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5-HTP 50 mg

Metabolic Maintenance
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(46 ratings)
Glycine 220 mg
5-HTP 50 mg
Product Image
Score72
50 mg of 5-HTP provides useful 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
Sleep Support
Stress Relief

Score 72

50 mg of 5-HTP provides useful pathway depth, but source or release details and underdosed glycine limit the wider formula.
How scoring works
$25.00($0.41 per serving)
iHerb
$ 25.00
Pure Formulas
$ 26.50
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Analysis

50 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.

220 mg of glycine adds a compatible calming ingredient but remains far below a typical sleep-focused amount. Vitamin B6 provides a relevant serotonin-pathway cofactor.

Source standardization and a comfort-focused release feature are not disclosed. High cost relative to the active dose weakens value.

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

Pros

  • Clearly disclosed 50 mg 5-HTP
  • Vitamin B6 provides a relevant serotonin-pathway cofactor
  • Focused serotonin-related formula

Cons

  • 5-HTP source is not identified
  • Glycine is only 220 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

78 High impact

A simple serotonin-focused formula uses conservative amounts and avoids unnecessary actives. Sparse source detail and a modest glycine amount limit ingredient and dose quality.

Ingredient transparency

80 High 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

59 Moderate impact

Customer sentiment is favorable, and the small review volume limits confidence. No review excerpts are supplied, so repeated complaints and purpose fit cannot be verified.

Value for money

64 Moderate impact

A focused design avoids spending the formula on unrelated extras. Modest doses and premium serving economics weaken category value.

Report analysis

Goals

Mood Support
Mood Support
Impact
High effect
B- Goal FitC Strength of SupportC- CoverageA Formula Quality
Vitamin B6 · 3 mg5-HTP · 50 mg

5-HTP directly supports serotonin production, and vitamin B6 supplies a relevant cofactor. The amount suits cautious starting use, while glycine is too modest to add meaningful mood support.

Clear dosing makes the simple formula easy to assess, although the 5-HTP source and standardization are not stated. Do not combine 5-HTP with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, or other serotonergic medicines because excessive serotonin can cause a serious reaction.

Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 9 studies
Glycine Mixed 3 studies
Vitamin B6 Supportive 19 studies
Sleep Support
Sleep Support
Impact
Moderate effect
C+ Goal FitC- Strength of SupportD+ CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Glycine · 220 mg

5-HTP and glycine support serotonin-related signaling and calming, with vitamin B6 as a cofactor. The simple formula is clearly disclosed.

Both 5-HTP and glycine are below stronger sleep-focused amounts, leaving limited functional depth. People using serotonergic antidepressants or other serotonin-raising medicines should avoid 5-HTP unless medically supervised.

Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 1 study
Glycine Supportive 3 studies
Vitamin B6 Disputed 7 studies
Stress Relief
Stress Relief
Impact
Moderate effect
C- Goal FitC Strength of SupportD+ CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Glycine · 220 mgVitamin B6 · 3 mg

5-HTP may support emotional balance and sleep-related recovery through serotonin production, while vitamin B6 helps that pathway. The modest glycine amount is unlikely to add much calming depth.

The serving provides a cautious starting amount of 5-HTP with transparent dosing. Do not combine 5-HTP with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, or other serotonergic medicines because excessive serotonin can cause a serious reaction.

Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 18 studies
Glycine Supportive 1 study
Vitamin B6 Supportive 10 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin B6
3 mg
5-HTP
50 mg
Glycine
220 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Dairy Free
Report overview
Glycine · 220 mg OverallScore64
C Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityC+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB- Value

The glycine amount is clear, but no premium grade, branded source, or purity certification is provided. Its 220 mg contribution is modest alone but works as part of the 5-HTP sleep-support formula. Other well-chosen actives improve formula-level value despite weak glycine-only economics.

View ingredientView products
5-HTP · 50 mg OverallScore39
D Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityD Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyF Value

The label identifies 5-HTP but gives no botanical source or active standardization. A standard capsule offers convenient dosing but no comfort-focused release feature; the serving suits cautious starting use, although the supplied label data include no specific serotonin-medication warning. The normalized cost is poor for the disclosed active amount.

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 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. [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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. High Dose Vitamin B6 Reduces Depression Symptoms.
    Field DT; Cracknell R; Biagi N · Depression and anxiety · 2026
    Randomized trial267 participantsMood Support forVitamin B6
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. 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