γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

What is GABA?

γ－aminobutyric acid (Gamma-aminobutyric acid, GABA) is a non-protein amino acid, which is widely found in vertebrates, plants and microorganisms.

GABA is a neurotransmitter and a chemical used by the human nervous system to send messages and modulate its own function. It can be used for sleep support, regulate mental and physical stress, lower anxiety, and have a “calm” effect on mood. GABA can be found naturally in various foods such as tea leaf, tomato, cheese, milk, and fermented foods such as Kimchi. We can also find much higher concentrations of GABA when produced by the lactic acid bacteria fermentation process.

Sleep Disorders

Insomnia is the most common type of sleep disorders. About 100 million people in China experience insomnia and 300 million people have sleep problems.

What are the symptoms of sleep disorders?
1. Decreased sleep: difficulty falling asleep, light sleep, etc.
2. Increased sleep: sleepiness, etc.
3. Unusual sleep behaviors: sleepwalking, nightmare, etc.
4. Irregular sleep-wake rhythm

What causes sleep disorders?
Sleep problems can be triggered by various factors, including:
1. Biological (such as genetics and body temperature changes)
2. Social and psychological (such as inner conflicts and cognitive errors)
3. Environmental (such as stress from life and sleep environment)
4. Psychiatric (such as anxiety disorders and depression)

Mechanisms of Promoting Sleep

1. The gut-brain axis (GBA)
2. The blood-brain barrier (BBB)
3. Through metabolic pathways in the body

Functions

1. Relaxation – may encourage relaxation in the body and mind
2. Stress relief – may promote a tranquil mind and body

Application

1. Feed Additives
2. Ingridients for food and nutritional fortification supplements
3. Starting Material/Intermediates for some pharmaecutial