5-HTP vs Omega-3

for mood

Stronger evidence: tie

Stronger effect: Omega-3

Safety: Both carry up to serious interactions — check your context.

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 moderate certainty

small benefit for depressive symptoms, clearest with higher-EPA formulations

1–2 g EPA, adults with depression

sources: PMID:00000035 · PMID:20000102