5-HTP is the precursor of serotonin, the neurotransmitter that is sometimes promoted as responsible for happiness. 5-HTP is a simple way to increase serotonin levels in the brain bypassing the speed limit step, and users are reaping the rewards or the risk of increasing serotonin in the brain. Low levels of serotonin are associated with sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, depression, weight gain and anxiety, to name a few.
Why 5-HTP? 5-HTP has been used successfully to restore serotonin levels in those who may be suffering from a decrease in serotonin levels, such as depressed people and those with high levels of body inflammation (usually in metabolic syndrome). As such, supplementation can be beneficial even for the simple reason of maintaining homeostasis.
To help you find a good product, we have researched and reduced the best 5-HTP supplements currently on the market.
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We have researched thousands of products before coming up with this list. The products in this list have good user reviews, reliable manufacturer, and best ingredients. Let’s have a look at the details.
NOW Foods 5-HTP 100mg
Why We Picked It: Most positive reviews, Renowned manufacturer
NOW Foods 5-HTP is a superior 5-HTP supplement made by a reliable and well-known supplement company. NOW Foods 5-HTP is a superior 5-HTP supplement made by a reliable and well-known supplement company. It contains 100 mg of 5-HTP per capsule, which facilitates the customization of your dose according to your individual needs.
It is one of the best 5-HTP pills on the market. Its simple formula offers no more than pure 5-hydroxytryptophan, and the 100 mg dose is perfect to start with little and customize your dose if necessary. And as this is done by NOW Foods, you can rely on the quality and consistency of the product.
Highlights:
- 100mg 5-HTP per serving
- Simple and effective formula
- GMP quality assured
- Vegan / vegetarian capsules
- Non-GMO
- Free from Soy, dairy, egg & gluten
Who Makes It?
This product is manufactured by NOW Foods, a large-scale manufacturer of food and natural supplements with operations worldwide. With decades of experience, NOW is an undisputed leader in the industry, which constantly produces high quality products at very affordable prices. They are also known for their excellent customer service.
Pros:
- Helps to relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia
- Reduces the severity and duration of migraine headaches when taken as a prophylactic
- Natural source
- Kosher and Non-GMO
- Affordable & great value
Cons:
- Not recommended with antidepressant
- May cause drowsiness
Natrol 5-HTP Tablets
Why We Picked It: Great mood lightener, Many added nutrients
The Natrol Time Release 5-HTP tablet is one of the best supplements and is designed to lighten mood and reduce stress with a natural solution. This 5-HTP supplement serves a controlled release effect and is considered to be the highest strength. Each tablet is 200 mg, so only one tablet per day is recommended and each bottle contains 60 tablets. The main ingredients of this tablet are 5-HTP directly from Griffonia simplicifolia with also 55 mg of calcium. If you are looking for an effective source of 5-HTP, this is a great option.
Highlights:
- 200mg 5-HTP per serving
- 60 tablets per bottle
- 55 mg calcium
- Time-release formula
- Provides benefits for up to 10 hours
- Popular and best-selling
Who Makes It?
This product is manufactured by Natrol, a large supplement manufacturer based in Los Angeles, California. Since its founding in 1980, Natrol has made a name for itself by producing cutting-edge and highly effective supplements in major categories. They constantly produce high quality products and their size allows them to maintain competitive and affordable prices for consumers.
Pros:
- Promotes relaxation and mood
- Help promote better sleep
- Vegetarian formula
- 100% natural & drug free
- Control appetite
Cons:
- No flavour or sweeteners
- Risky with other supplements containing L-tryptophan or 5-HTP
Arazo Nutrition 5-HTP Capsules
Why We Picked It: Best for peaceful sleep
Arazo Nutrition has designed its 5-HTP capsules to help you sleep deeply and wake up fresh without stun effects in the morning. The formula is formed to improve brain function, improve your mood and improve the quality of your sleep.
This particular compound is very powerful and pure. Arazo Nutrition formula contains 200 mg of pure Griffonia simplicifolia 5-HTP with some extra calcium. The capsules are vegetable capsules and all the ingredients are of plant origin. Each bottle contains 120 capsules and a dose is 2 capsules. This product was manufactured in a US factory certified by the FDA and GMP.
Highlights:
- 200mg 5-HTP per serving
- 120 capsules each bottle
- Vegetable capsules & plant origin
- FDA & GMP certified
- Third party lab tested
Who Makes It?
The producer of the Arazo Nutrition supplement is a health and nutrition company with more than 10 years of scientific research specialized in health and nutrition with the aim of helping people live healthier lives. Its supplements are formulated by a team of doctors, health specialists and health care experts, who strictly offer the best products in the industry. All Arazo health products are produced in an FDA and GMP certified facility here in the United States. Each product is tested by third parties through numerous series of tests and quality analysis throughout the production process to verify purity, quality and total potency.
Pros:
- Improves brain function & mood
- Improves quality of sleep
- Natural source of amino acids
- High potency
- Trusted for ingredient safety, nutritional value and label accuracy
Cons:
- Very sleepy
- Nauseous to the point of vomiting
Pure Encapsulations 5-HTP Hypoallergenic Capsule
Why We Picked It: Best for vegans
Pure Encapsulations conforms to the pure in its title with this particular supplement. Its 5-HTP version contains only pure 5-HTP at 100 mg without other additives to the supplement. There are additional ingredients for the vegetable capsule, but they are minor and of no consequence.
This capsule is unique because it is designed to be hypoallergenic. Even the capsule is made of hypoallergenic vegetable fibers in order to promote your emotional well-being through better sleep with a completely pure solution. The Pure Encapsulations capsule is vegan and vegetarian. This formula is commonly recommended by healthcare professionals.
Highlights:
- 100mg 5-HTP per serving
- No fillers or additives
- Hypoallergenic
- Made by a great company
- Free from gluten, soy, dairy
Who Makes It?
This particular product is manufactured by Pure Encapsulations which is a company that emphasises on the production of pure, simple and effective supplements using high quality ingredients.
Pros:
- Promotes emotional well-being
- Help moderate appetite and food cravings.
- Sleep support
- Vegan & vegetarian friendly
- Recommended by medical professional
- Allows to take more than one capsule
Cons:
- Quite expensive
Doctors Best 5-HTP Enhanced
Why We Picked It: Added vitamins
Doctor’s Best 5-HTP Enhanced contains 100 mg of 5-HTP. and vitamins B6 and C, which are included to help the absorption of the active ingredient. It is a good product of a good company. It works well, but it contains some additives.
Highlights:
- 100mg 5-HTP
- 200mg vitamin C
- 15mg vitamin B6
- Non-GMO, gluten free
- Vegan/ Vegetarian
Who Makes It?
This product is produced by Doctor’s Best that is a well-known and respected manufacturer of supplements. Doctor’s Best uses clinical research in the process of developing cutting-edge supplements.
Pros:
- Provides a drug-free support for sleep & mood
- Help Maintain Mental and Emotional Well-Being
- Naturally Occuring Amino Acid
- Helps regulate body temperature and sexual desire
- Vegan
Cons:
- May impair the ability to drive & operate machinery
- Contains some addictives
Nature Wise 5-HTP Plus
Why We Picked It: Great for absorption
The supplement is an herbal formula designed to provide support for sleep and mood. This formula consists of 200 mg of 5-HTP from Griffonia simplicifolia and an enhanced amount of vitamin B6 for absorption. It is a vegetarian capsule without binders or fillers. This supplement is made in the United States and is subject to quality testing, but it is not clear if it is produced in a GMP facility.
Highlights:
- 200mg 5-HTP per serving
- 5-HTP enhanced
- Vitamin B6 for absorption
- Without binders or fillers
- Non-GMO & gluten free
Who Makes It?
The supplement is manufactured by Nature Wise. It is another long-standing company that provides natural supplements and appropriate quality options. All its products are manufactured in the United States and the company also supports the angels of nonprofit vitamins.
Pros:
- Mood support
- Natural sleep aid
- Helps curb appetite
- Delayed release capsule easy on the stomach
- Vegan & vegetarian friendly
Cons:
- Higher doses of 5-HTP can cause headaches or nausea
- Not clear about GMP facility
Thorne Research 5-HTP
Why We Picked It: Best for middle-aged people
Thorne’s 5-HTP formula is highly rated among middle-aged people, mostly between 30 and 50, but it can work well for any age group. It is designed to optimally support an age group that tends to be stressed, anxious, cranky and tired. This formula is compounded with 100 mg of 5-HTP with a small amount of B6 for absorption purposes. Thorne makes all of its supplements from scratch and offers its own unique version of its supplements, including this one in particular.
Highlights:
- 100mg 5-HTP per serving
- 8mg vitamin B6
- Affordable & good value
- Without gluten & other allergens
- Third party lab tested
Who Makes It?
This product is manufactured by Thorne Research, a large supplement manufacturer that has been an industry leader for over 30 years. Committed to the search for quality, Thorne is constantly working to improve the health of all his clients. All of its products go through several testing processes before being distributed for quality purposes.
Pros:
- Supports restful sleep
- Helps decrease sugar cravings
- Nutritional support for stress
- Made with the purest possible ingredients
- Added vitamin B6 to increase absorption & efficacy
Cons:
- May causes panic attack
- Develops rash
Nutricost 5-HTP 100mg
Why We Picked It: Non-transgenic, Free of allergens
Nutricost 100 mg contains 240 high quality 5-HTP vegetable capsules. The supplement is vegan, non-transgenic and does not contain gluten or other allergens. It is tested by third parties by ISO accredited laboratories. The product is manufactured in a GMP which complies with FDA registered facilities.
Highlights:
- 240 vegetable capsules of high quality 5-HTP
- 100mg of 5-HTP per capsule
- Vegan Friendly,
- Non-GMO & gluten free
- Third party lab tested
Who Makes It?
Nutricost is a Utah-based supplement company, and as the name suggests, they specialize in cheaper supplements: their motto is “Quality supplements and vitamins for less.” They offer a wide variety of products that range from standard vitamins and minerals to niche Plus products such as support for the ketogenic diet and spinach powder.
Pros:
- Supports brain & sound sleep
- Reduce anxiety
- Third party lab tested
- Vegan/ vegetarian friendly
- Free from gluten & other allergens
Cons:
- Causes stomach upset
- Nauseous
NutraChamps 5-HTP
Why We Picked It: Unique formula
NutraChamps has another excellent 5-HTP supplement option that is worth checking out. They announce their formula as “planting the serotonin seed” and foster a positive outlook as an expected result of this vitamin. This formula consists of 200 mg of 5-HTP from Griffonia simplicifolia in a dose of 2 capsules. They also added vitamin B6 and vitamin C for absorption in order to get the best results. Each bottle includes 60 servings of the supplement.
Highlights:
- 200mg 5-HTP per serving
- Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C
- Non-GMO
- Without stearate and fillers
- Third party lab tested
- GMP certified
Who Makes It?
NutraChamps is a nutritional supplement company that has goal to help people on their journey towards optimal health, well-being and longevity. All its products are pure, clinically tested, tested by third parties, without GMO, without stearate and fillers, with GMP certification. This business has a unique feature in that it supports angels of nonprofit vitamins.
Pros:
- Nutritional support for Brain, Mood & sleep
- Calm & relaxing serotonin boost
- Removes stress
- Makes resting easy
- Premium formula with Vitamins B6 & C
Cons:
- May causes stomach distress
- Severe depression
Integrative Therapeutics 5-HTP
Why We Picked It: Best among small dosage products
5-HTP Integrative Therapeutics offers 50 mg per serving. The dose size is relatively small, but they are prepared by a good company and are well reviewed. It is a simple and straightforward option. However, the low dose combined with the relatively high price means that there are better options.
Highlights:
- 50mg 5-HTP per serving
- No fillers or additives
- Simple formula
- Gluten free
- No artificial flavour
Who Makes It?
This product is manufactured by Integrative Therapeutics, a mid-size supplement manufacturer based in Wisconsin. They specialize in supplements to treat gastrointestinal problems, metabolic problems and more.
Pros:
- Nutritional support for normal sleep and mood
- Contains no addictives
- Sugar free
- No artificial colour or flavour
- Ingredients of animal origin
Cons:
- Relatively high prices
- Not recommended for vegan
Dr. Emil Nutrition 5-HTP Plus Serotonin Supplement
Why We Picked It: 100% natural product
This formula contains 200 mg of 5-HTP, as well as vitamin B6, L-tryptophan and S-adenosyl methionine in its formula. Each of these elements remains a natural ingredient that leads to the cause of better sleep and better mood and mental health thanks to this posture. This compound is free from allergens and hormones and is 100% natural. It is made in an American factory. FDA and GMP certified.
Highlights:
- 200mg 5-HTP per serving
- SAMe and L Tryptophan
- High dosage of Vitamin B6
- Synergistic mood booster
- 100% natural
Who Makes It?
Dr. Emil Nutrition is a company that produces supplements based on superior nutrition knowledge and supplements from a doctor and nutrition coach. This doctor felt the need to provide high quality supplements from a medical point of view. All products are subject to third party laboratory tests.
Pros:
- Promotes positive mood
- Anxiety relief & better sleep
- 5-HTP enhanced super formula
- B6 for improved serotonin conversion
- Third party lab tested
Cons:
- Causes stomach upset
- Very spicy
Benefits of 5-HTP
5-HTP supports the brain and central nervous system by enhancing the production of chemical serotonin. Serotonin may affect sleep, appetite, temperature, sexual behavior and pain sensation. Since 5-HTP increases serotonin synthesis, it is used for several diseases in which serotonin is known to play a vital role, including depression, insomnia, obesity and many other conditions.
- Depression: preliminary studies suggest that 5-HTP may work together with certain antidepressants to treat people with mild to moderate depression. Like the class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which includes fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), 5-HTP increases serotonin levels in the brain. One study compared the effects of 5-HTP with fluvoxamine (Luvox) in 63 people and found that those who received 5-HTP did as well as those who took Luvox. They also had less side effects than the Luvox group. Nevertheless, these studies were too small to say with certainty whether 5-HTP works. More research is needed.
- Fibromyalgia: research suggests that 5-HTP may improve fibromyalgia symptoms i. e. pain, anxiety, morning stiffness & fatigue. Some people with fibromyalgia have low levels of serotonin and doctors often prescribe antidepressants. Like antidepressants, 5-HTP increases serotonin levels in the brain. But, it does not work for all individuals with fibromyalgia. More studies are necessary to understand its effect.
- Insomnia: study suggests that people who took 5-HTP slept faster as well as slept more deeply than those who took a placebo. Researchers recommend 200 to 400 mg at night to increase serotonin, but it can take 6 to 12 weeks to be completely effective.
- Migraines and other headaches: antidepressant is often treated as a medication for migraines. Studies suggest that high doses of 5-HTP can help people with different kinds of headaches, including migraines. Nevertheless, the evidence is mixed, with other studies showing no effect.
- Obesity: some small studies have examined whether 5-HTP can help people to lose weight. In a study, those who took 5-HTP ate less calories, although they did not try to diet, relative to those who took a placebo. Researchers believe that 5-HTP has made people feel fuller (fuller) after eating, so they ate less.
Guideline to Pick a good 5-HTP supplement
There are many good 5-HTP supplements, which can sometimes make it difficult to choose the best option for you. These are some factors that you should pay attention to when you cover one.
- Ingredients included: see what ingredients are included and what quantities. 100-200 mg of 5-HTP per serving is standard. Some products also use vitamin B6, which can help increase the effectiveness of 5-HTP.
- Value: observe the price of the product per serving. It is not necessary to find the cheapest option possible, but the price must be taken into account.
- Brand reputation: who makes the product and what is its reputation? Buying from a good brand is of great importance, that’s why we only list products from reputable companies.
Who Should take 5-HTP
Both adult males and females can take 5-HTP supplements to reap the benefits.
The main group of people who can benefit from taking 5-HTP supplements are those who suffer from anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, eating disorders and related problems. Anyone with unbalanced brain chemistry could also benefit.
The groups that will experience the greatest benefit from effective 5-HTP supplements include:
- People with mild to moderate depression
- Those who have anxiety
- People with eating disorders or those on a diet
- People with sleep problems
- People with premenstrual syndrome or menopause
If you are currently receiving treatment with any of the following drugs, you should not use 5-HTP without first talking to your healthcare professional.
- Antidepressants: people taking antidepressants should not take 5-HTP without the supervision of their provider. These drugs could be combined with 5-HTP to cause serotonin syndrome, a dangerous condition that involves rapidly changing mental changes, hot flashes, high blood pressure and heart rate, and possibly coma.
- Carbidopa: taking 5-HTP with carbidopa, a drug used to treat Parkinson’s disease, can cause a disease similar to scleroderma. Scleroderma is a situation in which the skin becomes hard, thick and inflamed.
- Tramadol: used to relieve pain, and sometimes prescribed to people with fibromyalgia, can increase serotonin levels too much if taken with 5-HTP. Serotonin syndrome has been found in some people who take the two together.
- Dextromethorphan: taking 5-HTP with dextromethorphan, found in cough syrups, can cause levels of serotonin to rise to dangerous levels, a stage called serotonin syndrome.
- Meperidine: taking 5-HTP with Demerol can raise serotonin levels to dangerous levels, a condition called serotonin syndrome.
- Triptans (used to treat migraines): 5-HTP may increase the risk of side effects, including serotonin syndrome, when taken with drugs like Naratriptan (Amerge), Rizatriptan (Maxalt), Sumatriptan (Imitrex), Zolmitriptan (Zomig).
Side Effects of 5-HTP
- Supplementation with 15-HTP may cause nausea. Since serotonin in the digestive system controls feces, any intervention that increases serotonin levels, including 5-HTP supplements and SSRI antidepressants, can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Slow-release 5-HTP may be better tolerated and less prone to cause side effects.
- Other common side effects include headache, fatigue, drowsiness and muscle pain.
- Serotonin syndrome (an overdose of serotonin in the body) has been observed at higher doses in laboratory rats. However, at the same dose (in relation to body weight), this side effect has not been demonstrated in humans. With normal doses of 5-HTP (usually around 300 mg per day), no side effects and serotonin syndrome have been observed in humans, even with congestion of antidepressants such as MAOIs.
- Long-term supplementation with 5-HTP can drain dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. Serotonin shares the same conversion and decomposition enzyme (MAO) with other neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine). Long-term administration of 5-HTP supplements may cause imbalances in these neurotransmitters, which can worsen neurological and psychiatric diseases. Therefore, it is recommended that 5-HTP supplementation be supervised by qualified physicians and balanced with neurotransmitter precursors.
- 5-HTP can cause specific side effects of serotonin. Since 5-HTP is converted to serotonin in your system, you should experience side effects related to serotonin. These side effects include changes in appetite, sexual behaviour, body temperature and pain sensation.
- 5-HTP can cause EMS. Although 5-HTP is considered primarily safe to take as a supplement, there have been cases in which people who have taken high doses of this supplement may develop EMS (eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome, which is a condition that mimics fibromyalgia with sensitivity Extreme muscle with additional blood abnormalities.
- 5-HTP is not recommended for children. 5-HTP is only recommended for children in very low doses of up to 5 mg per day only if the child is under 12 years old. It is incredibly difficult to find such a minimal dose in this type of supplement.
- High doses of 5-HTP orally can be potentially dangerous. This is mainly true for doses taken in excess for prolonged periods. For example, the recommended daily dose of 5-HTP is between 100 and 300 mg for the adult dose.
How to Take 5-HTP
The amount of 5-HTP you should take depends on the reason for its use.
- As a sleeping pill, you should use 100 to 300 mg 45 minutes before bedtime.
- To suppress appetite to help lose weight, take 250 mg approximately 30 minutes before a meal.
- To combat depression and increase mood, take 50 to 100 mg, 3 times a day with food. You need at least 7 days to saturate your system before you start taking full advantage of it.
- Finally, to help deal with headaches, take 100-200 mg, 3 times a day with food. You will need at least 21 days to feel the full effect.
5-HTP Supplement FAQs
Q: Is it better to take 5-HTP or L-tryptophan?
A: 5-HTP is a better option for many reasons. It only turns into serotonin, easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and is not able to become toxic metabolites, like its counterpart L-tryptophan.
Q: Is there an advantageous 5-HTP battery?
A: 5-HTP supplements are quite useful in themselves, but in some cases, combining them with other supplements can be helpful. Building a stack of 5-HTP supplements can create impressive results. For example, some people use 5-HTP and melatonin for sleep, or 5-HTP and fish oil to regulate mood and brain chemistry.
Q: How long does 5-HTP take to work?
A: Within a week or two, the person should feel the difference and see results. If nothing is noticed, an increase in the dose may be necessary. Always be sure to write down slowly, skipping no more than 100 mg at a time.
Q: Can 5-HTP be taken daily?
A: There is not enough information on the prolonged use of 5-HTP in the recommended dose levels. Most studies found that taking 5-HTP for up to a year a day is safe.
Final Thoughts
5-HTP is a precursor of serotonin that is a neurotransmitter strongly associated with feelings of happiness. It works to increase the production of serotonin, which can cause feelings of euphoria, a decrease in appetite, an increase in satiety, an increase in the quality of sleep and an improvement in depression.
5-HTP appears to be safe and effective in moderate doses between 100 and 300 mg, but its safety has not been adequately evaluated in combination with prescription medications.
In general, 5-HTP is a safe supplement. However, excess 5-HTP in your system can increase serotonin levels, causing side effects such as anxiety, chills and serious heart problems. It is not recommended that children supplement with 5-HTP, due to the high possibility of overdose.
