5-HTP 50 mg

5-HTP 50 mg

Natrol4.8 (271 ratings)
Format:Capsule Quantity: 45 Capsule(s) · 45 servings
Goals
$13.07 $0.29 per serving
iHerbLowest$13.07Vitacost$13.89

Product analysis

59 out of 100

5-HTP 50 mg offers a simple option with a possible modest role in sleep support. Everyday mood and stress benefits remain uncertain, and the amount provided compares less favorably with the serving cost.

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

Nutrient Quality40

The plant source of 5-HTP is named, making its origin clear. Its form quality cannot be judged confidently.

Ingredient Transparency100

The 5-HTP amount and plant source are stated. That makes the contents easy to check and compare.

Value For Money30

The 5-HTP content offers limited value relative to the serving cost. Comparable amounts may represent better value in alternatives.

Customer Satisfaction76

Customer feedback is very positive across a modest review base. The reviews describe satisfaction without confirming mood or sleep improvements.

Product Focus62

One ingredient keeps the formula focused on a single mood and sleep-related pathway. Its possible sleep contribution is modest, and everyday mood and stress benefits remain uncertain.

Format
Capsule
Container
45 Capsule(s)
Per serving
$0.29
Customer rating
4.8 · 271 ratings
Report analysis

Goals

Mood Support
Mood Support
Impact
High effect
B Ingredient FitF PathwaysA EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic
5-HTP · 50 mg
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 9 studies
Sleep Support
Sleep Rhythm
Sleep Support
Impact
Moderate effect
B Ingredient FitD- PathwaysC- EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 1 study
Stress Relief
Stress Relief
Impact
Moderate effect
B Ingredient FitF PathwaysC- EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 18 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per servingScore
5-HTP (Griffonia simplicifolia)
 50 mg 66
Adults 18–50 Dairy Free
Report overview
5-HTP (Griffonia simplicifolia) · 50 mg OverallScore66
B- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityB Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyF Value
Each serving supplies 50 mg of 5-HTP; its estimated cost per 100 mg is high. The Griffonia simplicifolia source is named, but its standardization percentage is unclear. The label includes a medication interaction warning.
How this ingredient is rated

Active Ingredient Quality & Bioavailability70

The 5-HTP comes from Griffonia simplicifolia, but its standardization percentage is not given.
Botanical Source & Standardization
The 5-HTP comes from Griffonia simplicifolia, but its standardization percentage is not given.

Dose, Safety & Label Transparency79

Each serving provides 50 mg of 5-HTP. The label includes a warning about serotonin-related medication interactions.
Dosage Potency & Range
Each serving provides 50 mg of 5-HTP.
Safety Warnings & Label Clarity
The label includes a warning about serotonin-related medication interactions.

Value30

The estimated cost per 100 mg of 5-HTP is high.
Price per 100mg 5-HTP
The estimated cost per 100 mg of 5-HTP is 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 is more substantial than the original’s 50 mg amount. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
83 Performance

5-HTP 100 mg Extra Strength

Swanson
A more focused formula and stronger disclosed ingredient profile make this a better quality choice. Its 100 mg 5-HTP serving is more substantial than the original’s 50 mg amount. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
83 Performance

5-HTP Enhanced with Vitamins B6 and C

Doctor's Best
A more focused formula and stronger disclosed ingredient profile make this a better quality choice. Its 100 mg 5-HTP serving is more substantial than the original’s 50 mg amount. 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 matches the original amount while offering a different formula or package choice. 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 is more substantial than the original’s 50 mg amount. 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 matches the original amount while offering a different formula or package choice. 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. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. An open-label trial of L-5-hydroxytryptophan in subjects with romantic stress.
    Emanuele E; Bertona M; Minoretti P; Geroldi D · Neuro endocrinology letters · 2011
    Single-arm trial15 participantsStress Relief for5-HTP