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5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) 200 mg

Protocol For Life Balance
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(245 ratings)
5-HTP 200 mg
Glycine 100 mg
Product Image
Score74
200 mg of 5-HTP provides strong pathway depth, but source or release details and underdosed glycine limit the wider formula.
How scoring works
Quantity:60 Capsule(s) • (60 servings)
Goals:
Mood Support
Stress Relief
Weight Loss
Sleep Support

Score 74

200 mg of 5-HTP provides strong pathway depth, but source or release details and underdosed glycine limit the wider formula.
How scoring works
$32.00($0.53 per serving)
Pure Formulas
$ 32.00
iHerb
$ 32.00
Vitacost
$ 32.00
Amazon
$ 0.00
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Analysis

200 mg of 5-HTP may support serotonin production, with the clearest fit for mood or sleep-related use. Evidence for appetite, stress, and sleep benefits is less consistent than the direct biochemical pathway.

100 mg of glycine adds a compatible calming ingredient but remains far below a typical sleep-focused amount. Vitamin B6 and niacin add related cofactors, while taurine and inositol remain modest.

Griffonia seed is named, but active standardization and controlled-release support are absent. Value depends mainly on the combined formula rather than glycine.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking informed 5-HTP use
  • Users not taking serotonin-raising medicines
Best for
  • Mood and sleep-related serotonin support
  • High-strength 5-HTP dosing

Pros

  • Clearly disclosed 200 mg 5-HTP
  • Vitamin B6 and niacin add related cofactors, while taurine and inositol remain modest
  • Focused serotonin-related formula

Cons

  • Griffonia extract is not standardized
  • Glycine is only 100 mg
  • No controlled-release feature

Warnings

  • Do not combine 5-HTP with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, tramadol, triptans, or other serotonin-raising medicines unless specifically supervised.
  • Five-HTP can cause nausea, digestive upset, vivid dreams, or drowsiness.
  • Stop use and seek urgent care for agitation, sweating, tremor, rapid heart rate, or other possible serotonin-toxicity symptoms.

Nutrient quality

75 High impact

High-strength 5-HTP provides the formula's main meaningful contribution. Unstandardized sourcing and several token supporting amounts limit balance.

Ingredient transparency

81 Highest impact

Every listed active has a specific amount, and no proprietary blend hides key doses. The serving count is clear, but intake directions and non-active ingredients are not supplied.

Customer satisfaction

69 High impact

Customer sentiment is strong, and the large review volume gives the average useful support. No review excerpts are supplied, so repeated complaints and purpose fit cannot be verified.

Value for money

70 High impact

High-strength 5-HTP provides fair value at the serving level. Several modest supporting additions and only average serving economics limit competitiveness.

Report analysis

Goals

Mood Support
Mood Support
Impact
Highest effect
A- Goal FitA+ Strength of SupportB- CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Vitamin B6 · 2 mg5-HTP · 200 mg

A high 5-HTP amount directly supports serotonin production, with vitamin B6 acting as a conversion cofactor. Glycine, taurine, and inositol add calming support but are present far below common standalone amounts.

The core serotonin pathway is strong, while the broader ingredient layer is less convincing. Do not combine 5-HTP with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, triptans, or other serotonergic agents because excess serotonin can become dangerous.

Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 9 studies
Glycine Mixed 3 studies
Vitamin B6 Supportive 19 studies
Stress Relief
Stress Relief
Impact
High effect
C+ Goal FitB Strength of SupportC+ CoverageB- Formula Quality
Glycine · 100 mgVitamin B6 · 2 mg

5-HTP supports serotonin production and may help stress that presents with low mood or poor sleep. The 200 mg amount is high, while glycine, taurine, and inositol are too small for strong standalone effects.

Vitamin B6 provides a related cofactor, and all active amounts are clear. Combining 5-HTP with SSRIs, MAO inhibitors, or other serotonergic medicines can raise the risk of serotonin excess.

Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 18 studies
Glycine Supportive 1 study
Taurine Supportive 5 studies
Vitamin B6 Supportive 10 studies
Weight Loss
Weight Loss
Impact
High effect
C- Goal FitA- Strength of SupportD+ CoverageB+ Formula Quality

A 200 mg 5-HTP serving may support appetite and carbohydrate-craving control through serotonin production. The evidence remains situational, and the formula does not directly support thermogenesis or lean-mass retention.

The high-strength active amount and Griffonia seed source are disclosed, while glycine, taurine, and inositol add modest calming context. Combining 5-HTP with SSRIs, MAO inhibitors, tramadol, or other serotonin-raising agents can cause excessive serotonin and requires specific clinical guidance.

Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 5 studies
Sleep Support
Sleep Support
Impact
High effect
B Goal FitB- Strength of SupportC- CoverageC Formula Quality
Glycine · 100 mg

5-HTP may support serotonin and downstream melatonin production, giving the formula direct sleep relevance. Glycine, taurine, and inositol are present too far below typical stand-alone amounts to add much depth.

The 5-HTP amount is high and clearly disclosed, but Griffonia standardization is not provided. Combining 5-HTP with serotonin-raising medicines such as SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAO inhibitors can raise the risk of serotonin excess.

Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 1 study
Glycine Supportive 3 studies
Taurine Not classified

No linked studies yet.

Vitamin B6 Disputed 7 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
 20 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride)
 2 mg
5-HTP (Griffonia simplicifolia Seed Extract)
 200 mg
Glycine
100 mg
Taurine
100 mg
Inositol
100 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Vegan Dairy Free Women Vegetarian
Report overview
5-HTP (Griffonia simplicifolia Seed Extract) · 200 mg OverallScore72
B- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityC Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyA- Value

Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract provides a clearly sourced but unstandardized 5-HTP ingredient. A vegetable capsule and high-strength amount make the formula practical, while vitamin B6 and other amino compounds add formulation context. Cost per standard dose is good, but no specific warning about serotonin-modulating medicines appears in the supplied details.

View ingredientView products
Glycine · 100 mg OverallScore56
F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityB- Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB- Value

Free glycine is clearly disclosed in a practical capsule, but its source and purity standard are not identified. The 100 mg amount is far below a stand-alone sleep dose and serves only a supporting role beside 5-HTP. The 200 mg of 5-HTP may raise serotonergic load when combined with medicines such as SSRIs or MAO inhibitors.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
82 Performance

Sleep Nighttime Powder

youtheory
Three grams of glycine, 100 mg of 5-HTP, magnesium, tryptophan, and theanine create a broad sleep-focused blend. Its formulation quality and curcumin focus compare favorably with the original, although the broader blend may be less suitable for users seeking one adjustable active.
77 Performance

R.E.M. Maintenance

Metabolic Maintenance
A 3.5 g glycine serving is paired with 100 mg of 5-HTP, magnesium glycinate, inositol, and melatonin for broad sleep support. Its formulation quality and curcumin focus compare favorably with the original, although the broader blend may be less suitable for users seeking one adjustable active.
82 Performance

Advanced Magnesium Complex

AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Advanced
A substantial curcumin serving is paired with vitamin C for added antioxidant coverage. Its formulation quality and curcumin focus compare favorably with the original, although the formula does not retain the original product’s GABA component.
85 Budget

5-HTP 100 mg

NOW
A focused 100 mg 5-HTP serving from Griffonia provides a practical amount without a hidden blend. A lower serving cost improves everyday value, although the formula does not retain the original product’s glycine component.
85 Budget

5-HTP 100 mg

Doctor's Best
A focused 100 mg 5-HTP serving from Griffonia provides a practical amount without a hidden blend. A lower serving cost improves everyday value, although the formula does not retain the original product’s glycine component.
83 Budget

5-HTP 200mg

Best Naturals
A focused 200 mg 5-HTP serving provides a substantial and clearly disclosed amount from Griffonia. A lower serving cost improves everyday value, although the formula does not retain the original product’s glycine component.
83 Value

5-HTP Enhanced with Vitamins B6 and C

Doctor's Best
A focused 200 mg 5-HTP serving provides a substantial and clearly disclosed amount from Griffonia. Useful formulation quality and efficient serving economics create a favorable quality-to-cost balance, although the formula does not retain the original product’s glycine component.
83 Value

5-HTP with Vitamin B6 & Vitamin C

Lake Avenue Nutrition
A focused 200 mg 5-HTP serving provides a substantial and clearly disclosed amount from Griffonia. Useful formulation quality and efficient serving economics create a favorable quality-to-cost balance, although the formula does not retain the original product’s glycine component.
83 Value

5-HTP 100 mg Extra Strength

Swanson
Curcumin remains the main active, but the supplied label does not clearly state its active curcuminoid yield. Useful formulation quality and efficient serving economics create a favorable quality-to-cost balance, although some active-form details remain incomplete.
Report alternatives

Sources

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

  1. The Effects of 5-HTP on Body Composition: An 8-Week Preliminary RCT.
    Evans C; Mekhail V; Curtis J; Czartoryski P; Kaminski J; Ellerbroek A; Bustillo E; Jiannine L; Santana JC; Antonio J · Journal of dietary supplements · 2023
    Randomized trial48 participantsWeight Loss for5-HTP
  2. The effects of oral 5-hydroxytryptophan administration on feeding behavior in obese adult female subjects.
    Ceci F; Cangiano C; Cairella M; Cascino A; Del Ben M; Muscaritoli M; Sibilia L; Rossi Fanelli F · Journal of neural transmission · 1989
    Clinical trial19 participantsWeight Loss for5-HTP
  3. The effects of glycine on subjective daytime performance in partially sleep-restricted healthy volunteers.
    Bannai M; Kawai N; Ono K; Nakahara K; Murakami N · Frontiers in neurology · 2012
    Clinical trial7 participantsSleep Support forGlycine
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Sex-linked differences in cortisol, ACTH and prolactin responses to 5-hydroxy-tryptophan in healthy controls and minor and major depressed patients.
    Maes M; Vandewoude M; Schotte C; Maes L; Martin M; Blockx P · Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica · 1990
    Clinical trial120 participantsStress Relief for5-HTP
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. [Augmentation of antipsychotics with glycine may ameliorate depressive and extrapyramidal symptoms in schizophrenic patients--a preliminary 10-week open-label study].
    Strzelecki D; Kropiwnicki P; Rabe-Jabłońska J · Psychiatria polska · 2014
    Single-arm trial29 participantsMood Support forGlycine
  13. Markers of glutamate signaling in cerebrospinal fluid and serum from patients with bipolar disorder and healthy controls.
    Pålsson E; Jakobsson J; Södersten K; Fujita Y; Sellgren C; Ekman CJ; Ågren H; Hashimoto K; Landén M · European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology · 2015
    Cross-sectional study327 participantsMood Support forGlycine
  14. Erythrocyte glycine in depressed, hypomanic, and euthymic bipolar patients treated with lithium carbonate.
    Peselow ED; Deutsch SI; Stanley M; Banay-Schwartz M; Virgilio J; Fieve RR · Psychopharmacology · 1983
    Cross-sectional study27 participantsMood Support forGlycine
  15. High Dose Vitamin B6 Reduces Depression Symptoms.
    Field DT; Cracknell R; Biagi N · Depression and anxiety · 2026
    Randomized trial267 participantsMood Support forVitamin B6
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. The effect of glycine administration on the characteristics of physiological systems in human adults: A systematic review.
    Soh J; Raventhiran S; Lee JH; Lim ZX; Goh J; Kennedy BK; Maier AB · GeroScience · 2024
    Systematic reviewSleep Support forGlycine
  21. New therapeutic strategy for amino acid medicine: glycine improves the quality of sleep.
    Bannai M; Kawai N · Journal of pharmacological sciences · 2012
    Narrative reviewSleep Support forGlycine
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. Oral supplementation with glycine reduces oxidative stress in patients with metabolic syndrome, improving their systolic blood pressure.
    Díaz-Flores M; Cruz M; Duran-Reyes G; Munguia-Miranda C; Loza-Rodríguez H; Pulido-Casas E; Torres-Ramírez N; Gaja-Rodriguez O; Kumate J; Baiza-Gutman LA; Hernández-Saavedra D · Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology · 2014
    Randomized trial60 participantsStress Relief forGlycine
  32. Protective and therapeutic effectiveness of taurine supplementation plus low calorie diet on metabolic parameters and endothelial markers in patients with diabetes mellitus: a randomized, clinical trial.
    Moludi J; Qaisar SA; Kadhim MM; Ahmadi Y; Davari M · Nutrition & metabolism · 2022
    Randomized trial120 participantsStress Relief forTaurine
  33. Effects of taurine supplementation on VDT work induced visual stress.
    Zhang M; Bi LF; Ai YD; Yang LP; Wang HB; Liu ZY; Sekine M; Kagamimori S · Amino acids · 2005
    Randomized trial25 participantsStress Relief forTaurine
  34. Taurine supplementation attenuates delayed increase in exercise-induced arterial stiffness.
    Ra SG; Choi Y; Akazawa N; Ohmori H; Maeda S · Applied physiology, nutrition, and metabolism = Physiologie appliquee, nutrition et metabolisme · 2017
    Randomized trial29 participantsStress Relief forTaurine
  35. Correlations between dietary taurine intake and life stress in Korean college students.
    Sung MJ; Chang KJ · Advances in experimental medicine and biology · 2009
    Observational studyStress Relief forTaurine
  36. Profiling inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers following taurine supplementation: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of controlled trials.
    Faghfouri AH; Seyyed Shoura SM; Fathollahi P; Shadbad MA; Papi S; Ostadrahimi A; Faghfuri E · European journal of clinical nutrition · 2022
    Meta-analysisStress Relief forTaurine
  37. Effect of magnesium and vitamin B6 supplementation on mental health and quality of life in stressed healthy adults: Post-hoc analysis of a randomised controlled trial.
    Noah L; Dye L; Bois De Fer B; Mazur A; Pickering G; Pouteau E · Stress and health : journal of the International Society for the Investigation of Stress · 2021
    Randomized trialStress Relief forVitamin B6
  38. RENAL PROTECTIVE EFFECT AND CLINICAL ANALYSIS OF VITAMIN B 6 IN PATIENTS WITH SEPSIS.
    Wang Y; Lu WL; Feng WM; Xu W; Liu LH; He LM · Shock (Augusta, Ga.) · 2024
    Randomized trial128 participantsStress Relief forVitamin B6
  39. Superiority of magnesium and vitamin B6 over magnesium alone on severe stress in healthy adults with low magnesemia: A randomized, single-blind clinical trial.
    Pouteau E; Kabir-Ahmadi M; Noah L; Mazur A; Dye L; Hellhammer J; Pickering G; Dubray C · PloS one · 2019
    Randomized trial264 participantsStress Relief forVitamin B6
  40. Associations between dietary intake of B-vitamins and psychological disorders among Iranian women: a cross-sectional study.
    Mozaffari H; Darooghegi Mofrad M; Surkan PJ; Askari M; Azadbakht L · Public health nutrition · 2021
    Cross-sectional study447 participantsStress Relief forVitamin B6
  41. Effects of oral 5-hydroxy-tryptophan on energy intake and macronutrient selection in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients.
    Cangiano C; Laviano A; Del Ben M; Preziosa I; Angelico F; Cascino A; Rossi-Fanelli F · International journal of obesity and related metabolic disorders : journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity · 1998
    Randomized trial25 participantsWeight Loss for5-HTP
  42. Serotonergic drugs : effects on appetite expression and use for the treatment of obesity.
    Halford JC; Harrold JA; Boyland EJ; Lawton CL; Blundell JE · Drugs · 2007
    Narrative reviewWeight Loss for5-HTP
  43. Eating behavior and adherence to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects treated with 5-hydroxytryptophan.
    Cangiano C; Ceci F; Cascino A; Del Ben M; Laviano A; Muscaritoli M; Antonucci F; Rossi-Fanelli F · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 1992
    Randomized trial20 participantsWeight Loss for5-HTP