Amino Acid
5-HTP
Also known as: 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan), 5-Hydroxytryptophan, Griffonia extract, Oxitriptan
Direct serotonin precursor, one step closer than tryptophan. More potent for mood and appetite but requires more caution.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every 5-HTP product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pure Encapsulations MotilPro | 90 A | $1.10 |
| 2 | Thorne 5-HTP (formerly 5-Hydroxytryptophan) | 89 A | $0.87 |
| 3 | Nutricost 5-HTP Capsules | 88 A | $0.37 |
| 4 | Nutricost 5-HTP Powder | 88 A | $0.22 |
| 5 | Pure Encapsulations 5-HTP 100 mg | 88 A | $1.02 |
| 6 | Pure Encapsulations 5-HTP 50 mg | 88 A | $0.71 |
| 7 | Thorne Emotion Balance Support | 87 A | $1.05 |
| 8 | Pure Encapsulations CarbCrave Complex | 87 A | $0.94 |
| 9 | NOW Foods 5-HTP | 87 A | $0.15 |
| 10 | Pure Encapsulations Emotional Wellness | 86 A- | $1.29 |
| 11 | Pure Encapsulations NeuroPure | 86 A- | $1.18 |
| 12 | Onnit New MOOD (60 ct) | 84 A- | $2.00 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much 5-HTP should I take?
The typical range is 50-200 mg daily. Cycling recommended
When should I take 5-HTP?
Evening for sleep; divided for mood. With small carb.
Which form of 5-HTP is best?
Capsules — Standard.
Is 5-HTP safe?
Commonly reported: Nausea, GI upset, Vivid dreams. Serious warnings: Serotonin syndrome, May deplete dopamine long-term. Safe
Which 5-HTP supplement scores highest?
Pure Encapsulations MotilPro, at 90/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Mood support
- Appetite control
- Sleep
- Fibromyalgia
How it works
- Directly converts to serotonin
- Crosses blood-brain barrier
- Bypasses rate-limiting step
Dosage
- Typical range
- 50-200 mg daily
- Timing
- Evening for sleep; divided for mood
- With food
- With small carb
- Duration
- Cycling recommended
- Special populations
- Depression (with supervision), sleep
Forms
- Capsules
Safety
Common side effects
- Nausea
- GI upset
- Vivid dreams
Contraindications
- SSRIs, MAOIs
- Carcinoid tumors
Products containing 5-HTP
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list 5-HTP on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Known interactions
Evidence notes
Direct serotonin precursor
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
5-HTP compared head-to-head
Related in Amino Acid
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.