NutriStack
5-HTP and Vitamin B6, a synergy.
Vitamin B6 (as PLP) is a required cofactor for aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, which converts 5-HTP to serotonin.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
Same shape as the other 1,729 pairs in the public database.
From the interaction database
What the row says.
Every entry follows the same shape: what is happening, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
At a glance
- Substances
- 5-HTP and Vitamin B6
- Pair type
- Synergy
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Strong
- Source citations
- 1 source
- Stack Score effect
- +2 to your Stack Score (per scored synergy row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Supplement
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Synergy · Strong evidence
Synergy
What is happening. Vitamin B6 (as PLP) is a required cofactor for aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, which converts 5-HTP to serotonin.
Mechanism. PLP (active B6) is the essential cofactor for AADC (aromatic amino acid decarboxylase) that decarboxylates 5-hydroxytryptophan to serotonin (5-HT).
Recommendation. Take B6 with 5-HTP to ensure efficient conversion to serotonin. 25-50mg B6 is sufficient.
Sources (1)
- Birdsall TC. 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor. Altern Med Rev. 1998
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both 5-HTP and Vitamin B6 are in the same stack, this pair applies +2 to your Stack Score (per scored synergy row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
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