BioStacks
Other Ingredients (13)
CarboxymethylcelluloseThickener
Carboxymethylcellulose was the second emulsifier (with polysorbate 80) in Chassaing et al. 2015 (Nature, PMID 25731162), which showed mucus-barrier thinning, a microbiota shift toward pro-inflammatory species, low-grade inflammation, and metabolic syndrome in mice. Chassaing 2022 (Gastroenterology, PMID 34774538) tested CMC directly in a randomized controlled human feeding trial and found reduced microbial diversity and bacterial encroachment into the normally sterile mucus layer in a susceptible subset of participants. EFSA's 2018 re-evaluation could not establish a safe level due to data gaps. For a purely textural excipient, the gut-barrier risk profile is unfavorable when safer thickeners are widely available.
MaltodextrinBinder
Spikes blood sugar faster than table sugar (glycemic index 85–105). Research links it to gut bacteria changes that may promote intestinal inflammation (Nickerson et al. 2015). Used as a cheap filler — adds nothing beneficial.
XylitolSweetener
A FODMAP sugar alcohol that can cause GI distress (bloating, gas, diarrhea) at moderate doses (>10-20g/day), though supplement amounts are typically small. Extremely toxic to dogs — households with pets should store securely.
Beet ColorColorant
Natural red-pink colorant from dehydrated beets or beet juice; the pigment is betanin
Magnesium StearateLubricant
A salt of stearic acid used as a lubricant in tablet and capsule production
Natural FlavorsFlavor
Broad regulatory category of flavor constituents derived from natural sources. Composition is proprietary and not disclosed — 'Natural Flavors' can include several hundred different compounds depending on the target flavor profile, including hexane-extracted constituents and proprietary carrier solvents. 'Natural' is a regulatory definition (21 CFR §101.22), not a safety guarantee.
Silicon DioxideAnti-caking
Fine silica powder used to prevent clumping
Citric AcidAcidulant
Natural acid derived from citrus fruits
How to Take It
Best taken in the evening
Take in the evening. Amino acids compete for the same transport into the brain, so a protein-heavy meal blunts it.
On an empty stomach
Keep it away from protein-heavy meals
Space it a couple of hours from SAMe
On the label
Take 1 tablet, up to two times daily, with food. No water necessary.
Labels usually say “with food” because it's gentler on the stomach, not because it absorbs better. Fasted absorbs more — start there, and switch to a light meal if it bothers you.
Do not combine with St. John's Wort
Each of these raises serotonin activity on top of St. John's Wort, and together they can trigger serotonin syndrome — agitation, rapid heartbeat, raised blood pressure. Not without medical supervision.
General guidance based on the ingredients, not a substitute for the label or your doctor.
Price Check
$10.99
Cheaper than 87% of 61 5-HTP supplements
Track this supplement in your stack
Get personalized insights, interactions, and coverage recommendations.
Get Started FreeSimilar Supplements
Sources & Scoring
Nutrient data (RDA, UL, and safety thresholds) sourced from: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and National Academies Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI).
This is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement routine.
The score analyzes what's on the label: ingredient doses vs. clinical ranges, chemical forms, evidence levels, and known interactions. It does not verify label accuracy or test for contaminants — for that, look for third-party certifications like USP or NSF.