Best GABA Supplements (2023) 

We’ve shortlisted products we think may be helpful for our readers. If you purchase any product through the links on our page, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid, a.k.a GABA, is an amino acid that occurs naturally in the body. It also acts as a neurotransmitter that carries signals from nerve cells to other cells. That act triggers specific reactions made by the body. [1] Moreover, GABA is now used in the best supplements, thanks to its calming effect.

Some researchers found that GABA may act as a bioactive agent with properties that may help with certain medical conditions. According to them, GABA possibly contains antidepressants, sedatives, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and immune system enhancer properties. [2]

Additionally, there is a 2019 review that states that GABA holds antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiseizure. With such properties, GABA is thought of helping to treat conditions such as insomnia, diabetes, and high blood pressure. [3]

Furthermore, GABA is also said to aid in alleviating stress and fatigue, as evidenced by a study. The research showed that participants who took 100 mg of the substance had reduced measure of stress while doing a mental task. [4] However, GABA and its effect on other conditions need to be studied more.

Quick Summary

Most Added Value: Brain MD GABA Calming Support

Lowest Price: Real Chill™

Best GABA Chewable: Natural Factors, Stress-Relax, Pharma GABA

Best GABA Supplements

Brain MD GABA Calming Support

GABA CONTENT PER SERVING:

250 mg

PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:

~$40/90

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:

Take 1 to 6 capsules daily, on an empty stomach (Adults)

With this GABA supplement from Brain MD, you get a clinically studied formula and nutrients that guarantee quality. Aside from the main substance, this also contains lemon balm extract, magnesium, L-theanine, and vitamin B6. All of the additional ingredients enhance the benefits of this product. 

Moreover, the brand claims that its GABA supplement formula helps calm the brain waves and acts as a “biochemical brake” to relieve users of anxiety and distressing thoughts. What’s more, it may encourage relaxation and calmness of the mind and body. It may also be helpful for alleviating stress daily.

As for the feedback, the consensus is mainly positive. Many users are happy with the results as they follow the brand’s GABA supplement dose, which helps for lowering their anxiety attacks and calms them down. Also, plenty of them mentioned this helps reduce their stress levels and allows them to have better sleep quality. However, some said experiencing side effects or not feeling any impact at all.

Real Chill™ 

GABA CONTENT PER SERVING:

200 mg

PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:

~$30/60

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:

Take 2-3 capsules daily

Thanks to its ingredients that are scientifically backed up, Real Chill is a supplement that is growing in popularity. According to the brand, it’s the “next-generation all-natural stress relief formula”. Moreover, it contains other nutrients that boost its benefits like L-theanine, vitamin B6 and magnesium as they stimulate and increase the GABA levels.

What’s more, this supplement aims to improve sleep quality, raise stress resilience, improve overall mood, ease the nervous system, and maintain calmness. So users who feel down and lack motivation may be greatly helped by this GABA product.

Based on the available user feedback, the majority are content with its given benefits. Many mentioned that they experienced an improved mood by taking this GABA capsule. Additionally, they mentioned that this is helping them deal with anxiety and the stress that comes with their daily lives.

Thorne Research PharmaGABA

GABA CONTENT PER SERVING:

250 mg

PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:

~$52/60

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:

Take 1 capsule once to thrice daily

As a trusted brand in the industry, every Thorne product, including this GABA supplement, is made with the purest available ingredients. Additionally, the brand said that its PharmaGABA formula is produced via a fermentation process that uses Lactobacillus hilgardii. 

This GABA capsule aims to decrease stress-related brain waves and stimulate the production of alpha waves which results in physical relaxation. Moreover, this process also promotes mental focus, according to the brand’s research. This may also improve sleep quality and reduce stress levels if taken following the dosage recommendation written or as prescribed by a doctor.

Based on hundreds of ratings, the user consensus is positive. Many are glad that it helps them relax, which results in better sleep. Plus, they mentioned how it boosts their energy and keeps them calm during stressful times. However, a few said they did not experience any impact, while others noted they felt some side effects.

Kirkman Labs GABA

GABA CONTENT PER SERVING:

250 mg

PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:

~$24/60

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:

Take 1 to 3 capsules daily

Kirkman LABS’s GABA supplement contains vegetarian capsules and is cGMP certified to ensure quality. Furthermore, it’s been tested for purity and is considered hypoallergenic. The aim of taking this GABA capsule is to experience a more relaxing sleep instead of being riddled with tension. 

Additionally, it promotes relaxation as it prevents stress-related messages from getting to the brain’s motor centers. As for the user feedback, there isn’t a lot available. However, from what is accessible, plenty of them are happy with its impact on reducing anxiety, allowing calmness, and improving their sleep quality.

Natural Factors, Stress-Relax, Pharma GABA

GABA CONTENT PER SERVING:

200 mg

PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:

~$40/120

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:

Chew 1 to 2 tablets up to three times daily

This is a chewable GABA supplement which can be more attractive to other potential users for easier consumption, mainly since it contains natural tropical fruit flavor. According to Natural Factors, this has been tested for purity and potency. Additionally, this is also lab-tested, which ensures its quality. Taking this Pharma GABA supplement will result in the production increase of alpha brain waves, leading to physical relaxation.

Moreover, it allows users to maintain mental focus in times of stress. Over 400 hundred ratings are available, and the majority are positive. Many are happy with the tastes of the chewable tablet and how it impacts them daily. They mentioned how it boosts their mood, considering they can sleep better. Also, plenty of them noted that it reduced their anxiety levels and helped them calm down from agitating thoughts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does GABA supplement do?

Specifically, GABA inhibits the transmission of specific signals to the central nervous system. As a result, it slows down brain activities and produces a calming effect on the body. [5] As mentioned before, the best GABA supplements may also lower anxiety levels, hence, improving sleep quality.

Do the best GABA supplements actually work?

The impact of GABA is well-documented, and numerous clinical studies back up the data. Moreover, its effectiveness and function are also supported by plenty of user ratings and reviews. However, more research needs to be conducted to know the full extent of its benefits.

Can you take GABA supplements every day?

Since data regarding GABA dosage is still limited, it’s best to follow the instructions of the brand or healthcare professional. [6]

Can GABA hurt your liver?

According to available data, it does not seem to hurt the liver. It may, however, prepare and protect livers from donors to combat severe stresses. [7]

Bottom Line

As a chemical messenger for the brain, GABA plays an important role in blocking or slowing down stress-related brain waves. This results in users feeling calm and relaxed. It may also reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. In this article, you can learn more about the best GABA supplements with different price points and dosages to help you decide what’s best for you.

Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional. We have assembled this article through in-depth research based on the information available at the date of publishing.  We may receive a small commission for purchases you make through our links, but this comes at NO extra cost to you. This commission allows us to continue doing what we love through Health Plugged, which is delivering evidence-based health information to our readers worldwide.

Editorial References And Fact-Checking

• Boonstra, E., de Kleijn, R., Colzato, L. S., Alkemade, A., Forstmann, B. U., & Nieuwenhuis, S. (2015, October 6). Neurotransmitters as food supplements: the effects of GABA on brain and behavior. Frontiers in Psychology, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01520
• Sahab, N., Subroto, E., Balia, R. L., & Utama, G. L. (2020). γ-Aminobutyric acid found in fermented foods and beverages: current trends. Heliyon, 6(11), e05526. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05526
• Ngo, D. H., & Vo, T. S. (2019, July 24). An Updated Review on Pharmaceutical Properties of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid. Molecules, 24(15), 2678. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24152678
• Yoto, A., Murao, S., Motoki, M., Yokoyama, Y., Horie, N., Takeshima, K., Masuda, K., Kim, M., & Yokogoshi, H. (2012). Oral intake of γ-aminobutyric acid affects mood and activities of central nervous system during stressed condition induced by mental tasks. Amino acids, 43(3), 1331–1337. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-011-1206-6
• Allen, M. J., Sabir, S., & Sharma, S. (2022). GABA Receptor. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
• Oketch-Rabah, H. A., Madden, E. F., Roe, A. L., & Betz, J. M. (2021). United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Safety Review of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA). Nutrients, 13(8), 2742. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082742
• Hata, T., Rehman, F., Hori, T., & Nguyen, J. H. (2019). GABA, γ-Aminobutyric Acid, Protects Against Severe Liver Injury. The Journal of surgical research, 236, 172–183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2018.11.047