GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
γ-アミノ酪酸 (Gyamma-aminorakusan)
At a glance
| Japanese name | γ-アミノ酪酸 |
|---|---|
| Romaji | Gyamma-aminorakusan |
| Category | Food ingredients |
| Regions of origin | Nationwide production facilities; fermentation-based |
| Harvest season | Year-round (fermentation) |
| Typical MOQ | 10–50 kg |
| Typical lead time | 6–10 weeks |
| Japan regulatory status | Most-notified FFC ingredient category in Japan; multiple Tokuho precedents |
| Suppliers listed | 5 suppliers |
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
| Japan | Most-notified FFC ingredient category in Japan; multiple Tokuho precedents |
|---|---|
| EU | Novel food status varies by source; case-by-case |
| United States | Dietary supplement / GRAS pathway |
| China | Verify current rules |
Japanese suppliers
Pharma Foods International Co., Ltd.
株式会社ファーマフーズ
Nishikyo, KyotoEst. 1997English supportExport experiencePharmaGABA® — 80% Japan market share
Kyowa Hakko Bio Co., Ltd.
協和発酵バイオ株式会社
TokyoEst. 2008English supportExport experienceGMP (pharmaceutical-grade)Pharmaceutical-grade GABA
Asahi Biocycle Co., Ltd.
アサヒバイオサイクル株式会社
Shibuya, TokyoEnglish supportExport experienceBrewer's-yeast-derived; agricultural focus
Oryza Oil & Fat Chemical Co., Ltd.
オリザ油化株式会社
Ichinomiya, AichiEst. 1954English supportExport experienceGABA-enriched rice germ extract offered as a functional food ingredient.
- Premium
Hakkaisan Brewery Co., Ltd.
八海醸造株式会社
Minami-Uonuma, NiigataEnglish supportExport experienceFunctional food designation (2023) for koji-derived compoundsGABA Amazake variant with 100mg functional GABA claim (notification D434).
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Last updated: 2026-04-24