Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, in the brain. It has a calming effect by blocking certain signals in the nervous system.

The brain produces and responds to many neurotransmitters that trigger or inhibit specific reactions in the body. GABA calms the nervous system by preventing the transmission of certain signals.

GABA is present in plants, animals, and microorganisms. The human body produces it, and some foods may provide components that the body uses to produce GABA.

In this article, we examine how increased levels of GABA may impact the brain and body and whether taking GABA supplements could have the same benefits.

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In 2020, researchers described GABA as a bioactive agent that may have the following properties:

  • antidepressant
  • sedative
  • antihypertensive, which means it can reduce blood pressure
  • antidiabetic
  • anticancer
  • immune system enhancer

A 2019 review said that GABA has antimicrobial, antiseizure, and antioxidant properties and may help treat and prevent conditions such as:

Boosting GABA may have a range of effects, but precisely what it can do is not yet clear.

Some drugs contain substances that boost the action of GABA. Gabapentin and valproate, for example, indirectly enhance the action of GABA in the body.

Here are some examples:

  • valproate can stabilize moods and prevent seizures
  • gabapentin helps manage nerve pain
  • baclofen can reduce muscle spasms and treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder
  • benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Xanax, help treat anxiety, agitation, seizures, and muscle spasms

According to one study, people with depression may have reduced GABA levels in the brain. Using benzodiazepines may be beneficial in those instances.

Components used by the body to produce GABA are present in some fermented foods, such as:

  • kimchi
  • fermented fish
  • tempeh
  • fermented buffalo milk
  • fermented cassava
  • fermented durian
  • Zlatar cheese
  • sourdough
  • mulberry beer
  • sake
  • yogurt-sake

Other foods where scientists have found at least traces of GABA components include:

  • germinating adzuki and soybeans
  • peas
  • wheat and barley
  • brown and red rice
  • mature green tomatoes
  • cruciferous vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and broccoli
  • sweet potato
  • shiitake mushrooms
  • chestnuts
  • white Chinese tea

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classes GABA as “generally recognized as safe” to use as a supplement and food additive.

Manufacturers may add GABA to sports drinks and other foods.

Another option that may boost GABA is to take supplements.

Manufacturers produce GABA supplements by fermenting a form of lactic acid bacteria.

People take them to:

There is not enough evidence to show that GABA supplements will produce all the expected benefits. GABA in supplement formulations might have unpredictable effects or might not be sufficient to impact the body. Because the body regulates neurotransmitters precisely, GABA in supplements may be broken down and removed from the body without taking effect.

Some people may take a supplement in pill form, while others may add it to foods, such as protein drinks.

Manufacturers make different recommendations about how much to take. Anyone considering taking GABA supplements should talk with a doctor first.

If a person experiences side effects after starting to take GABA supplements, they should stop using the supplement and contact their doctor.

Research into GABA supplements is ongoing and has yet to confirm if they are helpful or not.

Some experts say the positive effects people report may be a placebo response. Others do not believe that GABA supplements cross the blood-brain barrier. This means they are unlikely to have any effect on the body.

The following sections describe research into GABA’s effects.

Thinking and task performance abilities

Various studies have focused on GABA’s potential to improve cognitive abilities. However, few have found evidence to support its use in this area. For example, a 2021 study found that participants taking GABA, either alone or with tyrosine, were less successful at switching cognitive tasks than people taking a placebo or tyrosine alone.

Stress reduction

In a small 2019 study, researchers found that consuming GABA-fortified tea reduced participants’ stress scores and improved their heart rate variability.

A 2020 systematic review concluded that there is insufficient evidence linking GABA supplementation with stress reduction or improvements in sleep. More research is necessary.

Workout recovery and muscle building

A 2019 study asked 21 healthy males to take a supplement with whey protein or whey protein plus GABA once a day for 12 weeks.

The participants performed the same resistance training exercises twice weekly, and the researchers measured the results. The researchers found that the combination of whey protein and GABA increased levels of growth hormone compared to whey protein alone.

Although this was another small study, the researchers concluded that GABA supplements might help build muscle and assist in workout recovery. They recommended that more research is necessary.

It is essential to follow any instructions, whether using supplements or taking medications that mimic or aim to boost GABA.

Medications side effects

People who use medications that mimic or aim to boost GABA should follow the instructions from their doctor or pharmacist carefully.

Taking too much or combining them with alcohol or opioids can lead to central nervous system (CNS) depression. This can cause the body to slow down so that the person can no longer breathe. It can be life threatening.

GABA supplement side effects

Clinical studies suggest that taking up to 120 milligrams (mg) of GABA per day as supplements for 12 weeks is unlikely to cause adverse effects.

People should take care when using them with other drugs.

Using them with medications for high blood pressure or epilepsy may increase the impact of those drugs.

People should always check with a doctor before taking any supplements and ensure they know which drugs the person is already taking.

The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements in the same way it regulates medications. People should only buy from reputable vendors and companies.

The body naturally produces GABA, which calms the nervous system and produces a calming effect.

Some medications boost the effect of GABA and are helpful in treating epilepsy and managing pain.

Some people take GABA supplements, but scientists are still looking into the benefits they may provide.

Before using GABA supplements for any condition, it is best to talk with a doctor. They may recommend trying a medically proven treatment first. If they support using GABA supplements, they will advise the person on how to do so safely.