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GABA Gamma Aminobutyric Acid 250 mg

Swanson Premium Brand
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(5366 ratings)
GABA 250 mg
Product Image
Score81
A focused standard GABA product delivering 250 mg in a single capsule. Standard oral GABA effects vary and the source is not characterized.
How scoring works
Quantity:60 Capsule(s) • (60 servings)
Goals:
Stress Relief
Sleep Support
Mood Support

Score 81

A focused standard GABA product delivering 250 mg in a single capsule. Standard oral GABA effects vary and the source is not characterized.
How scoring works
$10.79($0.17 per serving)
iHerb
$ 10.79
iHerb
$ 10.79
Amazon
$ 0.00
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Analysis

The single capsule supplies 250 mg of standard GABA. The formula also has a straightforward single-active label.

The amount falls in a practical standalone range for trying relaxation or bedtime support. Oral GABA response varies, so a clear dose is more useful than assuming the ingredient will affect everyone in the same way.

The main limitation is that standard oral GABA effects vary and the source is not characterized. The product fits new users seeking a moderate starting amount, provided sedative stacking and next-day drowsiness are considered.

Who is it for
  • new users seeking a moderate starting amount
  • people seeking focused relaxation support without a multi-herb blend
Best for
  • evening relaxation
  • supporting a calmer bedtime routine

Pros

  • Clearly states 250 mg of GABA
  • Single capsule is easy to use
  • A straightforward single-active label

Cons

  • Standard oral GABA effects vary and the source is not characterized
  • Oral GABA effects may differ substantially between users
  • Focused formula does not address broader causes of poor sleep or stress

Warnings

  • GABA may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or reduced alertness.
  • Alcohol, sleep medicines, benzodiazepines, antihistamines, or other sedatives may intensify drowsiness when combined with GABA.

Nutrient quality

82 Highest impact

The standard capsule is practical, but the generic GABA source lacks fermentation details. The GABA amount is meaningful for focused calming support, and the single active directly targets relaxation but covers only one pathway.

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Ingredient transparency

79 High impact

Every listed active has a specific amount and no proprietary blend obscures the formula. Complete intake directions and inactive ingredients are not supplied, leaving part of the label unverified.

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Customer satisfaction

73 High impact

The supplied aggregate satisfaction level is strong. The extensive feedback volume makes the aggregate dependable.

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Value for money

91 Highest impact

The useful amount is well matched to the modest cost. The serving provides strong value, and the product compares well among basic lower-dose GABA capsules.

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Report analysis

Goals

Stress Relief
Stress Relief
Impact
Highest effect
B Goal FitA Strength of SupportC- CoverageA+ Formula Quality
GABA · 250 mg

GABA directly targets inhibitory signaling associated with calm and relaxation. The clearly stated amount falls within a practical supplemental range in a simple capsule.

Oral GABA has mixed evidence because its access to the brain is uncertain, so effects can vary. It may cause drowsiness in some users, making driving or combining it with sedatives unwise until individual response is known.

Study evidence
GABA Supportive 6 studies
Sleep Support
Sleep Support
Impact
High effect
C Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportC CoverageA+ Formula Quality

The clearly disclosed 250 mg GABA amount targets nervous-system relaxation and may help when mental tension delays sleep. Evidence that standard oral GABA reliably improves sleep remains limited because delivery to the brain is uncertain.

The single active reaches a useful supplemental amount and avoids token companion ingredients. GABA can cause drowsiness, and combining it with alcohol or sedative medicines may intensify impaired alertness.

Study evidence
GABA Supportive 4 studies
Mood Support
Mood Support
Impact
High effect
C- Goal FitB Strength of SupportD- CoverageA+ Formula Quality

GABA offers direct calming intent and may reduce short-term tension for some users. Human evidence is limited by uncertain passage of standard oral GABA into the brain, so broad mood claims are not well established.

The 250 mg amount is practical and fully disclosed in a simple capsule. No branded fermentation source or enhanced delivery system is identified.

Study evidence
GABA Supportive 12 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
GABA
250 mg
Adults 18–50
Report overview
GABA · 250 mg OverallScore84
B- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB- Value

A clearly stated 250 mg dose of standard GABA meets the effective range in a simple one-capsule serving. The capsule is practical, though the product does not use a branded fermented form or enhanced delivery method. Its serving cost offers solid value without being among the lowest tier.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
74 Performance

Liposomal GABA

Quicksilver Scientific
<p>240 mg GABA with 100 mg L-theanine and phosphatidylcholine broadens the original's single-ingredient approach and may better support relaxation through complementary pathways. The supplied data do not establish how much the liposomal delivery changes absorption, and the serving cost is high.</p>
85 Performance

Pharma GABA 250 mg

Natural Factors Stress-Relax
<p>250 mg fermented branded GABA provides clearer source definition than the original's generic GABA. The branded source improves ingredient definition, although oral GABA effects can vary and drowsiness remains possible.</p>
84 Performance

GABA 500 mg

NOW
<p>500 mg GABA with 2 mg vitamin B6 provides a higher targeted amount than the original and may offer greater calming depth. Generic sourcing and uncertain oral brain availability limit confidence, and drowsiness remains possible.</p>
84 Budget

GABA

NOW
<p>Lower serving cost and 500 mg GABA make this a more economical option for the same GABA-focused sleep and stress goals. Generic sourcing and uncertain oral brain availability limit confidence, and drowsiness remains possible.</p>
81 Budget

GABA 750 mg

Source Naturals Serene Science
<p>Lower serving cost and 750 mg GABA make this a more economical option for the same GABA-focused sleep and stress goals. Generic sourcing and uncertain oral brain availability limit confidence, while the high amount may increase drowsiness.</p>
83 Budget

GABA 500 mg

Nutricost
<p>Lower serving cost and 500 mg GABA with 2 mg vitamin B6 make this a more economical option for the same GABA-focused sleep and stress goals. Generic sourcing and uncertain oral brain availability limit confidence, and drowsiness remains possible.</p>
83 Value

GABA 500 mg

NOW
<p>Lower serving cost paired with 500 mg GABA with 2 mg vitamin B6 creates a stronger balance of focused calming support and value than the original. Generic sourcing and uncertain oral brain availability limit confidence, and drowsiness remains possible.</p>
83 Value

GABA 500 mg

Swanson
<p>Lower serving cost paired with 500 mg GABA creates a stronger balance of focused calming support and value than the original. Generic sourcing and uncertain oral brain availability limit confidence, and drowsiness remains possible.</p>
81 Value

GABA Powder

Source Naturals Serene Science
<p>Lower serving cost paired with 750 mg GABA creates a stronger balance of focused calming support and value than the original. Generic sourcing and uncertain oral brain availability limit confidence, while the high amount may increase drowsiness.</p>
Report alternatives

Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. Safety and Efficacy of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid from Fermented Rice Germ in Patients with Insomnia Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial.
    Byun JI; Shin YY; Chung SE; Shin WC · Journal of clinical neurology (Seoul, Korea) · 2020
    Randomized trial40 participantsSleep Support forGABA
  2. Reduced γ-aminobutyric acid in occipital and anterior cingulate cortices in primary insomnia: a link to major depressive disorder?
    Plante DT; Jensen JE; Schoerning L; Winkelman JW · Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology · 2012
    Case-control study40 participantsSleep Support forGABA
  3. Oral intake of γ-aminobutyric acid affects mood and activities of central nervous system during stressed condition induced by mental tasks.
    Yoto A; Murao S; Motoki M; Yokoyama Y; Horie N; Takeshima K; Masuda K; Kim M; Yokogoshi H · Amino acids · 2012
    Randomized trial63 participantsStress Relief Mood Support forGABA
  4. Peripartum neuroactive steroid and γ-aminobutyric acid profiles in women at-risk for postpartum depression.
    Deligiannidis KM; Kroll-Desrosiers AR; Mo S; Nguyen HP; Svenson A; Jaitly N; Hall JE; Barton BA; Rothschild AJ; Shaffer SA · Psychoneuroendocrinology · 2017
    Cohort study56 participantsMood Support forGABA
  5. The role of neurotransmitters in mediating the relationship between brain alterations and depressive symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
    Wang J; Liu G; Xu K; Ai K; Huang W; Zhang J · Human brain mapping · 2023
    Case-control study69 participantsMood Support forGABA
  6. Occipital gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate-glutamine alterations in major depressive disorder: An mrs study and meta-analysis.
    Truong V; Cheng PZ; Lee HC; Lane TJ; Hsu TY; Duncan NW · Psychiatry research. Neuroimaging · 2021
    Observational studyMood Support forGABA
  7. Systematic review of gamma-aminobutyric-acid inhibitory deficits across the reproductive life cycle.
    Vigod SN; Strasburg K; Daskalakis ZJ; Blumberger DM · Archives of women's mental health · 2014
    Systematic review11 studies pooledMood Support forGABA
  8. Analysis of the Effects of Known Sleep-Support Supplements in Relation to Life Habits, Sleep Conditions, and Sleep Problems.
    Imafuku F; Yamamoto K; Tanaka E; Aoki R; Nishino S · Nutrients · 2023
    Randomized trial160 participantsSleep Support forGABA
  9. GABA Supplementation, Increased Heart-Rate Variability, Emotional Response, Sleep Efficiency and Reduced Depression in Sedentary Overweight Women Undergoing Physical Exercise: Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial.
    Guimarães AP; Seidel H; Pires LVM; Trindade CO; Baleeiro RDS; Souza PM; Silva FGDE; Coelho DB; Becker LK; Oliveira EC · Journal of dietary supplements · 2024
    Randomized trial30 participantsSleep Support Stress Relief forGABA
  10. Relieving occupational fatigue by consumption of a beverage containing γ-amino butyric acid.
    Kanehira T; Nakamura Y; Nakamura K; Horie K; Horie N; Furugori K; Sauchi Y; Yokogoshi H · Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology · 2011
    Clinical trial30 participantsStress Relief forGABA
  11. Cortical gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate in posttraumatic stress disorder and their relationships to self-reported sleep quality.
    Meyerhoff DJ; Mon A; Metzler T; Neylan TC · Sleep · 2014
    Case-control study45 participantsStress Relief forGABA
  12. 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.
    Deshpande SS; Kurdi M; Baiju A; Athira AS; Sarasamma AG; Gangadharan AK · Journal of anaesthesiology, clinical pharmacology · 2025
    Randomized trial168 participantsStress Relief forGABA