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Advanced Sleep Melatonin + 5-HTP Time Release

Natrol
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(8296 ratings)
5-HTP 50 mg
Vitamin B6 10 mg
Product Image
Score 35.0

The product provides 5-HTP and Vitamin B6 for mood and sleep support with a time-release formula. However, its name is highly misleading as it does not contain Melatonin, which is a major transparency issue.

Quantity: 60 Tablet(s)Servings size: 1 Tablet(s) (60 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Stress Relief
Mood Support
Sleep Support
Energy
Brain Health

Score 35.0

The product provides 5-HTP and Vitamin B6 for mood and sleep support with a time-release formula. However, its name is highly misleading as it does not contain Melatonin, which is a major transparency issue.

Analysis

Natrol Advanced Sleep Melatonin + 5-HTP Time Release is marketed for sleep, mood, and stress relief, primarily leveraging 5-HTP and Vitamin B6. 5-HTP (50mg) is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter crucial for mood, appetite, and sleep regulation, and subsequently to melatonin. Vitamin B6 (10mg) acts as a necessary cofactor for the conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin. The 'Time Release' feature is beneficial, aiming to provide a sustained effect for better sleep quality or mood stability throughout the night. However, a critical issue is the product's name, which explicitly states 'Melatonin' while the ingredient list clearly shows no Melatonin is included. This discrepancy is highly misleading and can cause consumers to purchase a product based on false pretenses, expecting an ingredient that is not present. Online reviews for Natrol products are generally positive for their quality and efficacy, but this specific product's naming convention is a significant point of concern. For someone specifically seeking melatonin, this product would be entirely unsuitable.

Pros
  • Contains 5-HTP, a precursor to serotonin, which aids in mood regulation and sleep.
  • Includes Vitamin B6, essential for the conversion of 5-HTP into serotonin.
  • Features a time-release formula, which can offer sustained support for sleep or mood over a longer period.
  • Relatively affordable price per serving for its ingredients.
Cons
  • The product name 'Advanced Sleep Melatonin + 5-HTP' is highly misleading, as it does not contain Melatonin, only its precursor 5-HTP.
  • The dosage of 5-HTP (50mg) is on the lower end compared to many effective standalone 5-HTP supplements which often offer 100mg per serving.
  • Its ingredient profile is limited for broad goals like 'Energy' or 'General Health'.
Warnings
  • **Misleading Product Name:** Be aware that despite 'Melatonin' being in the product name, this supplement does NOT contain Melatonin. It only contains 5-HTP, which is a precursor to Melatonin.
  • Individuals taking antidepressant medications (especially SSRIs), migraine medications, or other drugs that affect serotonin levels should consult a healthcare professional before using 5-HTP, as it may lead to serotonin syndrome.
  • May cause drowsiness; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after consumption.
$12.55($0.20 per serving)
Amazon
$ 12.55
Walmart
$ 18.99
iHerb
$ 15.59
Vitacost
$ 14.87
Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) 10 mg
5-HTP (Griffonia simplicifolia) 50 mg
Adults 18–50 Dairy Free Women Vegetarian
Categories
Vitamin B6 65.0
The product includes 10mg of Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), which is a good, effective dose to serve as a cofactor for 5-HTP conversion to serotonin. However, some alternatives offer the more bioavailable form (P-5-P) or higher potencies, which could be more beneficial for some individuals, though Pyridoxine Hydrochloride is generally well-absorbed.
5-HTP 60.0
The product contains 50mg of 5-HTP from Griffonia simplicifolia, which is a standard effective dose often recommended for mood and sleep support. However, many alternative standalone 5-HTP supplements provide 100mg per serving, offering a higher potency for a potentially stronger effect, sometimes at a comparable or better price per milligram.
Goals
Mood Support 75.0
This product is well-suited for mood support, as 5-HTP directly serves as a precursor to serotonin, a key neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, happiness, and well-being. The inclusion of Vitamin B6 enhances this process by acting as a crucial cofactor for serotonin synthesis, making the combination effective for mood enhancement.
Stress Relief 70.0
By boosting serotonin levels, 5-HTP can significantly contribute to stress relief by promoting feelings of calmness and reducing anxiety. Vitamin B6 further assists in this pathway, helping the body to better manage stress responses and improve emotional resilience.
Brain Health 60.0
5-HTP contributes to brain health by increasing serotonin levels, which are vital for cognitive functions, mood stability, and overall neurological balance. Vitamin B6 is crucial for the synthesis of various neurotransmitters, supporting healthy brain function.
70 Value

5-HTP 50 mg

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Offers the same 50mg 5-HTP dose at a fraction of the price (7 cents vs 20 cents), providing significantly better value for the primary ingredient without the misleading product naming.
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5-HTP 50 mg

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90 Value

5-HTP 100 mg

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Provides double the 5-HTP dose (100mg vs 50mg) for a slightly lower price per serving (13 cents vs 20 cents), offering superior potency and significantly better value for addressing mood and sleep goals effectively.
90 Performance

5-HTP 100 mg

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★★★★★
(48226 ratings)
Provides a more robust 100mg dose of 5-HTP, which is often more effective for significant sleep and mood support than the 50mg in the analyzed product. It also comes from a highly reviewed brand, implying greater reliability.
95 Performance

Vitamin B-6 50 mg

Nature's Way
4.8
★★★★★
(1720 ratings)
Contains Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate (P-5-P), the active and more bioavailable form of Vitamin B6, which is superior to the Pyridoxine Hydrochloride form in the analyzed product for optimizing serotonin synthesis and overall B6 benefits.
88 Performance

5-HTP 100 mg

Doctor's Best
4.7
★★★★★
(12256 ratings)
Offers a higher 100mg 5-HTP dose and is from a reputable brand, providing more potent support for mood and sleep. While it lacks time-release, its higher dosage often provides more impactful and consistent effects.
70 Budget

5-HTP 50 mg

NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(13400 ratings)
Offers the same 50mg dose of 5-HTP at a significantly cheaper price per serving (7 cents vs 20 cents), providing a much more economical option for basic 5-HTP supplementation without the misleading name.
75 Budget

5-HTP 50 mg

NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(13386 ratings)
Provides 50mg of 5-HTP at a lower price per serving (9 cents vs 20 cents) and comes in a larger 180-serving bottle, offering a substantial quantity at a better value for consistent use, unlike the analyzed product's high cost for lower dose.
72 Budget

5-HTP 50 mg

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4.6
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(825 ratings)
Delivers 50mg of 5-HTP at a price per serving of 12 cents, which is notably cheaper than the Natrol product while providing the same core ingredient dose for mood and sleep support.
70 Value

5-HTP 50 mg

NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(13400 ratings)
Offers the same 50mg 5-HTP dose at a fraction of the price (7 cents vs 20 cents), providing significantly better value for the primary ingredient without the misleading product naming.
75 Value

5-HTP 50 mg

NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(13386 ratings)
At 9 cents per serving, this product delivers the same 50mg 5-HTP dose as the Natrol product for less than half the price, making it a much more economical and efficient choice for entry-level 5-HTP supplementation.
90 Value

5-HTP 100 mg

NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(48226 ratings)
Provides double the 5-HTP dose (100mg vs 50mg) for a slightly lower price per serving (13 cents vs 20 cents), offering superior potency and significantly better value for addressing mood and sleep goals effectively.
90 Performance

5-HTP 100 mg

NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(48226 ratings)
Provides a more robust 100mg dose of 5-HTP, which is often more effective for significant sleep and mood support than the 50mg in the analyzed product. It also comes from a highly reviewed brand, implying greater reliability.
95 Performance

Vitamin B-6 50 mg

Nature's Way
4.8
★★★★★
(1720 ratings)
Contains Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate (P-5-P), the active and more bioavailable form of Vitamin B6, which is superior to the Pyridoxine Hydrochloride form in the analyzed product for optimizing serotonin synthesis and overall B6 benefits.
88 Performance

5-HTP 100 mg

Doctor's Best
4.7
★★★★★
(12256 ratings)
Offers a higher 100mg 5-HTP dose and is from a reputable brand, providing more potent support for mood and sleep. While it lacks time-release, its higher dosage often provides more impactful and consistent effects.