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PureBalance Seratonin

Quality Of Life

4.3
(1307 ratings)
Rhodiola
5-HTP 33 mg
Theanine 67 mg
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Score 78.0

A comprehensive blend for mood, stress, and focus, featuring well-known adaptogens and neurotransmitter precursors. While the combination is excellent, some ingredient dosages are on the moderate to lower side, which might impact the potency for some individuals.

Quantity: 90 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Capsule(s) (90 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Mental Focus
Mood Support
Energy
Stress Relief
Anti-Inflammatory Support

Score 78.0

A comprehensive blend for mood, stress, and focus, featuring well-known adaptogens and neurotransmitter precursors. While the combination is excellent, some ingredient dosages are on the moderate to lower side, which might impact the potency for some individuals.

Analysis

PureBalance Serotonin by Quality Of Life is formulated to address a spectrum of mental well-being concerns, encompassing mood support, stress relief, mental focus, and sleep. Its strength lies in the synergistic combination of well-researched ingredients: Rhodiola (an adaptogen for stress resilience and mental clarity), Relora (a proprietary blend of Magnolia and Phellodendron bark extracts known for cortisol management), L-Theanine (an amino acid promoting calm focus), and 5-HTP (a precursor to serotonin, vital for mood and sleep). While this multi-faceted approach is commendable, a closer look at dosages reveals that 5-HTP (33mg) and L-Theanine (67mg) are on the lower side compared to common effective doses (50-200mg for 5-HTP, 100-200mg for L-Theanine). The Rhodiola (120mg) is also at the lower end of the commonly recommended range (200-600mg). The negligible amount of Vitamin D3 (6.68mcg or 267 IU) does not contribute meaningfully as a general vitamin D supplement. Despite these moderate dosages, the high volume of positive online reviews suggests that many users experience beneficial effects, likely due to the combined action of the ingredients. The product's price point per serving ($0.43) is quite favorable for a comprehensive blend of this nature.

Pros
  • Contains a synergistic blend of well-researched ingredients targeting multiple aspects of mental well-being.
  • Includes effective adaptogens like Rhodiola and Relora for stress resilience and cortisol management.
  • Features 5-HTP and L-Theanine, which are crucial for mood regulation, relaxation, and sleep support.
  • Offers a good value for a multi-ingredient formula at its price per serving.
  • High number of positive reviews indicate general user satisfaction and perceived efficacy.
Cons
  • Individual dosages of 5-HTP (33mg) and L-Theanine (67mg) are lower than typical standalone therapeutic doses.
  • The Rhodiola dosage (120mg) is on the lower end compared to common research-backed amounts.
  • The Vitamin D3 content is negligible and does not provide meaningful nutritional support.
  • Relora is a proprietary blend, meaning specific quantities of its components (Magnolia and Phellodendron) are not disclosed.
Warnings
  • Individuals taking antidepressant medications (SSRIs, MAOIs) or other serotonin-modulating drugs should consult a healthcare professional before use due to the risk of serotonin syndrome from 5-HTP.
  • May cause mild drowsiness or gastrointestinal upset in sensitive individuals, especially when first introduced.
  • Not recommended for pregnant or nursing women without prior medical consultation.
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$38.87($0.43 per serving)
iHerb
$ 38.87
Amazon
$ 39.96
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Effectiveness for goals

Dosage, timing & forms

Safety & interactions

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin D3
6.68 mcg
L-5-Hydroxytryptophan
33 mg
L-Theanine
67 mg
Relora Proprietary Blend
250 mg
Rhodiola root extract
120 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Vegetarian
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Categories

The product contains 120mg of Rhodiola root extract. While beneficial as part of a blend, this dosage is lower than many standalone Rhodiola supplements, which typically range from 200-500mg for optimal adaptogenic effects.
With 67mg of L-Theanine, the product provides a beneficial amount for relaxation and focus. However, for a more pronounced calming or focus-enhancing effect, standalone L-Theanine supplements often provide 100mg to 200mg per dose.
5-HTP 60.0
The L-5-Hydroxytryptophan content is 33mg per serving. This is a relatively low dose compared to common therapeutic applications of 5-HTP, which usually start at 50mg and can go up to 200mg for mood or sleep support.

Goals

This product excels in stress relief due to the powerful combination of Rhodiola, Relora, and L-Theanine. These ingredients collectively work as adaptogens and anxiolytics, helping the body manage the physiological and psychological effects of stress.
The inclusion of 5-HTP directly supports serotonin synthesis, a key neurotransmitter for mood regulation. Rhodiola and Relora further aid mood by improving the body's response to stress, which often impacts emotional well-being.
Rhodiola is known to enhance cognitive function and reduce mental fatigue, while L-Theanine promotes a state of calm alertness, both contributing positively to mental focus. However, the dosages present are not at the highest levels seen in dedicated cognitive supplements.
80 Value

Super Cortisol Support

NOW
4.5
(5006 ratings)
This product offers a comparable dose of Relora (200mg) along with a broader spectrum of adaptogens like Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, and Rhodiola for stress and mood support, all at a significantly lower price per serving ($0.17 vs $0.43), providing excellent value for a multi-ingredient stress formula.
78 Value

Adrenal Serenity

Natural Factors Stress-Relax
4.7
(5276 ratings)
At a lower price per serving ($0.22 vs $0.43), this alternative combines a strong dose of Sensoril Ashwagandha with Eleuthero, Lavender, and Rhodiola. This blend offers effective adrenal and stress support with a focus on calming, representing a strong value for similar goals.
82 Value

Sleep Regimen 3-in-1

NOW
4.5
(1089 ratings)
This product offers higher dosages of both L-Theanine (200mg) and 5-HTP (50mg) than the original, plus Melatonin, specifically targeting sleep and calming. At a much lower price per serving ($0.17 vs $0.43), it delivers superior value for those prioritizing these specific benefits.
90 Performance

Serotonin Brain Food

NS Natural Stacks
4.7
(689 ratings)
This product offers a significantly higher and standardized dose of Rhodiola (400mg) and a substantial amount of L-Tryptophan (1250mg), a robust precursor to serotonin, along with essential cofactors. This makes it a more potent and effective option for comprehensive mood and brain health support, despite a higher price per serving.
85 Performance

Sunny Mood with Rhodiola

Irwin Naturals
4.4
(795 ratings)
This alternative provides higher doses of key ingredients like Rhodiola (340mg) and L-Theanine (80mg) compared to the original, while also including additional mood-enhancing herbs such as Saffron, Lemon Balm, and Passionflower. This comprehensive blend offers a more robust approach to mood and stress support.
95 Performance

Genius Joy

The Genius Brand
5.0
(1120 ratings)
Despite being pricier, Genius Joy offers significantly higher dosages of 5-HTP (100mg), L-Theanine (100mg), and standardized Rhodiola (300mg), addressing the underdosing of the original product. Its inclusion of SAMe and Tyrosine provides comprehensive support for mood, focus, and energy, making it a superior, multi-faceted alternative.
85 Budget

Rhodiola 500 mg

NOW
4.6
(8066 ratings)
At a significantly lower price per serving ($0.23 vs $0.43), this product provides a much higher (500mg vs 120mg) and standardized dose of Rhodiola, offering superior adaptogenic benefits for stress, energy, and mood at a better cost for those prioritizing Rhodiola's benefits.
80 Budget

5-HTP 100 mg

NOW
4.7
(48226 ratings)
This alternative offers a substantially higher dose of 5-HTP (100mg vs 33mg) at a significantly lower price per serving ($0.13 vs $0.43), directly addressing mood and sleep support more effectively and economically than the original product's 5-HTP component.
85 Budget

L-Theanine 200 mg

California Gold Nutrition
4.7
(13349 ratings)
Providing a higher dosage of L-Theanine (200mg vs 67mg) at a considerably lower price per serving ($0.16 vs $0.43), this option is more cost-effective for achieving noticeable calming effects, mental focus, and stress reduction.
80 Value

Super Cortisol Support

NOW
4.5
(5006 ratings)
This product offers a comparable dose of Relora (200mg) along with a broader spectrum of adaptogens like Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, and Rhodiola for stress and mood support, all at a significantly lower price per serving ($0.17 vs $0.43), providing excellent value for a multi-ingredient stress formula.
78 Value

Adrenal Serenity

Natural Factors Stress-Relax
4.7
(5276 ratings)
At a lower price per serving ($0.22 vs $0.43), this alternative combines a strong dose of Sensoril Ashwagandha with Eleuthero, Lavender, and Rhodiola. This blend offers effective adrenal and stress support with a focus on calming, representing a strong value for similar goals.
82 Value

Sleep Regimen 3-in-1

NOW
4.5
(1089 ratings)
This product offers higher dosages of both L-Theanine (200mg) and 5-HTP (50mg) than the original, plus Melatonin, specifically targeting sleep and calming. At a much lower price per serving ($0.17 vs $0.43), it delivers superior value for those prioritizing these specific benefits.
90 Performance

Serotonin Brain Food

NS Natural Stacks
4.7
(689 ratings)
This product offers a significantly higher and standardized dose of Rhodiola (400mg) and a substantial amount of L-Tryptophan (1250mg), a robust precursor to serotonin, along with essential cofactors. This makes it a more potent and effective option for comprehensive mood and brain health support, despite a higher price per serving.
85 Performance

Sunny Mood with Rhodiola

Irwin Naturals
4.4
(795 ratings)
This alternative provides higher doses of key ingredients like Rhodiola (340mg) and L-Theanine (80mg) compared to the original, while also including additional mood-enhancing herbs such as Saffron, Lemon Balm, and Passionflower. This comprehensive blend offers a more robust approach to mood and stress support.
95 Performance

Genius Joy

The Genius Brand
5.0
(1120 ratings)
Despite being pricier, Genius Joy offers significantly higher dosages of 5-HTP (100mg), L-Theanine (100mg), and standardized Rhodiola (300mg), addressing the underdosing of the original product. Its inclusion of SAMe and Tyrosine provides comprehensive support for mood, focus, and energy, making it a superior, multi-faceted alternative.
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