Supplements · Amino acids & peptides
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
γ-アミノ酪酸 (Gamma amino rakusan)
Also known as: GABA
8Japanese suppliers ready to quoteView on the Sourcing platformAt 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.
Find OEM manufacturers
Browse Japanese OEM manufacturers that build products in this category. Filter by small lot, certifications, prefecture.
Classification
Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.
Common OEM product categories
Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.
- FFC supplements (stress, sleep, blood pressure)
- Functional chocolate and confectionery
- Functional beverages
- Functional rice products
Ingredient profile
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.
OEM applications
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. |
Market reference formulations
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.
Alternative ingredients
Related ingredients commonly evaluated as substitutes.
Quick answers
- What is Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)?
- 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.
- What is the regulatory status of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) 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.
- What products typically use Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)?
- FFC supplements (stress, sleep, blood pressure) / Functional chocolate and confectionery / Functional beverages / Functional rice products
- Where does Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) come from?
- Naturally occurring (also produced by fermentation of plant substrates)
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)?
- INCI: Aminobutyric Acid (cosmetic context) / JSCI: GABA / γ-アミノ酪酸
Explore related ingredients
Used in similar product applications
Other ingredients commonly used in the same finished-product families.
Beni Imo (Okinawan Purple Sweet Potato)
Confectionery & snacksBeverages (tea, RTD)Functional foods (FFC / Tokuho)
Black Rice Extract
Beverages (tea, RTD)SupplementsConfectionery & snacks
Black Vinegar (Kurozu)
Beverages (tea, RTD)SupplementsFunctional foods (FFC / Tokuho)
Botanboufu (Sakuna)
SupplementsFunctional foods (FFC / Tokuho)Beverages (tea, RTD)
Goya (Bitter Melon)
SupplementsBeverages (tea, RTD)Functional foods (FFC / Tokuho)
Sharing similar functions
Ingredients that overlap on functional benefit tags.
From the same origin
Other ingredients that share an origin classification.
Regulatory guidance
Take the next step
FAQ for OEM buyers
Q. What is GABA and how does it function in the body?
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a non-protein amino acid that acts as the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. In food applications, it is consumed as a functional ingredient and is regulated as a food, not a drug.
Q. How is commercial GABA produced for food use in Japan?
Most food-grade GABA in Japan is produced by lactic acid bacteria fermentation of glutamate-rich substrates. Chemical synthesis routes also exist but are less common in functional food applications.
Sources
- Pharmafoods Tea-Origin GABA technical material
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. What endpoints are GABA Foods with Function Claims (FFC) typically notified for in Japan?
FFC notifications involving GABA in Japan have been submitted around endpoints including stress reduction, sleep quality, and blood pressure support. Specific brand/claim combinations should be verified in the Consumer Affairs Agency's notification database.
Q. What is the CAS number for GABA?
GABA has CAS number 56-12-2.
Sources
Q. How is GABA labeled in Japanese cosmetic ingredient lists?
In cosmetic contexts the JSCI labeling name is generally rendered as GABA / γ-アミノ酪酸; the INCI form Aminobutyric Acid is used in international filings.
Sources
- JSCI cosmetic ingredient dictionary (industry reference)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Use cases
FFC stress and sleep supplements
- Positioning
- Daily stress reduction or sleep quality, notified under the Foods with Function Claims system
- Typical usage level
- Per individual FFC notification (commonly ~28–100 mg/day depending on endpoint)
- Formulation notes
- Commonly delivered as tablets or capsules; bitter/salty taste in direct beverage applications
Functional chocolate
- Positioning
- Stress-relief chocolate marketed under FFC
- Formulation notes
- Incorporated into chocolate matrix; actual claim wording must match the notified endpoint
Functional rice products
- Positioning
- GABA-enriched germinated brown rice for blood-pressure-support positioning
- Formulation notes
- GABA accumulates naturally during germination of brown rice; enriched lots are often blended with conventional rice
Sources
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Functional beverages
- Positioning
- Relaxation or sleep support beverages
- Formulation notes
- Stable in low-pH beverages; flavor masking generally required at higher dosages
Sources
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Search the academic literature
Pre-filled queries for the major research databases. Opens in a new tab.
Official regulatory databases
External links to public Japanese / international regulatory authorities. We are not affiliated.
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.