5-HTP

5-HTP

Nature's Way4.5 (1,361 ratings)
Format:Tablet Quantity: 30 Tablet(s) · 15 servings
Goals
$10.99 $0.73 per serving
AmazonLowest$10.99Vitacost$11.49iHerb$11.49Vitacost$11.49

About this product

The serving supplies 100 mg of 5-HTP plus vitamin C and 8 mg of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is relevant to amino-acid metabolism, but the supplied data do not establish that these supporting nutrients improve the practical effect of the 5-HTP.

Mood, stress, and sleep are more direct fits than weight management, which depends on indirect appetite-related effects. The formula still lacks broader relaxation, circadian, or metabolic support.

The Griffonia description is less specific than a named seed extract and no standardization percentage is supplied. A two-tablet serving reduces convenience, and the provided label details do not include the key serotonin-medication warning.

Who is it for
  • People who want 5-HTP with added vitamin B6
  • Users targeting mood or sleep support
Best for
  • A combined vitamin-and-5-HTP tablet
  • Standard active exposure

Pros

  • Supplies 100 mg of 5-HTP
  • Includes vitamin B6 as a relevant cofactor
  • Adds vitamin C

Cons

  • Requires two tablets per serving
  • Griffonia source detail is limited
  • Supporting vitamins do not broaden goal coverage substantially

Warnings

  • Do not combine 5-HTP with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, triptans, or other serotonin-raising medicines without medical supervision.
  • 5-HTP may cause nausea, digestive discomfort, drowsiness, or vivid dreams.
  • Count the added vitamin B6 with intake from other supplements to avoid unnecessary accumulation.

Product analysis

68 out of 100
A standard 5-HTP amount comes with vitamins C and B6, but the additions provide limited practical differentiation. Serving efficiency and incomplete source and safety details lower its appeal.

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

Nutrient quality76

A Griffonia source is named only generally, without species, plant part, or active standardization. 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 transparency79

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 money45

Cost efficiency per equivalent active amount appears weak, with the standard dose shaping practical value. Vitamin B6 has a cofactor role, while vitamin C and the carbohydrate content add limited targeted value.

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Format
Tablet
Container
30 Tablet(s)
Per serving
$0.73
Customer rating
4.5 · 1,361 ratings
Report analysis

Goals

Mood Support
Mood Support
Impact
High effect
B- Ingredient FitC PathwaysA+ EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic
Vitamin B6 · 8 mg5-HTP · 100 mg

Vitamin B6 may help when low B6 levels are contributing to depressed mood or confusion. That conditional benefit doesn't mean extra B6 improves mood when you already get enough. The added 5-HTP is a serotonin precursor, but a routine improvement in emotional well-being from taking it remains unclear.

How this product is rated for Mood Support

Ingredient fit74

The ingredient choice relates to mood, although the practical benefit depends on the ingredient and preparation.
Goal fit
5-HTP is the main relevant ingredient here.
Dose adequacy
Vitamin B6 provides 8 mg per serving. This amount alone does not predict mood improvement.

Pathways60

The main connection involves chemical signals associated with mood; that role alone does not guarantee a mood improvement.
Depth
The main connection involves chemical signals associated with mood; that role alone does not guarantee a mood improvement.
Breadth
Connections with mood-related processes do not predict how much your emotional well-being will change.

Evidence96

The relevant vitamin benefit depends on low nutrient levels, rather than extra intake improving mood in people who already get enough.
Evidence strength
The relevant vitamin benefit depends on low nutrient levels, rather than extra intake improving mood in people who already get enough.
Studied preparation
Ingredient identity alone does not remove the limitations on who may benefit.

Formulation logic100

No particular ingredient conflict is identified. The combination itself does not show how much your mood will change.
Partner coverage
No additional partner is required by the ingredient relationships described here.
Conflicts
No particular conflict between the declared ingredients is identified.
Effective doses
The relevant amounts are declared, but they do not guarantee an individual mood benefit.
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 9 studies
Vitamin B6 Supportive 19 studies
Sleep Support
Sleep Support
Impact
Moderate effect
B- Ingredient FitC PathwaysC- EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic

5-HTP may offer a limited contribution to sleep onset through its precursor role, but that connection alone doesn't establish broader improvement in sleep. Vitamin B6 supports normal metabolism, yet adding it doesn't establish an extra sleep benefit.

The product's approach rests on a precursor pathway rather than melatonin's direct timing role or a distinct calming ingredient. Its contribution to a general adult sleep goal remains uncertain.

How this product is rated for Sleep Support

Ingredient fit74

5-HTP and B6 point to precursor metabolism, while vitamin C is present without a separate sleep-specific role.
Goal fit
5-HTP and B6 are the sleep-related actives, while vitamin C doesn't add a sleep-specific contribution.
Dose adequacy
Both 5-HTP and B6 have listed serving amounts, so their quantities are clear even though their sleep roles differ.

Pathways60

The product focuses on precursor metabolism, without a direct sleep-timing ingredient or separate calming active.
Depth
The strongest route is precursor-related, but that role alone doesn't establish direct sleep improvement.
Breadth
Only the precursor route is represented, with no separate timing or calming pathway.

Evidence58

5-HTP has a limited possible sleep role; B6's normal metabolic function doesn't establish that adding it improves sleep.
Evidence strength
5-HTP's general sleep contribution remains limited; B6's metabolic role doesn't establish an added benefit.
Studied preparation
5-HTP and pyridoxine are named ingredients, with no unidentified extract identity clouding their forms.

Formulation logic100

The two ingredients have separate precursor-related roles, without a special pairing needed to describe them.
Partner coverage
The possible roles of 5-HTP and B6 don't depend on a paired ingredient.
Conflicts
Nothing in the listed ingredients creates a specific conflict with sleep onset.
Effective doses
The two ingredients have stated amounts, but a known quantity doesn't prove a sleep benefit.
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 1 study
Vitamin B6 Disputed 7 studies
Stress Relief
Stress Relief
Impact
Moderate effect
A Ingredient FitD PathwaysC- EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic
Vitamin B6 · 8 mgVitamin C · 120 mg

Whether 5-HTP helps with everyday stress remains uncertain. It has possible benefits in selected anxiety and stress-related situations, but those don't reliably translate into feeling calmer in daily life. The vitamin B6 and vitamin C alongside it don't provide a clear additional benefit at the declared amounts, so they don't change that expectation.

How this product is rated for Stress Relief

Ingredient fit95

5-HTP supplies the main conditional connection to stress; B6 and vitamin C are present in smaller amounts than their comparison ranges.
Goal fit
5-HTP is the main ingredient relevant to selected anxiety and stress-related situations.
Dose adequacy
The serving supplies 100 mg 5-HTP, matching its upper comparison anchor; B6 is 8 mg and vitamin C is 120 mg.

Pathways46

The main relevant connection is to mood-related processes, with a smaller sleep-recovery connection.
Depth
Mood-related processes are the principal connection here.
Breadth
The connection is concentrated in mood-related processes rather than broad stress effects.

Evidence56

5-HTP has possible effects in selected situations, but everyday applicability remains uncertain.
Evidence strength
Selected anxiety-related effects don't reliably predict everyday stress relief.
Studied preparation
No special preparation distinction limits the declared 5-HTP here.

Formulation logic100

5-HTP needs no additional partner here, and no particular ingredient conflict is identified.
Partner coverage
5-HTP does not require an additional partner here.
Conflicts
No particular ingredient conflict is identified.
Effective doses
The 100 mg 5-HTP serving reaches its upper comparison anchor.
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 18 studies
Vitamin B6 Supportive 10 studies
Vitamin C Supportive 11 studies
Weight Loss
Weight Loss
Impact
Moderate effect
D+ Ingredient FitF PathwaysC EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 5 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per servingScore
Total Carbohydrates
1 NP
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
 120 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride)
 8 mg
5-HTP (Griffonia)
 100 mg 56
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Dairy Free Sugar Free Children 4+ Vegetarian
Report overview
5-HTP (Griffonia) · 100 mg OverallScore56
D- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyF Value
The label lists 100 mg of 5-HTP per serving but doesn't identify a Griffonia source. It includes a specific warning about SSRIs and other serotonin-modulating medicines, while the cost per 100 mg is high.
How this ingredient is rated

Active Ingredient Quality & Bioavailability40

It names 5-HTP but not Griffonia simplicifolia or a standardization percentage.
Botanical Source & Standardization
The available information names 5-HTP but gives no botanical source or standardization percentage.

Dose, Safety & Label Transparency100

The amount is stated clearly, and a specific medicine interaction warning is included.
Dosage Potency & Range
The label declares 100 mg of 5-HTP per serving.
Safety Warnings & Label Clarity
A warning about SSRIs, antidepressants, or other serotonin-modulating medicines is recorded.

Value0

The cost is high relative to the stated 5-HTP amount.
Price per 100mg 5-HTP
The cost per 100 mg of 5-HTP is high.
View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
85 Performance

5-HTP 100 mg

NOW
Clearer botanical sourcing makes this a stronger quality alternative. 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 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.
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. High Dose Vitamin B6 Reduces Depression Symptoms.
    Field DT; Cracknell R; Biagi N · Depression and anxiety · 2026
    Randomized trial267 participantsMood Support forVitamin B6
  15. Can Vitamin B6 Help to Prevent Postpartum Depression? A Randomized Controlled Trial.
    Khodadad M; Bahadoran P; Kheirabadi GR; Sabzghabaee AM · International journal of preventive medicine · 2022
    Randomized trial81 participantsMood Support Stress Relief forVitamin B6
  16. Associations of Dietary Intake of Vitamin B6 and Plasma Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate Level With Depression in US Adults: Findings From NHANES 2005-2010.
    Lu J; Mao H; Tan Y; Luo G · Brain and behavior · 2024
    Cross-sectional study24,683 participantsMood Support forVitamin B6
  17. Associations of dietary B vitamins intakes with depression in adults.
    Wu Y; Li S; Wang W; Zhang D · International journal for vitamin and nutrition research. Internationale Zeitschrift fur Vitamin- und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal international de vitaminologie et de nutrition · 2023
    Observational study17,732 participantsMood Support forVitamin B6
  18. Impact of vitamin B6 status on psychological distress in a longitudinal study of HIV-1 infection.
    Shor-Posner G; Feaster D; Blaney NT; Rocca H; Mantero-Atienza E; Szapocznik J; Eisdorfer C; Goodkin K; Baum MK · International journal of psychiatry in medicine · 1995
    Cohort study88 participantsMood Support forVitamin B6
  19. Efficacy of vitamins B1 and B6 as an adjunctive therapy to lithium in bipolar-I disorder: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial.
    Zandifar A; Mousavi S; Schmidt NB; Badrfam R; Seif E; Qorbani M; Mehrabani Natanzi M · Journal of affective disorders · 2023
    Randomized trial66 participantsSleep Support forVitamin B6
  20. Therapeutic effects of magnesium and vitamin B6 in alleviating the symptoms of restless legs syndrome: a randomized controlled clinical trial.
    Jadidi A; Rezaei Ashtiani A; Khanmohamadi Hezaveh A; Aghaepour SM · BMC complementary medicine and therapies · 2023
    Randomized trial75 participantsSleep Support forVitamin B6
  21. Effects of poly-gamma-glutamic acid and vitamin B6 supplements on sleep status: a randomized intervention study.
    García-García C; Baik I · Nutrition research and practice · 2022
    Randomized trial47 participantsSleep Support forVitamin B6
  22. Effects of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) and a B Complex Preparation on Dreaming and Sleep.
    Adventure-Heart DJ; Madden NA; Delfabbro P · Perceptual and motor skills · 2018
    Randomized trial100 participantsSleep Support forVitamin B6
  23. The effect of pyridoxine administration on melatonin secretion in normal men.
    Luboshitzky R; Ophir U; Nave R; Epstein R; Shen-Orr Z; Herer P · Neuro endocrinology letters · 2003
    Randomized trial12 participantsSleep Support forVitamin B6
  24. 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
  25. 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 forVitamin B6
  26. RENAL PROTECTIVE EFFECT AND CLINICAL ANALYSIS OF VITAMIN B 6 IN PATIENTS WITH SEPSIS.
    Wang Y; Lu WL; Feng WM; Xu W; Liu LH; He LM · Shock (Augusta, Ga.) · 2024
    Randomized trial128 participantsStress Relief forVitamin B6
  27. Superiority of magnesium and vitamin B6 over magnesium alone on severe stress in healthy adults with low magnesemia: A randomized, single-blind clinical trial.
    Pouteau E; Kabir-Ahmadi M; Noah L; Mazur A; Dye L; Hellhammer J; Pickering G; Dubray C · PloS one · 2019
    Randomized trial264 participantsStress Relief forVitamin B6
  28. Associations between dietary intake of B-vitamins and psychological disorders among Iranian women: a cross-sectional study.
    Mozaffari H; Darooghegi Mofrad M; Surkan PJ; Askari M; Azadbakht L · Public health nutrition · 2021
    Cross-sectional study447 participantsStress Relief forVitamin B6
  29. Vitamin C supplementation alleviates hypercortisolemia caused by chronic stress.
    Beglaryan N; Hakobyan G; Nazaretyan E · Stress and health : journal of the International Society for the Investigation of Stress · 2024
    Randomized trial69 participantsStress Relief forVitamin C
  30. Effect of Vitamin C on adrenal suppression by etomidate induction in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: A randomized controlled trial.
    Das D; Sen C; Goswami A · Annals of cardiac anaesthesia · 2017
    Randomized trial78 participantsStress Relief forVitamin C
  31. The impact of essential fatty acid, B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium and zinc supplementation on stress levels in women: a systematic review.
    McCabe D; Lisy K; Lockwood C; Colbeck M · JBI database of systematic reviews and implementation reports · 2018
    Systematic review14 studies pooledStress Relief forVitamin C
  32. Exercise-induced oxidative stress before and after vitamin C supplementation.
    Alessio HM; Goldfarb AH; Cao G · International journal of sport nutrition · 1997
    Clinical trialStress Relief forVitamin C
  33. Effects of Oral Vitamin C Supplementation on Anxiety in Students: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
    de Oliveira IJ; de Souza VV; Motta V; Da-Silva SL · Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS · 2015
    Randomized trial42 participantsStress Relief forVitamin C
  34. 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
  35. 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
  36. 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
  37. 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
  38. 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