5-HTP vs Creatine

for mood

Stronger evidence: tie

Stronger effect: Creatine

Safety: 5-HTP carries a serious interaction; Creatine has none recorded.

For mood, the two are evidence-matched; the difference is in effect and safety.

grade C low certainty

preliminary antidepressant signal; small, lower-quality studies

grade C low certainty

emerging evidence as an adjunct for depressive symptoms; trials small

3–5 g/day, adults with depression

sources: PMID:00000035 · PMID:42180567