Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) was first synthesized in 1883. It was first identified as a biochemical substance in 1910 by Ackermann and Kutscher who showed that putrefactive bacteria could produce it by decarboxylation of glutamic acid. It was later found in many microorganisms and plant tissues and in 1950; its presence in considerable amounts in mammalian brain was also reported.

Chemical structure of γ-aminobutyric acid

Chemical and physical properties of GABA

IUPAC Name: 4-aminobutanoic acid
Molecular Weight (Molar Mass): 103.121 g/mol
Molecular Formula (Structural Formula): C4H9NO2
Canonical SMILES: C(CC(=O)O)CN
InChIKey Identifier: BTCSSZJGUNDROE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
CAS Number: 56-12-2
MDL Number: MFCD00008226
Melting point: 203.7 °C (398.7 °F; 476.8 K)
Solubility in water: 20 mg/mL (25 °C)
2D Molfile: Get the molfile
Other names: 4-aminobutanoic acid; 4-aminobutyric acid; 4Abu; GABA; gamma-Aminobutyric acid; piperidic acid; piperidinic acid.

Functions of Gamma-aminobutyric acid

GABA is a non-essential amino acid synthesized from glutamic acid. Within the central nervous system, GABA emerges as a crucial regulator of nerve cell activity, playing a pivotal role in maintaining the delicate balance of neurotransmission. Not only is it non-essential, but its indispensability for brain metabolism underscores its significance in neurological functions.

The primary function of GABA in the central nervous system revolves around its role as a neurotransmitter. Acting as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA modulates nerve cell activity by reducing the excitability of neurons. This regulatory function is essential for preventing excessive neural activity, contributing to the overall stability and proper functioning of the nervous system.

Some researchers highlight an intriguing aspect of GABA’s influence on hormone release. They propose its potential usefulness in reducing enlarged prostate problems. GABA stimulates the release of the hormone prolactin by the pituitary gland, potentially alleviating issues related to prostate enlargement. Recommended doses range from 20 mg to 40 mg daily, preferably dissolved under the tongue. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that GABA supplementation should not be viewed as a substitute for professional medical advice in addressing prostate problems.

GABA’s therapeutic potential has been harnessed in the treatment of various medical conditions. Notably, it has been employed in managing epilepsy and hypertension. The mechanism involves GABA inducing a state of calmness and tranquility by inhibiting neurotransmitters that decrease the activity of neurons associated with manic behavior and acute agitation. This calming effect positions GABA as a valuable asset in neurological disorder management.

In conclusion, the multifaceted role of GABA as a neurotransmitter and its therapeutic applications underscore its significance in neurological health. From regulating nerve cell activity to its potential in addressing specific medical conditions, GABA continues to be a subject of interest in both neuroscience and clinical research. Further exploration of its mechanisms and applications holds promise for enhancing our understanding of neural function and improving therapeutic interventions.

Is a GABA supplement available?

Yes, GABA supplements are available and can be found in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and powder. These supplements are marketed for their potential to support relaxation, reduce stress, and promote better sleep. However, it’s essential to approach GABA supplementation with caution and be aware of certain considerations.

Crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier: GABA molecules are relatively large, and there is debate among researchers about whether supplemental GABA can effectively cross the blood-brain barrier to exert its calming effects directly in the brain. Some studies suggest that GABA ingested through supplements may not effectively reach the central nervous system in significant quantities.

Individual Variation: Responses to GABA supplementation can vary among individuals. While some people may report feeling more relaxed or experiencing improved sleep with GABA supplements, others may not notice any discernible effects.

Professional Guidance: Before considering GABA supplementation or any other dietary supplement, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have existing medical conditions or are taking medications. This is crucial to ensure that the supplement is safe and compatible with your overall health.

Dosage Considerations: If someone decides to try a GABA supplement, it’s essential to follow recommended dosages and guidelines. Excessive intake of GABA supplements may lead to side effects or interactions with medications.

Dietary sources of Gamma-aminobutyric acid

Here are you can find some food sources that contain GABA:

Fermented Foods. Fermented foods are known to contain higher levels of GABA due to the action of certain bacteria that produce GABA during fermentation. Examples of such foods include:
Fermented soy products like tempeh and miso
Fermented grains, such as in the fermentation of rice to produce sake (Japanese rice wine)

Vegetables. Vegetables such as tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, and peas have been found to contain GABA, although in lower concentrations compared to fermented foods.

Tea. Certain types of tea, particularly varieties of tea made from Camellia sinensis leaves (such as green tea), have been reported to contain GABA. GABA tea is often processed in a way that enhances GABA levels.

Sprouted Grains. Sprouting grains, seeds, and legumes may increase GABA content. Some studies suggest that the germination process can lead to an accumulation of GABA in sprouted products.

It’s important to note that the GABA content in food can be influenced by factors such as processing, cooking methods, and the specific cultivar or variety of the food. Additionally, while GABA from food sources is generally considered safe, its effectiveness in exerting physiological effects in the body may be influenced by various factors, including its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Incorporating a variety of GABA-rich foods into a balanced diet can contribute to overall GABA intake. However, if someone is considering GABA supplementation for specific health reasons, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

This page was last updated: 23 November 2023.

GABA Uses and Risks

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter, a brain chemical that sends messages throughout the central nervous system. GABA inhibits nerve signaling, altering a cell’s ability to send and receive messages.

Abnormal or fluctuating GABA levels are found in Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and depressive disorders, among others. Medications that target GABA receptors are often used to treat these conditions.

GABA supplements are used to lower stress, ease anxiety, and combat insomnia. While there isn’t strong evidence to support these benefits, GABA supplements have few side effects or risks.

This article discusses GABA and GABA supplements. It explores how GABA works and what happens if there’s not enough GABA activity in the body. It also explains common conditions associated with abnormal GABA levels and medications that target GABA receptors.

Illustration by Jessica Olah for Verywell Health

What Does GABA Do?

GABA is a type of neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger in the nervous system. Nerve signals travel along the nervous system via neurons that pass messages to each other.

As an inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA blocks or inhibits certain nerve transmission. It decreases the stimulation of neurons. This means that a neuron that receives a message along the way doesn’t act on it, so the message isn’t sent on to other neurons.

This slowdown in message transition may be helpful in modulating mood and anxiety. In other words, GABA calms your nervous system down, so you don’t become overly anxious or afraid.

Problems with GABA signaling seem to play a role in disorders that affect your mental health or your nervous system. These can be psychiatric and neurologic conditions.

Types of Neurotransmitters

Inhibitory neurotransmitters like GABA block certain brain signals and decrease nervous system activity. Another inhibitory neurotransmitter, serotonin, helps to regulate mood and anxiety.

Excitatory neurotransmitters have the opposite effect: They promote certain brain signals and increase nervous system activity. An example of an excitatory neurotransmitter is norepinephrine.

How GABA Is Used

About 30% to 40% of neurons contain GABA and are known as GABAergic neurons. When neurons receive a message, it gets passed on to another neuron via a series of steps.

When GABAergic neurons receive a message, they release GABA into the synapses where the message is supposed to be carried on.

GABA activity only lasts milliseconds, but it has significant consequences. It starts a reaction that makes it less likely the message will be passed on to other neurons.

In the brain, GABA has a calming effect, which is why GABA supplements are marketed for stress relief. In the spinal cord, GABA allows for sensory information integration. This means it allows your nervous system to process and organize information coming in from the senses.

Dysregulation of GABAergic neurons can affect mental health and contribute to a variety of psychiatric and neurologic disorders (disorders of the brain and nervous system). A lack of proper GABA activity may play a role in schizophrenia, autism, Tourette’s syndrome, and other disorders.

GABA Health Benefits

GABA is an amino acid that helps to regulate mood. It’s released by certain neurons that carry messages along the nervous system. GABA acts to stop messages from being transmitted.

Specifically, GABA affects how the body reacts to feelings of anxiety, fear, and stress, and it allows the nervous system to better process information. GABA may offer the following health benefits.

Anxiety Disorders

GABA activity helps you have a healthy response to stress by preventing neurons from sending out messages that would “fire up” the body.

Many things can impact GABA levels, which could contribute to anxiety. For example, research shows that external stressors and early life stressors can directly influence how GABA functions in the body, creating imbalances.

Schizophrenia

A lack of GABA is associated with problems carrying out normal cognitive functions. This is very important for people who have schizophrenia, a psychiatric disorder that causes significant issues with thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

Problems with specific elements of the nervous system, GABA-A receptors, have been associated with features of schizophrenia, including hallucinations and cognitive impairment.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

While the exact cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is still unclear, animal and human studies have found associations between abnormalities in GABA activity and ASD symptoms. There seems to be a relationship between GABA and how a person with autism has limited interests or difficulty with social interaction.

The studies related to autism seem to show that GABA doesn’t work alone. An imbalance in this neurotransmitter may affect other neurotransmitters and receptors, or GABA may be affected by them.

Major Depression

Lower levels of GABA in the body have also been associated with major depressive disorder (MDD). This is likely because GABA works in collaboration with other neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which is also involved in mood disorders.

Research also suggested that improper GABA functioning may be a factor that contributes to suicide.

Insomnia

GABA plays an important role in promoting sleep. Medications that regulate GABA signaling are often used to treat insomnia.

GABA supplements are also touted as a remedy for difficulty sleeping. While more research is needed, some studies show GABA supplements can improve sleep onset and maintenance, reduce drowsiness in the morning, and help recover from fatigue more quickly.

How GABA Affects Physical Health

GABA activity plays an important role in several diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders in which the body’s nerve cells break down or die.

These disorders include:

• Huntington’s disease: Reduced levels of GABA in people with Huntington’s disease may contribute to dysfunction in the area of the brain that regulates voluntary movement.
• Epilepsy: A lack of GABA activity is related to excessive nervous system activity during seizures.
• Parkinson’s disease: Rather than too little GABA activity, too much activity may be present with Parkinson’s disease. This blocks messages in the movement centers of the brain.

Other disorders related to GABA activity include the following:

• Pyridoxine deficiency is a rare disease in which pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is not available to synthesize, or form, GABA. A lack of pyridoxine may cause seizures during infancy.
• Hepatic encephalopathyis a disorder in which liver disease affects brain function. It’s associated with high levels of ammonia in the body. This ammonia may bind to GABA receptors and prevent them from functioning correctly.
• Dystoniais a movement disorder that involves involuntary muscle spasms that are believed to be related to a lack of GABA activity.

Medications That Regulate GABA

Drugs that are used to regulate GABA signaling include:

• Benzodiazepines: Bind to the GABA-A receptor, resulting in a calming effect
• Barbiturates: Sedative drugs that increase how long GABA binds to the GABA-A receptor
• Vigabatrin: Used to prevent the breakdown of GABA, helping to treat certain types of epilepsy
• Propofol: A sedative commonly used in general anesthesia, which supports GABA functioning
• Flumazenil: Binds to the GABA-A receptor, it is used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepines and improve mental status in people with hepatic encephalopathy
• Baclofen: A muscle relaxant that promotes GABA-B binding
• Valproic acid: Inhibits GABA uptake; acts as a mood stabilizer and anti-epileptic treatment
• Zolpidem: Works on the GABA-A receptor for a sedative-hypnotic effect
• Gabapentin: Increases GABA function; is commonly prescribed to treat neuropathic pain

GABA Supplements

GABA is available in non-prescription supplement form. Manufacturers sell natural GABA in pills and capsules at a range of prices, claiming their products can help reduce stress and help you feel calm and relaxed. It can be sold alone or blended with other substances like melatonin, which promotes sleep.

There is some question of how much of these supplements actually cross the blood-brain barrier and are ultimately available to the brain.

Although its benefits remain unclear, GABA is safe to take every day. One study showed that taking 120 milligrams of GABA supplement per day for 12 weeks did not cause any serious adverse reactions.

Are GABA Supplements Safe?

As with many other herbal supplements, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid taking GABA supplements since there isn’t strong research showing it’s safe. If you’re considering GABA supplements, talk to your healthcare provider first.

Foods That Boost GABA

Dietary sources of GABA include:

• Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables
• Certain peas and beans
• Grains like rice, oats, wheat, and barley
• Tomatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Spinach

Risks of Raising GABA Levels

GABA activity and/or production can be affected by alcohol and other drugs. These substances can be abused by people trying to self-medicate.

Alcohol, for example, promotes GABA receptor activity. This can create a temporary feeling of calm and relaxation. But the effect is artificial and risky. You won’t get the same effect over time. People may build up a tolerance, which makes the body require more of the substance to achieve the same feeling.

Overdosing or taking multiple GABA-modulating drugs and alcohol can result in respiratory depression (slow breathing) due to increased GABA signaling in the brain stem.

When to Seek Help

While your body’s natural production of GABA has many benefits, artificial means of altering GABA activity can potentially lead to serious problems. Abusing certain substances that impact GABA may lead to use disorders and toxicity.

If you’re using GABA medication or supplements and other GABA-affecting drugs like alcohol and benzodiazepines, talk with your healthcare provider.

To learn more about substance abuse visit:

Summary

There’s still much that’s not understood about GABAergic neurons and GABA activity. It’s clear, though, that mood and mental health are affected by this amino acid. It also plays a role in neurodegenerative diseases and other disorders.

Healthcare providers may be able to prescribe medications to help regulate GABA activity and treat these problems. These drugs need to be properly administered to avoid dependence or abuse.

There’s little research to support the benefits of over-the-counter supplements. They may offer some help, but they also pose a potential threat to your health if you use those supplements with alcohol or some other drugs.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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By Michelle Pugle
Michelle Pugle, MA, MHFA is a freelance health writer as seen in Healthline, Health, Everyday Health, Psych Central, and Verywell.

What Are GABA Supplements?

Gamma -aminobutyric acid —often referred to as GABA—is an amino acid and a neurotransmitter , a chemical responsible for carrying signals from one nerve cell to another. Specifically, GABA changes brain activity, producing a calming effect.

While GABA is a naturally occurring chemical in your brain, it’s also widely available as a supplement. However, in supplement form, only minimal amounts of GABA can actually cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and have any effect on the brain.

This article discusses what you should know about over-the-counter (OTC) GABA supplements—their potential uses, side effects, and interactions.

Note that this article is not about GABA agonists, such as chlormethiazole or Valium (diazepam), which are prescription medications and not OTC supplements.

simonkr / Getty Images

Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. When possible, choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), ConsumerLab, or NSF.org. However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesn’t mean they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general. Therefore, talking to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and checking in about potential interactions with other supplements or medications is essential.

Supplement Facts

• Active ingredient(s): Gamma-aminobutyric acid
• Alternate name(s): 4-aminobutanoic acid, fermented rice germ extract containing GABA (RFE-GABA), GABA, γ-aminobutyric acid
• Legal status: Legal OTC supplement in most U.S. states
• Suggested dose: Varies based on condition
• Safety considerations: Research on the use in pregnancy and breastfeeding and use in children in progress; may interact with some prescription medications

Uses of GABA

Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Like many supplements, people may use GABA for various reasons. But there are several clinical trials assessing GABA for the following potential uses.

Sleep Quality

In a small study of 40 people with insomnia, 300 milligrams (mg) of GABA one hour before bed for four weeks improved sleep quality by reducing sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep). Further, well-designed studies are needed to confirm these results.

Stress

A study of 30 people suggested GABA-enriched oolong tea was linked with lower short-term stress scores than regular oolong tea. Larger, well-designed studies are needed to confirm these results.

Blood Pressure

There are numerous small studies about GABA’s effects on lowering blood pressure. However, the results are mixed. This may have something to do with each study’s different GABA dosages and dosage forms—like soy sauce, fermented milk, and specific GABA tablets.

What Are the Side Effects of GABA?

As with many medications and supplements, side effects are possible with GABA.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects of GABA may include:

• Burning feeling in throat
• Slight shortness of breath
• Skin tingling sensation

While common, these side effects tend to go away within a few minutes.

Severe Side Effects

Presently, there are no studies that specifically assess GABA’s safety. But several clinical trials suggest that GABA isn’t linked to severe side effects, except for low blood pressure. You may feel faint with low blood pressure.

Severe allergic reaction is another serious side effect possible with any medication. If you’re having a severe allergic reaction to GABA, get medical help immediately. Symptoms may include breathing difficulties, itchiness, and rash.

Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening.

Precautions

Your healthcare practitioner may advise against using GABA if any of the following applies to you:

• Severe allergic reaction: If you have a severe allergic reaction to GABA or any of its components (ingredients), you shouldn’t take this medication.
• Inherited disorders of amino acid metabolism: GABA is an amino acid. It may not be appropriate for people with inherited disorders of amino acid metabolism. Speak with your or your child’s healthcare provider if you have questions before taking supplements.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: There are currently no studies about the effects and safety of GABA during pregnancy. There are also no clinical trials on GABA’s effects and safety in nursing infants. For this reason, take GABA with caution. Speak with your healthcare provider to help you weigh the benefits and risks of GABA while pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Children: There is limited information about the effects and safety of GABA in children. Research on GABA in children is in progress. But with most GABA product labels, GABA supplements should only be used in adults.
• Blood pressure medications: GABA may lower your blood pressure. This may have additive effects with antihypertensives, such as Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide).
• Adults over 65: In a small randomized-controlled clinical trial of 60 older adults, some participants took GABA in fermented Laminaria japonica (a type of seaweed). While the researchers monitored for side effects, none were mentioned in the study. But some older adults may generally be more sensitive to medication side effects. For this reason, take GABA with caution.

Dosage: How Much GABA Should I Take?

Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.

Because there is limited information about GABA supplements, there are no guidelines on the appropriate dosage for any condition. If you choose to take a GABA supplement, follow the directions on the label.

What Happens If I Take Too Much GABA?

There is limited information about GABA toxicity and overdoses. Data has shown no serious adverse events associated with GABA at intakes up to 18 grams per day for four days and in longer studies at intakes of 120 milligrams per day for 12 weeks. However, high daily doses of GABA (5 to 10 grams) may result in a burning sensation in your throat and low blood pressure. The upper recommended intake is typically 3 grams per day—with no more than 750 milligrams per dose.

Talk with your healthcare provider before taking GABA—especially if you’re planning to take at least 300 milligrams per day for more than four weeks.

Interactions

Use caution when taking GABA with the following:

• Anti-seizure medications: In general, anti-seizure medications—like phenytoin—work by slowing abnormal activity in the brain. Since GABA also has a similar effect, it may interact with these medications.
• Blood pressure medications: GABA may lower your blood pressure. This may have additive effects with antihypertensives, such as Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide).
• Sleep-inducing medications: GABA improved sleep quality in a small randomized-controlled trial of 40 people. This effect may increase when combined with other similar medicines in mice.

It is essential to carefully read a supplement’s ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.

How to Store GABA

Since storage instructions might vary for different supplement products, carefully read the directions and packaging label on the container. But, generally, keep your medications tightly closed and out of the reach of children and pets, ideally locked in a cabinet or closet. Try to store your medicines in a cool and dry place.

Discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging. Avoid pouring unused and expired drugs down the drain or in the toilet. Visit the FDA’s website to know where and how to discard all unused and expired medications. You can also find disposal boxes in your area.

Please reach out to your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to take care of your medications or supplements.

If you plan to travel with GABA, become familiar with your final destination’s regulations. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate might be a helpful resource.

Similar Supplements

GABA is an amino acid. Other similar amino acids also available as supplements include:

Like GABA, 5-HTP and L-tryptophan have been researched for their potential use in relieving sleeping problems. This is because 5-HTP and L-tryptophan can turn into melatonin, which may have some effectiveness for certain sleeping conditions. Unfortunately, current research doesn’t support 5-HTP and L-tryptophan to help with sleep.

In the body, 5-HTP and L-tryptophan may also turn into serotonin, a naturally occurring brain chemical that affects mood. So, some people may also use 5-HTP and L-tryptophan for mood. However, there is little data to support this. Serotonin may also have some effect on blood pressure. Unlike GABA, serotonin may play a role in increasing your blood pressure. In fact, too much serotonin may result in a condition called serotonin syndrome—with high blood pressure as a symptom.

Frequently Asked Questions

GABA is available in many dosage forms, with capsules being the most common.

In general, to safely take natural medications like GABA, inform your healthcare providers and pharmacists about any medication changes. This includes OTC herbal, natural medicines, and supplements. They can help prevent possible interactions and side effects. They can also ensure that you’re giving GABA a fair trial at appropriate doses.

Are there other non-supplement ways to increase GABA levels in my body?

Mind-body practices might help boost your brain’s GABA levels. One study found practicing yoga and breathing exercises may lead to higher GABA levels. However, further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Sources of GABA & What to Look For

While GABA is available as an OTC supplement, there are other sources of GABA.

Food Sources of GABA

You can get natural sources of GABA through your diet. Examples of GABA-containing foods include:

• Bok choy
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Collard greens
• Mushrooms
• Potatoes
• Rice
• Soybeans
• Tomatoes
• Watercress

Glutamic acid or glutamate is a precursor of GABA, meaning your body can use them to make GABA. Theoretically, increasing foods with glutamic acid or glutamate may increase GABA in the body. Glutamic acid may be obtained by eating meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, and select high-protein vegetable sources.

Drastic dietary changes may interact with your medications or affect your medical conditions. For this reason, talk with your healthcare provider first. They will help you safely make these changes.

GABA Supplements

GABA is available in many dosage forms, including capsules and tablets. If you have difficulty swallowing pills, GABA is available in the following dosage forms:

• Chewables
• Lozenges
• Liquids
• Powder

GABA also has vegan or vegetarian products.

Which supplement you choose primarily comes down to your preference and what you hope to get in terms of effects. Each product may work differently depending on the form, so following the directions is essential.

Summary

GABA is an amino acid. Very little GABA may cross the blood-brain barrier when taken in oral supplement form, leaving some scientists to think that some GABA supplements may work via the placebo effect (when your brain is able to convince your body that a substance is working).

Studies have suggested GABA relieves stress and improves sleep. GABA may also lower blood pressure. While GABA is available as an OTC supplement, it’s not without side effects. There are also possible interactions to consider. More research is still needed to assess GABA’s effectiveness and safety. Before taking GABA, talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider to help you safely achieve your health goals.

Because there is limited information about GABA supplements, there are no guidelines on the appropriate dosage to take for any condition. If you choose to take a GABA supplement, follow the directions on the label.

GABA supplements are sold in pill and capsule form. You may also see the supplement sold as a powder. It’s important to check the label if you choose to purchase these products because there may be a variety of ingredients listed on the package.

Before you buy any supplement, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends that you look for a Supplement Facts label. This label provides important health information, including the number of active ingredients per serving. It will also tell you about other added ingredients like fillers, binders, and flavorings.

The NIH also suggests that you look for a product that contains a seal of approval from a third-party organization that provides quality testing. These organizations include:

• U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP)
• ConsumerLabs
• NSF International

A seal of approval from one of these organizations does not guarantee the product’s safety or effectiveness. But it does provide assurance that:

• The product was properly manufactured.
• The product contains the ingredients listed on the label.
• The product does not contain harmful levels of contaminants.

GABA is an amino acid that may help improve your mood. Several studies show that increased GABA levels in the brain can help decrease anxiety, stress, and depression. But more research needs to be done to determine if GABA supplements are effective for treating any condition.

Look for supplements that contain a Supplement Facts label so you know what ingredients are inside them. You should also choose a supplement that has the seal of approval from a third-party organization that provides quality testing.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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By Ross Phan, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP, BCPS
Ross is a writer for Verywell with years of experience practicing pharmacy in various settings. She is also a board-certified clinical pharmacist and the founder of Off Script Consults.