Introduction
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a four-carbon, non-proteinogenic amino acid widely found in vertebrates, plants, and microorganisms. It functions as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system, acting as a "brake" for the brain by blocking specific signals and slowing down nervous system activity. In the brain, GABA is distributed across the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, basal ganglia, and cerebellum, accounting for over 50% of central synapses.
GABA is naturally produced in the body from glutamate via the enzyme glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), with vitamin B6 (pyridoxal phosphate) as a cofactor. It does not participate in protein synthesis and is metabolised by GABA transaminase (GABAT) into succinic semialdehyde, which enters the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle.
Our GABA Powder is manufactured through advanced natural fermentation processes using carefully selected, non-pathogenic microbial strains including lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Corynebacterium glutamicum. The result is a consistently pure, stable, and highly water-soluble powder (130 g/100 mL) that meets the stringent quality requirements of food, supplement, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications.
Key Features & Advantages
- High Purity – ≥99.0% purity by HPLC, with typical batches exceeding 99.5%
- Excellent Water Solubility – Readily soluble in water (130 g/100 mL at room temperature), ideal for beverages, powders, and liquid formulations
- Good Thermal Stability – Stable under typical food processing conditions; melting point 197°C–204°C (with decomposition)
- Clean & Natural – Produced via natural fermentation; non-GMO and gluten-free
- Dual Grade Available – Pharmaceutical grade for medicinal applications; food grade for nutraceutical and F&B products
- Multiple Particle Sizes – Available in 80–120 mesh (customisable)
- GRAS Status – Self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the US FDA
- Versatile Applications – Suitable for supplements, functional foods, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals
Technical Specifications (Typical – ≥99% Grade)
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) | - |
| CAS Number | 56-12-2 | - |
| Molecular Formula | C₄H₉NO₂ | - |
| Molecular Weight | 103.12 g/mol | - |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder | Visual |
| Assay (Purity) | ≥99.0% (HPLC) | HPLC |
| Transmittance | ≥98.0% | Spectrophotometry |
| Melting Point | 197°C – 204°C (with decomposition) | USP <741> |
| Loss on Drying | ≤0.5% | Karl Fischer |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤0.1% | USP <281> |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤10 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤3 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤3 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤1 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤0.1 ppm | ICP-MS |
| pH Stability Range | 3.0 – 7.0 | - |
| Bulk Density | 0.49 – 0.65 g/mL | - |
| Particle Size | 80–120 mesh (customisable) | Sieve Analysis |
| Total Plate Count | ≤1,000 CFU/g | USP <61> |
| Yeast & Mold | ≤100 CFU/g | USP <61> |
| E. coli | Negative / 10g | USP <62> |
| Salmonella | Negative / 10g | USP <62> |
Specifications are for reference. Please request the current COA for batch-specific data.
GABA Key Health Benefits
GABA is one of the most extensively studied functional ingredients, with benefits supported by randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. Recent research shows that GABA's physiological functions extend beyond neural regulation to include antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic effects. Here are the key highlights:
Promotes Relaxation and Reduces Stress
- GABA acts as the brain's primary "calming" neurotransmitter, helping to slow down overactive nervous system activity.
- A randomized controlled study found that GABA and L-theanine result in effective preoperative anxiolysis (anxiety reduction) with minimal sedation.
- Research confirms GABA intake plays a role in neuroregulation and anti-anxiety effects in both patients and healthy subjects.
- Long-term GABA supplementation has been shown to mitigate anxiety by modulating complement and neuroinflammatory pathways.
Improves Sleep Quality
- A randomized clinical trial demonstrated that oral GABA supplementation can improve sleep latency (time to fall asleep) and subjective sleep quality in individuals with insomnia symptoms.
- Combined intake of GABA (700 mg/day) and L-theanine (200 mg/day) has been shown to improve sleep in adults with sleep problems.
- GABA supplementation combined with home-based exercise improved subjective sleep quality in elderly women.
- The mixture of GABA and L-theanine can reduce sleep latency.
Supports Emotional Wellbeing
- In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study of 20 IBS-D patients, GABA treatment led to significant improvement in the "Emotional limitation" domain of quality-of-life measures compared with placebo (p = 0.009).
- GABA supplementation yielded improvements in depression scores as per the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) in a placebo-controlled clinical trial.
- GABA treatment was more effective than placebo in enhancing emotional wellbeing.
Supports Digestive Health
- Recent studies have shown that GABA reduces visceral hypersensitivity and improves intestinal permeability.
- In a pilot study of IBS-D patients, 66.7% of patients experienced a clinical response (≥50-point reduction in IBS Symptom Severity Score) during GABA treatment, compared with 33.3% with placebo.
- GABA significantly reduced systemic inflammation, as evidenced by decreased IL-1β levels (p = 0.02).
- GABA may represent a promising therapeutic option for IBS, deserving further investigation in larger clinical trials.
Supports Cardiovascular Health
- Existing randomized controlled trials show that GABA intake plays a role in lowering blood pressure in both patients and healthy subjects.
- A systematic review has been conducted on the functionality of GABA for lowering blood pressure.
- Studies suggest that GABA suppresses sympathetic nervous activity that can lead to elevated blood pressure.
- GABA demonstrates antihypertensive effects through multiple mechanisms.
Supports Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
- GABA exhibits antidiabetic effects.
- Clinical trials are investigating the effects of GABA supplementation on glucose tolerance in prediabetic individuals.
- GABA regulates glucose metabolism through multiple mechanisms, including controlling glycolysis and the TCA cycle.
Skin Health & Anti-Aging Benefits
- GABA can penetrate the skin, relaxing tense muscles and reducing small wrinkles.
- It promotes the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and collagen, improving skin moisture and elasticity.
- GABA can inhibit tyrosinase activity, supporting skin brightening applications.
- In cosmetics, GABA provides skin-soothing and calming properties, reducing muscle contractions for a temporary smoothing effect.
- Oral administration of GABA has been shown to significantly improve skin wrinkles and epidermal thickness in animal studies.
- GABA functions as a humectant, supporting moisture retention in topical formulations.
What is Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Used For?
- Dietary Supplements & Nutraceuticals – Capsules, tablets, powders, chewables, and gummies for stress relief, sleep support, relaxation blends, and mood wellness.
- Functional Foods & Beverages – Calming drinks, sleep chocolates, health bars, fortified juices, yogurts, and fermented foods. In Japan and the US, GABA is permitted for use in both supplements and food, facilitating a wide range of fortified product launches.
- Sports Nutrition – Post-workout recovery formulas to reduce nervous excitement and improve sleep quality.
- Pharmaceuticals – As an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in formulations for anxiety and sleep disorders.
- Cosmetics & Personal Care – Anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, moisturising, whitening, and skin-repairing products; skin-soothing and calming formulations.
- Animal Nutrition – Feed additive for livestock and aquaculture to support stress reduction and overall health.
- Bakery & Confectionery – Flavour enhancement and functional fortification in baked goods and confectionery products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is GABA?
A: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a four-carbon, non-proteinogenic amino acid that functions as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. It acts as a "brake" for the brain, slowing down nervous system activity and promoting relaxation.
Q: What purity grades are available?
A: We offer GABA Powder in ≥99.0% purity (HPLC) as standard. Other specifications and custom blends are available upon request.
Q: Is the product suitable for vegans and vegetarians?
A: Yes. Our GABA Powder is produced through natural fermentation using non-pathogenic microbial strains. No animal-derived ingredients are used in the manufacturing process.
Q: Does it contain allergens?
A: Our GABA Powder is free from major allergens including gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts. Allergen declarations are available upon request.
Q: What is the solubility of GABA?
A: GABA is highly water-soluble – approximately 130 g/100 mL at room temperature. It is slightly soluble in ethanol and practically insoluble in ether.
Q: Is GABA heat-stable for food processing?
A: Yes. GABA has good thermal stability with a melting point of 197°C–204°C (with decomposition), making it suitable for most food processing conditions including baking, pasteurisation, and extrusion.
Q: What are the recommended usage levels?
A: Typical usage varies by application:
- Dietary supplements: 100–700 mg per day
- Functional beverages: As per formulation requirements (FDA GRAS level: 100 mg per serving, equivalent to 0.0416–0.667%)
- Sports nutrition: 100–300 mg per serving
- Cosmetics: 0.5%–5% in creams, serums, and lotions
- Food products: As per GMP and regulatory guidelines
Q: Is GABA suitable for use in beverages?
A: Yes. GABA's excellent water solubility makes it ideal for beverages including carbonated drinks, energy drinks, flavoured drinks, powdered drinks, sports drinks, and coffee/tea.
Q: What ingredients work well with GABA?
A: GABA works synergistically with L-theanine for enhanced relaxation and sleep support. It also pairs well with magnesium, chamomile, and other calming botanicals.
Q: Is GABA suitable for topical cosmetic applications?
A: Yes. GABA can penetrate the skin, relaxing tense muscles and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It promotes hyaluronic acid and collagen synthesis, improving skin moisture and elasticity. However, due to its water-soluble nature, advanced delivery systems such as nanoemulsions may be used to enhance skin permeation.
Q: What quality standards does your GABA Powder meet?
A: Our product meets rigorous international quality standards for food, supplement, and pharmaceutical ingredients. Each batch is tested for purity (HPLC), heavy metals (ICP-MS), microbiology, and physical properties.
Q: What certifications do you hold?
A: We hold cGMP, ISO 9001, ISO 22000, HACCP, KOSHER, HALAL, and FDA registration. Copies of our certificates are available upon request.
Q: Is GABA GRAS-approved by the FDA?
A: Yes. GABA has self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status from the US FDA since 2008. It is listed in the FDA's EAFUS database.
Q: Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) with each shipment?
A: Yes. Every shipment includes a detailed COA showing all test results for the specific batch. Additional documents such as MSDS, TDS, stability data, GRAS documentation, and allergen statements are also available.
Q: Is GABA approved for use in food and supplements globally?
A: GABA is widely approved across major markets:
- US: GRAS status for use in snack bars, beverages, cereals, cheese, chewing gum, confectionery, coffee, tea, and chocolates at 100 mg per serving
- Japan: Approved as a food with functions claims; GABA is the market leader in functional foods
- China: Approved as a new food ingredient
- Canada: Recognised as a New Resource Food
- EU: FSANZ-approved; widely used in functional food applications
Q: What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
A: Our standard MOQ is 1 kg, making it suitable for R&D, product trials, and small-batch production. Commercial bulk orders receive competitive pricing.
Q: Can I request a sample before placing a bulk order?
A: Yes. We offer samples (typically 50–100 g) for quality evaluation and formulation development.
Q: How should GABA Powder be stored?
A: Store in a cool, dry, and dark place. Keep containers tightly sealed when not in use. Under these conditions, the product maintains quality for 24 months from the date of manufacture.
Q: Do you offer custom packaging or private label services?
A: Yes. We work with partners on custom packaging, private labelling, and OEM/ODM projects. Please provide your specifications and we will tailor our service accordingly
Why Choose Huilin Bio-Tech?
Your Professional Manufacturing & Sourcing Partner
We are more than a supplier - we are a comprehensive supply chain partner dedicated to high-quality ingredients, custom formulations, and finished products across multiple industries.
Professional Manufacturer: Xi'an Huilin Bio-tech Co., Ltd. is a high-tech biotechnology company specializing in the production, R&D, and export of natural botanical extracts.
Quality Assurance: Every batch undergoes rigorous testing for capsaicin content (HPLC), heavy metals (ICP-MS), and microbiological purity to ensure consistent quality and safety.
Flexible Specifications: We offer a wide range of specifications from 1% to 98% capsaicin content to meet diverse application requirements.
Customization Capabilities: We offer flexible packaging options and custom formulations to meet diverse customer requirements.
Supply Chain Reliability: With established supply chains and robust production capacity, we ensure timely delivery and stable supply for bulk orders.
Technical Support: Our experienced R&D team provides formulation guidance and technical support throughout your product development process.
Global Compliance: Products are manufactured in compliance with international quality standards and regulatory requirements.
For inquiries, quotations, or sample requests, please contact: sales@huilinbio-tech.com
References
1. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA): a comprehensive review of dietary sources, enrichment technologies, processing effects, health benefits, and its applications. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2023. doi:10.1080/10408398.2023.2204372.
🔗 View full text: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37096548/
(Comprehensive review covering GABA's dietary sources, health benefits, and applications across food, supplement, and pharmaceutical sectors.)
2. Effects of γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Supplementation on Symptoms, Quality of Life, Intestinal Permeability, Systemic Inflammation and Gut Microbiota in Patients with IBS-D: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Pilot Study. European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 2026.
🔗 View full text: https://dev.europepmc.org/article/MED/42197028
*(Pilot study in 20 IBS-D patients: 66.7% clinical response with GABA vs. 33.3% with placebo; significant improvement in emotional wellbeing (p=0.009); reduced IL-1β levels (p=0.02).)
3. Health promotion of γ-aminobutyric acid supplements in chronic disease population. Science & Technology Review. 2024;42(6). doi:10.3981/j.issn.1000-7857.2024.06.00624.
🔗 View full text: https://castjournals.cast.org.cn/joweb/kjdb/CN/1242141963043021794
*(Systematic review of human trials on exogenous GABA supplementation; confirms roles in neuroregulation, anti-anxiety, sleep improvement, blood pressure lowering, and blood sugar regulation.)
4. Comparison of the effects of two amino acids, Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and L-theanine, on sedation, anxiety, and cognition in preoperative surgical patients – A randomized controlled study. DOAJ. 2025.
🔗 View full text: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40026748/
(RCT demonstrating GABA and L-theanine result in effective preoperative anxiolysis with minimal sedation and improvement of cognitive skills.)
5. GABA supplementation combined with home-based exercise improves subjective sleep quality and body composition in elderly women: A randomized trial. ScienceDirect. 2026.
🔗 View full text: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S3050624726000094
(Randomized clinical trial demonstrating oral GABA supplementation improves sleep latency and subjective sleep quality in individuals with insomnia symptoms.)
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