(from Amazon)
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72 Value 5-HTP 50 mg

5-HTP 50 mg

Swanson Premium Brand
4.6
★★★★★
(923 ratings)
5-HTP: 50 mg
An affordable 50 mg 5-HTP option from Swanson, ideal for those starting with a lower dose or on a tighter budget.
Buy for $8.39(from iHerb)
Other sellers (1)
82 Value 5-HTP 50 mg

5-HTP 50 mg

NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(14093 ratings)
5-HTP: 50 mg
A highly economical 50 mg 5-HTP supplement from NOW, offering great value in a 90-count bottle for consistent use.
Buy for $6.1(from Daily Vita)
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84 Best Superior Sleep

Superior Sleep

Doctor's Best
4.3
★★★★★
(457 ratings)
5-HTP: 200 mg
This product offers a robust combination of ingredients like Ashwagandha, 5-HTP, and Melatonin to support relaxation, balanced mood, and a more restful night's sleep.
Buy for $16.73(from Amazon)
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94 Budget 5-HTP with Vitamin B6 & Vitamin C

5-HTP with Vitamin B6 & Vitamin C

Lake Avenue Nutrition
4.7
★★★★★
(5403 ratings)
5-HTP: 100 mg
This supplement features 100mg of 5-HTP, along with Vitamins B6 and C, formulated to assist with mood regulation, relaxation, and supporting sleep.
Buy for $10.97(from iHerb)
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78 Value 5-HTP 100 mg Extra Strength

5-HTP 100 mg Extra Strength

Swanson
4.8
★★★★★
(7257 ratings)
5-HTP: 100 mg
A cost-effective 100 mg 5-HTP capsule from Swanson, delivering strong support at a very appealing price point.
Buy for $7.99(from iHerb)
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85 Best Sleep Support

Sleep Support

The Vitamin Shoppe
4.5
★★★★★
(21 ratings)
5-HTP: 250 mg
This product provides a well-rounded mix of Valerian, Theanine, GABA, 5-HTP, and Melatonin, often used together to support relaxation and healthy sleep patterns.
Buy for $21.99(from iHerb)
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78 Value 5-HTP 50 mg

5-HTP 50 mg

NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(14057 ratings)
5-HTP: 50 mg
A budget-friendly 50 mg 5-HTP capsule from NOW in a compact size, great for trying out the supplement.
Buy for $4.49(from Vitacost)
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70 Value 5-HTP 50 mg

5-HTP 50 mg

Jarrow Formulas
4.5
★★★★★
(1535 ratings)
5-HTP: 50 mg
A well-priced 50 mg 5-HTP veggie cap from Jarrow Formulas, suitable for new users or those preferring a lower dose from a respected brand.
Buy for $12.3(from Daily Vita)
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96 Value 5-HTP Enhanced with Vitamins B6 and C

5-HTP Enhanced with Vitamins B6 and C

Doctor's Best
4.8
★★★★★
(5508 ratings)
5-HTP: 100 mg
This supplement combines 100mg of 5-HTP with Vitamins B6 and C, aiming to support mood balance, relaxation, and healthy sleep patterns.
Buy for $16.99(from Vitacost)
Other sellers (3)
85 Value 5-HTP 100 mg

5-HTP 100 mg

Doctor's Best
4.7
★★★★★
(12930 ratings)
5-HTP: 100 mg
A high-value 100 mg 5-HTP supplement from Doctor's Best, offering a large supply at a very low price per serving.
Buy for $22.99(from iHerb)
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60 Budget 5-HTP

5-HTP

Nature's Way
4.5
★★★★★
(843 ratings)
5-HTP: 100 mg
This product provides 100mg of 5-HTP with Vitamin B6 and C, offering a higher dose per serving, but its overall cost per serving is significantly elevated due to the small package size.
Buy for $10.19(from Vitacost)
Other sellers (2)
92 Best Double Strength 5-HTP 200 mg

Double Strength 5-HTP 200 mg

NOW
4.8
★★★★★
(16718 ratings)
5-HTP: 200 mg
This product offers a robust 200mg of 5-HTP alongside B vitamins, glycine, taurine, and inositol to support mood balance, relaxation, and sleep.
Buy for $15.11(from Amazon)
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93 Best Double Strength 5-HTP 200 mg

Double Strength 5-HTP 200 mg

NOW
4.8
★★★★★
(16751 ratings)
5-HTP: 200 mg
This larger quantity product provides 200mg of 5-HTP along with B vitamins, glycine, taurine, and inositol for mood, relaxation, and sleep support, offering good long-term value.
Buy for $28.01(from Amazon)
Other sellers (4)
85 Best Revitalizing Sleep Formula

Revitalizing Sleep Formula

Nature's Way
4.0
★★★★★
(1 ratings)
5-HTP: 200 mg
This formula combines strong doses of Valerian, 5-HTP, and L-Theanine with other calming herbs like Passionflower and Hops to support relaxation, mood, and restful sleep.
Buy for $27.6(from Pure Formulas)
Other sellers (1)
analyticsProduct stats
sellPrice per product
Average$33.15
Median$24.25
restaurantPrice per serving
Average$0.66
Median$0.47
sciencePrice per 100 mg
Average$0.79
Median$0.60
bar_chartPrice distribution
bar_chartPrice per serving distribution
bar_chartPrice per 100 mg
Reference amount: 100 mg
categoryForms
bar_chartPaired ingredients
water_dropIngredient forms
category Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract (30) 85
Griffonia Simplicifolia Seed Extract is a purified and concentrated form derived from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia Simplicifolia. This extract is valued for its high natural content of 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan), which is readily converted into serotonin in the brain, influencing mood, sleep, and appetite.
thumb_upPros
  • Standardized and concentrated source of 5-HTP.
  • Supports mood regulation and emotional well-being.
  • May improve sleep quality and onset.
  • Potential for appetite control and satiety.
thumb_downCons
  • Potential for gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, diarrhea).
  • Risk of Serotonin Syndrome when combined with other serotonergic medications.
  • Effects can vary by individual.
sellPer product
Avg$19.51
Med$16.99
restaurantPer serving
Avg$0.27
Med$0.24
science Per 100 mg
Avg$0.39
Med$0.26
Price distribution
category Griffonia simplicifolia Seed Extract (30) 85
Griffonia Simplicifolia Seed Extract is a purified and concentrated form derived from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia Simplicifolia. This extract is valued for its high natural content of 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan), which is readily converted into serotonin in the brain, influencing mood, sleep, and appetite.
thumb_upPros
  • Standardized and concentrated source of 5-HTP.
  • Supports mood regulation and emotional well-being.
  • May improve sleep quality and onset.
  • Potential for appetite control and satiety.
thumb_downCons
  • Potential for gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, diarrhea).
  • Risk of Serotonin Syndrome when combined with other serotonergic medications.
  • Effects can vary by individual.
sellPer product
Avg$19.51
Med$16.99
restaurantPer serving
Avg$0.27
Med$0.24
science Per 100 mg
Avg$0.39
Med$0.26
Price distribution
category Griffonia Simplicifolia Seed Extract (30) 85
Griffonia Simplicifolia Seed Extract is a purified and concentrated form derived from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia Simplicifolia. This extract is valued for its high natural content of 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan), which is readily converted into serotonin in the brain, influencing mood, sleep, and appetite.
thumb_upPros
  • Standardized and concentrated source of 5-HTP.
  • Supports mood regulation and emotional well-being.
  • May improve sleep quality and onset.
  • Potential for appetite control and satiety.
thumb_downCons
  • Potential for gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, diarrhea).
  • Risk of Serotonin Syndrome when combined with other serotonergic medications.
  • Effects can vary by individual.
sellPer product
Avg$19.51
Med$16.99
restaurantPer serving
Avg$0.27
Med$0.24
science Per 100 mg
Avg$0.39
Med$0.26
Price distribution
category Griffonia simplicifolia (25) 85
Griffonia simplicifolia is an African medicinal plant whose seeds are a primary natural source of 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan). 5-HTP is a critical amino acid that serves as a direct precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter essential for regulating mood, sleep cycles, and appetite.
thumb_upPros
  • Natural source of 5-HTP.
  • Supports mood regulation and emotional well-being.
  • May improve sleep quality and onset.
  • Potential for appetite control and satiety.
thumb_downCons
  • Potential for gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, diarrhea).
  • Risk of Serotonin Syndrome when combined with other serotonergic medications.
  • Effects can vary by individual.
sellPer product
Avg$22.39
Med$19.67
restaurantPer serving
Avg$0.42
Med$0.33
science Per 100 mg
Avg$0.55
Med$0.42
Price distribution
category Griffonia (2) 85
Griffonia is commonly used to refer to Griffonia simplicifolia, an African shrub whose seeds are a significant natural source of 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan). 5-HTP is an amino acid precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood, sleep patterns, and feelings of well-being.
thumb_upPros
  • Natural source of 5-HTP.
  • Supports mood regulation and emotional well-being.
  • May improve sleep quality and onset.
  • Potential for appetite control and satiety.
thumb_downCons
  • Potential for gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, diarrhea).
  • Risk of Serotonin Syndrome when combined with other serotonergic medications.
  • Effects can vary by individual.
sellPer product
Avg$22.54
Med$22.54
restaurantPer serving
Avg$0.92
Med$0.92
science Per 100 mg
Avg$0.92
Med$0.92
Price distribution
category Griffonia Seed Extract (1) 85
Griffonia is commonly used to refer to Griffonia simplicifolia, an African shrub whose seeds are a significant natural source of 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan). 5-HTP is an amino acid precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood, sleep patterns, and feelings of well-being.
thumb_upPros
  • Natural source of 5-HTP.
  • Supports mood regulation and emotional well-being.
  • May improve sleep quality and onset.
  • Potential for appetite control and satiety.
thumb_downCons
  • Potential for gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, diarrhea).
  • Risk of Serotonin Syndrome when combined with other serotonergic medications.
  • Effects can vary by individual.
sellPer product
Avg$21.99
Med$21.99
restaurantPer serving
Avg$0.73
Med$0.73
science Per 100 mg
Avg$0.29
Med$0.29
Price distribution
category Griffonia simplicifolia Extract (1) 85
Griffonia simplicifolia is an African medicinal plant whose seeds are a primary natural source of 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan). 5-HTP is a critical amino acid that serves as a direct precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter essential for regulating mood, sleep cycles, and appetite.
thumb_upPros
  • Natural source of 5-HTP.
  • Supports mood regulation and emotional well-being.
  • May improve sleep quality and onset.
  • Potential for appetite control and satiety.
thumb_downCons
  • Potential for gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, diarrhea).
  • Risk of Serotonin Syndrome when combined with other serotonergic medications.
  • Effects can vary by individual.
sellPer product
Avg$18.99
Med$18.99
restaurantPer serving
Avg$0.63
Med$0.63
science Per 10 mg
Avg$0.13
Med$0.13
Price distribution

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