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evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Compound

5-HTP (Mood Dose)

Serotonin precursor used for mild depression and migraine.

Mood & AnxietyBrain & Cognitive

Overview

Serotonin precursor used for mild depression and migraine.

Natural sources
    Common forms

      Forms & variants of 5-HTP

      Different chemical forms of 5-HTP behave differently. Browse each form's mechanism, bioavailability, and best-use context.

      Parent
      5-HTP

      Direct serotonin precursor with mood and sleep applications.

      Mechanism of action

      Crosses BBB and is decarboxylated to serotonin without competing with LNAA transporters.

      Pathways

        Effects on the body

        Organ system effects

        Evidence-based benefits

        Reduces depressive symptoms (older trials)

        Moderate evidence

        Potential side effects

        Common
        • · Nausea
        • · GI upset
        Rare
        • · Eosinophilia (contaminant)
        Serious
        • · Serotonin syndrome risk with SSRIs

        Drug interactions

        SSRIs/MAOIs
        Risk of serotonin syndrome.
        severe

        Supplement interactions

        Pairs well with

        None listed.

        Avoid combining with

        No specific avoidances listed.

        Dosing & bioavailability

        Typical dose
        100–300 mg/day
        With food?
        With carbs (mood)

        Where to buy

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        Compound
        5-HTP (Mood …
        Amazon
        Wide selection · fast shipping
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        iHerb
        Global delivery · curated brands
        Compound
        5-HTP (Mood …
        Thorne
        Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

        Scientific evidence (8)

        Systematic reviewCochrane Database · 2002

        5-HTP meta-analysis in depression

        Shaw K, et al.

        Cochrane review of 5-HTP/tryptophan in depression.

        Key findings

        Small but positive effect; methodological limitations noted.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: 5-HTP (Mood Dose) — Reduces depressive symptoms

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "5-HTP (Mood Dose) Reduces depressive symptoms" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching 5-HTP (Mood Dose) and "Reduces depressive symptoms". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: 5-HTP (Mood Dose) — randomized controlled trial

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "5-HTP (Mood Dose) randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching 5-HTP (Mood Dose) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: 5-HTP (Mood Dose) — meta-analysis

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "5-HTP (Mood Dose) meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching 5-HTP (Mood Dose) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: 5-HTP (Mood Dose) — pharmacokinetics

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "5-HTP (Mood Dose) pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching 5-HTP (Mood Dose) and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: 5-HTP (Mood Dose) — safety adverse events

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "5-HTP (Mood Dose) safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching 5-HTP (Mood Dose) and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: 5-HTP (Mood Dose) — dose response

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "5-HTP (Mood Dose) dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching 5-HTP (Mood Dose) and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

        Google Scholar: 5-HTP (Mood Dose) — clinical evidence

        Live Scholar search

        Cross-database citation index for 5-HTP (Mood Dose) as it relates to "clinical evidence".

        Key findings

        Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

        Open study
        Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.