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
Blood pressure and pregnancy
A USP safety review found reports of temporary blood-pressure reductions and flagged a possible additive effect with blood-pressure medicines. It found no pregnancy or breastfeeding studies. These gaps prevent reassurance about those uses. 1
A newer liver-enzyme signal
A Swedish six-month trial studied controlled-release GABA in 35 men with longstanding type 1 diabetes. Nine developed elevated AST liver-enzyme values, and two withdrew; most elevations were temporary. The study used 200 or 600 mg daily, with alprazolam initially added in one arm. This specific setting does not quantify the risk from ordinary sleep supplements, but it challenges blanket claims of harmlessness. 2
For information, not individual medical advice. Ingredient studies do not establish the effectiveness of these products.