Chill Factor

Research Library

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This scientific research is for informational use only. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Care/of provides this information as a service. This information should not be read to recommend or endorse any specific products.

GABA (γ-amino butyric acid) is an important amino acid in the brain and is found in various foods, especially in fermented food products. GABA levels can drop when subjected to stressful conditions. Our GABA is a natural form from Lactobacillus hilgardii fermentation – a beneficial lactic acid bacteria used in making the traditional Korean vegetable dish kimchi. Synthetic GABA is produced from various harsh chemicals, many of which are prohibited from use in foods.

Stress

Given the association between circulating GABA and stress, researchers in Japan conducted a trial to understand how GABA supplementation affected stress. They studied 30 health volunteers and found that 50 mg of GABA reduced stress and enhanced performance in subjects who were physically and emotionally stressed. Significant reduction in cortisol levels were seen in subjects given 50 mg GABA compared to placebo. This is important to note, since cortisol is released in response to various mental and physical stresses.

References

  1. Relieving occupational fatigue by consumption of a beverage containing γ-Amino Butyric Acid.

    Kanehira T, Nakamura Y, Nakamura K, Horie K et al., J. Nutr Sci Vitaminol, 2011