5-HTP 100 mg

5-HTP 100 mg

Protocol For Life Balance4.8 (110 ratings)
Format:Capsule Quantity: 90 Capsule(s) · 90 servings
Goals
$30.00 $0.33 per serving
iHerbLowest$30.00Vitacost$30.00Pure Formulas$30.00

About this product

The 100 mg 5-HTP amount is a common full-strength serving for people seeking mood, sleep, or stress support. Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract is identified, making the botanical origin clearer than products that list only the active.

Support for appetite or weight management is indirect and should not be treated as a substitute for diet and activity habits. The single ingredient also lacks complementary relaxation, circadian, or broader mood-support components.

No standardization percentage is supplied for the extract, so raw-material detail remains incomplete. The label information also lacks a specific serotonin-medication warning, an important omission for a direct serotonin precursor.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking a standard 5-HTP serving
  • People targeting mood, sleep, or stress support with one ingredient
Best for
  • Straightforward once-daily dosing
  • Named Griffonia seed sourcing

Pros

  • Supplies 100 mg of 5-HTP
  • Identifies Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract
  • Focused formula is easy to assess

Cons

  • Extract standardization is not disclosed
  • Weight-management relevance is indirect
  • No complementary sleep or stress 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 driving or other alertness-dependent tasks until its sedating effect is known.

Product analysis

79 out of 100
A clear 100 mg Griffonia-derived serving provides straightforward 5-HTP support. It remains a narrow formula with incomplete standardization and interaction labeling.

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

Nutrient quality88

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 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 satisfaction63

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 money77

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

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Format
Capsule
Container
90 Capsule(s)
Per serving
$0.33
Customer rating
4.8 · 110 ratings
Report analysis

Goals

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

5-HTP may contribute along a sleep-related precursor pathway, but a direct benefit for sleep timing or onset has not been established. It is the only active, so that narrow route defines the product's sleep focus.

The 100 mg serving is not the limiting part of its potential role, but amount alone does not establish a sleep benefit. The product contains no melatonin for a separate timing contribution.

How this product is rated for Sleep Support

Ingredient fit95

5-HTP is the sole sleep-related active, keeping the product focused on a precursor pathway.
Goal fit
One sleep-related ingredient is present, with no off-goal actives.
Dose adequacy
The 100 mg 5-HTP serving provides the full amount considered for its potential precursor role.

Pathways60

5-HTP fully covers the precursor route, while other sleep pathways are not represented.
Depth
The precursor route is the strongest and only substantial pathway.
Breadth
Meaningful coverage is limited to one of the three target routes.

Evidence58

5-HTP has a limited potential sleep role compared with melatonin's timing contribution.
Evidence strength
5-HTP's potential contribution is below melatonin's highest sleep role.
Studied preparation
The label identifies 5-HTP as the product's only active, without a special preparation distinction.

Formulation logic100

5-HTP can contribute without a partner, and no bedtime conflict is identified.
Partner coverage
No second ingredient is needed for 5-HTP's listed role.
Conflicts
No listed ingredient triggers a bedtime conflict.
Effective doses
The 100 mg serving provides the full amount considered for 5-HTP's potential role.
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 1 study
Stress Relief
Stress Relief
Impact
Moderate effect
A Ingredient FitD PathwaysC- EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic

Whether 5-HTP eases everyday stress is uncertain. Its possible benefits concern selected anxiety and stress situations, with a connection to mood-related processes. Those narrower uses don’t mean you can expect reliable relief from ordinary psychological stress.

How this product is rated for Stress Relief

Ingredient fit95

5-HTP has conditional anxiety and stress applicability; everyday relief is uncertain.
Goal fit
5-HTP has conditional anxiety and stress applicability; everyday relief is uncertain.
Dose adequacy
5-HTP 100 mg per serving; comparison amounts describe quantity, not a guarantee of stress relief.

Pathways46

The main connection is to mood-related processes, with a smaller sleep-related connection.
Depth
The main connection is to mood-related processes, with a smaller sleep-related connection.
Breadth
5-HTP provides a concentrated connection rather than broad benefits across different stress processes.

Evidence56

5-HTP has conditional anxiety and stress applicability; everyday relief is uncertain.
Evidence strength
5-HTP has conditional anxiety and stress applicability; everyday relief is uncertain.
Studied preparation
5-HTP is an identified ingredient rather than an unknown preparation; the limits on its practical benefit still apply.

Formulation logic100

The relevant ingredients have no missing required partner or identified ingredient conflict.
Partner coverage
The relevant ingredients do not require a missing partner for their described role.
Conflicts
No particular ingredient conflict is identified.
Effective doses
5-HTP 100 mg per serving; comparison amounts describe quantity, not a guarantee of stress relief.
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 18 studies
Mood Support
Mood Support
Impact
Highest effect
A Ingredient FitC- PathwaysA EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic
5-HTP · 100 mg

Your body uses 5-HTP to make serotonin, which is involved in mood. Whether taking 5-HTP improves everyday emotional well-being is unclear. Its role as a precursor doesn't by itself mean that adding more will improve how you feel.

How this product is rated for Mood Support

Ingredient fit95

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
5-HTP provides 100 mg per serving. This amount alone does not predict mood improvement.

Pathways59

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.

Evidence94

5-HTP is a serotonin precursor, but its everyday mood benefit remains unclear.
Evidence strength
5-HTP is a serotonin precursor, but its everyday mood benefit remains unclear.
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
Weight Loss
Weight Loss
Impact
Moderate effect
B- Ingredient FitF PathwaysC EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 5 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per servingScore
5-HTP (Griffonia simplicifolia Seed Extract)
 100 mg 80
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Vegan Dairy Free Vegetarian
Report overview
5-HTP (Griffonia simplicifolia Seed Extract) · 100 mg OverallScore80
B- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyC Value
5-HTP 100 mg names Griffonia simplicifolia, but does not state a standardization percentage. It provides 100 mg per serving, matching the supplied reference amount. A specific warning about SSRIs, antidepressants, or serotonin-modulating medicines is listed. The cost per 100 mg is moderate.
How this ingredient is rated

Active Ingredient Quality & Bioavailability70

It identifies Griffonia simplicifolia as the botanical source, but does not give a standardization percentage.
Botanical Source & Standardization
It names Griffonia simplicifolia as the botanical source, but no standardization percentage is given.

Dose, Safety & Label Transparency100

It provides the 100 mg reference amount per serving. A specific warning about SSRIs, antidepressants, or serotonin-modulating medicines is listed.
Dosage Potency & Range
It provides 100 mg per serving, matching the supplied reference amount.
Safety Warnings & Label Clarity
A specific warning about SSRIs, antidepressants, or serotonin-modulating medicines is listed.

Value60

The cost per 100 mg is moderate.
Price per 100mg 5-HTP
The cost per 100 mg is moderate.
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 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. 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