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Mood Support

NOW

4.5
(8436 ratings)
Valerian 50 mg
Vitamin B5 50 mg
GABA 250 mg
Theanine 50 mg
Taurine 125 mg
Vitamin B12 200 mcg
5-HTP 20 mg
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Score 78.0

NOW Mood Support is a comprehensive supplement designed to promote emotional balance and alleviate stress, combining a range of B vitamins with popular botanicals and amino acids known for their calming and mood-modulating properties. It aims to address interconnected aspects of mental well-being, from energy and cognitive function to sleep and stress.

Quantity: 90 Capsule(s)Servings size: 2 Veg Capsule(s) (45 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Stress Relief
Mood Support
Sleep Support
Skin Health
Energy

Score 78.0

NOW Mood Support is a comprehensive supplement designed to promote emotional balance and alleviate stress, combining a range of B vitamins with popular botanicals and amino acids known for their calming and mood-modulating properties. It aims to address interconnected aspects of mental well-being, from energy and cognitive function to sleep and stress.

Analysis

This product offers a broad spectrum of ingredients beneficial for mental well-being, including a comprehensive B-vitamin complex (B1, B3, B5, B6, B12, Folate), which are essential cofactors for neurotransmitter synthesis and energy metabolism. Key mood-supporting compounds like 5-HTP, St. John's Wort, GABA, and L-Theanine are included, along with adaptogenic herbs such as Valerian and Holy Basil, traditionally used for stress and anxiety. The inclusion of minerals like Zinc and Manganese further supports neurological function. However, some individual dosages, such as L-Theanine and 5-HTP, are on the lower side when compared to dosages often used in clinical studies for significant effects. The use of Cyanocobalamin for B12 and Magnesium Oxide for Magnesium, while common, are less bioavailable forms than their alternatives.

Pros
  • Comprehensive formulation targeting multiple aspects of mood and mental well-being.
  • Contains a blend of well-researched ingredients, including B vitamins, adaptogens, and amino acids.
  • Manufactured by NOW, a widely recognized and trusted brand in the supplement industry.
  • High review count indicates widespread consumer acceptance and general satisfaction.
Cons
  • Some dosages of active ingredients (e.g., 5-HTP, Valerian, L-Theanine) are relatively low, potentially limiting their full efficacy for some individuals.
  • Utilizes Cyanocobalamin, a synthetic form of Vitamin B12, which may not be as bioavailable or effective for everyone as Methylcobalamin.
  • The inclusion of Magnesium Oxide, a less absorbable form of Magnesium, may reduce its impact on stress and muscle relaxation.
  • Potential for significant drug interactions due to St. John's Wort.
Warnings
  • Contains St. John's Wort, which has known interactions with various medications, including antidepressants, oral contraceptives, and anticoagulants, potentially reducing their effectiveness or increasing side effects.
  • Individuals taking any prescription medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels, should consult a healthcare professional before using this product due to the presence of 5-HTP and St. John's Wort.
  • Pregnant or nursing individuals, or those with underlying medical conditions, should seek medical advice prior to supplementation.
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$12.40($0.27 per serving)
Walmart
$ 12.40
Amazon
$ 12.49
Vitacost
$ 13.59
Daily Vita
$ 13.90
Pure Formulas
$ 14.27
iHerb
$ 14.69
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Effectiveness for goals

Dosage, timing & forms

Safety & interactions

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Thiamine
2 mg
Niacin
25 mg
Vitamin B6
10 mg
Folate
667 mcg DFE
Vitamin B12
200 mcg
Pantothenic Acid
50 mg
Magnesium
50 mg
Zinc
5 mg
Manganese
2 mg
St. John's Wort extract
450 mg
Holy Basil extract
100 mg
Valerian
50 mg
5-HTP
20 mg
GABA
250 mg
Taurine
125 mg
L-Theanine
50 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Vegan Dairy Free Vegetarian
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Categories

With a total of 50mg, provided in both Vitamin B3 and Niacinamide forms, it offers adequate support for energy metabolism and nervous system health. Niacinamide is often preferred to avoid the 'niacin flush' associated with other forms.
The 10mg dosage of Pyridoxine Hydrochloride is well within effective ranges for supporting neurotransmitter synthesis and overall nervous system function. It plays a crucial role in mood regulation.
At 50mg, Pantothenic Acid is sufficiently dosed to support adrenal function and energy production, which are critical for stress response and overall vitality.

Goals

This is a core strength of the product, featuring ingredients such as St. John's Wort, 5-HTP, Holy Basil, GABA, and L-Theanine, all known for their roles in mood regulation. This combination aims to modulate neurotransmitters and reduce feelings of sadness or irritability.
The inclusion of adaptogens like Holy Basil and calming agents such as Valerian, GABA, and L-Theanine makes this product well-suited for stress reduction. These ingredients work synergistically to promote relaxation and mitigate the physiological effects of stress.
Key ingredients like B vitamins, Taurine, L-Theanine, and GABA contribute to neurotransmitter synthesis and overall brain function. These components work together to support cognitive processes and maintain neural health.
85 Value

B-50

NOW
4.7
(30076 ratings)
This product delivers a complete and potent B-vitamin complex, which is fundamental for energy production, brain health, and neurotransmitter function impacting mood, at a significantly lower cost per serving. While it lacks herbal components, it offers excellent foundational nutritional support for overall well-being and stress resilience.
87 Value

Super Stress B-Complex with Vitamin C

Swanson
4.7
(1820 ratings)
Providing a high-potency B-complex along with a substantial dose of Vitamin C, this alternative is highly effective for stress management and general health, both key aspects of mood support. It offers a comprehensive and foundational approach to combating stress-related fatigue and supporting overall well-being at a very affordable price per serving.
80 Value

L-Theanine 200 mg

California Gold Nutrition
4.7
(13349 ratings)
This alternative offers a double dose of L-Theanine (200mg vs 50mg in the original) at a favorable price per serving, providing enhanced relaxation and mental focus benefits. It's a great value for those prioritizing the calming and cognitive-enhancing effects of L-Theanine without needing the full spectrum of ingredients.
85 Performance

Theanine Serene With Relora

Source Naturals
4.6
(32 ratings)
This alternative offers higher dosages of key calming ingredients like L-Theanine (200mg vs 50mg) and GABA (500mg vs 250mg), combined with Relora and Holy Basil, for a more potent effect on stress relief and mood balance. Its focused, higher-dose blend is likely to provide more pronounced benefits for the primary goals.
88 Performance

Adrenal Optimizer

Jarrow Formulas
4.6
(2117 ratings)
Jarrow Formulas Adrenal Optimizer provides a robust blend of adaptogens such as Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, Eleuthero, and Holy Basil, which offer a more holistic and direct approach to supporting the body's stress response and balancing mood. This formulation focuses on the root cause of stress and fatigue, potentially leading to more sustained mood and energy improvements.
90 Performance

Calm Thoughts

Source Naturals
4.6
(1030 ratings)
This alternative presents a significantly more comprehensive and potent formula, combining many ingredients found in NOW Mood Support with additional beneficial compounds like Eleuthero, Ginkgo, and higher doses of GABA and L-Tyrosine. It offers a broader and more intensive approach to overall mental well-being, stress relief, and cognitive function.
70 Budget

St. John's Wort 375 mg

Swanson Premium Brand
4.7
(2868 ratings)
This alternative offers St. John's Wort, a primary mood-supporting ingredient in the original product, at a significantly lower cost per serving. It provides a targeted benefit for mood for those on a tighter budget, though without the comprehensive blend.
75 Budget

Sleep Essentials

Swanson
4.5
(718 ratings)
This product provides a blend of ingredients beneficial for sleep and relaxation, including Valerian, Hops, Chamomile, GABA, and Taurine, which overlap with several calming components in NOW Mood Support. It delivers comparable benefits for stress and sleep at a much lower cost per serving.
80 Budget

GABA 500 mg

NOW
4.6
(43750 ratings)
Offering a higher dose of GABA (500mg) than the original product's 250mg, this alternative directly targets stress relief and calm mood. It provides a more potent concentration of a key ingredient for a substantially lower price per serving, focusing on core anxiety support.
85 Value

B-50

NOW
4.7
(30076 ratings)
This product delivers a complete and potent B-vitamin complex, which is fundamental for energy production, brain health, and neurotransmitter function impacting mood, at a significantly lower cost per serving. While it lacks herbal components, it offers excellent foundational nutritional support for overall well-being and stress resilience.
87 Value

Super Stress B-Complex with Vitamin C

Swanson
4.7
(1820 ratings)
Providing a high-potency B-complex along with a substantial dose of Vitamin C, this alternative is highly effective for stress management and general health, both key aspects of mood support. It offers a comprehensive and foundational approach to combating stress-related fatigue and supporting overall well-being at a very affordable price per serving.
80 Value

L-Theanine 200 mg

California Gold Nutrition
4.7
(13349 ratings)
This alternative offers a double dose of L-Theanine (200mg vs 50mg in the original) at a favorable price per serving, providing enhanced relaxation and mental focus benefits. It's a great value for those prioritizing the calming and cognitive-enhancing effects of L-Theanine without needing the full spectrum of ingredients.
85 Performance

Theanine Serene With Relora

Source Naturals
4.6
(32 ratings)
This alternative offers higher dosages of key calming ingredients like L-Theanine (200mg vs 50mg) and GABA (500mg vs 250mg), combined with Relora and Holy Basil, for a more potent effect on stress relief and mood balance. Its focused, higher-dose blend is likely to provide more pronounced benefits for the primary goals.
88 Performance

Adrenal Optimizer

Jarrow Formulas
4.6
(2117 ratings)
Jarrow Formulas Adrenal Optimizer provides a robust blend of adaptogens such as Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, Eleuthero, and Holy Basil, which offer a more holistic and direct approach to supporting the body's stress response and balancing mood. This formulation focuses on the root cause of stress and fatigue, potentially leading to more sustained mood and energy improvements.
90 Performance

Calm Thoughts

Source Naturals
4.6
(1030 ratings)
This alternative presents a significantly more comprehensive and potent formula, combining many ingredients found in NOW Mood Support with additional beneficial compounds like Eleuthero, Ginkgo, and higher doses of GABA and L-Tyrosine. It offers a broader and more intensive approach to overall mental well-being, stress relief, and cognitive function.
Report alternatives