5-HTP 50 mg

5-HTP 50 mg

Source Naturals Serene Science4.5 (506 ratings)
Format:Capsule Quantity: 120 Capsule(s) · 60 servings
Goals
$16.09 $0.26 per serving
AmazonLowest$16.09iHerb$16.79Vitacost$16.79

About this product

The supplied ingredient panel lists 100 mg of 5-HTP, but the product name states a different amount, creating avoidable dosing uncertainty. The amount matches the practical middle ground represented in the supplied goal analyses without pushing into a high-strength serving.

Griffonia simplicifolia is identified as the source, although no active standardization percentage is supplied. The capsule(s) format is convenient, but it does not add a disclosed release or absorption feature.

The simple design makes the active easy to judge, although it covers only one main pathway. Value is reasonable for a focused 5-HTP serving. 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
  • Names Griffonia simplicifolia as the botanical source
  • Focused formula is easy to assess

Cons

  • No 5-HTP standardization percentage is provided
  • No controlled-release or enteric delivery feature is disclosed
  • Product name and ingredient panel disagree on the dose

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.
  • Verify the actual serving amount on the package because the supplied title and ingredient details conflict.

Product analysis

74 out of 100
A potentially useful 5-HTP formula is undermined by conflicting dose information. The label should be verified before use.

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

Nutrient quality81

The Griffonia source is identified, but the product name conflicts with the listed serving amount. The 5-HTP amount matches a common standard serving, while a conflict between the product name and listed amount undermines dose confidence.

Ingredient transparency72

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 satisfaction66

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

Value for money75

A standard listed amount and moderate serving economics provide some value. The product-name conflict sharply reduces confidence and competitiveness.

Format
Capsule
Container
120 Capsule(s)
Per serving
$0.26
Also available
5-HTP 100 mg5-HTP 100 mg • 120 Capsule(s) • 120 servings$19.53
Customer rating
4.5 · 506 ratings
Report analysis

Goals

Mood Support
Mood Support
Impact
Highest effect
A Ingredient FitC- PathwaysA EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic
5-HTP · 100 mg

5-HTP is used by the body to make serotonin, a chemical involved in mood. That role doesn't tell you whether taking it will improve everyday emotional well-being. Its benefit for mood in generally healthy adults remains unclear, and the declared amount alone can't resolve that uncertainty.

How this product is rated for Mood Support

Ingredient fit95

A role in serotonin production does not by itself predict better everyday mood.
Goal fit
5-HTP is the sole ingredient linked here to mood; its practical benefit keeps the limitations described above.
Dose adequacy
5-HTP 100 mg per serving. These amounts do not guarantee a mood benefit.

Pathways59

The ingredients relate to mood-associated chemical processes, but those roles alone do not predict emotional benefits.
Depth
The ingredients relate to mood-associated chemical processes, but those roles alone do not predict emotional benefits.
Breadth
The ingredients’ different chemical roles do not necessarily provide several distinct emotional benefits.

Evidence94

A role in serotonin production does not by itself predict better everyday mood.
Evidence strength
A role in serotonin production does not by itself predict better everyday mood.
Studied preparation
The declared ingredients retain their own limits; their identity alone does not guarantee a mood benefit.

Formulation logic100

The relevant ingredients do not require an additional partner, and no particular ingredient conflict is identified.
Partner coverage
No additional partner is required for the relevant ingredients to have their individual roles.
Conflicts
No particular ingredient conflict is identified for this combination.
Effective doses
The declared amounts allow ingredient-specific comparison, but do not establish how much mood improvement you will experience.
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 9 studies
Sleep Support
Sleep Support
Impact
Moderate effect
A Ingredient FitC PathwaysC- EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic

5-HTP may offer some sleep support for people already experiencing poor sleep, but its possible role is limited and doesn't generalize to everyone. It contributes through a precursor-related route rather than a sleep-timing signal.

The label clearly states 100 mg for one serving, but that doesn't establish how much benefit a person will get. With no second active ingredient, this product adds no separate calming or sleep-timing role.

How this product is rated for Sleep Support

Ingredient fit95

5-HTP is the only active ingredient here with a possible sleep-related contribution.
Goal fit
The product is centered on a single precursor ingredient that may relate to sleep.
Dose adequacy
The stated 5-HTP amount is clearly defined for one label serving.

Pathways60

5-HTP contributes through a precursor route and doesn't add a separate calming ingredient.
Depth
The precursor-related pathway is the product's only clear sleep-related route.
Breadth
No second route for timing or calming is present in the formula.

Evidence58

5-HTP has a limited possible role for people with poor sleep, with uncertainty beyond that context.
Evidence strength
5-HTP's potential contribution is narrower than a clear sleep-timing ingredient such as melatonin.
Studied preparation
The product labels active 5-HTP directly, so Griffonia seed or extract mass isn't being used as a substitute.

Formulation logic100

5-HTP stands alone and no sleep-onset conflict is listed.
Partner coverage
5-HTP has its own possible precursor-related role in the supplied context.
Conflicts
No bedtime activating ingredient is listed.
Effective doses
The 100 mg amount applies to one label serving; it doesn't establish a daily regimen or general sleep benefit.
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 1 study
Stress Relief
Stress Relief
Impact
Moderate effect
A Ingredient FitD PathwaysC- EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic

5-HTP may help with anxiety in particular circumstances, but how well that translates to everyday stress remains uncertain. Its connection here is mainly to mood and the production of nerve-signalling chemicals. The declared amount doesn't turn that conditional benefit into a reliable way to feel calmer day to day.

How this product is rated for Stress Relief

Ingredient fit95

5-HTP supplies 100 mg per serving, matching its middle comparison amount.
Goal fit
5-HTP mainly relates to mood and the production of nerve-signalling chemicals, with a smaller sleep-related connection.
Dose adequacy
5-HTP supplies 100 mg per serving, matching its middle comparison amount.

Pathways46

5-HTP mainly relates to mood and the production of nerve-signalling chemicals, with a smaller sleep-related connection.
Depth
5-HTP mainly relates to mood and the production of nerve-signalling chemicals, with a smaller sleep-related connection.
Breadth
The practical connection is concentrated in the main area described, rather than broad relief across stress-related effects.

Evidence56

5-HTP has a conditional connection to anxiety, with uncertain everyday stress benefits.
Evidence strength
5-HTP has a conditional connection to anxiety, with uncertain everyday stress benefits.
Studied preparation
The declared ingredient identities permit comparison with the applicable preparations; this does not guarantee the same benefit.

Formulation logic100

The relevant ingredients need no additional missing partner, and no particular ingredient conflict is identified.
Partner coverage
The relevant ingredients can contribute without an additional missing partner.
Conflicts
No particular ingredient conflict is identified.
Effective doses
5-HTP supplies 100 mg per serving, matching its middle comparison amount.
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 18 studies
Weight Loss
Weight Loss
Impact
Moderate effect
B- Ingredient FitF PathwaysC EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 5 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per servingScore
5-HTP (Griffonia simplicifolia)
 100 mg 85
Adults 18–50 Women
Report overview
5-HTP (Griffonia simplicifolia) · 100 mg OverallScore85
B- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyA- Value
5-HTP 50 mg identifies Griffonia simplicifolia as its botanical source and provides 100 mg per serving. A specific warning about SSRIs or other serotonin-modulating medicines is recorded. The serving amount is stated clearly, and its cost per 100 mg 5-HTP is moderate.
How this ingredient is rated

Active Ingredient Quality & Bioavailability70

The botanical source is named, though its standardization percentage isn't stated.
Botanical Source & Standardization
Griffonia simplicifolia is named, but no 5-HTP standardization percentage is given.

Dose, Safety & Label Transparency100

The 100 mg amount is explicit, and the saved facts record a specific medication warning.
Dosage Potency & Range
It provides 100 mg 5-HTP per serving.
Safety Warnings & Label Clarity
A specific warning about SSRIs, antidepressants, or serotonin-modulating medicines is recorded.

Value85

The cost per 100 mg 5-HTP is moderate.
Price per 100mg 5-HTP
The cost per 100 mg 5-HTP is moderate.
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 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 strong formula value make this a practical value alternative. 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. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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