5-Hydroxytryptophan

5-Hydroxytryptophan

Thorne4.6 (2,584 ratings)
Format:Capsule Quantity: 90 Capsule(s) · 45 servings
Goals
$39.00 $0.86 per serving
iHerbLowest$39.00Vitacost$39.00Pure Formulas$39.00Amazon$39.00Vitacost$39.00

Product analysis

50 out of 100

5-Hydroxytryptophan may help with anxiety in some circumstances, though it offers limited value for its main ingredient.

AI assessment of the formula, label and price. How scoring works

Nutrient Quality28

The vitamin B6 preparation is named, but its comparative quality remains uncertain. The 5-HTP preparation is unspecified, limiting a complete quality comparison.

Ingredient Transparency81

Both declared amounts are stated, making serving comparisons possible. Only vitamin B6 has an identified preparation, leaving the 5-HTP details less clear.

Value For Money15

The 5-HTP contribution offers limited value at the price of the whole formula. Vitamin B6 value remains uncertain and does not resolve that drawback.

Customer Satisfaction84

Customers report high satisfaction across several thousand ratings. The broad review base provides useful context without confirming mood, sleep or weight effects.

Product Focus63

The clearest supported role is vitamin B6 support when low intake affects normal mood. The 5-HTP connection to serotonin does not establish reliable mood, sleep, stress or weight benefits from this serving.

Format
Capsule
Container
90 Capsule(s)
Per serving
$0.86
Customer rating
4.6 · 2,584 ratings
Report analysis

Goals

Mood Support
Mood Support
Impact
Highest effect
B+ Ingredient FitC PathwaysA+ EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic
Vitamin B6 · 6.8 mg5-HTP · 100 mg
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 9 studies
Vitamin B6 Supportive 19 studies
Sleep Support
Sleep Rhythm
Sleep Support
Impact
Moderate effect
B+ Ingredient FitC PathwaysC- EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 1 study
Stress Relief
Stress Relief
Impact
Moderate effect
A Ingredient FitD PathwaysC- EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic
Vitamin B6 · 6.8 mg
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 18 studies
Weight Loss
Cravings
Weight Loss
Impact
Moderate effect
C Ingredient FitF PathwaysC EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 5 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per servingScore
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate)
 6.8 mg
5-HTP
100 mg 51
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Women
Report overview
5-HTP · 100 mg OverallScore51
D- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA- Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyF Value
A serving provides 100 mg of 5-HTP, at a very high cost per 100 mg. The 5-HTP is named, but its botanical source is not specified. General warnings are present, but a specific serotonin-related medication warning is not available.
How this ingredient is rated

Active Ingredient Quality & Bioavailability40

The 5-HTP is named, but its botanical source is not specified.
Botanical Source & Standardization
The 5-HTP is named, but its botanical source is not specified.

Dose, Safety & Label Transparency88

The serving contains 100 mg of 5-HTP. General warnings are present, but a specific serotonin-related medication warning is not available.
Dosage Potency & Range
The serving provides 100 mg of 5-HTP.
Safety Warnings & Label Clarity
General warnings are present, but a specific serotonin-related medication warning is not available.

Value0

The cost per 100 mg of 5-HTP is very high.
Price per 100mg 5-HTP
The cost per 100 mg of 5-HTP is very high.
View ingredientView products
85 Performance

5-HTP 100 mg

NOW
Clearer botanical sourcing makes this a stronger quality alternative. Its 100 mg 5-HTP serving matches the original amount while offering a different formula or package choice. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
83 Performance

5-HTP 100 mg Extra Strength

Swanson
Clearer botanical sourcing makes this a stronger quality alternative. Its 100 mg 5-HTP serving matches the original amount while offering a different formula or package choice. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
83 Performance

5-HTP Enhanced with Vitamins B6 and C

Doctor's Best
Clearer botanical sourcing makes this a stronger quality alternative. Its 100 mg 5-HTP serving matches the original amount while offering a different formula or package choice. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
84 Budget

5-HTP 50 mg

NOW
The lower recurring cost makes this a more economical eligible choice. Its 50 mg 5-HTP serving offers a more cautious starting option than the original’s 100 mg amount. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
85 Budget

5-HTP 100 mg

Doctor's Best
The lower recurring cost makes this a more economical eligible choice. Its 100 mg 5-HTP serving matches the original amount while offering a different formula or package choice. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
82 Budget

5-HTP 50 mg

Swanson Premium Brand
The lower recurring cost makes this a more economical eligible choice. Its 50 mg 5-HTP serving offers a more cautious starting option than the original’s 100 mg amount. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
83 Value

5-HTP 200mg

Best Naturals
Focused 5-HTP dosing and a lower recurring cost create a favorable quality-to-cost balance. A Griffonia source is identified, but active standardization remains incomplete. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
83 Value

5-HTP with Vitamin B6 & Vitamin C

Lake Avenue Nutrition
Focused 5-HTP dosing and a lower recurring cost create a favorable quality-to-cost balance. The active amount is disclosed, but botanical-source detail remains incomplete. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
82 Value

5-HTP 200 mg Maximum Strength

Swanson
Focused 5-HTP dosing and a lower recurring cost create a favorable quality-to-cost balance. A Griffonia source is identified, but active standardization remains incomplete. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
Report alternatives

Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. Comparative study of efficacy of l-5-hydroxytryptophan and fluoxetine in patients presenting with first depressive episode.
    Jangid P; Malik P; Singh P; Sharma M; Gulia AK · Asian journal of psychiatry · 2013
    Randomized trial70 participantsMood Support for5-HTP
  2. The Impact of 5-Hydroxytryptophan Supplementation on Cognitive Function and Mood in Singapore Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
    Li S; Sutanto CN; Xia X; Kim JE · Nutrients · 2025
    Randomized trial30 participantsMood Support for5-HTP
  3. Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan on distinct types of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Javelle F; Lampit A; Bloch W; Häussermann P; Johnson SL; Zimmer P · Nutrition reviews · 2020
    Meta-analysis13 studies pooledMood Support for5-HTP
  4. Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression.
    Shaw K; Turner J; Del Mar C · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2002
    Systematic review64 participants2 studies pooledMood Support for5-HTP
  5. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and a MAOI (nialamide) in the treatment of depressions. A double-blind controlled study.
    Aliño JJ; Gutierrez JL; Iglesias ML · International pharmacopsychiatry · 1976
    Non-randomized trial30 participantsMood Support for5-HTP
  6. High Dose Vitamin B6 Reduces Depression Symptoms.
    Field DT; Cracknell R; Biagi N · Depression and anxiety · 2026
    Randomized trial267 participantsMood Support forVitamin B6
  7. Can Vitamin B6 Help to Prevent Postpartum Depression? A Randomized Controlled Trial.
    Khodadad M; Bahadoran P; Kheirabadi GR; Sabzghabaee AM · International journal of preventive medicine · 2022
    Randomized trial81 participantsMood Support Stress Relief forVitamin B6
  8. Associations of Dietary Intake of Vitamin B6 and Plasma Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate Level With Depression in US Adults: Findings From NHANES 2005-2010.
    Lu J; Mao H; Tan Y; Luo G · Brain and behavior · 2024
    Cross-sectional study24,683 participantsMood Support forVitamin B6
  9. Associations of dietary B vitamins intakes with depression in adults.
    Wu Y; Li S; Wang W; Zhang D · International journal for vitamin and nutrition research. Internationale Zeitschrift fur Vitamin- und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal international de vitaminologie et de nutrition · 2023
    Observational study17,732 participantsMood Support forVitamin B6
  10. Impact of vitamin B6 status on psychological distress in a longitudinal study of HIV-1 infection.
    Shor-Posner G; Feaster D; Blaney NT; Rocca H; Mantero-Atienza E; Szapocznik J; Eisdorfer C; Goodkin K; Baum MK · International journal of psychiatry in medicine · 1995
    Cohort study88 participantsMood Support forVitamin B6
  11. The impact of 5-hydroxytryptophan supplementation on sleep quality and gut microbiota composition in older adults: A randomized controlled trial.
    Sutanto CN; Xia X; Heng CW; Tan YS; Lee DPS; Fam J; Kim JE · Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) · 2024
    Randomized trial30 participantsSleep Support for5-HTP
  12. Efficacy of vitamins B1 and B6 as an adjunctive therapy to lithium in bipolar-I disorder: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial.
    Zandifar A; Mousavi S; Schmidt NB; Badrfam R; Seif E; Qorbani M; Mehrabani Natanzi M · Journal of affective disorders · 2023
    Randomized trial66 participantsSleep Support forVitamin B6
  13. Therapeutic effects of magnesium and vitamin B6 in alleviating the symptoms of restless legs syndrome: a randomized controlled clinical trial.
    Jadidi A; Rezaei Ashtiani A; Khanmohamadi Hezaveh A; Aghaepour SM · BMC complementary medicine and therapies · 2023
    Randomized trial75 participantsSleep Support forVitamin B6
  14. Effects of poly-gamma-glutamic acid and vitamin B6 supplements on sleep status: a randomized intervention study.
    García-García C; Baik I · Nutrition research and practice · 2022
    Randomized trial47 participantsSleep Support forVitamin B6
  15. Effects of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) and a B Complex Preparation on Dreaming and Sleep.
    Adventure-Heart DJ; Madden NA; Delfabbro P · Perceptual and motor skills · 2018
    Randomized trial100 participantsSleep Support forVitamin B6
  16. The effect of pyridoxine administration on melatonin secretion in normal men.
    Luboshitzky R; Ophir U; Nave R; Epstein R; Shen-Orr Z; Herer P · Neuro endocrinology letters · 2003
    Randomized trial12 participantsSleep Support forVitamin B6
  17. Effect of a serotonin precursor and uptake inhibitor in anxiety disorders; a double-blind comparison of 5-hydroxytryptophan, clomipramine and placebo.
    Kahn RS; Westenberg HG; Verhoeven WM; Gispen-de Wied CC; Kamerbeek WD · International clinical psychopharmacology · 1987
    Randomized trial45 participantsStress Relief for5-HTP
  18. Acute L-5-hydroxytryptophan administration inhibits carbon dioxide-induced panic in panic disorder patients.
    Schruers K; van Diest R; Overbeek T; Griez E · Psychiatry research · 2003
    Randomized trial48 participantsStress Relief for5-HTP
  19. Pharmacology of rising oral doses of 5-hydroxytryptophan with carbidopa.
    Smarius LJ; Jacobs GE; Hoeberechts-Lefrandt DH; de Kam ML; van der Post JP; de Rijk R; van Pelt J; Schoemaker RC; Zitman FG; van Gerven JM; Gijsman HJ · Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) · 2008
    Randomized trialStress Relief for5-HTP
  20. Enhanced tolerability of the 5-hydroxytryptophane challenge test combined with granisetron.
    Jacobs GE; Kamerling IM; de Kam ML; Derijk RH; van Pelt J; Zitman FG; van Gerven JM · Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) · 2010
    Randomized trialStress Relief for5-HTP