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5-HTP 100 mg

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(13332 ratings)
5-HTP 100 mg
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Score85
A standard amount in a vegetable capsule makes this a practical, focused 5-HTP choice. Missing standardization and interaction guidance are the main weaknesses.
How scoring works
Quantity:180 Veggie Cap(s) • (180 servings)
Goals:
Stress Relief
Mood Support
Sleep Support
Weight Loss

Score 85

A standard amount in a vegetable capsule makes this a practical, focused 5-HTP choice. Missing standardization and interaction guidance are the main weaknesses.
How scoring works
$22.99($0.12 per serving)
Vitacost
$ 25.29
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$ 22.99
Amazon
$ 22.99
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Analysis

The 100 mg amount provides a conventional full serving without pushing into a high-strength range. Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract is identified, and the vegetable capsule suits users who avoid gelatin.

5-HTP may help support mood, stress response, or sleep through serotonin production. Weight-management relevance is less direct, and the single ingredient does not cover circadian timing, relaxation, or metabolic pathways.

The supplied data do not state an extract standardization percentage or a serotonin-medication warning. Those gaps limit transparency, although the straightforward serving and generous capsule count make ongoing use practical.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking a standard 5-HTP serving
  • Vegetarian users who prefer a simple capsule
Best for
  • Routine single-ingredient dosing
  • A long-supply basic formula

Pros

  • Provides 100 mg per capsule
  • Uses a vegetable capsule
  • Identifies Griffonia seed extract

Cons

  • No extract standardization percentage
  • No complementary goal-support ingredients
  • Weight-management fit is limited

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 alertness-dependent tasks until individual response is clear.

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

96 Highest impact

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

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Goals

Stress Relief
Impact
High effect
B Goal FitA Strength of SupportC- CoverageA Formula Quality

5-HTP supports serotonin production and may help mood, sleep, and perceived stress in some users. The 100 mg amount is clearly stated and uses a standard vegetable capsule.

The formula targets one neurotransmitter pathway rather than cortisol regulation or broader nervous-system resilience. Combining 5-HTP with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, triptans, or other serotonin-raising medicines can cause dangerous serotonin excess.

Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 18 studies
Mood Support
Impact
High 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 is mixed, so the product should not be treated as a substitute for evaluated mental-health care.

The named Griffonia source and simple delivery make the dose easy to understand. Combining 5-HTP with serotonergic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or other serotonin-raising products may increase serotonin-syndrome risk.

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
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 Vegetarian
Report overview
B- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityB- Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyA+ Value

The 100 mg serving matches the standard target and comes in a vegetable capsule. Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract is clearly named, but extract standardization is not shown. Cost efficiency is excellent, though the supplied label data lacks a serotonin-medication warning.

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Sources

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

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  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. 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
  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. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  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