Best 5-HTP Supplements (2023)

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5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a form of amino acid that the body produces naturally and acts as an antecedent to the hormone melatonin and the neurotransmitter serotonin. The best 5-HTP supplements are derived from Griffonia Simplicifolia, an African plant. Moreover, it is a popular ingredient as it’s associated with boosting serotonin levels, providing many health benefits.

According to a study, 5-HTP may resist hunger-inducing hormones, which may aid in squashing appetite and result in losing weight. [1] Additionally, several clinical trials found that 5-HTP can be effective as an antidepressant. [2]

Another study shows that 5-HTP helped decrease the number of migraine attacks in 71% of the participants in the trial who took the substance for 6 months. [3] As previously mentioned, this amino acid also helps in creating melatonin, and as a result, it may also improve sleep quality, especially if combined with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). [4]

Quick Summary

Best 5-HTP Powder: Bulk Supplements 5-HTP Powder

Most Value For Money: Micro Ingredients 5-HTP

Best In Added Vitamins: Lake Avenue Nutrition 5-HTP

Most Added Value: Superior Labs 5-HTP WORx

Best 5-HTP Supplements

Micro Ingredients 5-HTP

5-HTP CONTENT PER SERVING:

200 mg

PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:

~$16/180

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:

Take 2 softgels and consume once daily

As a leading brand in the industry, Micro Ingredients is trusted when it comes to manufacturing quality products. For transparency, its 5-HTP supplement went through third-party testing and was manufactured at a registered facility which speaks volumes of its commitment to meeting standards for quality, purity, and potency. What’s more, Sunflower Seed Oil is used in this supplement to provide better absorption.

Moreover, this 5-HTP supplement aims to help lessen anxiety and improve sleep quality. It may also encourage a positive mood for users. As for the capsules, they are not too big and are easy to swallow, which will surely be liked by potential users.

Based on user feedback, many are happy with its impact. Some mentioned that they’re now sleeping better thanks to consuming this supplement.  Also, others mentioned that it also positively affects their mood. However, a few reported feeling some side effects when they took the capsules.

Lake Avenue Nutrition 5-HTP

5-HTP CONTENT PER SERVING:

100 mg

PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:

~$37/360

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:

Take 1 capsule daily with or without food

To keep up with industry standards and guarantee quality, this 5-HTP supplement by Lake Avenue Nutrition is manufactured in a GMP facility. Taking these vegan capsules may help improve sleep quality and also the overall mental well-being of a user. 

Additionally, this supplement contains vitamin C and vitamin B6, which adds more nutrients and health benefits to those who are consuming the capsules. The added nutrients are great for maintaining or improving the functions of the immune system.

According to user reviews, taking this 5-HTP supplement helps them sleep better, which results in a better overall mood. A few also mentioned that it reduced their anxiety and stress levels, while others said that they felt more energized. Although, some users experienced side effects such as headaches and nausea.

Pure Encapsulations 5-HTP

5-HTP CONTENT PER SERVING:

100 mg

PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:

~$46/60

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:

Take 1 capsule once to thrice daily, before meals

Like other Pure Formulas products, this 5-HTP supplement from the brands is hypoallergenic which is certainly good news for many potential users. Taking this may aid in enhancing sleep quality and allow users to get some needed rest. Moreover, it may reduce anxiety and improve mental well-being thanks to its impact on brain function. What’s more, the brand mentions it may aid in lessening pain, stiffness, and fatigue.

The user reviews on this one are mostly positive as users are content with the benefits. Many of them mentioned that consuming this 5-HTP supplement helped them level their anxiety and stay calm in stressful situations. A few also said that they feel well-rested as this improves their sleep.

Superior Labs 5-HTP WORx

5-HTP CONTENT PER SERVING:

150 mg

PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:

~$25/90

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:

Take 1 capsule once to twice daily

To ensure quality, purity, and potency, this 5-HTP supplement by Superior Labs went through third-party testing. Not only that, but it also contains other ingredients like vitamin B6,  L-Theanine, and Zinc to strengthen its benefits. This product aims to support serotonin production, neurotransmitter, and brain health. Furthermore, it may also improve the overall mood of users.

As for the feedback, the consensus is very much positive. Many mentioned that it helps calm them down and boost their mood throughout the day. In addition, a couple of them said that they started sleeping better and feeling more relaxed ever since they took this supplement.

Bulk Supplements 5-HTP Powder

5-HTP CONTENT PER SERVING:

200 mg

PRICE/SIZE:

~$20/25 grams

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:

Take 200 mg (1/10 tsp) once or twice daily

If you’re not a fan of swallowing capsules, Bulk Supplements has this 5-HTP product in powder form. It’s also available in many sizes to accommodate the needs or preferences of its many users. According to the brand, taking this may help weight management, provide quality sleep cycles, and boost overall mood. 

The supplement has hundreds of user reviews and many like its effect on them. They said that they are sleeping better thanks to drinking this 5-HTP product. Additionally, a few of them also mentioned that they’re feeling more relaxed and calm. What’s more, some commented that it helped suppress their appetite.

Solgar 5-HTP 

5-HTP CONTENT PER SERVING:

100 mg

PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:

~$26/90

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:

Take 1 capsule twice daily, preferably before bedtime 

Setting the “Gold Standard” since 1947, this brand is known for its high-quality products. And its 5-HTP supplement is no exemption. This supplement is made in small batches to ensure freshness and was manufactured in a facility with the highest quality standards. Also, its recyclable glass protects the capsules from heat, light, and moisture. 

Aside from 5-HTP, it also contains magnesium, valerian extract, and vitamin B6. As a supplement, it aims to support the body’s production of serotonin. This results in boosting the overall mood and putting users in a relaxed state. The feedback is mostly positive as many are happy with its quality. They said it helped improve their mood, lowered their anxiety, and also improved their sleep quality.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are The Best 5-HTP Supplements Safe?

Generally, the best 5-HTP supplements are safe for consumption. However, there are reports of users experiencing side effects. The potential side effects are vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. [5] Dosage will play an essential role in lowering the risks. 

As such, it’s best to start with 50-100 grams twice daily with an increased dosage over two weeks. [6] It may also interact with other medications, so it’s best to consult a doctor for further instructions.

How Long Does 5-HTP Stay In Your System?

Research involving healthy subjects shows that the biological half-life of 5-HTP is only 2.2 to 7.4 hours. [7]

What Is The Best Source Of 5-HTP Supplements?

The most used source for 5-HTP is the seeds of Griffonia Simplicifolia which is an African plant.

Can You Take HTP 5 Every Day?

Yes, based on research and dosage recommendations of different brands. However, if you’re taking other medications, you should consult a healthcare professional or your doctor.

Bottom Line:

5-HTP is an amino acid that contains a substance that encourages the production of serotonin. Thanks to that, it provides many health and wellness benefits that are enjoyed by many users. It has become very popular for manufacturers to use it and make the best 5-HTP supplements. This list allows readers to browse through different 5-HTP supplements that are considered the best and produced by trusted brands. Hopefully, this guides you in making a decision!

Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional. We have assembled this article through in-depth research based on the information available at the date of publishing.  We may receive a small commission for purchases you make through our links, but this comes at NO extra cost to you. This commission allows us to continue doing what we love through Health Plugged, which is delivering evidence-based health information to our readers worldwide.

Editorial References And Fact-Checking

• Heisler, L. K., Jobst, E. E., Sutton, G. M., Zhou, L., Borok, E., Thornton-Jones, Z., Liu, H. Y., Zigman, J. M., Balthasar, N., Kishi, T., Lee, C. E., Aschkenasi, C. J., Zhang, C. Y., Yu, J., Boss, O., Mountjoy, K. G., Clifton, P. G., Lowell, B. B., Friedman, J. M., Horvath, T., … Cowley, M. A. (2006). Serotonin reciprocally regulates melanocortin neurons to modulate food intake. Neuron, 51(2), 239–249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2006.06.004
• Shaw, K., Turner, J., & Del Mar, C. (2002). Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, (1), CD003198. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003198
• Titus, F., Dávalos, A., Alom, J., & Codina, A. (1986). 5-Hydroxytryptophan versus methysergide in the prophylaxis of migraine. Randomized clinical trial. European neurology, 25(5), 327–329. https://doi.org/10.1159/000116030
• Shell, W., Bullias, D., Charuvastra, E., May, L. A., & Silver, D. S. (2010). A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of an amino acid preparation on timing and quality of sleep. American journal of therapeutics, 17(2), 133–139. https://doi.org/10.1097/MJT.0b013e31819e9eab
• Birdsall T. C. (1998). 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor. Alternative medicine review : a journal of clinical therapeutic, 3(4), 271–280.
• Westenberg, H. G., Gerritsen, T. W., Meijer, B. A., & van Praag, H. M. (1982). Kinetics of l-5-hydroxytryptophan in healthy subjects. Psychiatry research, 7(3), 373–385. https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-1781(82)90074-9