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Sunny Mood with 5-HTP

Irwin Naturals
4.6
(116 ratings)
Rhodiola
5-HTP 100 mg
Theanine 50 mg
Chromium 100 mcg
Product Image
Score 70.0

A comprehensive blend for mood and stress support, featuring 5-HTP, L-Theanine, and Rhodiola. It offers a synergistic approach but some ingredient dosages are on the lower side for optimal efficacy across its many stated goals.

Quantity: 80 Softgel(s)Servings size: 2 Liquid Softgel(s) (40 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Mental Focus
Mood Support
Energy
Stress Relief
Anti-Inflammatory Support

Score 70.0

A comprehensive blend for mood and stress support, featuring 5-HTP, L-Theanine, and Rhodiola. It offers a synergistic approach but some ingredient dosages are on the lower side for optimal efficacy across its many stated goals.

Analysis

Sunny Mood with 5-HTP is formulated as a multi-ingredient supplement designed to support a wide array of wellness goals, including mood, stress, energy, mental focus, and even metabolism. It features a blend of herbal extracts (Rhodiola, Passionflower, Lemon Balm, Damiana, Saffron), a neurotransmitter precursor (5-HTP), an amino acid (L-Theanine), and essential minerals/vitamins (Chromium, Magnesium, Vitamin D3), along with Flaxseed Oil and BioPerine for absorption. This diverse profile aims to provide holistic support. Online reviews are generally positive regarding its calming and mood-lifting effects, although some users report subtle rather than dramatic changes, which is consistent with the moderate dosages of some active ingredients. Nutritionists would appreciate the inclusion of scientifically-backed ingredients like 5-HTP and L-Theanine for mood and stress, but might suggest higher individual doses for more pronounced effects, especially for components like Rhodiola and Saffron. The use of softgels and BioPerine suggests good formulation for bioavailability.

Pros
  • Contains a comprehensive blend of ingredients known for mood, stress, and relaxation support, offering synergistic benefits.
  • Includes well-researched ingredients like 5-HTP and L-Theanine in effective doses for their primary actions.
  • BioPerine is included to enhance the absorption and bioavailability of the other beneficial compounds.
  • Softgel form with Flaxseed Oil may improve absorption of fat-soluble nutrients and provide additional omega-3 benefits.
Cons
  • Dosages for several key ingredients, specifically Saffron, Rhodiola, Magnesium, and Vitamin D3, are lower than those typically found to be clinically effective in dedicated single-ingredient supplements.
  • The very broad range of stated goals might dilute the effectiveness for any single specific benefit, making it a jack-of-all-trades but master of none.
  • The inclusion of Damiana leaf extract has less robust scientific evidence for its efficacy in mood or stress support compared to other ingredients in the formula.
Warnings
  • Due to the presence of 5-HTP, individuals taking antidepressant medications (SSRIs) or other serotonin-modulating drugs should consult a healthcare professional before use to avoid potential serotonin syndrome.
  • Flaxseed oil may have mild blood-thinning effects, so caution is advised for individuals on anticoagulant medications.
  • Some ingredients, such as Passionflower and Lemon Balm, may cause drowsiness in sensitive individuals; users should exercise caution when operating machinery or driving until effects are known.
$27.99($0.69 per serving)
iHerb
$ 27.99
Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Calories 20 Calorie(s)
Total Fat 1.5 Gram(s)
Total Carbohydrates 1 Gram(s)
Protein 1 Gram(s)
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 15 mcg
Iron 0.7 mg
Magnesium (Magnesium Citrate) 75 mg
Chromium (Chromium Picolinate) 100 mcg
Flaxseed Oil 1500 mg
Lemon Balm leaf extract 150 mg
Damiana leaf extract 100 mg
5-Hydroxytryptophan (Griffonia simplicifolia) 100 mg
Passionflower Aerial Extract 100 mg
Rhodiola root extract 100 mg
L-Theanine 50 mg
Saffron Flower, Stigma Extract (Saffron Stigma Extract, Saffron Flower Extract) 5 mg
BioPerine Complex 3 mg
Adults 18–50 Women
Categories
5-HTP 85.0
The product provides 100mg of 5-HTP, which is a widely recognized and often effective dosage for supporting serotonin levels, contributing positively to mood and sleep. This makes it a strong and well-dosed component of the formula.
Theanine 75.0
L-Theanine at 50mg is a good dose for promoting relaxation and mental calm without sedation, effectively complementing the other mood-focused ingredients. While higher doses are sometimes used in standalone products, 50mg provides a noticeable benefit in a blended formula.
Chromium 70.0
The product includes 100mcg of Chromium Picolinate, a well-absorbed form of chromium known for its role in glucose metabolism. This dosage is standard for general metabolic support, although higher doses are sometimes used for more aggressive blood sugar management.
Goals
Mood Support 75.0
The product combines multiple ingredients known for mood enhancement, such as 5-HTP and L-Theanine, which are present in effective doses. While the saffron dosage is on the lower end compared to clinically studied amounts, the overall blend contributes positively to mood support.
Stress Relief 70.0
Several ingredients like L-Theanine, Rhodiola, Passionflower, and Lemon Balm are adaptogenic herbs that contribute to stress reduction and relaxation. However, the individual dosages for some, like Rhodiola, are not at the higher end of clinically effective ranges, potentially offering moderate rather than strong relief.
Sleep Support 65.0
5-HTP, Passionflower, and Lemon Balm are included, which can aid relaxation and sleep onset by promoting calmness. However, the magnesium dose is relatively low for significant sleep support, and a more dedicated sleep aid might offer stronger effects.
95 Value

5-HTP 100 mg

NOW
4.7
(48226 ratings)
This alternative provides the identical 100mg dose of 5-HTP as Sunny Mood, which is crucial for mood and sleep, but at an incredibly low price of $0.13 per serving. It delivers excellent efficacy for its primary function while offering superior cost-effectiveness.
80 Value

Energy

NOW
4.5
(1749 ratings)
This product offers a comparable Rhodiola dosage (100mg) and double the Chromium (200mcg) found in Sunny Mood, along with other complementary energy-boosting ingredients, all for less than half the price per serving ($0.30 vs $0.69). It delivers a more robust formula for energy and stress at a significantly better overall value.
85 Value

Adrenal Optimizer

Jarrow Formulas
4.6
(2117 ratings)
Containing the same 100mg of Rhodiola rosea root extract, this alternative also includes other supportive ingredients like Ashwagandha and Vitamin C, specifically formulated for adrenal health and stress relief. At a price of $0.27 per serving, it offers a more targeted and comprehensive approach to stress management at a much better value than Sunny Mood.
88 Performance

Genius Joy

The Genius Brand
5.0
(1120 ratings)
While more expensive, Genius Joy offers a more comprehensive and synergistic blend for mood, focus, and overall brain health. It includes a higher dose of Rhodiola (300mg) and other clinically backed nootropics, potentially offering more profound and sustained cognitive and mood benefits than Sunny Mood's simpler formula.
92 Performance

Sleep Regimen 3-in-1

NOW
4.5
(1089 ratings)
This alternative provides a more targeted and potent solution for sleep support, featuring 50mg 5-HTP, 200mg L-Theanine (an ingredient listed in Sunny Mood's collections but not actual ingredients), and Melatonin. This combination makes it significantly more effective and comprehensive for sleep than Sunny Mood, which only includes 5-HTP for this goal.
90 Performance

Rhodiola 500 mg

NOW
4.6
(8066 ratings)
This product offers a substantially higher dose of Rhodiola (500mg vs 100mg) which is often cited by nutritionists as more effective for significant stress relief, energy, and mental focus. This makes it a superior choice for those prioritizing the adaptogenic benefits of Rhodiola.
90 Budget

5-HTP 100 mg

Doctor's Best
4.7
(12256 ratings)
This alternative provides the same effective 100mg dose of 5-HTP, a core ingredient for mood and sleep in Sunny Mood, but at a significantly lower price point ($0.11 per serving vs. $0.69). It offers excellent value for those primarily seeking the benefits of 5-HTP.
95 Budget

Chromium Picolinate 200 mcg

Swanson Premium Brand
4.8
(9891 ratings)
For consumers specifically interested in the metabolic and potential weight loss benefits of Chromium, this alternative offers double the dosage (200mcg vs 100mcg) at an exceptionally low price of $0.04 per serving, making it a highly economical choice for this specific purpose.
85 Budget

Rhodiola Root Extract

Solgar
4.6
(639 ratings)
This Solgar product provides 250mg of Rhodiola extract per serving, which is 2.5 times the amount found in Sunny Mood, yet it costs less than half per serving ($0.25 vs $0.69). It delivers superior adaptogenic support for stress and energy at a more affordable price.
95 Value

5-HTP 100 mg

NOW
4.7
(48226 ratings)
This alternative provides the identical 100mg dose of 5-HTP as Sunny Mood, which is crucial for mood and sleep, but at an incredibly low price of $0.13 per serving. It delivers excellent efficacy for its primary function while offering superior cost-effectiveness.
80 Value

Energy

NOW
4.5
(1749 ratings)
This product offers a comparable Rhodiola dosage (100mg) and double the Chromium (200mcg) found in Sunny Mood, along with other complementary energy-boosting ingredients, all for less than half the price per serving ($0.30 vs $0.69). It delivers a more robust formula for energy and stress at a significantly better overall value.
85 Value

Adrenal Optimizer

Jarrow Formulas
4.6
(2117 ratings)
Containing the same 100mg of Rhodiola rosea root extract, this alternative also includes other supportive ingredients like Ashwagandha and Vitamin C, specifically formulated for adrenal health and stress relief. At a price of $0.27 per serving, it offers a more targeted and comprehensive approach to stress management at a much better value than Sunny Mood.
88 Performance

Genius Joy

The Genius Brand
5.0
(1120 ratings)
While more expensive, Genius Joy offers a more comprehensive and synergistic blend for mood, focus, and overall brain health. It includes a higher dose of Rhodiola (300mg) and other clinically backed nootropics, potentially offering more profound and sustained cognitive and mood benefits than Sunny Mood's simpler formula.
92 Performance

Sleep Regimen 3-in-1

NOW
4.5
(1089 ratings)
This alternative provides a more targeted and potent solution for sleep support, featuring 50mg 5-HTP, 200mg L-Theanine (an ingredient listed in Sunny Mood's collections but not actual ingredients), and Melatonin. This combination makes it significantly more effective and comprehensive for sleep than Sunny Mood, which only includes 5-HTP for this goal.
90 Performance

Rhodiola 500 mg

NOW
4.6
(8066 ratings)
This product offers a substantially higher dose of Rhodiola (500mg vs 100mg) which is often cited by nutritionists as more effective for significant stress relief, energy, and mental focus. This makes it a superior choice for those prioritizing the adaptogenic benefits of Rhodiola.