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5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) 200 mg

Protocol For Life Balance
4.6
(215 ratings)
Glycine 100 mg
5-HTP 200 mg
Taurine 100 mg
Product Image
Score 88.0

A well-formulated 5-HTP blend with synergistic calming amino acids and B vitamins, effectively targeting mood, stress, and sleep support. Offers good value for its comprehensive approach, though some secondary claims are less substantiated by the ingredients.

Quantity: 60 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Veg Capsule(s) (60 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Mood Support
Stress Relief
Brain Health
Heart Health
Fitness

Score 88.0

A well-formulated 5-HTP blend with synergistic calming amino acids and B vitamins, effectively targeting mood, stress, and sleep support. Offers good value for its comprehensive approach, though some secondary claims are less substantiated by the ingredients.

Analysis

Protocol For Life Balance's 5-HTP formulation stands out due to its multi-ingredient blend designed to support neurotransmitter balance and relaxation. The primary active ingredient, 5-HTP from Griffonia simplicifolia, is provided at a substantial 200mg dose, which is effective for influencing serotonin levels in the brain. Crucially, it includes Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) and Niacin (Vitamin B3), both essential co-factors for the conversion of 5-HTP into serotonin, enhancing the supplement's bioavailability and efficacy. Beyond the direct serotonin pathway, the product incorporates 100mg each of Inositol, Taurine, and Glycine. These amino acids and sugar alcohol are individually recognized for their roles in calming the nervous system, supporting cognitive function, and promoting sleep. For instance, Glycine can improve sleep quality, and Taurine has neuroprotective and anxiolytic properties. Inositol is often used for mood regulation. The synergistic combination of these ingredients provides multiple pathways to achieve the stated goals of stress relief, mood support, and sleep enhancement. While the individual doses of Inositol, Taurine, and Glycine are not as high as in standalone supplements designed for specific therapeutic effects, their combined presence in a single capsule offers a convenient and comprehensive approach. The product's pricing is competitive given the blend of ingredients and number of servings. The moderate review count suggests a consistent user base, although not as extensive as some single-ingredient supplements from larger brands. However, some listed goals like 'Vision Support' are not directly addressed by the ingredients, and the impact on 'Digestive Health' or 'Heart Health' is secondary to its primary neural focus.

Pros
  • Contains an effective dose of 5-HTP (200mg) for mood and sleep support.
  • Includes essential B6 and Niacin co-factors for optimal 5-HTP conversion and neurotransmitter synthesis.
  • Features a synergistic blend of calming amino acids (Glycine, Taurine, Inositol) to enhance relaxation and overall well-being.
  • Offers a multi-pathway approach to stress relief, mood enhancement, and sleep improvement.
  • Reasonable price per serving for a multi-ingredient complex.
  • Comes from a reputable brand, Protocol For Life Balance, known for quality supplements.
Cons
  • Some stated goals like 'Vision Support' are not directly supported by the ingredient profile.
  • The individual dosages of Inositol, Taurine, and Glycine (100mg each) are on the lower end for standalone therapeutic effects, relying heavily on their synergy within the blend.
  • Its impact on 'Digestive Health,' 'Heart Health,' and 'Cardiovascular Support' is more indirect or minor compared to its primary effects on the nervous system.
Warnings
  • Individuals taking antidepressant medications (SSRIs, MAOIs) should consult a healthcare professional before use due to potential for serotonin syndrome.
  • May cause mild gastrointestinal upset, drowsiness, or vivid dreams in some sensitive individuals.
  • Not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, or individuals with liver disease or certain medical conditions without prior medical consultation.
$27.00($0.45 per serving)
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Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Niacin (Vitamin B3) 20 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) 2 mg
5-HTP (Griffonia simplicifolia Seed Extract) 200 mg
Glycine 100 mg
Taurine 100 mg
Inositol 100 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Vegan Dairy Free Women Vegetarian
Categories
5-HTP 90.0
This product provides a strong 200mg dose of 5-HTP, sourced from Griffonia simplicifolia, and importantly includes critical co-factors like B6 and Niacin, which are essential for its proper conversion and effectiveness in the body.
Glycine 70.0
The product contains 100mg of Glycine, which contributes to its calming effects and supports sleep; however, this dosage is lower than what is typically found in dedicated Glycine supplements, which often provide 500mg to several grams for primary effects.
Taurine 65.0
With 100mg of Taurine, the product offers a supportive dose that contributes to its overall calming and neurological benefits, but it is not a primary source of Taurine compared to standalone supplements that offer 500mg or 1000mg per serving.
Goals
Mood Support 95.0
The product is particularly strong for mood support due to the direct impact of 5-HTP on serotonin levels, which is a key neurotransmitter for mood regulation, significantly enhanced by the synergistic B vitamins and other calming compounds.
Sleep Support 92.0
An excellent product for sleep support, as 5-HTP is a direct precursor to melatonin, and both Glycine and Taurine are well-known for their roles in promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality and duration.
Stress Relief 90.0
This formula is highly effective for stress relief due to the combined calming actions of 5-HTP, which aids serotonin production, and the anxiolytic properties of Glycine, Taurine, and Inositol, promoting a relaxed state.
93 Value

5-HTP with Vitamin B6 & Vitamin C

Lake Avenue Nutrition
4.7
(5077 ratings)
This product delivers exceptional value by combining a good dose of 5-HTP (100mg) with optimal levels of Vitamin B6 (15mg) and Vitamin C (200mg), crucial for maximizing 5-HTP's efficacy. Its price per serving is significantly lower than the original, offering a more potent and synergistic formula for mood and sleep support at a highly competitive cost, making it an outstanding overall value.
85 Value

5-HTP 100 mg

Spring Valley
4.3
(227 ratings)
This alternative provides an identical 200mg dose of 5-HTP per serving as the original product, but at a substantially lower cost per serving. For individuals primarily seeking the direct effects of 5-HTP without the additional minor amino acids, this product offers excellent value by delivering the core ingredient at a highly accessible price point.
87 Value

Taurine 1000 mg

Life Extension
4.8
(18629 ratings)
Given the original product's inclusion of Taurine for goals like 'Heart Health' and 'Brain Health', this alternative offers significantly higher dosage (1000mg vs 100mg) of this beneficial amino acid at a very low cost per serving. For those who value the benefits of Taurine more specifically or at a higher therapeutic dose, this product provides far better value for that particular ingredient and its associated health goals.
95 Performance

5-HTP Enhanced with Vitamins B6 and C

Doctor's Best
4.8
(5265 ratings)
This alternative is superior due to its synergistic formulation. While offering 100mg 5-HTP per serving, it includes significantly higher doses of Vitamin B6 (15mg vs 2mg in original) and Vitamin C (200mg). These vitamins are crucial cofactors for the conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin, potentially enhancing its effectiveness for mood and sleep support. Even taking two servings to match the original's 5-HTP dosage makes it more effective and still more cost-efficient.
90 Performance

Sleep Nighttime Powder

youtheory
4.3
(158 ratings)
For the specific goal of 'Sleep Support' (one of the original product's claims), this powder offers a more comprehensive and potent blend. It combines 100mg 5-HTP with other renowned sleep aids like Melatonin, L-Theanine, L-Tryptophan, and a substantial 3000mg of Glycine. Nutritionists often recommend multi-ingredient formulas for complex issues like sleep, making this a more targeted and potentially effective solution.
88 Performance

True Calm

NOW
4.6
(4161 ratings)
While lacking 5-HTP, this product provides a robust blend of calming ingredients that directly address the original product's goals of 'Stress Relief' and 'Brain Health'. It features effective doses of GABA (200mg), Taurine (200mg), Glycine (200mg), Inositol (100mg), and higher amounts of Vitamin B6 and Niacin. This alternative offers a well-rounded, non-5-HTP approach to promoting relaxation and mental well-being, often praised by users for its calming effects.
90 Budget

5-HTP 100 mg

Doctor's Best
4.7
(12256 ratings)
This alternative offers pure 5-HTP at 100mg per serving from a highly reputable brand, with a significantly lower cost per serving compared to the original product. Taking two servings would provide the same 200mg 5-HTP dose at a much more economical rate, making it a highly cost-effective choice for those primarily seeking 5-HTP benefits.
88 Budget

5-HTP 100 mg Extra Strength

Swanson
4.8
(3246 ratings)
Swanson provides 100mg of 5-HTP per serving at a very competitive cost. For consumers looking to match the 200mg 5-HTP dose of the original product, two servings of this alternative would be considerably more affordable while delivering the core ingredient, backed by generally positive online reviews for value.
89 Budget

5-HTP 100 mg

NOW
4.7
(48226 ratings)
NOW is a widely recognized and trusted brand in the supplement industry, and their 100mg 5-HTP product offers excellent value. With a very low cost per serving and overwhelmingly positive reviews online, it provides a reliable and cheaper option for obtaining 5-HTP, allowing users to take two capsules to match the original's dosage for a fraction of the cost.
93 Value

5-HTP with Vitamin B6 & Vitamin C

Lake Avenue Nutrition
4.7
(5077 ratings)
This product delivers exceptional value by combining a good dose of 5-HTP (100mg) with optimal levels of Vitamin B6 (15mg) and Vitamin C (200mg), crucial for maximizing 5-HTP's efficacy. Its price per serving is significantly lower than the original, offering a more potent and synergistic formula for mood and sleep support at a highly competitive cost, making it an outstanding overall value.
85 Value

5-HTP 100 mg

Spring Valley
4.3
(227 ratings)
This alternative provides an identical 200mg dose of 5-HTP per serving as the original product, but at a substantially lower cost per serving. For individuals primarily seeking the direct effects of 5-HTP without the additional minor amino acids, this product offers excellent value by delivering the core ingredient at a highly accessible price point.
87 Value

Taurine 1000 mg

Life Extension
4.8
(18629 ratings)
Given the original product's inclusion of Taurine for goals like 'Heart Health' and 'Brain Health', this alternative offers significantly higher dosage (1000mg vs 100mg) of this beneficial amino acid at a very low cost per serving. For those who value the benefits of Taurine more specifically or at a higher therapeutic dose, this product provides far better value for that particular ingredient and its associated health goals.
95 Performance

5-HTP Enhanced with Vitamins B6 and C

Doctor's Best
4.8
(5265 ratings)
This alternative is superior due to its synergistic formulation. While offering 100mg 5-HTP per serving, it includes significantly higher doses of Vitamin B6 (15mg vs 2mg in original) and Vitamin C (200mg). These vitamins are crucial cofactors for the conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin, potentially enhancing its effectiveness for mood and sleep support. Even taking two servings to match the original's 5-HTP dosage makes it more effective and still more cost-efficient.
90 Performance

Sleep Nighttime Powder

youtheory
4.3
(158 ratings)
For the specific goal of 'Sleep Support' (one of the original product's claims), this powder offers a more comprehensive and potent blend. It combines 100mg 5-HTP with other renowned sleep aids like Melatonin, L-Theanine, L-Tryptophan, and a substantial 3000mg of Glycine. Nutritionists often recommend multi-ingredient formulas for complex issues like sleep, making this a more targeted and potentially effective solution.
88 Performance

True Calm

NOW
4.6
(4161 ratings)
While lacking 5-HTP, this product provides a robust blend of calming ingredients that directly address the original product's goals of 'Stress Relief' and 'Brain Health'. It features effective doses of GABA (200mg), Taurine (200mg), Glycine (200mg), Inositol (100mg), and higher amounts of Vitamin B6 and Niacin. This alternative offers a well-rounded, non-5-HTP approach to promoting relaxation and mental well-being, often praised by users for its calming effects.