Mood Enhancer

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Mood support supplements are products people use to support everyday wellbeing and motivation, from herbal adaptogens like rhodiola and ashwagandha to B vitamins, vitamin D, mushroom extracts and amino acids such as 5-HTP and L-tryptophan. Brands in this collection include Now Foods, Horbaach, Doctor's Best, Life Cykel and Primabolics.

Read the Mood Enhancer buying guide
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Mood Enhancer: buying guide

An honest look at the evidence

Most mood supplements have limited research behind them. For rhodiola, the US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says there is not enough reliable evidence to know whether it is useful for any health purpose, despite its traditional use for fatigue. For ashwagandha, NCCIH reports that some preparations may help with stress, but many studies are small. Vitamins such as B complex and vitamin D are worth considering if your diet or a blood test suggests you are short, rather than as a mood fix on their own.

Low mood that lasts is different from a flat week. NCCIH notes that depression is a serious illness and that anyone who may have it should see a health care provider. Healthdirect adds that ongoing stress can be a sign of depression or anxiety. Supplements are not a substitute for that care.

What is in this collection

  • Adaptogens: rhodiola and ashwagandha, alone or combined with L-theanine.
  • Vitamins: B complex, methylfolate and vitamin D.
  • Amino acids: 5-HTP, L-tryptophan and L-phenylalanine.
  • Caffeinated products: drinks such as Primabolics Metabolyz Caffeinated Beverage, where any lift in alertness comes from caffeine. Read our guide to what caffeine is.

How to compare products

Check the dose of each active ingredient per serve, whether the product contains caffeine, and how many ingredients are in the blend. Single-ingredient products make it easier to tell what is working for you.

Safety and who should check first

NCCIH says rhodiola is possibly safe for up to 12 weeks, with reported side effects including dizziness, headache, insomnia and dry mouth, and an interaction with the blood pressure medicine losartan. Ashwagandha should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding and may interact with several medicines. If you take antidepressants or any other prescription medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before trying a mood supplement, including 5-HTP or L-tryptophan.

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Related categories

See anti-stress, brain health, focus and energy and sleep support.

Sources: NCCIH: Rhodiola; NCCIH: Ashwagandha; healthdirect: Stress.

Order online with Australia-wide delivery, free on orders of $100 or more, or visit a Supps247 store in Melbourne, regional Victoria or Brisbane to compare products in person before you buy. Members can use our price match guarantee on full-priced items.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or take regular medication, check with your doctor first.

Mood Enhancer: questions and answers

Can supplements improve your mood?
The evidence is limited for most of them. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says there is not enough reliable evidence to know whether rhodiola works for any health purpose, and ashwagandha research is mostly small studies on stress. If a blood test shows you are low in a nutrient such as vitamin D or B12, your GP can advise on fixing it. Persistent low mood needs a conversation with your GP.
Is rhodiola safe to take?
The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says rhodiola is possibly safe for up to 12 weeks. Reported side effects include dizziness, headache, insomnia and dry mouth or extra saliva. It has been reported to interact with the blood pressure medicine losartan, and little is known about its safety in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor first if you take any medication.
Can I take mood supplements with antidepressants?
Do not combine them without medical advice. Herbal and amino acid supplements can interact with prescription medicines, and NCCIH advises anyone taking medication to talk with a health care provider before using rhodiola or ashwagandha. This is especially important for products such as 5-HTP and L-tryptophan. Your doctor or pharmacist can check your full list of medicines and supplements.
What is the difference between mood and anti-stress supplements?
There is a lot of overlap. Our anti-stress collection focuses on calming products such as magnesium and ashwagandha, while the mood collection also includes B vitamins, vitamin D, amino acids such as 5-HTP and some caffeinated drinks. Read the label to see whether a product is designed to calm or to energise, and avoid caffeinated products late in the day.
What is saffron extract used for?
Saffron is the dried stigma of the Crocus sativus flower, the same spice used in cooking. Supplements such as Life Extension Optimized Saffron provide a concentrated extract, and mood support is the most studied use. Early trials have been encouraging, but many were small and run by a few research groups, so larger independent studies are still needed. Its safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, so avoid supplement doses then. If you take antidepressants or any other prescription medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before trying it.

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