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GABA (PharmaGABA)

Calm · stress · sleep onset

Moderate evidenceVegan65 studies on PubMedRead the research
Written to our editorial standards · reviewed against published research· Updated 30 May 2026
Last reviewed: May 30, 2026

GABA: Calm · stress · sleep onset. The brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. The PharmaGABA form has trial evidence for stress and sleep onset. Standard dose 500 mg, taken in the evening, about $18/month. Evidence rating: moderate evidence.

Where to buy

NOW Foods GABA 750mg (PharmaGABA)
Recommended
NOW Foods, GABA
500 mg · Evening · ~$18/month

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All product options

NOW Foods GABA 750mg (PharmaGABA)Best Value
GABA 750mg (PharmaGABA)
NOW Foods
100 veg caps · $18 · ★ 4.6
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NOW Foods GABA 500 mgBestseller
GABA 500 mg
NOW Foods
100 veg caps · $11 · ★ 4.6
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Thorne PharmaGABAPremium
PharmaGABA
Thorne
60 capsules · $28 · ★ 4.6
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Source Naturals GABABest Value
GABA
Source Naturals
120 tablets · $15 · ★ 4.5
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Nutricost GABAPremium
GABA
Nutricost
120 capsules · $14 · ★ 4.5
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What is GABA?

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, the molecular brake on overactive neurons. Whether oral GABA crosses the blood-brain barrier is debated, but trials with the patented PharmaGABA form (naturally fermented from Lactobacillus hilgardii) consistently demonstrate stress relief, faster sleep onset, and reduced subjective tension within 30-60 minutes. Some effects may be mediated via the enteric nervous system rather than direct CNS action. Standard dose is 100-500 mg before stressful events or 30 minutes before bed.

The brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. The PharmaGABA form has trial evidence for stress and sleep onset.

Natural food sources

Where possible, get GABA from whole foods first. Common dietary sources include:

Fermented foods (kimchi, tempeh)Green teaTomatoesSprouted grains

Best for your goal

Interactions

Other amino acids

L-Theanine (Suntheanine)
Calm focus · stress
Glycine
Sleep depth · core body temperature
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
Liver · antioxidant · respiratory
Taurine
Heart · sleep · cellular hydration

Common questions

What is GABA?
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, the molecular brake on overactive neurons. Whether oral GABA crosses the blood-brain barrier is debated, but trials with the patented PharmaGABA form (naturally fermented from Lactobacillus hilgardii) consistently demonstrate stress relief, faster sleep onset, and reduced subjective tension within 30-60 minutes. Some effects may be mediated via the enteric nervous system rather than direct CNS action. Standard dose is 100-500 mg before stressful events or 30 minutes before bed.
What is GABA used for?
Calm · stress · sleep onset. The brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. The PharmaGABA form has trial evidence for stress and sleep onset.
What is the standard dose of GABA?
500 mg, typically taken in the evening. Approximate cost is $18 per month.
How strong is the evidence for GABA?
Moderate evidence for its primary uses. See the full study list on the research page.

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