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Serotonin Brain Food

NS Natural Stacks

4.7
(689 ratings)
Niacin 171 mg
Tryptophan 1250 mg
Zinc 20 mg
Rhodiola
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Score 85.0

A potent blend of L-Tryptophan, Rhodiola, Niacin, Zinc, and Magnesium designed to enhance mood, reduce stress, and improve sleep. It's a high-strength formula with bioavailable ingredients.

Quantity: 60 Capsule(s)Servings size: 2 Capsule(s) (30 servings)
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Heart Health
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Energy
Metabolism Boost
Mood Support

Score 85.0

A potent blend of L-Tryptophan, Rhodiola, Niacin, Zinc, and Magnesium designed to enhance mood, reduce stress, and improve sleep. It's a high-strength formula with bioavailable ingredients.

Analysis

NS Natural Stacks Serotonin Brain Food is a comprehensive dietary supplement designed to enhance mood, alleviate stress, and support cognitive function by targeting the body's serotonin pathways and stress response systems. It features a potent blend of L-Tryptophan, a direct serotonin precursor, and Rhodiola rosea, a well-regarded adaptogen, alongside essential cofactors like Niacin (Vitamin B3), Zinc, and Magnesium in highly bioavailable forms. This synergistic approach aims to provide a robust solution for individuals seeking holistic support for their mental and emotional well-being. The product's strength lies in its high-dosage strategy for key active ingredients, which can be highly effective for those who tolerate them well, though careful consideration of individual sensitivity to such concentrations is advisable.

Pros
  • Comprehensive Formulation: Combines multiple ingredients that synergistically support mood, stress, and sleep, offering a holistic approach.
  • High Potency of Key Ingredients: Features significant doses of L-Tryptophan (1250mg) and Rhodiola (likely 800mg total extract based on ingredient listing), which are associated with strong therapeutic effects.
  • Bioavailable Mineral Forms: Utilizes well-absorbed forms like Zinc Glycinate and Magnesium Glycinate, enhancing efficacy and reducing potential digestive discomfort.
  • Targeted Serotonin Support: L-Tryptophan directly supports serotonin synthesis, aligning perfectly with the product's name and primary goals.
Cons
  • Very High Dosage Concerns: The elevated amounts of L-Tryptophan and Rhodiola may be too strong for some users, potentially leading to side effects such as drowsiness, gastrointestinal upset, or overstimulation.
  • Relatively Low Magnesium Dose: At 50mg, the Magnesium dose is considerably lower than what is typically recommended for noticeable effects on sleep or stress relief.
  • Premium Price Point: At $1.33 per serving, this supplement is on the expensive side, which might make it less accessible for some consumers.
  • Ingredient Wording Ambiguity: The listing for Rhodiola extract is somewhat ambiguous regarding whether it refers to 800mg of total extract or 400mg standardized to each component within a single 400mg extract, though the former interpretation seems more likely given the phrasing.
Warnings
  • Individuals taking antidepressant medications (SSRIs, MAOIs) or other supplements affecting serotonin should consult a healthcare professional before use due to the high L-Tryptophan content and risk of serotonin syndrome.
  • The potent dose of Rhodiola may cause overstimulation or agitation in sensitive individuals; it is advisable to assess tolerance carefully.
  • Pregnant or nursing women, or those with underlying health conditions, should seek medical advice prior to incorporating this supplement into their routine.
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$35.95($1.19 per serving)
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Effectiveness for goals

Dosage, timing & forms

Safety & interactions

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Niacin (Niacinamide, L-Tryptophan) 171 mg
Magnesium (Magnesium Glycinate) 50 mg
Zinc (Zinc Glycinate) 20 mg
L-Tryptophan 1250 mg
Rhodiola rosea (root) extract (total Rosavins, Salidrosides) 400 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Dairy Free
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Categories

Providing 1250mg of L-Tryptophan, this supplement delivers a robust dose that is highly effective for supporting serotonin and melatonin synthesis. This makes it a powerful ingredient for enhancing mood, promoting relaxation, and aiding sleep.
The product contains a very high dose of Rhodiola, potentially up to 800mg of extract based on the ingredient listing, specified with both Rosavins and Salidrosides. This potent amount is well-suited for its adaptogenic effects, significantly supporting stress relief and mental performance.
Zinc 80.0
With 20mg of Zinc supplied as Zinc Glycinate, a highly bioavailable form, this product provides excellent support for immune function, enzyme activity, and general cellular health, making it a well-chosen and effective component of the blend.

Goals

This product excels in mood support due to its high dose of L-Tryptophan, a direct precursor to serotonin, and Rhodiola, an adaptogen known for improving mood and reducing mental fatigue. Niacin also contributes to neurotransmitter synthesis, collectively offering robust support.
Rhodiola is a cornerstone for stress relief, helping the body adapt to stressors and reduce stress-induced fatigue. L-Tryptophan promotes relaxation by supporting serotonin levels, and magnesium glycinate is included for its calming properties, all contributing to a comprehensive stress-reduction strategy.
L-Tryptophan is a key ingredient for sleep, as it is converted into melatonin, the body's primary sleep-regulating hormone. Magnesium glycinate further aids in relaxation and sleep quality, making this formula effective for those seeking sleep aid.
85 Value

Rhodiola 500 mg

NOW
4.6
(8066 ratings)
This product provides a high, standardized dose of Rhodiola (a key adaptogen in the original formula) at an excellent price point per serving. For users primarily seeking the stress-relief and adaptogenic benefits of Rhodiola, this offers superior value without paying for the entire complex blend.
80 Value

L-Tryptophan 1000 mg

AN Amazing Nutrition Amazing Formulas
4.5
(2545 ratings)
Delivering a substantial 1000mg dose of L-Tryptophan, one of the main active ingredients in the original product, this alternative comes at a significantly lower cost per milligram. This makes it a very cost-effective choice for those prioritizing L-Tryptophan's benefits for mood and sleep support.
82 Value

Adrenal Optimizer

Jarrow Formulas
4.6
(2117 ratings)
While it contains a lower dose of Rhodiola than the original, this product is a comprehensive adaptogenic blend featuring Ashwagandha, Schizandra, Eleuthero, and more, aimed at stress relief and adrenal support. It provides a broad spectrum of adaptogenic benefits at a much more favorable price per serving, offering great value for overall stress management.
95 Performance

Genius Joy

The Genius Brand
5.0
(1120 ratings)
This product is a highly comprehensive and advanced blend for mood, focus, and overall brain health. It includes Rhodiola and 5-HTP (a more direct serotonin precursor than L-Tryptophan) along with SAMe, L-Theanine, and B vitamins. Its multi-faceted approach offers potentially superior benefits for mental focus, mood support, and cognitive function without the very high L-Tryptophan dose that might cause drowsiness for some users of the original product.
90 Performance

New Mood

Onnit
4.2
(6533 ratings)
Onnit's New Mood offers a synergistic blend for mood and sleep support. It includes L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP, which provides a more direct pathway to serotonin synthesis, along with Magnesium and Niacin. The combination of both Tryptophan and 5-HTP can be more effective for some users seeking enhanced mood and relaxation compared to the original product's higher L-Tryptophan dose alone.
88 Performance

Optimized Tryptophan Plus

Life Extension
4.6
(1307 ratings)
This alternative focuses on optimizing L-Tryptophan's effects by including Niacin and L-Lysine. L-Lysine can help ensure that L-Tryptophan is primarily used for serotonin synthesis rather than other pathways. With a robust 1000mg L-Tryptophan dose, it offers a highly targeted and potentially more efficient approach to boosting serotonin compared to the original product's blend.
60 Budget

Niacin 250 mg

21st Century
4.6
(1563 ratings)
This product offers a significant dose of Niacin, a cofactor found in the original blend, at an exceptionally low cost per serving. While it only addresses one component of the original formula, it provides a very budget-friendly way to supplement Niacin without the complex blend.
65 Budget

Chelated Zinc 50 mg

21st Century
4.7
(23910 ratings)
As a standalone Zinc supplement, this product provides a high dose of a well-absorbed chelated form for a minimal cost per serving. It covers one of the essential mineral cofactors present in the original product, allowing for targeted and economical supplementation.
70 Budget

Calcium Magnesium Zinc + D3

21st Century
4.7
(97627 ratings)
This alternative offers both Zinc and Magnesium, two minerals also present in the original Serotonin Brain Food, at a much lower cost per serving. While the Magnesium form is Oxide (less bioavailable than Glycinate), it still provides these key cofactors in an economical combination.
85 Value

Rhodiola 500 mg

NOW
4.6
(8066 ratings)
This product provides a high, standardized dose of Rhodiola (a key adaptogen in the original formula) at an excellent price point per serving. For users primarily seeking the stress-relief and adaptogenic benefits of Rhodiola, this offers superior value without paying for the entire complex blend.
80 Value

L-Tryptophan 1000 mg

AN Amazing Nutrition Amazing Formulas
4.5
(2545 ratings)
Delivering a substantial 1000mg dose of L-Tryptophan, one of the main active ingredients in the original product, this alternative comes at a significantly lower cost per milligram. This makes it a very cost-effective choice for those prioritizing L-Tryptophan's benefits for mood and sleep support.
82 Value

Adrenal Optimizer

Jarrow Formulas
4.6
(2117 ratings)
While it contains a lower dose of Rhodiola than the original, this product is a comprehensive adaptogenic blend featuring Ashwagandha, Schizandra, Eleuthero, and more, aimed at stress relief and adrenal support. It provides a broad spectrum of adaptogenic benefits at a much more favorable price per serving, offering great value for overall stress management.
95 Performance

Genius Joy

The Genius Brand
5.0
(1120 ratings)
This product is a highly comprehensive and advanced blend for mood, focus, and overall brain health. It includes Rhodiola and 5-HTP (a more direct serotonin precursor than L-Tryptophan) along with SAMe, L-Theanine, and B vitamins. Its multi-faceted approach offers potentially superior benefits for mental focus, mood support, and cognitive function without the very high L-Tryptophan dose that might cause drowsiness for some users of the original product.
90 Performance

New Mood

Onnit
4.2
(6533 ratings)
Onnit's New Mood offers a synergistic blend for mood and sleep support. It includes L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP, which provides a more direct pathway to serotonin synthesis, along with Magnesium and Niacin. The combination of both Tryptophan and 5-HTP can be more effective for some users seeking enhanced mood and relaxation compared to the original product's higher L-Tryptophan dose alone.
88 Performance

Optimized Tryptophan Plus

Life Extension
4.6
(1307 ratings)
This alternative focuses on optimizing L-Tryptophan's effects by including Niacin and L-Lysine. L-Lysine can help ensure that L-Tryptophan is primarily used for serotonin synthesis rather than other pathways. With a robust 1000mg L-Tryptophan dose, it offers a highly targeted and potentially more efficient approach to boosting serotonin compared to the original product's blend.
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