In addition to its role as a key nutrient in the production of serotonin, 5-HTP has also been shown to support healthy appetite management and food cravings. It may help reduce carbohydrate intake by inducing satiety (feeling full) following meals.
Many 5-HTP supplements contain a proprietary blend of nutrients and botanicals that may help support healthy blood pressure levels already within the normal range. This includes:
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant with important functions in energy production, glucose metabolism, and detoxification. ALA has been suggested to improve cardiovascular function by enhancing nitric oxide activity, as well as scavenging free radicals that can damage cells. It’s also involved in supporting healthy blood sugar levels already within the normal range.
Piperine has been shown to inhibit enzymes that break down curcumin, a key component in turmeric known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. By inhibiting these digestive enzymes, piperine allows more of the active ingredient to travel intact through our GI tract and into our bloodstream, where it can be absorbed by tissues throughout our body (source).
Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea that has been shown to support healthy mood and stress levels already within the normal range. It may also help promote a sense of relaxation by supporting GABA activity, which promotes calmness (source).
They usually contain an antioxidant blend of nutrients and botanicals that may help support healthy blood sugar balance. Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) before they can cause damage to your cells.
Here are the best brands of 5 HTP supplement out there:
10. Dr. Emil Nutrition 5-HTP Plus
Dr. Emil Nutrition 5-HTP Plus is a supplement containing 350 mg of 5-Hydroxytryptophan, the immediate precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. This amino acid may help support healthy appetite management and food cravings, reduce carbohydrate intake by inducing satiety (feeling full) following meals, and promote sleep quality in individuals who experience difficulty sleeping at night. In addition to its role as a key nutrient in the production of serotonin, Dr. Emil Nutrition 5-HTP Plus also contains a proprietary blend of nutrients and botanicals that may help support healthy blood pressure levels already within the normal range.
9. Jarrow Formulas 5-HTP
Jarrow Formulas 5 HTP is a high-quality, water-soluble oral supplement that contains the active ingredient 5 hydroxytryptophan (5 HTP), an amino acid. The product also contains other ingredients including Lactose, Citric Acid and Microcrystalline Cellulose as well as vegetable capsule shell and cellulose. Jarrow Formulas brand has been known for many years to provide quality supplements at unbeatable prices. This supplement is also gluten-, dairy- and soy-free.
8. Doctor’s Best 5-HTP
Doctor’s Best 5-HTP is a daily supplement that promotes the production of serotonin and melatonin, calming neurotransmitters involved in sleep. This product contains an amino acid complex that works to support a healthy mood already within the normal range. It also supports relaxation by supporting GABA activity (source). Doctor’s Best 5 HTP Rating: 9.5/10 Doctor’s Best 5-HTP is a daily supplement that promotes the production of serotonin and melatonin, calming neurotransmitters involved in sleep.
7. SmarterVitamins 5-HTP 100 mg
SmarterVitamins 5-HTP 100 mg is a high potency formula featuring a proprietary blend of nutrients and botanicals that may help support healthy mood, stress levels, appetite, and blood sugar already within the normal range. These include Vitamin B1 (as thiamin hydrochloride), ALA (alpha-lipoic acid), piperine (black pepper extract) to inhibit digestive enzymes that break down curcumin from turmeric. Also included is theanine, an amino acid found in green tea.
6. Natrol
Natrol is a well-known manufacturer of nutritional supplements. Their 5-HTP supplement contains 100 mg of extract from the aerial parts of Griffonia simplicifolia seed grown in India in an alcohol base.
It also contains piperine, which helps to increase the absorption rate so that more active ingredients can pass through your gastrointestinal system and into your bloodstream for maximum results. This product uses vegetarian capsules that are free from binders, fillers, artificial colors or flavors.
5. Toniiq
Toniiq is a great 5 HTP supplement. It contains the highest quality ingredients at an affordable price. Toniiq will help improve your sleep and energy levels, not to mention it also helps in overcoming depression and anxiety. Toniiq is safe to use with no side effects.
4. NatureWise 5-HTP
Formulated to help promote a healthy response to stress, NatureWise 5-HTP is made from the highest quality ingredients. This supplement contains gelatin capsules that are allergen free and vegetarian friendly, as well as natural flavors and colors. It also comes with a satisfaction guarantee; for any reason or no reason at all, you can return your order within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.
3. Nutricost 5-HTP
Nutricost 5-HTP is a simple, effective supplement designed to help support healthy mood and stress levels. This formula contains just two ingredients: 5-hydroxytryptophan (5 HTP) and the piperine extract of black pepper fruit. Piperine has been shown by researchers to slow down the breakdown of curcumin in turmeric supplements when taken together at the same time. The result is more intact curcumin making its way into the bloodstream.
2. NOW Supplements
NOW 5-HTP is a natural amino acid precursor to serotonin. It’s also known as oxitriptan, and it can help support a healthy mood already within the normal range. This product comes in 100 mg capsules that should be taken once daily or as recommended by your healthcare provider. NOW 5-HTP contains no artificial flavors or colors, preservatives or sweeteners.
1. Arazo Nutrition’s 5HTP (30mg)
Arazo Nutrition’s 5 HTP is a high-quality product that includes 30 mg of pure L-tryptophan. It may help reduce carbohydrate intake by promoting satiety after meals, as well as supporting healthy stress and mood levels already within the normal range. This supplement also contains essential vitamins, minerals, and botanical extracts to support overall health and well being. The capsules are vegetarian/vegan friendly with no added sugar or artificial ingredients.
While there are several 5-HTP supplements on the market, it’s important to understand that not all of them contain clinically effective dosages. Many also contain additives and other ingredients you may not want to be consuming. Your best bet is to choose a formula that contains 100% pure 5-HTP, without fillers or proprietary blends (unless they’re included for their potential health benefits).
Also keep in mind that different supplement companies formulate products differently, so check with each company to find out what is and isn’t included in their product.
For example, some companies may add soy lecithin as a stabilizing agent to their supplement, while others don’t (it’s usually added for its potential health benefits). Some companies also choose to include ingredients based on synergistic effects they have with 5-HTP. So if you’re going to purchase a 5-HTP supplement, it’s always best to look at the ingredient list and verify that it meets your needs.