The overall rating for 5-htp is 1.9 out of 3 meaning there is some evidence that this supplement does some (not all) of what it claims. Using this supplement may lead to some improvements.

Table of Contents

  1. Simple Report
  2. Detailed Report
  3. Overall Effectiveness Rating
  4. Research Rating
  5. Products Containing 5-HTP
  6. Claim Ratings
  7. Dosing
  8. References

5-HTP Simple Report

  • Supplement: 5-HTP
  • Supplement Category: amino acid derivatives
  • Number of Products Containing 5-HTP: 179
  • Effectiveness Rating: 1.9 out of 3
  • Research Rating: 38 (above 80 indicates sufficient research)
  • Number of Studies: 5
  • Number of Claims: 8
  • Effective Dosage Range: 750 - 900 milligrams per day

5-HTP Detailed Report

Overall Effectiveness Rating

The overall effectiveness rating for 5-htp is 1.9 out of 3. This rating means the evidence is mixed on the supplement's ability to deliver positive results. While some of the research supports its use, other evidence does not. Using this supplement may lead to positive results. Note, this effectiveness rating is for 5-htp as a whole; there are also individual ratings for the claims below.

Read more: What is the effectiveness rating?

Research Rating for 5-HTP

There are 5 studies in the database on 5-htp; the research rating is 38. A score above 80 means the effectiveness rating for this supplement is reliable. A score under 80 means there is insufficient evidence to ensure a reliable effectiveness rating. Note, this research rating is for 5-htp as a whole; there are also individual ratings for the claims below.

Read more: What is the research rating?

Products Containing 5-HTP

Products Names Amount of 5-HTP
Dozer 50mg
Swagger 400mg
Night Shred Amount not listed.
SHUT-I 30mg
Dream Sleep 300mg
Full list of all 179 products containing 5-HTP.

Claim Ratings

The overall ratings above are an average of the individual claim ratings below. Individual claims may have higher or lower ratings compared to the supplement's overall rating. For example, some supplements may have excellent backing for one claim, but be completely useless for another. Click on a claim below for more information.

Body Composition (weight, muscle, body fat) Claims Effectiveness Rating Research Rating
increase weight loss

Energy Balance (calories in & calories out) Claims Effectiveness Rating Research Rating
increase satiety
decrease calorie intake
suppress appetite

Hormone Function Claims Effectiveness Rating Research Rating
decrease cortisol levels

Mental Health Claims Effectiveness Rating Research Rating
improve cognitive ability
improve mood

General Health Claims Effectiveness Rating Research Rating
improve glucose control

Dosing

The Supplement Database includes 4 studies on 5-htp dosing. These studies indicate an effective dose ranges from 750 to 900 milligrams per day, the average dose being 850 milligrams per day. For a more detailed dosing analysis visit: Supplement Dosing for 5-HTP.

References

Title of Study
Eating behavior and adherence to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects treated with 5-hydroxytryptophan
Effects of oral 5-hydroxy-tryptophan on energy intake and macronutrient selection in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients
Oral administration of 5‐hydroxytryptophan (5‐HTP) impairs decision making under ambiguity but not under risk: evidence from the Iowa Gambling Task
The Effects of 5-Hydroxytryptophan in Combination with Different Fatty Acids on Gastrointestinal Functions: A Pilot Experiment
The effects of oral 5-hydroxytryptophan administration on feeding behavior in obese adult female subjects