Aminobutyric Acid
GABA is FDA-recognized as GRAS (GRN 595) for use in snack bars, drinks, yogurts, vegetable juices, cereals, processed cheese, gum, coffee, tea, and candies. USP safety review found no serious adverse events at intakes up to 18 g/day for short periods or 120 mg/day for 12 weeks.
What it is
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a non-protein amino acid that functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter; produced naturally and via microbial fermentation.
Functional/nutritional food ingredient; touted for relaxation/sleep claims.
Why it's flagged
- pregnancy/lactation safety not established
- may interact with antihypertensive or sedative medications
- high-dose effects unstudied
What regulators actually say
"GRAS Notice for gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) ... intended uses include snack bars, drinks, yogurts, vegetable juices, cereals, processed cheese, gum, coffee, tea, and candies."
"Data showed no serious adverse events associated with GABA at intakes up to 18 g/d for 4 days and in longer studies at intakes of 120 mg/d for 12 weeks."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS (FDA had no questions in GRAS Notice 595)
European Union — EFSA
Considered a food constituent; not a regulated food additive
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