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5-HTP 100 mg

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4.7
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(53050 ratings)
5-HTP 100 mg
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Score83
A standard one-capsule serving makes this a solid basic 5-HTP option. Its narrow formula and incomplete standardization and safety details prevent a higher placement.
How scoring works
Quantity:60 Capsule(s) • (60 servings)
Goals:
Mood Support
Sleep Support
Stress Relief
Weight Loss

Score 83

A standard one-capsule serving makes this a solid basic 5-HTP option. Its narrow formula and incomplete standardization and safety details prevent a higher placement.
How scoring works
$8.31($0.13 per serving)
Vitacost
$ 11.17
iHerb
$ 10.40
Daily Vita
$ 9.90
Amazon
$ 8.31
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Analysis

The 100 mg amount matches a common full serving and comes in a single capsule. Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract is named, so users can identify the botanical origin of the active.

Mood, stress, and sleep support are more plausible uses than weight management, which depends on indirect appetite effects. The single ingredient does not add circadian, relaxation, or metabolic support.

No standardization percentage is supplied for the extract. The label information also lacks a targeted serotonin-medication warning, an important limitation for a direct serotonin precursor.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking standard-strength 5-HTP
  • People who prefer one-capsule dosing
Best for
  • Straightforward 100 mg use
  • Mood, stress, or sleep support

Pros

  • Provides 100 mg per capsule
  • Names Griffonia seed extract
  • Simple formula is easy to evaluate

Cons

  • No extract standardization
  • Weight-management relevance is indirect
  • No complementary goal-support ingredients

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.
  • Avoid alertness-dependent tasks until its effects are known.

Nutrient quality

88 Highest impact

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 focused design avoids unrelated actives.

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Ingredient transparency

84 Highest impact

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 satisfaction

70 High impact

The supplied aggregate rating is strong, though its reliability depends heavily on the available review volume. No review text is provided to identify repeated complaints or firsthand experiences tied to the intended uses.

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Value for money

88 Highest impact

Cost efficiency per equivalent active amount appears good, with the standard dose shaping practical value. The single-active formula does not use decorative ingredients to justify its cost.

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Report analysis

Goals

Mood Support
Impact
Highest effect
B+ Goal FitA- Strength of SupportD+ CoverageA+ Formula Quality
5-HTP · 100 mg

5-HTP at 100 mg directly supplies a serotonin precursor and is clearly aligned with mood support. Human evidence suggests possible benefit for depressive symptoms, but the research base is smaller and less consistent than for established therapies.

The amount reaches a commonly used supplemental range. Combining 5-HTP with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, tramadol, or other serotonergic agents can raise the risk of serotonin toxicity.

Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 9 studies
Sleep Support
Impact
High effect
B- Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportC CoverageA Formula Quality

5-HTP may support melatonin production through serotonin, but its sleep evidence is less consistent than evidence for melatonin itself. The amount matches a commonly used 5-HTP serving without starting at the highest strength.

The vegetable capsule provides straightforward conventional delivery. Griffonia seed extract is named without a standardization level, and 5-HTP may dangerously add to the effects of SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, or other serotonin-raising medicines.

Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 1 study
Stress Relief
Impact
High effect
C+ Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportD+ CoverageA Formula Quality

A 100 mg 5-HTP capsule reaches a standard targeted amount for serotonin-related mood or sleep support. Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract is named, though the extract's active standardization is not provided.

The formula remains narrow and is not a complete stress-resilience strategy. Combining 5-HTP with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, or other serotonin-raising medicines can increase the risk of serotonin toxicity.

Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 18 studies
Weight Loss
Impact
High effect
C+ Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportC- CoverageA Formula Quality

5-HTP may help appetite and carbohydrate cravings when serotonin-related eating patterns are a meaningful barrier. The amount matches common supplemental use.

The benefit is situational and does not directly increase fat loss or energy expenditure. Combining 5-HTP with SSRIs, MAO inhibitors, or other serotonin-raising drugs can create dangerous excess serotonin.

Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 5 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
5-HTP (Griffonia simplicifolia Seed Extract)
100 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Vegan Kosher Dairy Free Vegetarian
Report overview
B- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityB- Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyA- Value

The 100 mg amount matches the collection target in one vegetable capsule. Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract is identified but not standardized on the supplied information. Value is favorable, though the label data does not include a warning about serotonin-modulating medicines.

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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