10 Best Supplements for Stress

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Best Supplements for Stress

Best Stress Supplements | Common Questions

Millions of people around the world suffer from stress. It can be caused by many different factors, such as work, family, or health problems.

And while there are many ways to deal with stress, some people find that taking a supplement can help them feel better.

In this article, we will discuss the 10 best supplements for stress and how they can help you feel more relaxed and at ease.

We also talk below about potential side effects, who should not take these supplements and more.

Please 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.

Food is your best source of nutrition. Please check with your doctor before any supplement program.

Finally, we include items that we trust will be useful to our visitors. If you click on one of the links on our site, we may get a commission. More info below.

Read here if you want more helpful info on Ashwagandha supplements for stress.

10 Best Supplements for Stress

  1. Best OverallOlly “Ultra Goodbye Stress”
  2. Best for Herbal RelaxationBotanic Choice “Stress-Ez”
  3. Most Rare IngredientNow “Rhodiola”
  4. Best For Cognitive FunctionLife Extension “Optimized Ashwagandha”
  5. Highest Dose of Ashwagandha For Stress Relief – Nature’s Lab “Ashwagandha”
  6. Best for L-Theanine CalmingSuperior Lab “L-Theanine”
  7. Best for Managing CortisolIntegrative Therapeutics “Cortisol Manager”
  8. Chewables For CalmingMega Food “Relax and Calm Magnesium”
  9. Best for 5-HTP Mood RegulationNatureWise “5-HTP Plus”
  10. Best for Stress Management MixtureNature’s Way “Adrenal Stress End”

1 – Best Overall – Olly

  • Price = $ 19.99 
  • # of Servings = 30
  • Price per Serving = $ 0.66
  • Product Reviews = 4.4/5 with 7,230 reviews
  • Taste / Absorption = 2 softgels per serving, easy to swallow, have with water
  • Labeled Effect = support to mood and balance your stress
  • Food Allergens = processed in a facility that may contain shellfish, soy, egg and peanuts
  • Pros = popular ingredients, highly rated
  • Cons = 

About “Ultra Goodbye Stress”:

Ultra Goodbye Stress combines two well-known amino acids, GABA and L-Theanine, along with Ashwagandha. 

It’s this combination, plus the good reputation of being an incredibly popular supplement on Amazon why we rank #1.

There’s mostly good (and a little bad) when you use well-known, popular, scientifically tested ingredients like the ones here.

The good news is that you know you’re getting something beneficial. This supplement will help you with stress response.

The bad news is that these well-known ingredients are marketed in a variety of different ways.

For example, you might see these same ingredients in different supplements for brain function, overall health, and energy.

When you see the same ingredients commonly, it can seem more like a generalized approach and less tailored to the specific issue – like stress- that you were searching for originally.

Made by “Olly”:

About Olly: Began in 2013 and now located in San Francisco, California. Certified B Corporation. Brand values include people, culture, passion, greater good. According to ReviewMeta.com, Olly gets a 4.1/5 average adjusted rating from 928 verified reviews. 

  • Start = 2013
  • Revenue = $75 million
  • Employees = 30
  • Mission = make nutrition delightfully easy
  • Third Party Certifications = Certified B Corporation
  • Third Party Reviews = 4.1/5 average rating from 928 reviews

2 – Best for Herbal Relaxation – Botanic Choice

  • Price = $ 19.99 
  • # of Servings = 30
  • Price per Serving = $  0.66
  • Product Reviews = 4.7/5 with 13 reviews
  • Taste / Absorption = 1 capsule per serving
  • Labeled Effect = calm the body relaxes the mind, less stress and more enjoyment every day
  • Food Allergens = safe
  • Pros = mostly natural supplement with time tested ingredients
  • Cons = 

About “Stress-Ez”:

The main ingredients in Stress-Ez are Vitamin D3, Kava extract, Valerian powder, St. John’s Wort powder, and Chamomile powder.

Vitamin D3 is used in many supplements and generally speaking is good for your health. 

Kava, Valerian, St. John’s Wort, and Chamomile are natural herbal ingredients that all have various properties and have been used for various health concerns, including stress reduction and sleep quality, for hundreds of years. 

If you are looking for an herbal stress supplement to reduce stress levels, this is a great option to try.

Made by “Botanic Choice”:

About “Botanic Choice”: Botanic Choice started in 1910, over 100 years ago. The company is family owned and has millions of customers worldwide. They are one of the oldest supplement companies still around today. According to MetaCritic, Botanic Choice has a 3.8/5 rating with 1,496 reviews.

  • Start = 112 years old, founded in 1910
  • Revenue = $18 million
  • Employees = 107
  • Mission = dedicated to making effective natural health solutions available to all
  • Third Party Certifications = GMP
  • Third Party Reviews = 3.8/5 with 1,496 reviews

3 – Most Rare Ingredient – Now

  • Price = $ 18.47 
  • # of Servings = 60
  • Price per Serving = $ 0.30
  • Product Reviews = 4.8/5 with 37 reviews
  • Taste / Absorption = 1-2 vegetarian capsules daily, preferably with food
  • Labeled Effect = helps body adapt to stress of daily life
  • Food Allergens = safe
  • Pros = contains rare herbal ingredient, Rhodiola
  • Cons = doesn’t contain any other vitamins, minerals or herbs

About “Rhodiola”:

Rhodiola is a rarer ingredient not often seen in more popular supplements.

Rhodiola is a flower which grows naturally in the wild Arctic region.

It’s been used for thousands of years for lowering stress levels, along with other health benefits, and is considered to be a natural adaptogen helping the body relieve stress.

Made by “Now Foods”:

About 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

4 – Best For Ashwagandha – Life Extension

  • Price = $ 7.50 
  • # of Servings = 60
  • Price per Serving = $ 0.12
  • Product Reviews = 4.7/5 with 222 reviews
  • Taste / Absorption = 1 vegetarian capsule twice daily on empty stomach
  • Labeled Effect = Supports healthy memory and cognitive function
  • Food Allergens = very safe 
  • Pros = pure Ashwagandha
  • Cons = no other vitamins and minerals

About “Optimized Ashwagandha”:

Ashwagandha has been utilized in traditional medicine for centuries.

This plant extract is used in many other supplements for memory, brain health, and mood.

Like other popular, time-tested ingredients there is a trade off. 

You’re more certain that you’re getting a beneficial ingredient – but less certain your supplement is tailored specifically towards stress reduction.

Made by “Life Extension”:

About 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

5 – Highest Dose of Ashwagandha For Stress Relief – Nature’s Lab

  • Price = $ 14.99 
  • # of Servings = 60
  • Price per Serving = $ 0.24
  • Product Reviews = 5/5 with 2 reviews
  • Taste / Absorption = 1 non GMO capsule taken with meals
  • Labeled Effect = support stress relief and mental health
  • Food Allergens = very safe 
  • Pros = pure Ashwagandha in high dosage
  • Cons = only Ashwagandha and nothing else

About “Ashwagandha”:

Ashwagandha is a popular herb that’s been around for centuries. It’s used in a variety of supplements and its most common use is to alleviate stress. 

But in addition to stress, Ashwagandha is used for many other things as well like inflammation and like we said above, memory and mood.

It’s the problem with a general ingredient like Ashwagandha. It’s used for many different things!

So while you will benefit from stress reduction, you’ll also benefit in terms of inflammation. This is good overall but makes it seems less specific to stress.

The normal serving size for Ashwagandha is 1 – 6 mg. 

This supplement provides you with 8mg per serving so you are definitely getting a high dose of Ashwagandha here.

Made by “Nature’s Lab”:

About Nature’s Lab: Started in 2011 in Las Vegas by Wayne Gorsek, founder of Vitacost in 1994. According to Reviews.io, the company has a 4.9/5 rating with 656 reviews.

  • Start = 2011
  • Revenue = less than $5 million
  • Employees = less than 25
  • Mission = provide the right nutrients, in the right forms, and at the optimal potency levels to produce the best supplements on the market
  • Third Party Certifications = FDA, GMP, Non-GMO, USDA Organic, How 2 Recycle, Made in USA, Kosher, Halal, Cruelty Free
  • Third Party Reviews = 4.9/5 rating from 656 reviews   

6 – Best for L-Theanine Calming – Superior Lab

  • Price = $ 22.95
  • # of Servings = 90
  • Price per Serving = $ 0.25
  • Product Reviews = 4.8/5 with 651 reviews
  • Taste / Absorption = 1 vegetable capsule per serving, easy to digest
  • Labeled Effect = support stress relief and anxiety, calming 
  • Food Allergens = very safe  
  • Pros = pure L-Theanine
  • Cons = only L-Theanine and nothing else

About “L-Theanine”:

L-Theanine is a well-known amino acid. 

It has been studied scientifically and found to benefit sleep and mental focus, decrease stress hormones and improve overall brain function.

Made By “Superior Labs”:

About Superior Labs: Began in 2007, geared for athletes, and has FDA, GMP certification. Mission statement emphasizes purity, testing, and quality. According to ReviewMeta.com, Superior Labs has an average adjusted rating of 4.3/5 with 3902 verified reviews.

  • Start = 2007
  • Revenue = $6 million
  • Employees = less than 25
  • Mission = purity, testing, and quality
  • Third Party Certifications = NSF, GMP
  • Third Party Reviews = average adjusted rating of 4.3/5 with 3902 reviews

7 – Best for Managing Cortisol – Integrative Therapeutics 

  • Price = $ 25.75
  • # of Servings = 30
  • Price per Serving = $ 0.85
  • Product Reviews = 4.8/5 with 230 reviews
  • Taste / Absorption = dietary supplement to digest
  • Labeled Effect = improve your mood Increased daytime alertness 
  • Food Allergens = safe 
  • Pros = 100% natural
  • Cons = no other vitamins or minerals 

About “Cortisol Manager”:

Cortisol Manager is a 100% natural supplement.

This supplement primarily contains Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is used in a variety of other supplements for other issues like inflammation, mood and much more. 

See comments above for the pro’s and con’s of a generally beneficial ingredient like Ashwangandha. 

However this supplement has no other vitamins, minerals or herbs.

Made by “Integrative Therapeutics”:

About Integrative Therapeutics: Began in Wisconsin in 2000. Values science, and provides good product descriptions. According to ReviewMeta.com, average adjusted rating is 4.3/5 from 5,303 verified reviews.

  • Start = 2000
  • Revenue = $86 million
  • Employees = 300
  • Mission = support you with every step of your health journey
  • Third Party Certifications = GMP, NSF, Emerson Quality Program
  • Third Party Reviews = average adjusted rating is 4.3/5 from 5,303 verified reviews

8 – Best Chewables For Calming – MegaFood

  • Price = $ 13.47
  • # of Servings = 15
  • Price per Serving = $  0.89
  • Product Reviews = 4.8/5 with 21 reviews
  • Taste / Absorption = 2 Soft Chews per serving, taken anytime
  • Labeled Effect = support in relaxation and stress, calming 
  • Food Allergens = very safe
  • Pros = no corn syrup, grape flavor, lots of magnesium
  • Cons = no other vitamins, minerals or herbs

About “Relax and Calm Magnesium”:

Magnesium is an important mineral that your body needs to function. 

Lack magnesium and you may feel more muscle tension, along with other negative side effects like prolonged stress.

Magnesium is another supplement that is general. Its uses range from lowering blood levels to decreasing high blood pressure.

Because it’s so general, it’s hard to say that it’s specific to stress, but no doubt magnesium does play a role in reducing anxiety.

Made by “MegaFood”:

About MegaFood: MegaFood started in 1973 and is a verified B-Corporation, which means they meet higher standards for quality, transparency and sustainability. MegaFood provides tons of science, gives back to the community, and is transparent about their supply chain. According to MetaCritic, MegaFood has a 4.3/5 average rating based on 7,100 reviews.

  • Start = 1973
  • Revenue = $67 million
  • Employees = 200
  • Mission = working toward a world where everyone is truly nourished
  • Third Party Certifications = B Certification, USDA Organic Certification, Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegan, Certified Kosher, 125+ Pesticide Free, Certified Gluten-Free
  • Third Party Reviews = 4.3/5 with 7,100 reviews

9 – Best for 5-HTP Mood Regulation – NatureWise

  • Price = $ 13.99 
  • # of Servings = 30
  • Price per Serving = $ 0.46
  • Product Reviews = 4.7/5 with 679 reviews
  • Taste / Absorption = 1 vegetarian capsule per serving
  • Labeled Effect = brain chemical that helps regulate your moods and reduce stress
  • Food Allergens = very safe
  • Pros = 5-HTP is a well-known ingredient
  • Cons = B6 has a long half-life

About “5-HTP Plus”:

5-HTP Plus contains your normal serving size of 5-HTP.

5-HTP is a well-known amino acid necessary for your brain’s production of serotonin. 

Serotonin in turn helps regulate everything from moods to perception.

This supplement also contains vitamin B6. The only minor downside to vitamin B6 is the half-life is 30 days. 

This means that Vitamin B6 stays in your system for a while. So, you will see decreasing returns to the B6 as it’s already in your system. 

Made by “NatureWise”:

About NatureWise: Founded in 2012 in California, NatureWise aims to promote health and inspire wellbeing. According to ReviewMeta.com, NatureWise has a 4.2/5 average adjusted rating from 32,542 verified reviews.

  • Start = 2012
  • Revenue = $31 million
  • Employees = less than 25
  • Mission = promote health and inspire wellbeing
  • Third Party Certifications = Manufactured in US, 
  • Third Party Reviews = 4.2/5 average rating from 32,542 reviews

10 – Best for Stress Management Mixture – Nature’s Way

  • Price = $ 17.06 
  • # of Servings = 30
  • Price per Serving = $ 0.57
  • Product Reviews = 4.6/5 with 67 reviews
  • Taste / Absorption = 2 capsules daily with food
  • Labeled Effect = helps to manage stress
  • Food Allergens = safe
  • Pros = mix of vitamins and amino acids
  • Cons = no info on main ingredient ‘Adrenal Cortex’ 

About “Adrenal Stress End”:

Adrenal Stress End has a good mixture of vitamins and amino acids.

The name “Adrenal Stress End” is marketed towards stress caused by adrenal glands. It makes sense that one of their ingredients ‘Adrenal Cortex’ would be included.

However, the ingredients making up Adrenal Cortex are not explained or listed.

Nonetheless, Nature’s Way is an extremely popular, reliable supplement company.

Made by “Nature’s Way”:

About Nature’s Way: Nature’s Way is one of the most popular supplement companies. It’s been around for decades, and has a 4.2/5 average adjusted rating from 80,981 verified reviews. 

  • Start = 1969
  • Revenue = $98 million
  • Employees = 500
  • Mission = help people everywhere live healthy lives
  • Third Party Certifications = GMP, NSF, ISO, GMO Free
  • Third Party Reviews = 4.2/5 average adjusted rating from 80,981 verified reviews

What factors we use to rank supplements

What should you look for when picking supplements?

Here are factors you should consider, and the factors we use to rank too!

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?

Who benefits most from supplements for stress?

Stress can affect anyone, but some people are more susceptible to its effects than others.

If you have a history of anxiety or depression, you may be more likely to experience stress-related problems.

People who are under a lot of pressure at work or home, or who have a chronic illness, may also be more likely to feel the negative effects of stress.

If you find that your stress levels are affecting your ability to function in day-to-day life, it may be time to consider taking a supplement.

There are many different supplements available, and not all of them will work for everyone. It’s important to do your research and talk to your doctor before starting any supplement regimen.

When should I take supplements for stress?

Most people take supplements for stress in the morning, as they start their day. This gives the body time to absorb the nutrients and prepare for the day ahead.

However, some people may find that taking a supplement at night helps them to relax and sleep better.

If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about whether taking a supplement before bedtime might be right for you.

Who may not benefit from supplements for stress?

Not everyone will benefit from taking supplements for stress.

People who are not under a lot of stress, or who have no history of anxiety or depression, may not see any positive effects from taking these supplements.

In addition, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take supplements for stress without first talking to their doctor.

Please also remember stress supplements are more for calming and less about vitamin deficiencies. If you are concerned about being vitamin deficient you may want a vitamin deficiency blood test.

Likewise, while you may be stressed about your bones or joint (or another health condition), supplements for joint repair and supplements for strong bones are not meant to help with stress.

Finally, people with chronic medical conditions should also speak to their doctor before taking any new supplements for stress, as some ingredients may interact with medications they are already taking.

Risks

Taking supplements for stress comes with some risks.

The most common side effect is an upset stomach. This can be caused by the body’s reaction to the new ingredients in the supplement, and is usually temporary.

More serious side effects can occur if the ingredients mix together so be sure to check with your doctor.

In particular, supplements for stress can interact with other medications you are taking.

Some common interactions include:

  • antidepressants
  • blood pressure medication
  • heart medication

If you are taking any other medication, it is important to talk to your doctor before you start taking supplements for stress.

What type of supplement for stress is best?

Depends!

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best type of supplement for stress depends on the individual’s needs and preferences.

There are many different types of supplements for stress, and each one contains different ingredients.

Some common ingredients include:

  • herbs such as Ashwagandha, Chamomile, and Lavender
  • vitamins such as B vitamins and Vitamin C
  • minerals such as magnesium and zinc
  • amino acids such as L-theanine and GABA

Some people may prefer a supplement that contains only herbs, while others may prefer one that contains vitamins and minerals.

Still, others may prefer a supplement that contains amino acids.

The best way to find out what type of supplement is best for you is to talk to your doctor, read posts like this, and do your own research.

How to take supplements for stress?

Most supplements for stress come in pill or capsule form.

They can be taken with or without food, but it’s important to follow the instructions on the bottle.

Some people may prefer to take their supplement in liquid form. This is also an option, but it’s important to make sure that the supplement you choose is designed to be taken in this way.

How soon after taking supplements for stress will I feel better?

This varies depending on the person and the type of supplement they are taking.

Some people may see results within a few days, while others may need to take the supplement for several weeks before seeing results.

Of course the real solution to stress management is holistic, and doing more things like:

  • yoga
  • not procrastinating
  • having difficult conversations
  • eating a healthy diet
  • getting enough sleep
  • getting enough sunlight (or vitamin D supplements if you don’t get much sunlight)
  • spending time in nature

But sometimes we all need a little extra help, and that’s where supplements for stress come in. If you’re considering taking a supplement for stress, be sure to talk to your doctor first to see if it’s right for you.

Conclusion

If you are struggling with chronic stress, there are a few things you can do to ease your symptoms. One is to take supplements specifically designed to reduce stress.

These supplements usually contain ingredients like herbs, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that have been shown to be effective in reducing stress levels.

Another option is to make lifestyle changes such as practicing yoga or meditation, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.

About the Author

Jared Levenson is a former binge eating wrestler turned Zen Buddhist Monk, Internal Family Systems counselor and nutrition wellness coach. He's helped hundreds of people through universal meal principles and internal family systems to make peace with food, stop binge eating, and find true health and wholeness.

@jared_levenson

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