5-HTP Plus 200 mg
Dr. Emil Nutrition
5-HTP Plus 200 mg
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(95 ratings)
SAMe 20 mg
Score 55.0
This product is primarily a 5-HTP supplement with supporting Vitamin B6 for mood. While it includes SAMe and L-Tryptophan, their doses are largely ineffective for their purported benefits, particularly for joint and digestive health, making it a less comprehensive solution than implied by the ingredient list and goals.
Quantity: 60 Capsule(s)Servings size: 2 Capsule(s) (30 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Mood Support
Joint Health
Digestive Health
leaderboard Score 55.0
This product is primarily a 5-HTP supplement with supporting Vitamin B6 for mood. While it includes SAMe and L-Tryptophan, their doses are largely ineffective for their purported benefits, particularly for joint and digestive health, making it a less comprehensive solution than implied by the ingredient list and goals.
insights Analysis
The Dr. Emil Nutrition 5-HTP Plus 200 mg product is formulated as a multi-ingredient supplement primarily targeting mood support. Its key ingredient, 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) at 200mg, is a direct precursor to serotonin, making it a potentially effective dose for supporting mood and sleep. The inclusion of 10mg of Vitamin B6 is beneficial, as B6 is a critical cofactor required for the conversion of 5-HTP into serotonin in the brain, thus enhancing the efficacy of 5-HTP. However, the product also includes S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe) at a very low dose of 20mg and L-Tryptophan at 20mg. While SAMe is known for its roles in mood, joint health, and liver function, and L-Tryptophan is another precursor to serotonin, their respective dosages in this formulation are considerably below typical therapeutic levels. This dilution of active ingredients at low doses for secondary benefits leads to a less focused and potentially less effective product for goals beyond mood support from 5-HTP.
- Contains a clinically relevant dose of 5-HTP (200mg) for mood support.
- Includes Vitamin B6, an essential cofactor that enhances the conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin.
- Offers a convenient blend for individuals primarily looking for 5-HTP with some auxiliary ingredients.
- The SAMe content (20mg) is severely underdosed, rendering it ineffective for typical SAMe benefits such as joint health, liver support, or robust mood enhancement.
- The L-Tryptophan dose (20mg) is negligible and unlikely to provide significant independent benefits beyond the 5-HTP.
- The claims for "Joint Health" and "Digestive Health" are not adequately supported by the minimal SAMe concentration.
- Consult a healthcare professional before taking this product if you are currently on antidepressant medications (e.g., SSRIs, MAOIs) to avoid the risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Do not rely on this product for significant joint or digestive health benefits, as the SAMe dosage is far too low to be effective for these purposes.
- Pregnant or nursing individuals and those with liver conditions should exercise caution and consult a doctor before use.
$23.69($0.78 per serving)
 iHerb | $ 23.69 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Yes, SAMe can potentially interact with certain medications and other supplements. For instance, it may interact with antidepressants, increasing serotonin levels, or with blood-thinning medications. These interactions could alter its effectiveness or lead to adverse effects, so consulting a healthcare professional is advisable.
SAMe is a compound naturally found in the body and is a key player in several biochemical reactions. Supplementation is most commonly studied for its potential roles in supporting mood balance, joint comfort, and liver health. Its effectiveness stems from its involvement in methylation processes.
SAMe has been extensively researched for its potential effectiveness in supporting mood balance, joint comfort, and liver health. It is a compound naturally occurring in the body, and its supplemental form is used to address deficiencies or enhance metabolic pathways. Scientific interest also extends to its role in various neurological and detoxification processes.
Several studies suggest that SAMe may play a role in supporting a healthy mood and emotional well-being. It is believed to influence the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. While promising, individual responses can vary, and it should not replace prescribed treatments for mood disorders without professional guidance.
Research suggests that SAMe may play a role in supporting mood balance, particularly by influencing neurotransmitter synthesis. Several studies have explored its potential benefits in this area. Individual responses can vary.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
A common starting dosage for SAMe often ranges from 200-400 mg per day. It is generally recommended to begin with a lower dose and gradually increase it if needed. This approach helps the body adjust and assess individual tolerance.
Many SAMe supplements are enteric-coated to protect the compound from stomach acid degradation. This coating allows the SAMe to pass through the stomach intact and dissolve in the more alkaline environment of the small intestine. This helps ensure better absorption and stability of the ingredient.
Enteric coating is crucial for SAMe because it is sensitive to stomach acid. The coating prevents the SAMe from being degraded in the stomach, allowing it to pass into the small intestine intact. This ensures optimal absorption and bioavailability of the supplement.
SAMe is typically recommended to be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal or two hours after. This can help improve its absorption and effectiveness. However, some individuals may take it with a small amount of food to reduce potential stomach upset.
Typical starting dosages for SAMe often range from 200 mg to 400 mg per day. These amounts are sometimes gradually increased based on individual response. Consulting a healthcare provider for personalized guidance is often suggested.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
Yes, SAMe may interact with antidepressant medications, particularly SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants. This interaction could potentially increase serotonin levels, raising the risk of serotonin syndrome. It is important to discuss SAMe use with a healthcare provider if taking antidepressants.
Common side effects of SAMe may include nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, dizziness, and mild anxiety. These effects are usually mild and may subside with continued use or a lower dose.
Common side effects of SAMe can include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. Some individuals may also experience anxiety, restlessness, or insomnia. These effects are typically mild and often resolve with continued use or a dosage adjustment.
SAMe is contraindicated for individuals with bipolar disorder due to the risk of inducing mania. It should also be used with caution or avoided by those taking antidepressant medications, L-dopa, or blood thinners. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and children should generally avoid SAMe unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Individuals with bipolar disorder should use SAMe with extreme caution and under medical supervision. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with compromised immune systems, are also generally advised against using SAMe due to insufficient safety data. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended for these groups.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Total Carbohydrates | 1 Gram(s) |
Vitamin B6 | 10 mg |
5-Hydroxytryptophan | 200 mg |
L-Tryptophan | 20 mg |
SAMe | 20 mg |
Categories
SAMe 10.0
When evaluated as a SAMe product within the SAMe collection, this supplement falls significantly short. The 20mg of SAMe is an extremely low and ineffective dose compared to the 200mg or 400mg standard in dedicated SAMe supplements, making it a very poor choice for consumers specifically seeking SAMe's benefits.
Goals
Mood Support 80.0
The product contains 200mg of 5-HTP and 10mg of Vitamin B6, which is an effective combination for supporting serotonin synthesis and mood balance. While the 20mg of L-Tryptophan and SAMe are minimal, the core 5-HTP and B6 dosage is robust for this goal.
Joint Health 20.0
SAMe is recognized for its potential in joint health, but effective therapeutic doses typically range from 200-400mg per day. The mere 20mg included in this product is far too low to provide any significant benefit for joint support.
Digestive Health 15.0
While SAMe plays a role in liver health, which can be considered a facet of digestive wellness, the 20mg dose is entirely insufficient to confer any meaningful benefit. Furthermore, the product lacks other common ingredients associated with broader digestive health support like probiotics or enzymes.