GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
4-Aminobutanoic acid. Dietary Supplement, neurotransmitter precursor / nootropic.
This page describes what GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is and its known risks. It is not medical advice and not a guide to using it. Many of these substances are prescription-only or illegal to use without a prescription. Speak to a doctor.
- Class
- Dietary Supplement
- Legal status
- Over-the-counter (unrestricted)
- Half-life
- Short (~1 hour), poor and inconsistent oral bioavailability to the CNS
- Liver strain
- None
- Kidney strain
- None known
- Converts to estrogen
- None
- Suppresses natural hormones
- Not typically
Medical uses
- Anxiolytic research (limited oral bioavailability across blood-brain barrier)
- Sleep-onset support
What it does in the body
Psychological
- Calming/anxiolytic effect (self-reported; oral GABA crossing the blood-brain barrier is debated in the literature)
- May support subjective sleep quality
Forms, half-life and detection
| Form | Half-life | Reported detection window |
|---|---|---|
| Oral (powder/capsule) | Short (~1 hour), poor and inconsistent oral bioavailability to the CNS | N/A (not a banned/tested substance) |
Side effects and health risks
Gastrointestinal
- Mild stomach upset in some users
Neurological
- Drowsiness
- Tingling sensation (rare, high doses)
Related compounds
Questions
What is the half-life of GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)?
About Short (~1 hour), poor and inconsistent oral bioavailability to the CNS. Half-life is the time for the level in the blood to fall by half.
How long is GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) detectable?
Testing windows of N/A (not a banned/tested substance) are reported, depending on the test and the person.
Is GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) legal?
Over-the-counter (unrestricted). Laws differ by country and change; check the rules where you live.
What blood tests matter with GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)?
Ask a doctor which tests suit you.
What are the side effects of GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)?
Gastrointestinal: mild stomach upset in some users. Neurological: drowsiness and tingling sensation (rare, high doses).
For information only, not medical advice. MyoStats is a tracking tool used at your own discretion. Speak to a doctor before changing your training, diet, medication or anything you take.