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GABA

NOW
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(6119 ratings)
GABA 500 mg
Product Image
Score84
A focused standard GABA product delivering 500 mg in a measured liquid. The GABA source and fermentation method are not identified.
How scoring works
Quantity:6 Liquid(s) • (340 servings)
Goals:
Stress Relief
Sleep Support
Mood Support

Score 84

A focused standard GABA product delivering 500 mg in a measured liquid. The GABA source and fermentation method are not identified.
How scoring works
$11.60($0.03 per serving)
Pure Formulas
$ 11.89
iHerb
$ 12.24
Vitacost
$ 13.13
Daily Vita
$ 11.60
Walmart
$ 13.99
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Analysis

The measured liquid supplies 500 mg of standard GABA. The formula also has a very large number of adjustable servings.

The adjustable format makes it easier to use less or more than a fixed capsule serving. Standard oral GABA may support relaxation for some users, but its effects are variable and should not be treated as a guaranteed sleep aid.

The main limitation is that the GABA source and fermentation method are not identified. The product fits adults who want flexible liquid dosing, provided sedative stacking and next-day drowsiness are considered.

Who is it for
  • adults who want flexible liquid dosing
  • people seeking focused relaxation support without a multi-herb blend
Best for
  • evening relaxation
  • supporting a calmer bedtime routine

Pros

  • Clearly states 500 mg of GABA
  • Adjustable format supports flexible serving size
  • A very large number of adjustable servings

Cons

  • The GABA source and fermentation method are not identified
  • Oral GABA effects may differ substantially between users
  • Focused formula does not address broader causes of poor sleep or stress

Warnings

  • Measure the liquid with the supplied device rather than a household spoon.
  • 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

86 Highest impact

Liquid delivery is flexible, but the generic GABA source lacks fermentation details. The GABA amount provides substantial standalone depth, 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

99 Highest impact

The substantial amount and flexible liquid format strongly support the low cost. The serving is exceptionally economical, and the product is highly competitive among generic GABA options.

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Report analysis

Goals

Stress Relief
Stress Relief
Impact
Highest effect
B+ Goal FitA+ Strength of SupportC+ CoverageA+ Formula Quality
GABA · 500 mg

GABA directly targets inhibitory signaling and is supplied at a clearly stated 500 mg amount within the preferred standalone range. The liquid format supports flexible, rapid use without a hard tablet.

Oral GABA has mixed evidence because its access to the brain remains debated, so effects may vary between users. The dose may cause drowsiness, especially with alcohol, sleep medicines, benzodiazepines, or other sedatives.

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

The clearly disclosed GABA amount provides focused nervous-system relaxation support and falls in the preferred standalone range supplied. Evidence for swallowed GABA improving sleep is less established than evidence for melatonin, so the likely benefit is less certain.

The liquid serving avoids a hard tablet and delivers one substantial active without unnecessary extras. The amount may cause drowsiness, especially with alcohol or other sedating substances, so it is appropriate only when reduced alertness is acceptable.

Study evidence
GABA Supportive 4 studies
Mood Support
Mood Support
Impact
Moderate effect
F Goal FitB- Strength of SupportF CoverageB- Formula Quality

Oral GABA may promote calm, but evidence for sustained mood regulation is limited. The 500 mg amount is clearly disclosed and is not hidden in a blend.

Oral GABA has uncertain access to the brain, which limits confidence in a direct neurotransmitter effect. The single-ingredient formula is focused but covers no stress-adaptation or anti-inflammatory pathway.

Study evidence
GABA Supportive 12 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
GABA
500 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Vegan Dairy Free Vegetarian
Report overview
GABA · 500 mg OverallScore93
B+ Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyA+ Value

The 500 mg serving lands in the preferred standalone range and is exceptionally economical. Generic GABA lacks fermented-brand verification, while the teaspoon-measured format avoids hard-tablet disintegration. The amount may cause drowsiness, especially with alcohol or sedating medicines, so use it only when reduced alertness is acceptable.

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>
83 Performance

GABA 500 mg

NOW
<p>500 mg GABA with 2 mg vitamin B6 adds a small relevant vitamin cofactor while retaining the original's GABA amount. Generic sourcing and uncertain oral brain availability limit confidence, and drowsiness remains possible.</p>
81 Budget

GABA 750 mg

Source Naturals Serene Science
<p>The eligible pool does not provide three lower-cost choices, so 750 mg GABA is a near-cost fallback rather than a true saving. Generic sourcing and uncertain oral brain availability limit confidence, while the high amount may increase drowsiness.</p>
83 Budget

GABA 500 mg

Nutricost
<p>The eligible pool does not provide three lower-cost choices, so 500 mg GABA with 2 mg vitamin B6 is a near-cost fallback rather than a true saving. Generic sourcing and uncertain oral brain availability limit confidence, and drowsiness remains possible.</p>
84 Budget

GABA 500 mg

NOW
<p>The eligible pool does not provide three lower-cost choices, so 500 mg GABA with 2 mg vitamin B6 is a near-cost fallback rather than a true saving. Generic sourcing and uncertain oral brain availability limit confidence, and drowsiness remains possible.</p>
83 Value

GABA 750 mg

NOW
<p>750 mg GABA offers a practical formula-and-cost balance, although it is not cheaper than the unusually economical original. Generic sourcing and uncertain oral brain availability limit confidence, while the high amount may increase drowsiness.</p>
83 Value

GABA 500 mg

Swanson
<p>500 mg GABA offers a practical formula-and-cost balance, although it is not cheaper than the unusually economical original. Generic sourcing and uncertain oral brain availability limit confidence, and drowsiness remains possible.</p>
81 Value

GABA Powder

Source Naturals Serene Science
<p>750 mg GABA offers a practical formula-and-cost balance, although it is not cheaper than the unusually economical 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