Product Image

True Calm

NOW
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(4662 ratings)
Niacin 45 mg
GABA 200 mg
Glycine 200 mg
Valerian 25 mg
Taurine 200 mg
Product Image
Score77
An affordable, well-disclosed calming blend that works best for gentle relaxation, though most ingredients beyond GABA are present in modest amounts.
How scoring works
Quantity:90 Capsule(s) • (90 servings)
Goals:
Stress Relief
Sleep Support
Mood Support

Score 77

An affordable, well-disclosed calming blend that works best for gentle relaxation, though most ingredients beyond GABA are present in modest amounts.
How scoring works
$11.60($0.12 per serving)
Pure Formulas
$ 11.89
Vitacost
$ 13.23
iHerb
$ 12.24
Walmart
$ 14.29
Daily Vita
$ 11.60
Report prices

Analysis

GABA, glycine, and taurine provide a simple calming base, supported by inositol and a small amount of valerian. The combination is more useful than any single supporting ingredient at these amounts, and the label makes each dose easy to assess.

The blend fits evening relaxation and everyday stress support, but valerian is present at a very low amount and magnesium contributes little. Niacinamide avoids the flushing commonly associated with nicotinic acid, while vitamin B6 plays a supporting role.

A one-capsule serving and low cost make regular use convenient. Additive calming effects are the main trade-off, particularly when used with alcohol, sleep aids, or other sedating products.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking gentle evening relaxation
  • People wanting an inexpensive multi-ingredient calming formula
Best for
  • Stress support
  • Pre-sleep relaxation
  • Simple one-capsule use

Pros

  • Coherent mix of calming ingredients
  • All active amounts are disclosed
  • One capsule per serving
  • Low cost per serving

Cons

  • Valerian amount is very low
  • Glycine and taurine are modestly dosed
  • Magnesium contribution is minimal

Warnings

  • GABA, valerian, glycine, and taurine may cause additive drowsiness.
  • Avoid use before driving and use caution with alcohol, sleep medicines, or other sedatives.

Nutrient quality

71 High impact

The ingredients fit calming and stress support, with magnesium bisglycinate providing a favorable form. Low amounts of magnesium, glycine, taurine, and valerian keep the formula from delivering strong dose depth.

.

Ingredient transparency

78 High impact

Active amounts are broadly clear and no proprietary blend hides the listed doses. Missing inactive ingredients and incomplete usage or source details prevent full label transparency.

.

Customer satisfaction

70 High impact

The average rating is strong and backed by a very large review base. No specific experience details are supplied, so repetitive complaints and real-world calming effects remain uncertain.

.

Value for money

90 Highest impact

The serving cost is very low and the concise formula avoids unrelated extras. Dose depth is modest, but the accessible price still supports good practical value.

.
Report analysis

Goals

Stress Relief
Impact
High effect
B Goal FitB- Strength of SupportB- CoverageA- Formula Quality
Magnesium · 6.5 mgGlycine · 200 mgGABA · 200 mgVitamin B6 · 8 mg

GABA, glycine, taurine, and inositol form a direct calming neurotransmitter-focused blend. Valerian adds a small sedative-herb component.

Most amounts are modest, and the 6.5 mg magnesium contribution is too low to matter for stress support. The concise formula is coherent, though evidence for oral GABA and these exact low-dose combinations remains limited.

Study evidence
GABA Supportive 6 studies
Glycine Supportive 1 study
Magnesium Supportive 13 studies
Taurine Supportive 5 studies
Valerian Supportive 18 studies
Sleep Support
Impact
High effect
B Goal FitC- Strength of SupportC+ CoverageB- Formula Quality
Magnesium · 6.5 mgGlycine · 200 mg

A multi-ingredient calming blend has clear sleep relevance but relies on uneven dosing. GABA is supplied at a useful blend amount, while glycine, taurine, inositol, magnesium, and valerian add several relaxation mechanisms.

Glycine and valerian are far below typical sleep servings, and most sources lack purity or standardization details. Additive calming effects may cause drowsiness, so the formula should not be used before driving or combined casually with alcohol or sedative medicines.

Study evidence
GABA Supportive 4 studies
Glycine Supportive 3 studies
Magnesium Supportive 23 studies
Taurine Not classified

No linked studies yet.

Valerian Supportive 31 studies
Mood Support
Impact
Moderate effect
D+ Goal FitD+ Strength of SupportD+ CoverageB Formula Quality
Vitamin B6 · 8 mgMagnesium · 6.5 mg

GABA, glycine, taurine, and valerian create a coherent calming blend that may indirectly support mood through relaxation and sleep. The emphasis is on short-term calming rather than broader mood regulation.

Most active amounts are small, and oral GABA has uncertain access to the brain. Valerian and the other calming ingredients may add to drowsiness, so the formula is a poor fit before driving.

Study evidence
GABA Supportive 12 studies
Glycine Mixed 3 studies
Valerian Supportive 17 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Niacin (Niacinamide)
45 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride)
8 mg
Magnesium (Magnesium Bisglycinate)
6.5 mg
GABA
200 mg
Glycine
200 mg
Taurine
200 mg
Inositol
100 mg
Valerian
25 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Vegan Kosher Dairy Free Vegetarian
Report overview
Niacin (Niacinamide) · 45 mg OverallScore78
B Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA- Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyC Value

The calming blend includes clearly identified niacinamide at a practical supporting amount. A standard capsule provides no special release feature, but the form has low flush potential. The low serving cost is favorable, although niacin is a supporting ingredient rather than the main focus.

GABA · 200 mg OverallScore76
B- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityB+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB- Value

The 200 mg GABA dose is transparent and useful in a calming blend, although the ingredient is not a branded fermented form. A vegetable capsule offers conventional delivery, and the low serving cost supports good practical value. Valerian, glycine, taurine, and GABA may have additive calming effects, so the blend may cause drowsiness in sensitive users.

Glycine · 200 mg OverallScore69
B- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityC+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB- Value

Standard glycine in a vegetable capsule provides straightforward delivery but lacks a named purity standard. The 200 mg amount is low alone, while GABA, taurine, inositol, magnesium, and valerian create a broader calming formula. Valerian and the other calming ingredients may increase drowsiness, so the formula is poorly suited to use before driving.

Loading alternative details
Report alternatives

Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. Efficacy and tolerability of valerian extract LI 156 compared with oxazepam in the treatment of non-organic insomnia--a randomized, double-blind, comparative clinical study.
    Ziegler G; Ploch M; Miettinen-Baumann A; Collet W · European journal of medical research · 2003
    Randomized trial202 participantsSleep Support forValerian
  2. Complementary and alternative treatments for insomnia disorder: a systematic umbrella review.
    Ell J; Schmid SR; Benz F; Spille L · Journal of sleep research · 2024
    Systematic review15 studies pooledSleep Support forValerian
  3. Effectiveness and safety of oral sedation in adult patients undergoing dental procedures: a systematic review.
    Araújo JO; Bergamaschi CC; Lopes LC; Guimarães CC; de Andrade NK; Ramacciato JC; Motta RHL · BMJ open · 2021
    Systematic review327 participants12 studies pooledStress Relief Mood Support forValerian
  4. Medicinal herbs for the treatment of anxiety: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
    Zhang W; Yan Y; Wu Y; Yang H; Zhu P; Yan F; Zhao R; Tian P; Wang T; Fan Q; Su Z · Pharmacological research · 2022
    Meta-analysis29 participants29 studies pooledStress Relief forValerian
  5. GABA Supplementation, Increased Heart-Rate Variability, Emotional Response, Sleep Efficiency and Reduced Depression in Sedentary Overweight Women Undergoing Physical Exercise: Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial.
    Guimarães AP; Seidel H; Pires LVM; Trindade CO; Baleeiro RDS; Souza PM; Silva FGDE; Coelho DB; Becker LK; Oliveira EC · Journal of dietary supplements · 2024
    Randomized trial30 participantsStress Relief Sleep Support forGABA
  6. 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
  7. Protective and therapeutic effectiveness of taurine supplementation plus low calorie diet on metabolic parameters and endothelial markers in patients with diabetes mellitus: a randomized, clinical trial.
    Moludi J; Qaisar SA; Kadhim MM; Ahmadi Y; Davari M · Nutrition & metabolism · 2022
    Randomized trial120 participantsStress Relief forTaurine
  8. Profiling inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers following taurine supplementation: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of controlled trials.
    Faghfouri AH; Seyyed Shoura SM; Fathollahi P; Shadbad MA; Papi S; Ostadrahimi A; Faghfuri E · European journal of clinical nutrition · 2022
    Meta-analysisStress Relief forTaurine
  9. Oral intake of γ-aminobutyric acid affects mood and activities of central nervous system during stressed condition induced by mental tasks.
    Yoto A; Murao S; Motoki M; Yokoyama Y; Horie N; Takeshima K; Masuda K; Kim M; Yokogoshi H · Amino acids · 2012
    Randomized trial63 participantsMood Support Stress Relief forGABA
  10. Peripartum neuroactive steroid and γ-aminobutyric acid profiles in women at-risk for postpartum depression.
    Deligiannidis KM; Kroll-Desrosiers AR; Mo S; Nguyen HP; Svenson A; Jaitly N; Hall JE; Barton BA; Rothschild AJ; Shaffer SA · Psychoneuroendocrinology · 2017
    Cohort study56 participantsMood Support forGABA
  11. The role of neurotransmitters in mediating the relationship between brain alterations and depressive symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
    Wang J; Liu G; Xu K; Ai K; Huang W; Zhang J · Human brain mapping · 2023
    Case-control study69 participantsMood Support forGABA
  12. Occipital gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate-glutamine alterations in major depressive disorder: An mrs study and meta-analysis.
    Truong V; Cheng PZ; Lee HC; Lane TJ; Hsu TY; Duncan NW · Psychiatry research. Neuroimaging · 2021
    Observational studyMood Support forGABA
  13. Systematic review of gamma-aminobutyric-acid inhibitory deficits across the reproductive life cycle.
    Vigod SN; Strasburg K; Daskalakis ZJ; Blumberger DM · Archives of women's mental health · 2014
    Systematic review11 studies pooledMood Support forGABA
  14. [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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. Standardized Extract of Valeriana officinalis Improves Overall Sleep Quality in Human Subjects with Sleep Complaints: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Study.
    Chandra Shekhar H; Joshua L; Thomas JV · Advances in therapy · 2024
    Randomized trial80 participantsMood Support Sleep Support Stress Relief forValerian
  18. Chemotypic diversity and neuroactive potential of Valeriana jatamansi Jones: a systematic review on phytochemistry, pharmacology and standardisation challenges.
    Nisar S; Jan N; Hassan I; Andleeb L; Shabir PA · Natural product research · 2026
    Meta-analysis12 studies pooledMood Support forValerian
  19. Valerian Root in Treating Sleep Problems and Associated Disorders-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
    Shinjyo N; Waddell G; Green J · Journal of evidence-based integrative medicine · 2021
    Meta-analysis6,894 participants60 studies pooledMood Support forValerian
  20. Assessment of Valeriana officinalis l. (Valerian) for Conscious Sedation of Patients During the Extraction of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars: A Randomized, Split-Mouth, Double-Blind, Crossover Study.
    Farah GJ; Ferreira GZ; Danieletto-Zanna CF; Luppi CR; Jacomacci WP · Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery : official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons · 2020
    Randomized trial20 participantsMood Support forValerian
  21. Safety and Efficacy of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid from Fermented Rice Germ in Patients with Insomnia Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial.
    Byun JI; Shin YY; Chung SE; Shin WC · Journal of clinical neurology (Seoul, Korea) · 2020
    Randomized trial40 participantsSleep Support forGABA
  22. Analysis of the Effects of Known Sleep-Support Supplements in Relation to Life Habits, Sleep Conditions, and Sleep Problems.
    Imafuku F; Yamamoto K; Tanaka E; Aoki R; Nishino S · Nutrients · 2023
    Randomized trial160 participantsSleep Support forGABA
  23. Reduced γ-aminobutyric acid in occipital and anterior cingulate cortices in primary insomnia: a link to major depressive disorder?
    Plante DT; Jensen JE; Schoerning L; Winkelman JW · Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology · 2012
    Case-control study40 participantsSleep Support forGABA
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. Effects of magnesium and potassium supplementation on insomnia and sleep hormones in patients with diabetes mellitus.
    Khalid S; Bashir S; Mehboob R; Anwar T; Ali M; Hashim M; Waseem H; Basharat S · Frontiers in endocrinology · 2024
    Randomized trial320 participantsSleep Support forMagnesium
  28. Association of magnesium intake with sleep duration and sleep quality: findings from the CARDIA study.
    Zhang Y; Chen C; Lu L; Knutson KL; Carnethon MR; Fly AD; Luo J; Haas DM; Shikany JM; Kahe K · Sleep · 2022
    Cohort study3,964 participantsSleep Support forMagnesium
  29. Lidocaine vs. magnesium: effect on analgesia after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
    Saadawy IM; Kaki AM; Abd El Latif AA; Abd-Elmaksoud AM; Tolba OM · Acta anaesthesiologica Scandinavica · 2010
    Randomized trial120 participantsSleep Support forMagnesium
  30. The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.
    Abbasi B; Kimiagar M; Sadeghniiat K; Shirazi MM; Hedayati M; Rashidkhani B · Journal of research in medical sciences : the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences · 2013
    Randomized trial46 participantsSleep Support forMagnesium
  31. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study assessing the efficacy of magnesium oxide monohydrate in the treatment of nocturnal leg cramps.
    Barna O; Lohoida P; Holovchenko Y; Bazylevych A; Velychko V; Hovbakh I; Bula L; Shechter M · Nutrition journal · 2021
    Randomized trial175 participantsSleep Support forMagnesium
  32. Comparison the effect of valerian and gabapentin on RLS and sleep quality in hemodialysis patients: A randomized clinical trial.
    Hajizadeh I; Jamshidi M; Kazemi M; Kargar H; Sadeghi T · Therapeutic apheresis and dialysis : official peer-reviewed journal of the International Society for Apheresis, the Japanese Society for Apheresis, the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy · 2023
    Randomized trial40 participantsSleep Support forValerian
  33. Effects of a Valerian-Hops Extract Combination (Ze 91019) on Sleep Duration and Daytime Cognitive and Psychological Parameters in Occasional Insomnia: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial.
    Schicktanz N; Gerhards C; Schlitt T; Aerni A; Müggler E; de Quervain D; Papassotiropoulos A; Boonen G; Drewe J; Butterweck V · Brain and behavior · 2025
    Randomized trial40 participantsSleep Support forValerian
  34. Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Bent S; Padula A; Moore D; Patterson M; Mehling W · The American journal of medicine · 2006
    Meta-analysis1,093 participants16 studies pooledSleep Support forValerian
  35. Relieving occupational fatigue by consumption of a beverage containing γ-amino butyric acid.
    Kanehira T; Nakamura Y; Nakamura K; Horie K; Horie N; Furugori K; Sauchi Y; Yokogoshi H · Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology · 2011
    Clinical trial30 participantsStress Relief forGABA
  36. Cortical gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate in posttraumatic stress disorder and their relationships to self-reported sleep quality.
    Meyerhoff DJ; Mon A; Metzler T; Neylan TC · Sleep · 2014
    Case-control study45 participantsStress Relief forGABA
  37. Comparison of the effects of two amino acids, Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and L-theanine, on sedation, anxiety, and cognition in preoperative surgical patients - A randomized controlled study.
    Deshpande SS; Kurdi M; Baiju A; Athira AS; Sarasamma AG; Gangadharan AK · Journal of anaesthesiology, clinical pharmacology · 2025
    Randomized trial168 participantsStress Relief forGABA
  38. Role of magnesium supplementation in the treatment of depression: A randomized clinical trial.
    Tarleton EK; Littenberg B; MacLean CD; Kennedy AG; Daley C · PloS one · 2017
    Randomized trial126 participantsStress Relief forMagnesium
  39. Effects of Intravenous Esketamine or Magnesium Sulfate on Early Postoperative Negative Emotions and Pain in Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
    Wang L; Zhou J; Liu Q; Qian K; Wang L; Xie C · Therapeutics and clinical risk management · 2026
    Randomized trial137 participantsStress Relief forMagnesium
  40. Effect of short-term magnesium supplementation on anxiety, depression and sleep quality in patients after open-heart surgery.
    Saba S; Faizi F; Sepandi M; Nehrir B · Magnesium research · 2022
    Non-randomized trial60 participantsStress Relief forMagnesium
  41. Effects of dry needling compared to magnesium infiltration in trigger points for patients with myofascial pain syndrome: a randomized controlled study in Tunisia.
    Dhouibi J; Moncer R; Kalbousi N; Gaddour M; Laayouni S; Ouanes W; Kacem B; Jemni S · Korean journal of family medicine · 2026
    Randomized trial45 participantsStress Relief forMagnesium
  42. 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 forMagnesium
  43. Effects of taurine supplementation on VDT work induced visual stress.
    Zhang M; Bi LF; Ai YD; Yang LP; Wang HB; Liu ZY; Sekine M; Kagamimori S · Amino acids · 2005
    Randomized trial25 participantsStress Relief forTaurine
  44. Taurine supplementation attenuates delayed increase in exercise-induced arterial stiffness.
    Ra SG; Choi Y; Akazawa N; Ohmori H; Maeda S · Applied physiology, nutrition, and metabolism = Physiologie appliquee, nutrition et metabolisme · 2017
    Randomized trial29 participantsStress Relief forTaurine
  45. Correlations between dietary taurine intake and life stress in Korean college students.
    Sung MJ; Chang KJ · Advances in experimental medicine and biology · 2009
    Observational studyStress Relief forTaurine
  46. Effects of Passiflora incarnata and Valeriana officinalis in the control of anxiety due to tooth extraction: a randomized controlled clinical trial.
    Velasquez ACA; Tsuji M; Dos Santos Cordeiro L; Petinati MFP; Rebellato NLB; Sebastiani AM; da Costa DJ; Scariot R · Oral and maxillofacial surgery · 2024
    Randomized trial54 participantsStress Relief forValerian
  47. Effect of kava and valerian on human physiological and psychological responses to mental stress assessed under laboratory conditions.
    Cropley M; Cave Z; Ellis J; Middleton RW · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2002
    Non-randomized trial54 participantsStress Relief forValerian
  48. Stress-induced insomnia treated with kava and valerian: singly and in combination.
    Wheatley D · Human psychopharmacology · 2019
    Single-arm trial24 participantsStress Relief forValerian