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Summary

  • What does GABA do and do supplements work?

    GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a natural "inhibitory neurotransmitter," meaning it blocks impulses between the nerve cells, resulting in a calming effect. Many medications for insomnia, stress and anxiety, epilepsy, and other conditions work by affecting GABA activity. However, taking GABA as supplement does not significantly increase GABA levels in the brain and has not been shown to provide much benefit for epilepsy, insomnia or stress, or cognitive performance, and the effects, if any, are temporary. GABA also affects processes that control blood pressure and muscle mass, so it has been evaluated for hypertension and muscle building (see What It Does).
  • What dose of GABA is used?

    In clinical trials, GABA has typically been taken at a dose of 100 to 800 mg per day, although higher and lower doses have been used (see Dosage).
  • What did CL's tests and review of GABA supplements show?

    In laboratory testing, all of the products were shown to provide their listed amounts of GABA without any significant contamination with heavy metals, such as lead. However, the cost to obtain 250 mg of GABA ranged widely, from just 1 cent to $1.60, although higher cost does not mean higher quality or, necessarily, higher likelihood of benefit (see What CL Found).
  • What is the best GABA supplement?

    Among 11 CL Approved products, CL selected Top Picks for low, medium, high, and very high-dose GABA, representing good quality and value.
  • How to take GABA?

    GABA should be taken with water and need not be taken with food. As any therapeutic effects appear to be temporary, take within one hour of expected benefit. As GABA may directly irritate the throat if taken as a liquid at high dosage, capsules may be preferred to dissolving tablets, liquids, and powders stirred in liquids (see ConsumerTips: How to Take).
  • GABA safety and side effects:

    At doses of 300 mg or more, mild side effects, such as abdominal discomfort, headache and drowsiness, have been reported. As GABA may lower blood pressure, it may be unsafe to use with blood pressure-lowering drugs. The long-term safety of GABA supplements remains uncertain (see Concerns and Cautions).

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GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) supplement brands compared in this review

View Larger Image 8113_large_BrainMD-Gaba-2023.png

BrainMD By Daniel Amen, MD GABA Calming Support

View Larger Image 8114_large_BulkSupplements-Gaba-2023.png

BulkSupplements.com Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

View Larger Image 8115_large_Liposomal-Neurocalm-Gaba-2023.png

Designs For Health Liposomal NeuroCalm

View Larger Image 8116_large_GNC-Gaba-2023 (1).png

GNC GABA

View Larger Image 8117_large_KAL-Gaba-2023.png

KAL GABA 25 mg - Cherry Natural Flavor

View Larger Image 8118_large_StressRelax-Gaba-2023.png

Natural Factors Pharma GABA

View Larger Image 8119_large_NOW-Gaba-2023.png

NOW GABA 500 mg

View Larger Image 8120_large_NVS-Gaba-2023.png

NVS Labs GABA

View Larger Image 8250_large_Solgar-Gaba-2023.png

Solgar GABA 500 mg

View Larger Image 8121_large_SourceNaturals-Gaba-2023.png

Source Naturals GABA Calm

View Larger Image 8122_large_Swanson-Gaba-2023.png

Swanson GABA

View Larger Image 8123_large_Thorne-Gaba-2023.png

Thorne PharmaGABA-100

You must be a member to get the full test results along with ConsumerLab.com recommendations and quality ratings. You will get results for 10 GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) supplements selected for testing by ConsumerLab.com, as well as two other products that are included for having passed the same testing through ConsumerLab's voluntary Quality Certification Program. In this comprehensive review, you'll discover:
  • What GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is and whether GABA supplements provide any health benefits
  • Which GABA supplements passed or failed ConsumerLab's tests of quality
  • ConsumerLab's Top Picks for low, moderate, and high-dose GABA supplements based on quality, value, and for powders and liquids, taste
  • The clinical evidence for and against GABA supplements for lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, improving sleep, and improving memory and cognition
  • The difference between "biosynthetic" and "synthetic GABA, and information about branded GABA ingredients such as PharmaGABA (Pharma Foods International Japan)
  • The best way to take GABA supplements
  • Foods that may contain GABA
  • Safety and potential side effects and drug interactions with GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) supplements

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Additional Information
Tested through CL's Quality Certification Program prior to, or after initial posting of this Product Review.