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GABA Supplements Review

Does GABA Work As a Supplement?

Latest Update

GABA for Strength?

Medically reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Updated May 12, 2025 ⓘ

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Products tested in 2023

+— 21 sources

In addition the results of its expert testing, ConsumerLab uses only high-quality, evidence based, information sources. These sources include peer-reviewed studies and information from agencies such as the FDA and USDA, and the National Academy of Medicine. On evolving topics, studies from pre-print journals may be sourced. All of our content is reviewed by medical doctors and doctoral-level experts in pharmacology, toxicology, and chemistry. We continually update and medically review our information to keep our content trustworthy, accurate, and reliable. The following sources are referenced in this article:

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 and How Products Were Evaluated).
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

BrainMD By Daniel Amen, MD GABA Calming Support

BulkSupplements.com Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

Designs For Health Liposomal NeuroCalm

8116_large_GNC-Gaba-2023 (1).png

GNC GABA

KAL GABA 25 mg - Cherry Natural Flavor

Natural Factors Pharma GABA

NOW GABA 500 mg

NVS Labs GABA

Solgar GABA 500 mg

Source Naturals GABA Calm

Swanson GABA

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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