BioStacks
Other Ingredients (10)
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.
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
Silicon DioxideAnti-caking
Fine silica powder used to prevent clumping
GlycerinHumectant
Sweet-tasting liquid used in soft capsules and liquids
HypromelloseCapsule
Plant-derived capsule material from cellulose
Microcrystalline CelluloseBinder
Plant-derived cellulose used as a binder and filler in supplements
How to Take It
Best taken in the evening
Time-release melatonin spreads the dose across the night. The licensed prolonged-release version is taken 1–2 hours before bedtime, with or after food. Vitamin B6 is easier on the stomach taken with food.
With food
5-HTP does better on an empty stomach, but something else in this bottle needs food. Taking the whole product with a meal is the better trade — an upset stomach is why most people stop.
Keep it away from protein-heavy meals
Space it a couple of hours from SAMe
On the label
Adults, take 1 tablet 30 minutes before bedtime.
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
$15.59
Near the median of 187 vitamin B6 supplements
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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.