Omega-3 vs 5-HTP

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.

Omega-3

grade C moderate certainty

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

1–2 g EPA, adults with depression

5-HTP

grade C low certainty

preliminary antidepressant signal; small, lower-quality studies

sources: PMID:20000102 · PMID:00000035