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

About this product

A standard 100 mg 5-HTP serving gives the formula a clear and focused role in serotonin-related mood and sleep support. The amount matches the practical middle ground represented in the supplied goal analyses without pushing into a high-strength serving.

The botanical source and active standardization are not provided, limiting assessment of ingredient quality. The capsule(s) format is convenient, but it does not add a disclosed release or absorption feature.

Vitamin B6 supports relevant metabolism, though it does not remove the narrow pathway coverage or interaction concerns of 5-HTP. Value is acceptable, though less competitive than simpler alternatives. It best fits adults seeking a straightforward middle-dose option for mood or sleep support.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking a standard 5-HTP amount
  • People focused on mood or sleep support
  • Users who prefer a simple capsule or tablet routine
Best for
  • Focused serotonin-pathway mood support
  • Indirect sleep support through serotonin and melatonin pathways
  • Stress accompanied by low mood or disrupted sleep

Pros

  • Clearly discloses 100 mg of 5-HTP
  • Capsule(s) format is easy to use
  • Includes a disclosed form and amount of vitamin B6
  • Focused formula is easy to assess

Cons

  • Does not identify the botanical source of 5-HTP
  • No 5-HTP standardization percentage is provided
  • No controlled-release or enteric delivery feature is disclosed

Warnings

  • Do not combine 5-HTP with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, tramadol, or other serotonin-raising medicines because serotonin toxicity can occur.
  • The 100 mg 5-HTP serving may cause nausea or digestive upset.
  • Avoid stacking it with other serotonin-focused supplements such as tryptophan or SAMe unless a qualified clinician has reviewed the combination.

Product analysis

73 out of 100
100 mg of 5-HTP provides standard serotonin-pathway support in a convenient format. Missing source and standardization details reduce transparency.

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

Nutrient quality83

Pyridoxal 5-phosphate is a useful B6 form, but the 5-HTP source is not identified. The 5-HTP amount matches a common standard serving, while missing extract standardization limits source-potency confidence.

Ingredient transparency77

Every listed active amount is disclosed, and no proprietary blend hides dosing. Complete directions, inactive ingredients, and some source or standardization details remain unavailable.

Customer satisfaction69

The aggregate rating is favorable, and the very large review count makes it stable. No detailed feedback is supplied, so repeated complaints and purpose fit cannot be judged.

Value for money58

A standard 5-HTP amount and active vitamin B6 provide useful formula quality. An unidentified botanical source and costly serving create weak value.

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

Vitamin B6 may help when a shortage contributes to depressed mood. That doesn't mean taking extra improves mood when you're already getting enough. The accompanying 5-HTP supplies a building block for serotonin, but a mechanism alone doesn't give a reliable expectation of better everyday emotional well-being or treatment for depression.

How this product is rated for Mood Support

Ingredient fit81

Vitamin B6 may help with depressed mood caused by a shortage; extra B6 has no clear mood benefit when levels are adequate.
Goal fit
5-HTP and Vitamin B6 provide the main connections to mood; other ingredients do not necessarily add emotional benefits.
Dose adequacy
5-HTP 100 mg and Vitamin B6 6.8 mg per label serving. These amounts do not imply daily intake or guarantee a mood benefit.

Pathways60

Vitamin B6 may help with depressed mood caused by a shortage; extra B6 has no clear mood benefit when levels are adequate.
Depth
Vitamin B6 may help with depressed mood caused by a shortage; extra B6 has no clear mood benefit when levels are adequate.
Breadth
5-HTP supplies a serotonin building block, but a general everyday mood benefit remains unclear.

Evidence96

5-HTP supplies a serotonin building block, but a general everyday mood benefit remains unclear.
Evidence strength
Vitamin B6 may help with depressed mood caused by a shortage; extra B6 has no clear mood benefit when levels are adequate.
Studied preparation
The declared preparations retain the ingredient-specific limits; their identities alone do not guarantee an individual mood response.

Formulation logic100

The relevant ingredients do not require an extra missing partner. No particular ingredient conflict is identified.
Partner coverage
No additional missing partner is required for the relevant ingredients’ individual roles.
Conflicts
No particular ingredient conflict is identified.
Effective doses
5-HTP 100 mg is declared per label serving; the amount comparison does not guarantee benefit.
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 9 studies
Vitamin B6 Supportive 19 studies
Sleep Support
Sleep Support
Impact
Moderate effect
B+ Ingredient FitC PathwaysC- EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic

5-HTP may relate to the serotonin–melatonin precursor pathway, but its sleep benefit is uncertain outside particular settings. Vitamin B6 accompanies it, though extra B6 is not established to improve sleep.

The 100 mg 5-HTP amount provides the product’s central sleep-related contribution. This narrow formula does not directly offer melatonin’s sleep-timing role or a separate relaxation ingredient.

How this product is rated for Sleep Support

Ingredient fit81

5-HTP and B6 are the only listed actives, giving this formula a narrow precursor-pathway angle.
Goal fit
The listed actives are 5-HTP and B6; neither provides a separate sleep-timing role.
Dose adequacy
Both ingredients have declared amounts; 5-HTP is the main possible sleep contributor, while B6’s sleep role is uncertain.

Pathways60

The formula’s strongest sleep-related route is precursor support, not direct timing or calming.
Depth
5-HTP and B6 relate to the precursor route, the formula’s strongest sleep-related pathway.
Breadth
The product focuses on the precursor route without separate timing or calming support.

Evidence58

5-HTP provides the clearest sleep-related link, though its potential is limited to particular circumstances.
Evidence strength
5-HTP provides the clearest sleep-related link, though its potential is limited to particular circumstances.
Studied preparation
The 5-HTP and B6 forms are identified, with no separate extract uncertainty.

Formulation logic100

The listed ingredients have possible roles without needing a sleep-specific partner; no combined effect is established.
Partner coverage
The listed ingredients can have possible roles without needing a sleep-specific partner.
Conflicts
No bedtime stimulant or activating combination is identified among the listed ingredients.
Effective doses
Both 5-HTP and B6 have declared amounts, though B6’s presence does not establish a sleep benefit.
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 1 study
Vitamin B6 Disputed 7 studies
Stress Relief
Stress Relief
Impact
Moderate effect
A Ingredient FitD PathwaysC- EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic
Vitamin B6 · 6.8 mg

5-HTP may help with anxiety in some circumstances, but how well that translates into everyday stress relief is uncertain. The connection includes particular anxiety and stress-related situations rather than a dependable calming effect for everyone. The selected serving provides 100 mg of 5-HTP; the presence of vitamin B6 doesn't by itself show that the combination will improve the benefit.

How this product is rated for Stress Relief

Ingredient fit95

5-HTP supplies 100 mg per selected serving, matching the 100 mg comparison anchor.
Goal fit
5-HTP provides the main connection to stress relief among the ingredients present.
Dose adequacy
5-HTP supplies 100 mg per selected serving, matching the 100 mg comparison anchor.

Pathways46

The relevant connection is mood-related neurotransmitter production, with a smaller sleep-related connection.
Depth
The relevant connection is mood-related neurotransmitter production, with a smaller sleep-related connection.
Breadth
The connection is concentrated in mood-related neurotransmitter production.

Evidence56

5-HTP may help with anxiety in particular circumstances; everyday applicability is uncertain.
Evidence strength
5-HTP may help with anxiety in particular circumstances; everyday applicability is uncertain.
Studied preparation
5-HTP is an identified ingredient preparation; its everyday stress benefit remains uncertain.

Formulation logic100

No particular ingredient conflict is identified. 5-HTP can have its described role without an additional partner ingredient.
Partner coverage
5-HTP does not require a missing partner ingredient for its described role.
Conflicts
No particular ingredient conflict is identified.
Effective doses
5-HTP supplies 100 mg per selected serving, matching the 100 mg comparison anchor.
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 18 studies
Vitamin B6 Supportive 10 studies
Weight Loss
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
5-Hydroxytryptophan states 100 mg per serving but doesn't identify Griffonia simplicifolia as the botanical source. It provides the supplied reference amount, with general safety warnings but no specific interaction warning recorded. The cost per declared amount is very high.
How this ingredient is rated

Active Ingredient Quality & Bioavailability40

It names 5-HTP but doesn't identify Griffonia simplicifolia as its botanical source.
Botanical Source & Standardization
The available information names 5-HTP but doesn't identify Griffonia simplicifolia as its source.

Dose, Safety & Label Transparency88

The stated amount matches the supplied reference, while only general safety warnings are recorded.
Dosage Potency & Range
Each serving provides 100 mg, matching the supplied collection reference.
Safety Warnings & Label Clarity
General safety warnings are recorded, but no warning about SSRIs or similar medicines.

Value0

The cost per declared amount is very high.
Price per 100mg 5-HTP
The cost per declared 100 mg is very high.
View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
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. 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
  2. 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
  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. Symptomatic treatment of interferon-α-induced depression in hepatitis C: a systematic review.
    Baraldi S; Hepgul N; Mondelli V; Pariante CM · Journal of clinical psychopharmacology · 2012
    Systematic review64 studies pooledMood 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. Serotonin precursors in the treatment of depression.
    van Praag HM · Advances in biochemical psychopharmacology · 1982
    Narrative reviewMood Support for5-HTP
  8. 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
  9. Measurement of 5-hydroxyindole compounds during L-5-HTP treatment in depressed patients.
    Takahashi S; Takahashi R; Masumura I; Miike A · Folia psychiatrica et neurologica japonica · 1977
    Single-arm trial14 participantsMood Support for5-HTP
  10. Effect of 5-Hydroxytryptophan on Fatigue in Quiescent Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
    Truyens M; Lobatón T; Ferrante M; Bossuyt P; Vermeire S; Pouillon L; Dewint P; Cremer A; Peeters H; Lambrecht G; Louis E; Rahier JF; Dewit O; Muls V; Holvoet T; Vandermeulen L; Peeters A; Gonzales GB; Bos S; Laukens D; De Vos M · Gastroenterology · 2022
    Randomized trial166 participantsMood Support for5-HTP
  11. High Dose Vitamin B6 Reduces Depression Symptoms.
    Field DT; Cracknell R; Biagi N · Depression and anxiety · 2026
    Randomized trial267 participantsMood Support forVitamin B6
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. 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