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Ultra Strength Goodbye Stress

OLLY
4.3
(10726 ratings)
Ashwagandha 125 mg
GABA 100 mg
Theanine 100 mg
Product Image
Score 65.0

OLLY Ultra Strength Goodbye Stress is a popular multi-ingredient supplement for general stress and mood. It combines L-Theanine, GABA, Ashwagandha, and Lemon Balm for a synergistic effect. While convenient and widely reviewed, the dosages for Ashwagandha and GABA are relatively low compared to specialized alternatives, potentially limiting its 'ultra strength' claim and efficacy for more pronounced effects.

Quantity: 60 Softgel(s)Servings size: 2 Softgel(s) (30 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Stress Relief
Energy
Mood Support
Mental Focus
Sleep Support

Score 65.0

OLLY Ultra Strength Goodbye Stress is a popular multi-ingredient supplement for general stress and mood. It combines L-Theanine, GABA, Ashwagandha, and Lemon Balm for a synergistic effect. While convenient and widely reviewed, the dosages for Ashwagandha and GABA are relatively low compared to specialized alternatives, potentially limiting its 'ultra strength' claim and efficacy for more pronounced effects.

Analysis

OLLY Ultra Strength Goodbye Stress is formulated with a blend of well-regarded calming ingredients: Ashwagandha, L-Theanine, GABA, and Lemon Balm. This combination aims to provide comprehensive support for stress relief, mood, mental focus, and sleep. While L-Theanine is present at a reasonable dose (100mg), the Ashwagandha (125mg) and GABA (100mg) dosages are considerably lower than what is typically found in clinically effective standalone supplements or other 'ultra-strength' formulations. For instance, many Ashwagandha products offer 300-600mg of standardized extract (like KSM-66 or Sensoril), and GABA supplements often contain 500-750mg per serving. The efficacy of orally ingested GABA is also a subject of ongoing scientific discussion regarding its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Furthermore, the product claims to support goals such as 'Testosterone Support' and 'Metabolism Boost,' which are largely unsubstantiated by the included ingredients at these concentrations. The softgel form is convenient, and the high review count suggests general user satisfaction, likely due to subtle effects or the broad appeal of the OLLY brand for casual users rather than those seeking maximum potency.

Pros
  • Contains a synergistic blend of four popular calming ingredients: Ashwagandha, L-Theanine, GABA, and Lemon Balm, addressing multiple aspects of stress and mood.
  • L-Theanine is present at a common and generally effective dose to promote relaxation without drowsiness.
  • Convenient softgel form is easy to take, and the product is widely available and well-reviewed for user satisfaction.
  • The inclusion of Lemon Balm provides additional herbal support for calming and mild sleep aid.
Cons
  • The dosage of Ashwagandha (125mg) is significantly lower than clinically studied amounts (typically 300-600mg of standardized extract) for robust adaptogenic effects, despite the 'Ultra Strength' claim.
  • The 100mg dose of GABA is low, and the ingredient's oral bioavailability and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier are debated, potentially limiting its direct impact.
  • Claims for 'Testosterone Support' and 'Metabolism Boost' are not adequately supported by the ingredients in this formulation at the given dosages.
  • The 'Ultra Strength' designation might set unrealistic expectations given the relatively modest dosages of some key components compared to more potent alternatives.
Warnings
  • Individuals taking medications for anxiety, depression, or sleep should consult a healthcare professional before use, as ingredients like GABA and L-Theanine may interact with certain drugs.
  • While generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience mild digestive upset or drowsiness, especially when first starting the supplement.
  • Pregnant or nursing individuals, and those with pre-existing medical conditions, should avoid use without medical supervision.
  • The product is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for severe stress, anxiety, or mood disorders.
$18.58($0.61 per serving)
Vitacost
$ 18.99
Amazon
$ 18.58
Walmart
$ 18.99
iHerb
$ 19.99
Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Calories 5 Calorie(s)
Total Fat 0.5 Gram(s)
Ashwagandha extract 125 mg
GABA 100 mg
L-Theanine 100 mg
Lemon Balm extract 75 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50
Categories
Theanine 75.0
The 100mg dosage of L-Theanine is a standard and effective amount for promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and enhancing mental clarity without causing drowsiness. This dosage is consistent with effective levels found in many reputable L-Theanine supplements, making it a strong component of this formula.
Ashwagandha 45.0
While Ashwagandha is a valuable adaptogen for stress, the 125mg dose in this product is notably lower than the 300-600mg standardized extracts (like KSM-66 or Sensoril) found in many alternative supplements which provide more substantial benefits for stress reduction and cortisol management.
GABA 35.0
The 100mg dose of GABA is comparatively low, as many standalone GABA supplements offer doses of 500mg or 750mg. Furthermore, the effectiveness of orally ingested GABA crossing the blood-brain barrier is a topic of ongoing scientific debate, which casts some doubt on its direct efficacy in this form and dosage.
Goals
Stress Relief 75.0
The product includes a well-rounded blend of scientifically recognized calming agents such as Ashwagandha, L-Theanine, GABA, and Lemon Balm, which collectively contribute to reducing stress and promoting relaxation. While individual dosages for Ashwagandha and Lemon Balm are on the lower end compared to some specialized supplements, the synergistic effect of these ingredients provides decent support for general stress management.
Mood Support 70.0
The combination of L-Theanine, GABA, Lemon Balm, and Ashwagandha are all recognized for their anxiolytic and mood-stabilizing properties. This blend works synergistically to promote a sense of calm and well-being, which can positively influence overall mood by reducing anxiety and fostering relaxation.
Sleep Support 70.0
Lemon Balm, GABA, and L-Theanine are commonly utilized for their ability to promote relaxation and facilitate sleep onset by calming the nervous system. Ashwagandha also contributes by helping to normalize the body's stress response, which can often interfere with sleep quality and duration.
80 Value

Standardized Extract Ashwagandha 450 mg

NOW
4.7
(48756 ratings)
This NOW product delivers 450mg of standardized Ashwagandha extract per serving for just $0.10, offering significantly more Ashwagandha potency than OLLY's product at a much lower cost. It's an excellent value for concentrated adaptogenic support.
75 Value

GABA 500 mg

NOW
4.6
(43748 ratings)
For $0.07 per serving, this offers 500mg of GABA, a substantially higher dose than OLLY's 100mg, at a significantly reduced price. This provides exceptional value for targeted GABA supplementation if primary calming effects are desired.
80 Value

Double Strength L-Theanine 200 mg

NOW
4.7
(20326 ratings)
This NOW L-Theanine offers 200mg per serving (double the OLLY product's dose) for just $0.18 per serving. This represents a better value for L-Theanine's calming and focus benefits, delivering more active ingredient for less relative cost.
90 Performance

Stress Remedy

Pure Synergy
4.6
(323 ratings)
This product is a superior choice with a comprehensive blend of potent, high-quality adaptogens, including 600mg of SuperPure Ashwagandha extract, alongside Rhodiola, Holy Basil, and Lemon Balm. It offers a more robust and multi-faceted approach to stress management for those seeking maximum efficacy.
88 Performance

Calm Thoughts

Source Naturals
4.6
(1030 ratings)
Offering a much broader spectrum of stress-relieving ingredients, including higher doses of GABA (600mg) and L-Theanine (100mg), along with various other calming herbs and adaptogens like Relora, this product provides a more powerful and diverse mechanism for stress and mood support.
80 Performance

Anxiety & Stress Relief

Nature's Bounty
4.4
(9054 ratings)
This alternative provides a higher dose of Ashwagandha (600mg) along with 200mg of L-Theanine, making it a more potent option for directly addressing anxiety and stress compared to the OLLY product's lower dosages of key active ingredients.
70 Budget

Ashwagandha Extract 450 mg

Swanson
4.7
(3017 ratings)
At $0.08 per serving for 450mg of Ashwagandha, this offers a significantly higher dose of the key adaptogen at a much lower price point, providing excellent value if Ashwagandha is the primary desired ingredient for stress relief.
65 Budget

GABA 500 mg

Swanson
4.6
(1623 ratings)
Providing 500mg of GABA for only $0.08 per serving, this is a highly cost-effective option for direct GABA supplementation. It offers a much higher dose than the original product for a fraction of the cost, making it ideal if GABA is the main focus.
75 Budget

L-Theanine 200 mg

California Gold Nutrition
4.7
(13349 ratings)
This alternative offers 200mg of L-Theanine per serving, double the amount found in OLLY, for a very budget-friendly price of $0.16 per serving. It's a superior value for those prioritizing the calm and focus benefits of L-Theanine.
80 Value

Standardized Extract Ashwagandha 450 mg

NOW
4.7
(48756 ratings)
This NOW product delivers 450mg of standardized Ashwagandha extract per serving for just $0.10, offering significantly more Ashwagandha potency than OLLY's product at a much lower cost. It's an excellent value for concentrated adaptogenic support.
75 Value

GABA 500 mg

NOW
4.6
(43748 ratings)
For $0.07 per serving, this offers 500mg of GABA, a substantially higher dose than OLLY's 100mg, at a significantly reduced price. This provides exceptional value for targeted GABA supplementation if primary calming effects are desired.
80 Value

Double Strength L-Theanine 200 mg

NOW
4.7
(20326 ratings)
This NOW L-Theanine offers 200mg per serving (double the OLLY product's dose) for just $0.18 per serving. This represents a better value for L-Theanine's calming and focus benefits, delivering more active ingredient for less relative cost.
90 Performance

Stress Remedy

Pure Synergy
4.6
(323 ratings)
This product is a superior choice with a comprehensive blend of potent, high-quality adaptogens, including 600mg of SuperPure Ashwagandha extract, alongside Rhodiola, Holy Basil, and Lemon Balm. It offers a more robust and multi-faceted approach to stress management for those seeking maximum efficacy.
88 Performance

Calm Thoughts

Source Naturals
4.6
(1030 ratings)
Offering a much broader spectrum of stress-relieving ingredients, including higher doses of GABA (600mg) and L-Theanine (100mg), along with various other calming herbs and adaptogens like Relora, this product provides a more powerful and diverse mechanism for stress and mood support.
80 Performance

Anxiety & Stress Relief

Nature's Bounty
4.4
(9054 ratings)
This alternative provides a higher dose of Ashwagandha (600mg) along with 200mg of L-Theanine, making it a more potent option for directly addressing anxiety and stress compared to the OLLY product's lower dosages of key active ingredients.