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True Calm

NOW

4.6
(4164 ratings)
GABA 200 mg
Niacin 45 mg
Glycine 200 mg
Taurine 200 mg
Valerian 25 mg
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Score 72.0

A comprehensive blend of amino acids, herbs, and B vitamins formulated to support general calm, mood, and sleep, though some key ingredient dosages are on the lower side.

Quantity: 90 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Veg Capsule(s) (90 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Mood Support
Stress Relief
Brain Health
Heart Health
Fitness

Score 72.0

A comprehensive blend of amino acids, herbs, and B vitamins formulated to support general calm, mood, and sleep, though some key ingredient dosages are on the lower side.

Analysis

The product leverages ingredients known for their calming effects on the nervous system. GABA is a primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, and its inclusion aims to reduce neural excitability. Glycine and Taurine also act as inhibitory neurotransmitters and play roles in brain function and stress response. Valerian root is a traditional herbal remedy for sleep and anxiety. The B vitamins (Niacinamide and B6) are crucial cofactors in neurotransmitter synthesis, while magnesium bisglycinate is a highly bioavailable form of magnesium known for its muscle relaxing and calming properties. While the blend is comprehensive, the dosages of Valerian (25mg) and Magnesium (6mg) are notably low compared to typical therapeutic dosages or the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for Magnesium, which might limit their individual efficacy despite the synergistic blend. The Niacinamide form avoids the 'niacin flush' but also means it doesn't provide the same cholesterol-lowering benefits as nicotinic acid.

Pros
  • Comprehensive formula targeting multiple aspects of mental well-being.
  • Includes bioavailable Magnesium Bisglycinate.
  • Niacinamide form avoids the uncomfortable 'niacin flush' experienced with other B3 forms.
  • High review count suggests general satisfaction and reported effectiveness among users.
Cons
  • Very low dosage of Valerian (25mg) for significant sedative or anxiolytic effects, typically found in much higher concentrations in targeted sleep aids.
  • Extremely low dosage of Magnesium (6mg), which is insufficient to meet daily requirements or provide strong calming benefits from magnesium alone.
  • The broad range of targeted goals might mean it offers less potent, targeted effects compared to single-ingredient or more focused high-dose supplements for specific issues.
Warnings
  • Individuals taking sedatives, tranquilizers, or other mood-altering medications should consult a healthcare professional before use due to potential additive effects with ingredients like GABA and Valerian.
  • Pregnant or nursing women should consult a physician before use to ensure safety for both mother and child.
  • Do not exceed the recommended dosage, as higher amounts could lead to unwanted side effects or interactions.
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$11.39($0.12 per serving)
Vitacost
$ 11.39
Daily Vita
$ 11.60
Pure Formulas
$ 11.89
iHerb
$ 12.24
Walmart
$ 13.58
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Effectiveness for goals

Dosage, timing & forms

Safety & interactions

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
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Categories

The product contains 45mg of Niacinamide, which is a good form for general B3 benefits without the common flushing reaction. This dose adequately supports nervous system function and energy metabolism as part of a blend.
The product provides 200mg of Glycine, which is a supportive dose for its roles as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, potentially aiding in relaxation and improving sleep quality within a complex formula.
Contains 200mg of Taurine, which is a reasonable dose for this beneficial amino acid within a multi-ingredient blend. Taurine supports nervous system function and has some cardiovascular benefits, contributing to the overall calming effect.

Goals

This product contains a synergistic combination of GABA, Valerian, Glycine, Inositol, Magnesium, and Niacin/B6, all known to contribute to stress reduction and nervous system balance. However, the relatively low doses of Valerian and Magnesium might limit its full impact on significant or acute stress.
Ingredients like GABA, Inositol, Glycine, Niacin, and B6 are vital for healthy neurotransmitter function, which is critical for mood regulation. The blend offers general support, but for stronger mood regulation, individual doses of certain components might be considered low.
Valerian, GABA, Glycine, and Magnesium are commonly utilized for their potential to improve sleep induction and overall sleep quality. While the combination is beneficial, the low Valerian and Magnesium dosages may only provide mild support for more pronounced sleep difficulties.
80 Value

Sleep Essentials

Swanson
4.5
(718 ratings)
This product delivers a multi-ingredient blend for relaxation and sleep, including improved doses of Valerian (100mg vs 25mg) and Magnesium (30mg vs 6mg) compared to True Calm, along with Melatonin and other calming herbs, offering a more effective solution at a significantly lower price.
85 Value

GABA 750 mg

NOW
4.6
(25858 ratings)
For users primarily seeking the effects of GABA for relaxation and stress relief, this option provides a much higher and more potent dose of GABA (750mg vs 200mg) at a lower price per serving, representing superior value for this key calming ingredient.
78 Value

B 50 Complex

Thompson
4.7
(2864 ratings)
While True Calm includes some B vitamins, this B-complex offers a much more comprehensive and higher-dosed spectrum of B vitamins, including Niacin (50mg vs 45mg) and Vitamin B6 (50mg vs 8mg), at a lower price per serving, providing better value for overall nervous system and metabolic support.
90 Performance

Theanine Serene With Relora

Source Naturals
4.6
(32 ratings)
This premium blend offers significantly higher doses of key calming compounds like GABA (500mg), Taurine (450mg), and Magnesium (300mg), and uniquely incorporates L-Theanine and Relora, providing a more profound and comprehensive effect on stress and relaxation.
92 Performance

StressMaster

Advanced Nutrition by Zahler
4.3
(153 ratings)
Featuring a robust combination of adaptogens like Rhodiola and potent calming herbs such as Valerian (450mg), Hops, Passionflower, alongside L-Theanine and GABA, this product is designed for comprehensive and strong stress and mood support, surpassing True Calm's efficacy for intense needs.
88 Performance

Sleep

NOW
4.3
(4327 ratings)
This alternative significantly enhances the sleep support aspect with a much higher dose of Valerian (600mg vs 25mg) and a potent combination with GABA, Hops, and Passionflower, providing a more effective and targeted solution specifically for sleep and night-time calm.
85 Budget

Valerian Root 475 mg

Swanson
4.7
(1761 ratings)
This alternative offers a significantly higher dose of Valerian (475mg per capsule, compared to 25mg in True Calm) at a dramatically lower price per serving, making it an excellent and highly cost-effective choice for targeted sleep and stress relief.
80 Budget

GABA 500 mg

NOW
4.6
(43627 ratings)
Providing 500mg of GABA and a small amount of B6, this product offers more than double the GABA content of True Calm for a lower price per serving, making it a more potent and economical option for direct GABA-mediated relaxation.
75 Budget

Relax & Sleep

Mason Natural
4.4
(3270 ratings)
This blend provides a mix of traditional calming herbs including Valerian and other sedative botanicals at a much lower price per serving than True Calm, offering a good general approach to relaxation and sleep for a lower investment.
80 Value

Sleep Essentials

Swanson
4.5
(718 ratings)
This product delivers a multi-ingredient blend for relaxation and sleep, including improved doses of Valerian (100mg vs 25mg) and Magnesium (30mg vs 6mg) compared to True Calm, along with Melatonin and other calming herbs, offering a more effective solution at a significantly lower price.
85 Value

GABA 750 mg

NOW
4.6
(25858 ratings)
For users primarily seeking the effects of GABA for relaxation and stress relief, this option provides a much higher and more potent dose of GABA (750mg vs 200mg) at a lower price per serving, representing superior value for this key calming ingredient.
78 Value

B 50 Complex

Thompson
4.7
(2864 ratings)
While True Calm includes some B vitamins, this B-complex offers a much more comprehensive and higher-dosed spectrum of B vitamins, including Niacin (50mg vs 45mg) and Vitamin B6 (50mg vs 8mg), at a lower price per serving, providing better value for overall nervous system and metabolic support.
90 Performance

Theanine Serene With Relora

Source Naturals
4.6
(32 ratings)
This premium blend offers significantly higher doses of key calming compounds like GABA (500mg), Taurine (450mg), and Magnesium (300mg), and uniquely incorporates L-Theanine and Relora, providing a more profound and comprehensive effect on stress and relaxation.
92 Performance

StressMaster

Advanced Nutrition by Zahler
4.3
(153 ratings)
Featuring a robust combination of adaptogens like Rhodiola and potent calming herbs such as Valerian (450mg), Hops, Passionflower, alongside L-Theanine and GABA, this product is designed for comprehensive and strong stress and mood support, surpassing True Calm's efficacy for intense needs.
88 Performance

Sleep

NOW
4.3
(4327 ratings)
This alternative significantly enhances the sleep support aspect with a much higher dose of Valerian (600mg vs 25mg) and a potent combination with GABA, Hops, and Passionflower, providing a more effective and targeted solution specifically for sleep and night-time calm.
Report alternatives