5-HTP 100 mg

5-HTP 100 mg

Nature's Bounty4.5 (1,500 ratings)
Format:Capsule Quantity: 60 Capsule(s) · 60 servings
Goals
$13.97 $0.23 per serving
iHerbLowest$13.97Amazon$20.51

About this product

The capsule delivers 100 mg of 5-HTP from Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract. The serving is easy to understand and avoids a high-strength amount that could be harder for some users to tolerate.

Mood, stress, and sleep are reasonable target areas for this serotonin precursor, but weight-management effects are indirect. Calcium does not meaningfully broaden the formula for these goals based on the supplied information.

No extract standardization or specialized release feature is listed. Anyone considering it should screen medications carefully because combining serotonin-raising agents can create a serious excess-serotonin risk.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking standard-strength 5-HTP
  • People targeting mood, stress, or sleep support
Best for
  • Simple one-capsule use
  • Focused serotonin-pathway support

Pros

  • Provides 100 mg per serving
  • Names Griffonia seed extract
  • Straightforward capsule format

Cons

  • No extract standardization
  • Calcium does not broaden the main goal fit
  • No specialized release feature

Warnings

  • Do not combine 5-HTP with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, triptans, or other serotonin-raising medicines without medical supervision.
  • Possible effects include nausea, digestive discomfort, drowsiness, and vivid dreams.
  • Avoid driving or other alertness-dependent tasks until its sedating effect is known.

Product analysis

79 out of 100
A conventional 100 mg Griffonia-derived capsule offers focused 5-HTP support. It is practical but basic, with limited formulation breadth and source detail.

AI assessment of the formula, label and price. How scoring works

Nutrient quality83

The named Griffonia seed extract gives the active a clear botanical source, although no standardization percentage is supplied. The 100 mg 5-HTP serving is well aligned with common supplemental use, while the added nutrients provide mixed additional value.

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Ingredient transparency84

All supplied active ingredients have specific amounts, and no proprietary blend hides key doses. Serving count is available, but full intake directions, excipients, and a serotonin-medication warning are absent from the supplied label details.

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Customer satisfaction66

The supplied aggregate rating is favorable but not exceptional, and review volume determines how much confidence it deserves. No review text is provided to identify repeated complaints or firsthand experiences tied to the intended uses.

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Value for money81

Cost efficiency per equivalent active amount appears good, with the standard dose shaping practical value. The calcium addition contributes little to the core serotonin-precursor purpose.

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Format
Capsule
Container
60 Capsule(s)
Per serving
$0.23
Customer rating
4.5 · 1,500 ratings
Report analysis

Goals

Sleep Support
Sleep Support
Impact
Moderate effect
B+ Ingredient FitC PathwaysC- EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic

5-HTP may contribute through a precursor route related to sleep, but a 100 mg serving doesn't establish a general benefit for adults. The product has no separate ingredient aimed at sleep timing or winding down.

The saved sleep context for 5-HTP is limited, so its potential remains uncertain even at this amount. Calcium is also listed, but it doesn't add a clear sleep-related role here.

How this product is rated for Sleep Support

Ingredient fit81

5-HTP is the only sleep-related active; calcium is present but has no clear sleep role in the supplied facts.
Goal fit
5-HTP is the only active with a potential sleep role; calcium adds no separate sleep purpose.
Dose adequacy
The 100 mg 5-HTP amount is the level associated with its potential sleep contribution, but not a guarantee of benefit.

Pathways60

The formula centers on precursor activity, with no separate timing, calming, or stress-related ingredient.
Depth
The product offers a precursor-related route without sleep timing or direct calming support.
Breadth
This is a single-route formula, with no second distinct sleep process represented.

Evidence58

5-HTP has a limited and population-specific connection to sleep; the product doesn't establish broader benefit.
Evidence strength
5-HTP has a narrower sleep connection than melatonin and doesn't establish a general benefit for adults.
Studied preparation
5-HTP is named, but the product doesn't identify a preparation that would broaden its sleep role.

Formulation logic100

5-HTP supplies the product's potential on its own, and no conflicting ingredient is identified.
Partner coverage
No partner is required for 5-HTP's possible precursor role.
Conflicts
No ingredient combination is identified as conflicting with sleep.
Effective doses
The 100 mg amount gives 5-HTP its main potential contribution; calcium doesn't add sleep support.
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 1 study
Mood Support
Mood Support
Impact
Highest effect
B+ Ingredient FitC- PathwaysA EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic
5-HTP · 100 mg

5-HTP supplies a building block for serotonin, which is involved in mood. Whether taking it improves everyday emotional well-being is still unclear. The declared ingredient and amount don't resolve that uncertainty, and its biological role alone isn't a reason to expect a noticeable mood lift.

How this product is rated for Mood Support

Ingredient fit81

5-HTP is a serotonin precursor, but everyday mood improvement is uncertain.
Goal fit
5-HTP is present; their relevance depends on the specific mood-related role described.
Dose adequacy
5-HTP: 100 mg per serving. These are serving amounts, not assumed daily exposure.

Pathways59

The connection is concentrated in one type of mood-related activity, rather than several distinct benefits.
Depth
5-HTP is a serotonin precursor, but everyday mood improvement is uncertain.
Breadth
The connection is concentrated in one type of mood-related activity, rather than several distinct benefits.

Evidence94

The declared ingredients retain their specific applicability limits; preparation matching alone does not guarantee a mood benefit.
Evidence strength
5-HTP is a serotonin precursor, but everyday mood improvement is uncertain.
Studied preparation
The declared ingredients retain their specific applicability limits; preparation matching alone does not guarantee a mood benefit.

Formulation logic100

The ingredients do not require additional partners for their individual roles. No particular conflict is identified within the combination.
Partner coverage
No additional partner ingredient is required for the relevant ingredients to have their individual roles.
Conflicts
No particular ingredient conflict is identified in this combination.
Effective doses
The relevant ingredients have declared amounts within the comparison range; this does not guarantee an emotional benefit.
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 9 studies
Stress Relief
Stress Relief
Impact
Moderate effect
B+ Ingredient FitD PathwaysC- EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic

5-HTP has a possible connection to anxiety and stress, but whether it helps with ordinary everyday stress is unclear. Its relevance centers on mood-related chemical pathways, which by itself doesn't mean you'll feel calmer. The 100 mg serving matches the central comparison amount, but that match cannot resolve the uncertainty about a practical benefit.

How this product is rated for Stress Relief

Ingredient fit81

5-HTP provides the stress-related connection; calcium has no specific stress benefit identified here. The serving provides 100 mg 5-HTP, matching the central reference amount.
Goal fit
5-HTP provides the stress-related connection; calcium has no specific stress benefit identified here.
Dose adequacy
The serving provides 100 mg 5-HTP, matching the central reference amount.

Pathways46

The main connection concerns mood-related chemical pathways. The connections center on mood, with a smaller link to sleep recovery.
Depth
The main connection concerns mood-related chemical pathways.
Breadth
The connections center on mood, with a smaller link to sleep recovery.

Evidence56

Everyday stress relief from 5-HTP remains uncertain. 5-HTP is declared from Griffonia seed extract; a particular preferred form is not required.
Evidence strength
Everyday stress relief from 5-HTP remains uncertain.
Studied preparation
5-HTP is declared from Griffonia seed extract; a particular preferred form is not required.

Formulation logic100

The relevant ingredients can contribute individually without a missing required partner. No particular conflict is identified.
Partner coverage
The relevant ingredients do not require a missing companion ingredient for their individual roles.
Conflicts
No particular ingredient conflict is identified in this combination.
Effective doses
100 mg 5-HTP matches the comparison amount, without guaranteeing everyday stress relief.
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 18 studies
Weight Loss
Weight Loss
Impact
Moderate effect
C Ingredient FitF PathwaysC EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 5 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per servingScore
Calcium
58 mg
5-HTP (Griffonia simplicifolia Seed Extract)
 100 mg 85
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Dairy Free Sugar Free
Report overview
5-HTP (Griffonia simplicifolia Seed Extract) · 100 mg OverallScore85
B- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyA- Value
Each serving provides 100 mg of 5-HTP from Griffonia simplicifolia, but no standardization percentage is listed. It includes a specific warning about interactions with serotonin medicines. The cost per 100 mg is below the collection's typical price, so its listed amount is relatively economical.
How this ingredient is rated

Active Ingredient Quality & Bioavailability70

The botanical source is identified, but the extract's 5-HTP concentration remains unspecified.
Botanical Source & Standardization
Griffonia simplicifolia is identified, but the label doesn't give a 5-HTP standardization percentage.

Dose, Safety & Label Transparency100

It provides 100 mg per serving and carries a specific drug-interaction warning.
Dosage Potency & Range
The serving contains 100 mg of 5-HTP.
Safety Warnings & Label Clarity
The label specifically warns about use with SSRIs or other serotonin-modulating medicines.

Value85

The cost for a standard 100 mg amount is below the collection's typical price.
Price per 100mg 5-HTP
Its cost per 100 mg is below the collection's typical price.
View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
85 Performance

5-HTP 100 mg

NOW
A more focused formula and stronger disclosed ingredient profile make this a better quality choice. Its 100 mg 5-HTP serving matches the original amount while offering a different formula or package choice. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
83 Performance

5-HTP 100 mg Extra Strength

Swanson
A more focused formula and stronger disclosed ingredient profile make this a better quality choice. Its 100 mg 5-HTP serving matches the original amount while offering a different formula or package choice. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
83 Performance

5-HTP Enhanced with Vitamins B6 and C

Doctor's Best
A more focused formula and stronger disclosed ingredient profile make this a better quality choice. Its 100 mg 5-HTP serving matches the original amount while offering a different formula or package choice. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
84 Budget

5-HTP 50 mg

NOW
The lower recurring cost makes this a more economical eligible choice. Its 50 mg 5-HTP serving offers a more cautious starting option than the original’s 100 mg amount. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
85 Budget

5-HTP 100 mg

Doctor's Best
The lower recurring cost makes this a more economical eligible choice. Its 100 mg 5-HTP serving matches the original amount while offering a different formula or package choice. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
82 Budget

5-HTP 50 mg

Swanson Premium Brand
The lower recurring cost makes this a more economical eligible choice. Its 50 mg 5-HTP serving offers a more cautious starting option than the original’s 100 mg amount. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
83 Value

5-HTP 200mg

Best Naturals
Focused 5-HTP dosing and a lower recurring cost create a favorable quality-to-cost balance. A Griffonia source is identified, but active standardization remains incomplete. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
83 Value

5-HTP with Vitamin B6 & Vitamin C

Lake Avenue Nutrition
Focused 5-HTP dosing and a lower recurring cost create a favorable quality-to-cost balance. The active amount is disclosed, but botanical-source detail remains incomplete. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
82 Value

5-HTP 200 mg Maximum Strength

Swanson
Focused 5-HTP dosing and strong formula value make this a practical value alternative. A Griffonia source is identified, but active standardization remains incomplete. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
Report alternatives

Sources

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

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Early pharmacological interventions for universal prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
    Bertolini F; Robertson L; Bisson JI; Meader N; Churchill R; Ostuzzi G; Stein DJ; Williams T; Barbui C · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2022
    Systematic review2,023 participants13 studies pooledStress Relief for5-HTP
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. Effect of 5-Hydroxytryptophan on Fatigue in Quiescent Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
    Truyens M; Lobatón T; Ferrante M; Bossuyt P; Vermeire S; Pouillon L; Dewint P; Cremer A; Peeters H; Lambrecht G; Louis E; Rahier JF; Dewit O; Muls V; Holvoet T; Vandermeulen L; Peeters A; Gonzales GB; Bos S; Laukens D; De Vos M · Gastroenterology · 2022
    Randomized trial166 participantsMood Support for5-HTP
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. The Effects of 5-HTP on Body Composition: An 8-Week Preliminary RCT.
    Evans C; Mekhail V; Curtis J; Czartoryski P; Kaminski J; Ellerbroek A; Bustillo E; Jiannine L; Santana JC; Antonio J · Journal of dietary supplements · 2023
    Randomized trial48 participantsWeight Loss for5-HTP
  16. Effects of oral 5-hydroxy-tryptophan on energy intake and macronutrient selection in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients.
    Cangiano C; Laviano A; Del Ben M; Preziosa I; Angelico F; Cascino A; Rossi-Fanelli F · International journal of obesity and related metabolic disorders : journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity · 1998
    Randomized trial25 participantsWeight Loss for5-HTP
  17. The effects of oral 5-hydroxytryptophan administration on feeding behavior in obese adult female subjects.
    Ceci F; Cangiano C; Cairella M; Cascino A; Del Ben M; Muscaritoli M; Sibilia L; Rossi Fanelli F · Journal of neural transmission · 1989
    Clinical trial19 participantsWeight Loss for5-HTP
  18. Serotonergic drugs : effects on appetite expression and use for the treatment of obesity.
    Halford JC; Harrold JA; Boyland EJ; Lawton CL; Blundell JE · Drugs · 2007
    Narrative reviewWeight Loss for5-HTP
  19. Eating behavior and adherence to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects treated with 5-hydroxytryptophan.
    Cangiano C; Ceci F; Cascino A; Del Ben M; Laviano A; Muscaritoli M; Antonucci F; Rossi-Fanelli F · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 1992
    Randomized trial20 participantsWeight Loss for5-HTP