Supplements for Low Mood: What Reddit Users Report
This ranking reflects what people who describe low mood or depression report in Reddit comments: 400 owner comments, ranked by a context rating that shrinks small samples toward the average. It is not a recommendation to try any of them. Persistent or severe symptoms need a doctor's assessment. Vitamin D and B vitamins are left out as background pages.
Many people in these threads also take prescription medicine. We do not score or rank prescription drugs, and supplements are not a substitute for care from a doctor or therapist. If you take an antidepressant, read serotonin supplements and antidepressants.
| # | Supplement | Context rating | Rated comments here | Positive | Negative | Overall score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saffron extract (incl. Affron) | 3.9 | 38 | 31 | 3 | 4.0 |
| 2 | Taurine | 3.8 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3.7 |
| 3 | 5-HTP | 3.7 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 3.5 |
| 4 | L-tryptophan | 3.7 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 3.5 |
| 5 | L-theanine | 3.6 | 16 | 13 | 2 | 4.0 |
| 6 | Methylfolate (L-methylfolate) | 3.4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3.2 |
| 7 | Magnesium (form not stated) | 3.3 | 32 | 21 | 10 | 4.1 |
| 8 | Glycine | 3.3 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3.0 |
| 9 | Magnesium glycinate | 3.1 | 24 | 13 | 10 | 4.0 |
| 10 | St John's wort | 2.9 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 2.8 |
| 11 | GABA | 2.9 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 3.1 |
| 12 | Omega-3 / fish oil (EPA/DHA) | 2.9 | 11 | 3 | 6 | 3.2 |
| 13 | NAC (N-acetylcysteine) | 2.6 | 40 | 8 | 25 | 3.2 |
Taking an antidepressant? Read serotonin supplements and antidepressant interactions first. Our stress supplement shortlists group top-rated options by what people report. Some take weeks; see timing reports from Reddit owners.
In their words
4/5 Mood“Can't speak for depression for i have used sam-e for anxiety, paired with saffron and nac, felt better and greatly helped boost mood levels.”
4/5 MoodTaste & form“Taurine combined with caffeine and vitamin B (basically, certain energy drinks) I wouldn't believe it at first, but I tested each component on its own and I found that for me taurine really helps, it evens out my mood.”
4/5“I took about that, 900 mg 5-HTP per day, for a while.”
4/5 MoodTakes time“Ive been taking l-theanine and l-tryptophan and its made a huge impact on my mental health.”
Mixed and negative reports
1/5 Side effects“Saffron made my depression worse.”
1/5 MoodSide effects“Old thread, but recently also realized that L-Theanine was significantly lowering my mood.”
Before you try anything
- Start one supplement at a time so you can tell what made a difference.
- Do not stop or change a prescribed medicine on your own.
- Check interactions with any medicine you take: safety and interactions guide.
- Background reading: Serotonin Supplements and Antidepressants.