GABA
GABA is the brain’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter, the brake that calms nerve activity.
100–200 mg a day.
What it is
As a supplement it is obtained by fermentation. There is a genuine scientific debate about how much oral GABA reaches the brain, because it may not cross the blood-brain barrier well.
What it is used for
The quiz suggests it when your answers justify it. It usually appears with these goals:
What the evidence says
Early data in people or, mostly, from the laboratory. It only appears at the advanced level, and we say so.
It is unclear how much reaches the brain. Small trials suggest effects on relaxation and sleep; weak evidence.
| Year | What was studied | What was found | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | The honest review | Review of 14 studies: limited evidence for stress and very limited evidence for sleep with oral GABA. Mixed results. (Unilever paid the open-access publication fee.) | Hepsomali et al.Frontiers in Neuroscience |
| 2006 | Relaxation signal | Two very small studies. In 13 people, GABA increased alpha brain waves compared with water or L-theanine. In 8 people afraid of heights crossing a suspension bridge, it kept saliva immunoglobulin A higher than placebo. (Authors from a GABA manufacturer.) | Abdou et al.BioFactors |
| 2012 | Stress marker | Single-blind crossover RCT with 63 adults: 100 mg blunted the drop in alpha waves during stressful mental tasks and improved mood compared with placebo. | Yoto et al.Amino Acids |
What to look for on the label
- GABA from fermentation with the dose stated.
Precautions
- If you take sedatives, anti-anxiety drugs or blood pressure medication, ask first.
Where to find it
Products whose label meets what this profile asks for: form, dose per serving and nothing that contradicts it. Three at most: quality of the active comes first and, among the best, we look for one option in each price range. We choose by composition, not by who pays. The shops are European or ship to Europe.
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ThorneShips from the US: check delivery and customs€€€High endThorne
PharmaGABA-100
100 mg of fermentation-derived GABA per capsule
For the reference dose1–2 capsulesView at Thorne (opens in a new tab)Meets the criteria.
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Life ExtensionShips from the Netherlands€BudgetLife Extension
GABA (PharmaGABA®)
100 mg of fermentation-derived GABA per capsule
For the reference dose1–2 capsulesView at Life Extension (opens in a new tab)Meets the criteria.
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iHerbShips from the US, VAT included€BudgetNatural Factors
Stress-Relax® PharmaGABA®
100 mg of fermentation-derived GABA (PharmaGABA®) per capsule
For the reference dose1–2 capsulesView at iHerb (opens in a new tab)Meets the criteria.
We link to the shop; we do not sell anything. Today we earn no commission on any link. If we ever do, the link will say so and the selection will not change: the label decides. Labels checked on 2 November 2026; check the one on the pack before you buy. All these shops deliver to the EU; some of their pages open in Spanish. How we are funded.
Nearby in the library
Is it for you?
The quiz decides from your answers, not from a profile.
Profile reviewed on 3 November 2026. Sources: EFSA, Regulation (EU) 432/2012 and published studies. Image: Chemical apparatus in use. Engraving, 18th century. Wellcome Collection, public domain.
General information based on published scientific evidence and EU law. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, and are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease.
Do not exceed the daily dose stated on each product. If you take medication, have a medical condition or have any doubts, ask your doctor or pharmacist.