Japan Ingredient Sourcing
Active component / 機能性成分Food ingredients

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

γ-アミノ酪酸 (Gyamma-aminorakusan)

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Why source from Japan

GABA is a non-protein amino acid produced commercially in Japan by lactic-acid bacterial fermentation or chemical synthesis.

Key spec

FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 10–50 kg.

Typical end-product

FFC stress and sleep supplements — Daily stress reduction or sleep quality, notified under the Foods with Function Claims system.

At a glance

Suppliers listed
8 suppliers
Typical MOQ
10–50 kg
Typical lead time
6–10 weeks
Regions of origin
Nationwide production facilities; fermentation-based
Category
Food ingredients
Harvest season
Year-round (fermentation)
Japan regulatory status
Most-notified FFC ingredient category in Japan; multiple Tokuho precedents
Japanese name
γ-アミノ酪酸
Romaji
Gyamma-aminorakusan

About this ingredient

GABA is a non-protein amino acid produced commercially in Japan by lactic-acid bacterial fermentation or chemical synthesis. Japan is a global leader in functional-food applications of GABA, with thousands of FFC notifications citing stress reduction, sleep quality, and blood-pressure support.

Regulatory status

JapanMost-notified FFC ingredient category in Japan; multiple Tokuho precedents
EUNovel food status varies by source; case-by-case
United StatesDietary supplement / GRAS pathway
ChinaVerify current rules

FAQ for OEM buyers

Q. What is the typical MOQ when sourcing fermentation-derived GABA in Japan?

Japanese suppliers typically quote 10–50 kg minimums for food-grade fermentation GABA, with smaller R&D quantities sometimes available on a case-by-case basis.

Sources

  • Source dossier (provided)

Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source

Q. What is a realistic lead time for GABA powder from a Japanese supplier?

Allow 6–10 weeks from PO to delivery for standard-grade material; expect longer for COA pulls on novel specifications or for bulk volumes that require new fermentation runs.

Sources

  • Source dossier (provided)

Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source

Q. Does importing GABA into the EU require a Novel Food authorization?

Status depends on the source and concentration of the preparation. Buyers should verify the specific GABA preparation against the EU Novel Food Catalogue and consult the supplier's regulatory dossier before shipping.

Sources

Q. Can imported GABA be sold as a dietary supplement in the United States?

GABA is sold in the US dietary supplement channel under DSHEA. Manufacturers and importers remain responsible for safety, labeling and any pre-market notifications required for new dietary ingredients.

Sources

Q. What documentation should buyers request when ordering GABA from a Japanese fermentation supplier?

Standard documents include certificate of analysis (purity, microbiology, heavy metals), allergen statement, GMO/non-GMO statement on substrate origin, BSE/TSE statement, and an explanation of the production microorganism.

Sources

  • Source dossier (provided)

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

    Sources

  • Functional chocolate

    Positioning
    Stress-relief chocolate marketed under FFC
    Formulation notes
    Incorporated into chocolate matrix; actual claim wording must match the notified endpoint

    Sources

  • 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

Looking for alternatives?

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Japanese suppliers

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Disclaimer

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Information shown — including company details, product descriptions, regions of origin, minimum order quantities, lead times, certifications, and regulatory references — is compiled primarily from publicly available sources and manufacturer websites. Specifications change without notice; buyers are expected to verify current specifications, pricing, certification status, and regulatory compliance directly with each manufacturer before placing orders or signing contracts.

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Last updated: 2026-04-24

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