GABA
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid the body makes from glutamate. It is the main inhibitory, or calming, messenger in the brain.
Also listed as Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
What does the broader research show?
A review of 14 placebo-controlled studies found limited evidence for stress relief and very limited evidence for better sleep. Small samples, differing methods and frequent industry involvement limit confidence, while leaving room for further investigation. 1
A signal for falling asleep faster
A four-week trial in 40 adults with insomnia symptoms studied 300 mg daily of GABA from fermented rice germ. It reported shorter sleep-onset latency in the GABA group. With 30 people receiving GABA and only 10 receiving placebo, this small trial cannot settle how reliably the effect carries over to other people or products. 2
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Sleep2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Stress & Mood4 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Cognition2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
Sources
- Effects of Oral Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Administration on Stress and Sleep in Humans: A Systematic Review Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2020
- Safety and Efficacy of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid from Fermented Rice Germ in Patients with Insomnia Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial Journal of Clinical Neurology, 2018