"Black Technology for Sleep Aid" - the Sleep Aid Mechanism and Application of GAMMA-Aminobutyric Acid(GABA)

Because γ-aminobutyric acid is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in mammals, it is widely used in special foods to improve sleep.

1. What is γ-Aminobutyric Acid(GABA)

English name:  Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

Abbreviated name:  GABA

CAS:  56-12-2

Chemical structure:

Existence form:  It is a small molecular weight non-protein amino acid widely distributed in animals and plants, and is also an important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system of mammals.

Application status:  In 2009, my country listed GABA as a new resource food, which can be widely used in food, medical, health food and other industries.

Scope of application and population:  beverages, cocoa products, chocolate and chocolate products, candy, baked goods, puffed foods, but excluding infant food.

2. the Sleep Aid Mechanismof γ-Aminobutyric Acid(GABA)

GABA is the primary neurotransmitter that triggers the sleep mechanism. When the human body needs to rest, the brain releases the neurotransmitter GABA, which reduces nerve excitability and relaxes the nerves.

Studies have found that the GABA content in brain tissue increases by 15% when sleeping compared to when awake.

3. The Sleep Aid Application of γ-Aminobutyric Acid(GABA)

GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain that can act on about 30% of nerve centers, mainly calming or inhibiting overly excited and intense nerves. It is recognized as a "safe and mild brain tranquilizer."

The "Dietary Reference Intakes of Nutrients for Chinese Residents" compiled by the Chinese Nutrition Society records that daily intake of 26.4 mg of γ-aminobutyric acid can improve 65% of insomnia and depression symptoms; daily intake of 28 mg of γ-aminobutyric acid can relieve psychological stress; daily intake of 100 mg of γ-aminobutyric acid has the effect of relaxing emotions and reducing anxiety.

4. Statistics of γ-aminobutyric acid in sleep-aiding health foods

According to the health food registration management information system of the Food Evaluation Center of the State Administration for Market Regulation, statistics were collected on health foods for improving sleep that used γ-aminobutyric acid as a raw material and that had been approved before October 21, 2024. The product quantity, raw material usage, and dosage forms were analyzed. The main statistical results are as follows:

• Product quantity

In the health food registration and management information system, 14 health foods were obtained using "raw materials containing γ-aminobutyric acid" and "function to improve sleep" as screening criteria, all of which were domestically produced.

• Raw material usage

After statistical analysis, it was found that sleep-aiding health foods containing γ-aminobutyric acid are mainly made from casein and its hydrolysate, Chinese jujube kernel and its extracts, and are then combined with lily, lotus seed, Poria cocos, Ganoderma lucidum and Ganoderma lucidum spore powder, Hericium erinaceus and other edible and medicinal ingredients that have sleep-aiding effects.

• Dosage Form Distribution Analysis

In terms of dosage form distribution, the dosage forms of γ-aminobutyric acid sleep-aiding health foods are mainly tablets (6/14), 3 extracts and capsules, 2 granules each, and 1 pill. The dosage forms of this type of product are relatively simple and are all included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.