Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for mood, sleep, and digestion.
When serotonin levels are low, we can experience depression, anxiety, and digestive problems. There are many ways to increase serotonin levels naturally, including exercise, meditation, and dietary changes.
However, sometimes these methods aren’t enough. If you are looking for additional ways to boost your serotonin levels, supplements may be the answer.
In this blog post, we will discuss the best supplements for serotonin!
Keep in mind supplements are lightly regulated by the FDA. Their stated claims have no guarantee. They aren’t cures or treatments for any diseases.
Please check with your doctor before starting any supplement program and that we include items that we trust will be useful to our visitors. If you click one of the links on our site, we may get a commission.
If you have questions see the FAQ section below – now let’s dive in!
Best Overall – Dr. Emil Nutrition
- Price = $23.95
- # of Servings = 30
- Price per Serving = $0.79
- Product Reviews = 4.3/5 (22,922 reviews)
- Serving Size = 2 Capsules
- Taste / Absorbability = Unflavored
- Labeled Effect = Supports mood and rest
- Food Allergens = Safe
- Pros = Amazon’s #1 Best Seller in 5-HTP Nutritional Supplements
- Cons = None
Looking for a natural way to improve your mood and promote relaxation? Try Dr. Emil Nutrition’s 5-HTP Plus formula.
5-HTP is a natural way to improve your mood and promote relaxation. It is a more potent form of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood, sleep, and appetite.
This unique blend of ingredients supports 5-HTP conversion in the body, helping to promote a calm and relaxed mood.
Their formula also contains vitamin B6 to aid 5-HTP conversion, as well as L Tryptophan to support stress levels in the body.
As Amazon’s #1 Best Seller in 5-HTP Nutritional Supplements, Dr. Emil Nutrition is an obvious choice for serotonin.
Made By Dr Emil Nutrition:
According to ReviewMeta.com, Dr Emil Nutrition has a 3.9 average adjusted rating with 433 verified reviews.
- Revenue = $5 Million
- Employees = 25
- Third Party Certifications = GMOs
- Third Party Reviews = 3.9 average adjusted rating with 433 verified reviews
Best for Non-Habit Forming Sleep Aid – Brick House Nutrition
- Price = $49.46
- # of Servings = 30
- Price per Serving = $1.64
- Product Reviews = 4.9/5 (64 reviews)
- Serving Size = 2 Capsules
- Taste / Absorbability = Unflavored
- Labeled Effect = Support deep and restful sleep
- Food Allergens = Safe
- Pros = Non-habit forming, all natural, high quality blend of ingredients
- Cons = Higher price per serving
If you’re looking for a natural way to get deep, restful sleep, look no further than DreamZzz. The Brick House Nutrition supplement contains clinically validated ingredients to help induce a night of deep sleep by directly stalling the body’s natural “wake up!” mechanisms.
Apigenin, from chamomile, and hops compliment GABA by enhancing binding to the sleep receptors in the brain, assisting in the maintenance of a normal circadian rhythm, and reducing anxiety.
L-theanine is a unique amino acid known to promote relaxation and take the edge off of stimulants, like caffeine, that is used earlier in the day to get you going while 5-HTP and melatonin work along the serotonin pathway to enhance sedation.
DreamZzz is a sound nutritional supplement to get you to sleep fast, improve nightly recuperation, and wake up feeling refreshed and energized.
Best of all the all natural ingredients mean DreamZzz is non-habit forming.
Made By Brick House Nutrition:
Founded in 2016 in Ohio. According to Judge.Me, Brickhouse Nutrition gets a 4.9/5 average rating from 7,882 reviews.
- Start = 2016
- Revenue = less than $5 million
- Employees = less than 25
- Mission = Aimed at improving your health, performance, and overall life
- Third Party Certifications = GMP
- Third Party Reviews = 4.9/5 average rating from 7,882 reviews
Best for Tryptophan – Life Extension
- Price = $24.00
- # of Servings = 30
- Price per Serving = $0.80
- Product Reviews = 4.5/5 (45 reviews)
- Serving Size = 3 Vegetarian Capsules
- Taste / Absorbability = Unflavored
- Labeled Effect = Support optimal sleep, serotonin production, and support a healthy stress response
- Food Allergens = Safe
- Pros = Also promote a healthy mood and serotonin production
- Cons = Less servings and 3 capsules per serving
About Optimized Tryptophan Plus
If you’re looking for a way to promote a healthy mood, support optimal sleep, and reduce stress, try Life Extensions’ Optimized Tryptophan Plus.
This essential amino acid is converted in the body to serotonin, an important neurotransmitter that helps regulate many functions in the brain. Serotonin is known to promote normal circadian rhythms and healthy sleep patterns, as well as support mood balance and encourage healthy serotonin levels. By taking L-Tryptophan before bedtime, you can help promote relaxation and restful sleep.
This supplement provides 1,000 mg of high-quality L-tryptophan per serving.
This Optimized Tryptophan Plus has undergone rigorous manufacturing processes to ensure quality and purity. It’s a great way to support healthy sleep and reduce stress, especially if you are already looking for a high quality Tryptophan supplement.
Made by Life Extension
Life Extension began in 1980 and is still going 40 years later. In 2021 ConsumerLab.com voted Life Extension as #1 Rated Catalog/Internet Merchant. According to ReviewMeta.com, Life Extension’s average adjusted rating of 4.1/5 from 24, 224 verified reviews.
- Start = 1980
- Revenue = $168 million
- Employees = 500
- Mission = Achieve your goals with the best nutritional products that science can offer
- Third Party Certifications = GMP, Non-GMO
- Third Party Reviews = average adjusted rating of 4.1/5 from 24, 224 reviews
Best for Pure 5-HTP – NOW
- Price = $16.31
- # of Servings = 120
- Price per Serving = $0.13
- Product Reviews = 4.6/5 (6,797 reviews)
- Serving Size = 1 Veg Capsule
- Taste / Absorbability = Unflavored
- Labeled Effect = Support positive mood and relaxation
- Food Allergens = Safe
- Pros = Pure 5-HTP, low cost per serving price
- Cons = No other vitamins, minerals or herbs
NOW Supplements’ 5-HTP is a vegan-friendly supplement that promotes healthy levels of serotonin in the brain and nervous system.
This neurotransmitter plays an important role in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and body temperature. 5-HTP is derived from the amino acid L-tryptophan and is considered a safe and effective way to support positive mood and relaxation.
NOW’s 5-HTP is certified Kosher, non-GMO, and made without gluten, dairy, eggs, or nuts. It is GMP quality assured and manufactured in the USA.
If you’re looking for a pure, high quality 5-HTP supplement to support your serotonin levels, NOW Supplements’ offering is a great option.
Made by Now Foods:
Family owned since 1968. One of the most popular supplement brands, with many more third party reviews. According to ReviewMeta.com, Now Foods has an average adjusted rating of 4.2/5 from 175,757 verified reviews.
- Start = 1968
- Revenue = $650 million
- Employees = 1600
- Mission = provide value in products and services that empower people to lead healthier lives
- Third Party Certifications = USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Gluten Free, GMP
- Third Party Reviews = 4.2/5 from 175,757 verified reviews
What factors do we use to rank supplements?
1 – Price: What’s the price of the supplement? What’s the cost per serving? At Eating Enlightenment we value quality over price. However, all else being equal, then price comes into consideration.
2 – Reviews: How many reviews for each product? What’s the average rating? How many third party reviews? We strongly believe in third party reviews. Many supplement companies list positive reviews on their website, but third party reviews include negative comments. We always go with third party reviews.
3 – Reputation: How reputable is the brand behind the supplement? How long has the brand been around? What’s their mission? We believe that a company’s intention is highly important and should be one of your top purchasing decision factors.
4 – Taste / Absorption = What’s the taste? How quickly does your body absorb the supplement? Do reviews mention any negative side effects like an upset stomach?
5 – Perceived Therapeutic Effect = What beneficial effects or feelings does this supplement promote?
6 – Food Allergens = Does the company provide allergen info?
7 – Science / Certifications: Does the company list transparent scientific studies on their website? Do third party certifications test the company’s supplement for quality control? How many certifications does the company have?
8 – Pros/Cons: What are the pros and cons of each supplement? How is the supplement unique? For what situations is this supplement best?
What is serotonin?
Originally discovered in the 1930s, serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep. It is produced in the brain and gut, and its levels can be affected by stress, diet, and exercise.
Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Serotonin is also thought to play a role in migraines, gastrointestinal problems, and weight gain. Increasing serotonin levels can be helpful in treating these conditions.
There are several ways to increase serotonin levels, including taking antidepressant medications, getting more sun exposure, and eating foods that contain tryptophan (a precursor to serotonin). You can read above for tryptophan supplements info.
Some people also find that supplements like 5-HTP or St. John’s wort can be helpful in boosting serotonin levels too.
Why is serotonin important?
Serotonin is a chemical that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain on serotonin receptors. It is involved in a wide range of functions, including mood, appetite, sleep, and memory.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Serotonin is also thought to play a role in pain perception. Ouch!
In addition, serotonin is involved in many physiological functions, such as regulating blood pressure and digestion. The link between serotonin and dopamine levels also strongly correlate. As such, it is essential for maintaining overall brain health, healthy brain cells, and well-being.
What are the biggest misconceptions about serotonin?
Although it is sometimes referred to as the “happy chemical,” serotonin does not directly cause happiness. Rather, it helps to regulate mood and emotions. A lack of serotonin has been linked to depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
However, it is important to note that serotonin is just one factor involved in these conditions.
Yet there are many other neurotransmitters and brain regions that contribute to mental health. Additionally, medications that increase serotonin levels are not always effective for treating mental illness (notably some antidepressant medications).
In fact, some research suggests that they may even cause harm. Therefore, it is important to talk to a doctor before taking any medication for mental health purposes.
What should I know before taking serotonin supplements?
Before taking serotonin supplements, it is important to speak with a doctor or qualified healthcare professional.
This is because serotonin is an important chemical in the body that helps to regulate mood, and taking too much may cause serious side effects.
Additionally, people who are taking certain medications (such as antidepressants) may not be able to take serotonin supplements. Therefore, it is important to consult with a doctor before beginning any supplement regimen.
Who benefits most from serotonin supplements?
Serotonin is a chemical that plays an important role in mood regulation. Low levels of serotonin are associated with conditions like depression and anxiety.
As a result, many people turn to serotonin supplements in the hope of alleviating symptoms. But who benefits most from these supplements?
The answer may depend on the cause of low serotonin levels.
For example, if low serotonin is due to a lack of sun exposure, then supplements may not be as effective as simply spending more time outdoors.
On the other hand, if low serotonin is due to a genetic predisposition or serotonin syndrome, then supplements may be more likely to provide relief.
In any case, it’s important to speak with a doctor before starting any new dietary supplement, as they can help you determine whether serotonin supplements are right for you.
Who may not benefit from serotonin supplements?
While serotonin supplements can be effective for some people, there are others who may not benefit from them. One group that may not see any benefit from taking serotonin supplements are people who don’t have low levels of serotonin to begin with.
Some people have higher levels than others, and it’s thought that those with higher levels are less likely to experience benefits from taking additional serotonin.
Additionally, people who suffer from conditions like anxiety or depression that impact their selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may actually see their symptoms worsen if they take serotonin supplements without also receiving treatment for the underlying condition.
As such, it’s important that anyone considering taking serotonin supplements talk to a doctor first.
Risks, side effects and other precautions to serotonin supplements?
As with any medication or supplement, there are potential risks and side effects associated with taking serotonin supplements.
The most common side effect is nausea, which can be alleviated by taking the supplement with food. Some people may also experience headache, diarrhea or dizziness.
In rare instances, more serious side effects such as seizures or changes in blood pressure have been reported.
As a result, it is important to speak to a doctor before taking serotonin supplements, especially if you have a history of mental health problems. It is also important to be aware that serotonin supplements can interact with other medications, so again I know I sound like a record on repeat, but it is important to speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking them.
Food sources for serotonin
Serotonin is produced in the brain, but it can also be found in certain foods. Good sources of serotonin include eggs, milk, nuts, seeds, and fish. While there is no definitive link between diet and serotonin levels, eating foods that contain serotonin may help to improve mood disorders and promote relaxation.
Brain Fuel: Relationship Between Food & Mood
How can I improve my serotonin levels naturally without supplements?
While dietary supplements can be used to increase brain serotonin levels, there are also several lifestyle changes that can be made to boost serotonin production. It’s these lifestyle changes which really make a much bigger difference.
I would highly suggest you try these first and make habits before turning to supplements!
For example, exercise has been shown to increase serotonin levels, as has exposure to sunlight. Additionally, eating foods that are rich in tryptophan and amino acids, such as salmon and nuts, may also help to increase serotonin levels.
Making these changes can help to improve mood, sleep patterns, and overall wellbeing.
How soon after taking serotonin supplements will I feel better?
It’s important to understand that serotonin boosting supplements are not a cure-all for every person. While they can be helpful in boosting serotonin levels, they don’t work for everyone.
And, even if they do work, it can take several weeks or even longer before you start to feel better. Serotonin supplements work best when they are used in conjunction with other forms of treatment, such as therapy and medication.
So, if you’re considering taking serotonin supplements, be sure to talk to your doctor first. They can help you decide if they are right for you and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.
Best Supplement for Serotonin Conclusion
Making small changes to your lifestyle, such as getting regular exercise, getting enough sunlight, and eating serotonin-rich foods can help building healthy brain cells and increase serotonin levels naturally.
However, before taking serotonin supplements it is important to speak with a doctor about any potential risks or side effects.
Serotonin supplements may not be right for everyone, and they should not be taken without consulting a physician.
Be sure to read our beginner’s guide to supplementation, as well as research our database for best supplements.
Have you ever tried serotonin supplements? Leave a comment below and let us know how they worked for you!
