Home Ingredients GABARelax® (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
Sleep HealthStress & Anxiety

GABARelax® (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

Evidence Level
Moderate
1 Clinical Trial
3 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

GABARelax® supplies GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the brain's main calming neurotransmitter, produced by natural fermentation. GABA is studied for promoting relaxation and supporting easier, more restful sleep, with effects measurable on brain-wave activity.

Studied Dose Commonly around 100 to 200 mg per day.
Active Compound Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), produced by natural lactic-acid fermentation.

Benefits

Relaxation

In human studies, oral GABA increased calming alpha brain-wave activity and reduced stress-related beta waves.

Supported by Trial 1

Easier sleep

GABA has been shown to shorten the time it takes to fall asleep and support deeper non-REM sleep.

Supported by Trial 1

Stress support

By promoting relaxation, GABA helps take the edge off everyday stress.

Supported by Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

Inhibitory neurotransmission

GABA is the body's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, calming over-excited nerve signaling.

2

Gut-brain and autonomic effects

Because oral GABA crosses into the brain poorly, its calming effects are thought to act partly through the enteric nervous system and a shift toward parasympathetic activity.

Clinical trials

1
Oral GABA and Sleep — Human Study
PubMed

Study of the effect of oral GABA administration on sleep in humans. (Yamatsu et al. 2016, Food Science and Biotechnology)

Healthy adults.

Oral GABA shortened sleep latency and supported sleep measures versus placebo.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated — adverse effects are uncommon.
Sedative effect possible; do not combine with other strong sedatives.
Discontinue if any unusual reaction occurs.

Important Drug interactions

Sedatives or sleep medication — possible additive calming effect; use caution.
Blood pressure medication — GABA may modestly lower blood pressure; monitor.
Tell your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.

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Frequently asked questions about GABARelax® (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

What is GABARelax?

GABARelax® supplies GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the brain's main calming neurotransmitter, produced by natural fermentation. GABA is studied for promoting relaxation and supporting easier, more restful sleep, with effects measurable on brain-wave activity.

What is GABARelax used for?

GABARelax is researched primarily for Sleep Health and Stress & Anxiety. In human studies, oral GABA increased calming alpha brain-wave activity and reduced stress-related beta waves.

What is the recommended dosage of GABARelax?

The clinically studied dose is Commonly around 100 to 200 mg per day. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is GABARelax safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, GABARelax is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated — adverse effects are uncommon. Sedative effect possible; do not combine with other strong sedatives. It may also interact with some medications. GABARelax is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does GABARelax interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Sedatives or sleep medication — possible additive calming effect; use caution. Blood pressure medication — GABA may modestly lower blood pressure; monitor. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for GABARelax?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for GABARelax as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 1 clinical trial and 1 cited reference summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(1 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Yamatsu A, Yamashita Y, Pandharipande T, et al. Effect of oral γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration on sleep and its absorption in humans. Food Sci Biotechnol. 2016;25(2):547-551..PubMedUsed to support: Human study supporting sleep and relaxation benefit of oral GABA (the active in GABARelax).