Gamma‑Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
Amino Acids
Nutritional Enhancers
56-12-2
C₄H₉NO₂
$69.44 ~ $104.16
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:25kg/barrel
One unit of:25kg/barrel
25kg/barrel
Product Info
What is Gamma‑Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)?
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) is a naturally occurring non-protein amino acid and the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, widely used as a dietary supplement ingredient to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and support sleep.
How is Gamma‑Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seed Culture Preparation | Inoculate a sterile seed medium with a pure strain of GABA-producing bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus brevis). Incubate to grow the starter culture. | Note: Aseptic conditions are critical to prevent contamination. Control temperature and incubation time to achieve optimal microbial growth and activity. |
| 2 | Fermentation | Transfer the seed culture to a large-scale fermenter containing a sterile production medium rich in Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) as the primary substrate. | Control Point: The conversion of MSG to GABA is the core reaction. Critically monitor and control pH (e.g., 4.5-5.5), temperature, and agitation speed for maximum yield. |
| 3 | Cell Separation | Separate the bacterial cells and solid impurities from the GABA-rich fermentation broth using centrifugation or microfiltration. | Control Point: Ensure high separation efficiency to maximize the recovery of the liquid supernatant containing the GABA and minimize product loss. |
| 4 | Decolorization & Purification | Treat the broth with activated carbon to remove color. Further purify using ion-exchange chromatography to separate GABA from residual MSG and other impurities. | Note: This is a key step for achieving high purity. Control the resin type, eluent pH, and flow rate to ensure effective separation of GABA. |
| 5 | Concentration | Remove water from the purified GABA solution using vacuum evaporation to increase its concentration. | Control Point: Operate under low temperature and vacuum to prevent thermal degradation of the product. Monitor the solution's concentration (e.g., Brix) to reach the target level. |
| 6 | Crystallization | Induce GABA crystallization from the concentrated solution by controlled cooling and/or adding a solvent like ethanol. | Note: The cooling rate and degree of supersaturation are crucial as they directly influence the crystal size, form, and final product purity. |
| 7 | Drying | Separate the GABA crystals from the mother liquor (centrifugation) and dry them in a vacuum dryer to remove residual moisture. | Control Point: The final moisture content must be below the specified limit (e.g., <0.5%). Use a low drying temperature to avoid damaging the crystals. |
| 8 | Sieving & Packaging | Sieve the dried crystals to achieve a uniform particle size distribution. Package the final product into sealed, moisture-proof containers. | Note: Final Quality Control (QC) checks are performed here for assay (purity), heavy metals, and microbial limits. Packaging occurs in a controlled environment. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 56-12-2 |
| Chemical Formula | C₄H₉NO₂ |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water (130 g/100 mL) |
| Storage Conditions | Store in cool, dry place away from light |
| Shelf Life | 36 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
Dietary supplements
functional foods
beverages
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Gamma‑Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Bioactive Compound; Functional Food Ingredient; Neurotransmitter |
| Key Ingredients | Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (C₄H₉NO₂) |
| Mechanism of Action | Acts as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). It binds to specific transmembrane receptors (GABA-A and GABA-B) on neuronal synapses, which increases the permeability of the postsynaptic membrane to chloride ions. This influx of negative ions leads to hyperpolarization of the neuron, making it less likely to fire an action potential and thus reducing neuronal excitability. |
| Application Effect in Product | Added to functional foods, beverages, and supplements to produce a calming physiological effect. Intended to help reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and improve sleep quality by modulating neurotransmission in the brain. Does not typically alter the food matrix (texture, flavor, etc.) at functional dosage levels. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) | Calming Neurotransmitter Supplement | Direct form of the body's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. | Provides the exact compound the brain uses for calming; can be fast-acting. | Poorly crosses the blood-brain barrier, leading to debated central nervous system efficacy. | Promoting relaxation before sleep; managing acute feelings of overstimulation. | You want to supplement with the direct neurotransmitter and have found it personally effective. |
| L-Theanine | Amino Acid Supplement | Promotes alpha brain waves; influences GABA, dopamine, and serotonin. | Creates "wakeful relaxation" without drowsiness; reliably crosses the blood-brain barrier; can improve focus. | Less directly sedative than alternatives like Valerian Root; not a primary sleep aid for insomnia. | Reducing daytime anxiety, improving focus under stress, mitigating caffeine jitters. | You need to reduce stress during the day while maintaining mental clarity. |
| Ashwagandha | Adaptogenic Herb | Modulates the HPA axis to lower cortisol, the primary stress hormone. | Addresses the physiological root of chronic stress; effects are cumulative and build resilience over time. | Not effective for immediate, acute relief; effects can take weeks to become noticeable. | Managing long-term chronic stress, burnout, and improving overall stress resilience. | Your goal is to improve the body's baseline response to chronic stress, rather than treating acute symptoms. |
| Magnesium Glycinate | Essential Mineral Supplement | Highly bioavailable magnesium chelated with the calming amino acid glycine. | Addresses a common nutritional deficiency linked to anxiety and poor sleep; supports both nerve and muscle relaxation. | Efficacy is highly dependent on an individual's existing magnesium status; less potent as a standalone anxiolytic. | Improving sleep quality, reducing physical tension and restlessness, general relaxation. | You seek a foundational supplement for both mental calm and physical relaxation, or suspect a mineral deficiency. |
| Valerian Root | Herbal Sedative | Contains compounds believed to increase available GABA in the brain. | Strongly sedative properties; well-researched specifically for improving sleep onset and quality. | Can cause next-day grogginess; has a very strong, unpleasant odor; may cause paradoxical excitement in some users. | Difficulty falling asleep (insomnia); enhancing sleep depth and duration. | Your primary goal is sleep improvement and you want a potent, traditional herbal sedative. |
| Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) | Calming Herb | Inhibits GABA transaminase, an enzyme that breaks down GABA, thus increasing its availability. | Works by preserving the brain's own GABA supply; gentle effect that also supports mood and cognitive function. | Effects can be more subtle than direct sedatives; not ideal for severe anxiety or insomnia. | Mild to moderate anxiety, nervous tension, improving mood, and promoting restful sleep. | You prefer a gentle approach that supports your body's natural calming systems without direct sedation. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
Specs and COA available
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
MSDS available
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications