← All Supplements
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)
A direct serotonin precursor derived from an African seed, widely used to support mood, appetite, and sleep.
Benefits
- +Serotonin precursor that may support balanced mood
- +May improve sleep onset and quality (converts to melatonin)
- +May help reduce appetite and support weight management
- +May reduce the frequency or severity of headaches
- +May help with stress and emotional wellbeing
Dosage & Cost
Range50–300 mg/day
TimingEvening for sleep; with meals to reduce nausea
Daily cost$0.10–$0.30
Start low (50 mg) and increase gradually. Do not combine with antidepressants without medical supervision.
Side Effects
- !Nausea, especially when starting
- !Digestive upset or heartburn
- !Drowsiness
- !Should not be combined with SSRIs or other serotonergic drugs (serotonin syndrome risk)
- !Vivid dreams at higher bedtime doses
Food Sources
- • Not present in meaningful amounts in food (extracted from Griffonia simplicifolia seeds)
- • The body makes it from dietary tryptophan (turkey, eggs, cheese)
References & Links
Community
Popularity rankings
#— in Amino Acid
#— overall
Stats accumulate as members log their stacks
—
take daily
—
cycle it
—
avg. stacks
Not in any public stacks yet.
This page is for informational purposes only. The information here has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). No supplement discussed on this page is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplement.