Supplements · Amino acids & peptides
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
γ-アミノ酪酸 (Gamma amino rakusan)
Also known as: GABA
At a glance
| Category | Supplements |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Aminobutyric Acid (cosmetic context) |
| Japanese labeling name | GABA / γ-アミノ酪酸 |
| Common Japanese notations | GABA, γ-アミノ酪酸 |
| CAS number | 56-12-2 |
| Origin | Naturally occurring (also produced by fermentation of plant substrates) |
| Typical functions | Functional food ingredient (stress and sleep support), Cosmetic skin conditioning |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Many Foods with Function Claims (機能性表示食品) notifications involving GABA are on file with the Consumer Affairs Agency. Cosmetic use under JSCI dictionary. |
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-protein amino acid that functions as the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. In Japan, GABA is one of the most prominent functional food ingredients under the Foods with Function Claims system, with notifications around stress reduction, sleep quality, and blood pressure support.
Classification
Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- FFC supplements (stress, sleep, blood pressure)
- Functional chocolate and confectionery
- Functional beverages
- Functional rice products
What it is
GABA is a four-carbon amino acid produced both endogenously in animals and through bacterial / fermentation processes. Commercial GABA for supplement and food use is typically produced through Lactobacillus fermentation of glutamate-rich substrates.
Typical uses in Japanese products
In Japan, GABA appears in functional supplements, chocolate products, beverages, and rice products marketed under various Foods with Function Claims notifications.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Many FFC notifications involving GABA have been submitted to the Consumer Affairs Agency. Specific brand-claim combinations should be verified in the agency's notification database.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Supplement use of GABA in higher concentrations may be subject to Novel Food evaluation depending on the source. |
|---|---|
| USA | Sold as a dietary supplement. |
| China | Cosmetic uses subject to IECIC verification; supplement uses subject to specific authority review. |
| Korea | Permitted. |
Example products
Example finished products are diverse across multiple product categories. Specific listings will be added after verification.
All brand names and product names referenced anywhere on this site are the property of their respective owners. Example entries are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.
Related ingredients
References
- Japan Consumer Affairs Agency — Foods with Function Claims notification database
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.