Reviews and Information for GABA
GABA Supplements
Do GABA supplements help with stress, sleep or memory, and are some GABA supplements better than others? ConsumerLab tested and reviewed popular GABA supplements, including those made with Pharma GABA, and reviewed the clinical evidence. The findings are in this report.
GABA Supplements Review
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News Release
January 23, 2025
ConsumerLab Tests Identify Best Black Currant, Borage, Evening Primrose Flax and Hemp Oils
White Plains, NY, January 23, 2025 — Black currant, borage, evening primrose, flax, and hemp oils contain omega-3, -6, and/or -9 fatty acids that, when replacing saturated fats in the diet, may help reduce cardiovascular risk.
News Release
January 09, 2025
Not All Black Seed Oil Supplements Contain What They Claim, According to ConsumerLab
White Plains, NY, January 9, 2025 — Black seed oil and extract supplements are promoted for controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and arthritis pain, and more.
Clinical Update
5/16/2023
Solgar GABA Approved
Solgar GABA 500 mg was recently tested and Approved through our voluntary Quality Certification Program and was added to our GABA Supplements Review.
CL Answer
Which supplements may benefit people with essential tremor, and which should be avoided?
Learn about supplements used for treating essential tremor, including caprylic acid (also called octanoic acid), thiamin (vitamin B1), cannabidiol (CBD), GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), and branched-chain amino acids. Find out which work and which don't. Also find out which supplements and food may make essential tremors worse.
Clinical Update
5/14/2024
GABA for Sleep or Mood?
The authors of a recent study suggested that taking GABA before bedtime enhanced sleep efficiency, but we question whether it really helped at all, as discussed in the Insomnia section of our GABA Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among GABA supplements.
Also see: Which supplements and lifestyle changes improve sleep, and which cause insomnia?
CL Answer
Do any supplements help with COVID-19? Do supplements like vitamin D, zinc, vitamin C, or herbals work?
Find out if natural remedies & supplements for coronavirus such as zinc, vitamin C, garlic, or elderberry help to prevent or treat COVID-19.
CL Answer
I take fluoxetine (Prozac), a SSRI drug to treat depression. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?
Learn about Prozac (fluoxetine) drug interactions along with other supplements and SSRIs.
Clinical Update
5/05/2023
Restless Leg Syndrome: GABA vs Gabapentin
One of these can help with restless leg syndrome, while the other doesn’t. Learn the difference in our GABA Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for GABA.
Also see our article about supplements for restless legs syndrome.
Clinical Update
5/04/2021
GABA for Cognition?
Can taking GABA improve cognition? See what a new study found in our updated article about GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).
Clinical Update
12/16/2022
GABA with Antidepressants?
Can GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) supplements interact with antidepressant medications such as SSRIs? Find out in our updated CL Answer about possible benefits and safety of GABA.
Also see our CL Answer about supplements that may interact with SSRIs.
CL Answer
Do any supplements help with restless legs syndrome?
Find out whether supplements or vitamins like iron, magnesium, vitamin E and others can help for restless leg syndrome (RLS). ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
Which supplements and lifestyle changes improve sleep, and which cause insomnia?
Find out which vitamins may help you sleep and learn if any vitamins or supplements can cause insomnia.
Clinical Update
8/05/2022
GABA for COVID?
Does taking GABA help with COVID? Find out what’s been shown in our updated answer to the question: Do any supplements help with COVID-19?
Product Review
Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review
Best Multivitamins -- Caution with Gummies
Product Review
Melatonin Supplements Review
Trouble Sleeping? See CL's Tests of Melatonin Supplements and Top Picks.
CL Answer
Do any supplements help relieve stress?
Are there actually supplements for stress relief and panic attacks? Learn more about holy basil, fish oil, L-theanine, and ginseng.
Product Review
Black Currant, Borage, Evening Primrose, Flax and Hemp Oil Review
Choose the Best Flaxseed and Other Oils Based on Our Tests.
News Release
March 09, 2023
L-Theanine Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab. Top Pick Chosen.
White Plains, New York, March 9, 2023 —L-theanine supplements are often promoted to reduce stress and improve sleep and cognition.
Product Review
Sexual Enhancer Supplements Review (with Yohimbe, Horny Goat Weed, Arginine)
Choose the Best Sexual Enhancer Supplement. Only 30% of Selected Sexual Enhancement Supplements Pass Quality Tests.
Product Review
Vitamin E Supplements Review
Find the Best Vitamin E Supplement. Tests and Reviews of Popular Vitamin E Supplements & CL's Top Picks.
CL Answer
Do any supplements help reduce menstrual pain or symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?
Find out which supplements help reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, such as mood swings, pain, bloating, irritability and food cravings.
CL Answer
Supplements for Eczema: Some May Help, While Others Don’t
Certain supplements may reduce symptoms of atopic dermatitis (the most common form of eczema), while others don't seem to work. Find out if gamma-linolenic acid, L-histidine, phytoceramides, probiotics, and other supplements may be beneficial.
CL Answer
Can any supplements be used to reduce inflammation in people sensitive to NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, high-dose aspirin, or naproxen?
Find out if supplements such as turmeric, fish oil, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine), boswellia, ginger, white willow bark or arnica may, or may not, be helpful to people sensitive to NSAIDs.
CL Answer
Hemp Seeds: Health Benefits, Safety, and What To Consider When Picking a Product
Hemp seeds are promoted for heart health, diabetes, boosting testosterone, and other conditions, but do they work? Find out and learn about potential safety concerns.
CL Answer
What are the best supplements for depression and anxiety?
Best natural supplements for depression and anxiety, including the evidence for fish oil, vitamin D, probiotics, and herbal supplements for depression such as curcumin (from turmeric) and saffron.
Clinical Update
6/08/2021
GLA for Inflammation?
Can taking GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) supplements help reduce inflammation? Find out in our answer to the question: Can any supplements be used to reduce inflammation in people sensitive to NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, high-dose aspirin, or naproxen?
Clinical Update
8/04/2023
Black Currant or Caffeine for Hair?
Does black currant seed oil, or its constituent gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), increase hair growth? Find out what research suggests in the GLA section of our ALA and GLA Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick for black currant seed oil.
Also find out if applying caffeine to the scalp increases hair growth and reduces shedding in our article about supplements and topicals for hair.
Clinical Update
10/10/2024
Light Therapy for Parkinson's?
Does wearing a helmet which delivers red or near infrared light to the head (such as SYMBYX Neuro or VieLight Neuro Gamma) improve symptoms of Parkinson’s disease? Find out what research suggests in our article about light therapies. Also, find out if these helmets help people with mild cognitive impairment.
Recalls & Warnings
July 27, 2012
Prescription and Street Drug Alternatives Found in Male Enhancement, Mood, and Sleep Supplements
On July 10, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Evol Nutrition Associates, Inc. subsequent to a 2011 inspection which found a number of the company's products contained prescription and investigational drugs and were misbranded.
Recalls & Warnings
December 05, 2015
FDA Warns Companies Selling Products Containing Picamilon
On November 30, 2015, the FDA issued warning letters to five supplement companies selling products containing picamilon, which is not a lawful dietary supplement ingredient in the U.S.
News Release
February 23, 2023
Best GABA Supplements Identified by ConsumerLab
White Plains, New York, February 23, 2023 — GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) supplements are claimed to have a "calming" effect, and are often promoted to reduce stress and insomnia and improve cognitive performance.
News Release
November 27, 2017
Flaxseed and Other Popular Omega 3 & 6 Oil Supplements Tested, But Not All Brands Pass -- Tests of Black Currant Oil, Borage Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Flaxseed Oil, and Hemp Oil Supplements
White Plains, New York, November 27, 2017 — Flaxseed oil and other popular seed oil are popular supplements that provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and may help with inflammatory conditions. But which seed oil supplements are the best? To find out, ConsumerLab.
News Release
May 07, 2014
Flaxseed and Other Popular Seed Oil Supplements Tested by ConsumerLab.com, But Not All Brands Pass -- Flaxseed, Black Currant, Borage and Evening Primrose Oils Reviewed
White Plains, New York, May 7, 2014 — Plant seed oils are popular supplements that provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, but which products offer the best value and quality? Recent analyses by ConsumerLab.
News Release
June 18, 2012
What is "Natural" Vitamin E? It Depends On the Brand Selling It, Finds ConsumerLab.com -- New Review of Vitamin E Supplements, Oil and Cream, Including Tocopherols and Tocotrienols
White Plains, New York, June 18, 2012 — What is in a "natural" vitamin E supplement, cream, or oil? According to recent tests by independent evaluator, ConsumerLab.com, this depends completely on the brand selling it.
News Release
January 11, 2011
Spoilage and labeling errors found with some omega-3 and -6 supplements; Review of evening primrose, flaxseed, borage, and black currant oil supplements
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — JANUARY 10, 2011 — A new report on the quality of omega-3 and -6 fatty acid supplements made from seed oils was released by ConsumerLab.com today. Only 11 of 17 products selected for testing met quality criteria for freshness and labeling.
News Release
December 10, 2007
ConsumerLab.com finds improvement in quality of omega-3 and -6 supplements — Results for 22 products made from evening primrose, flaxseed, borage and black currant oils
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — DECEMBER 10, 2007 — A new report on the quality of omega-3 and -6 fatty acid supplements made from seed oils was released by ConsumerLab.com today. Two products were slightly low in one fatty acid, but this is an improvement over results from ConsumerLab.
News Release
July 12, 2005
ConsumerLab.com finds some supplements lower in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids than claimed — Report available for 23 products made from oils of black currant, borage, evening primrose and flax
WHITE PLAINS, NY — July 12, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com has released its latest report on the quality of supplements made from the seed oils of black currant, borage, evening primrose, and flax.
News Release
August 07, 2002
ConsumerLab.com finds some spoilage and inaccuracy among omega-3 and 6 supplements — List released of evening primrose, flaxseed and other GLA/ALA products that passed testing
WHITE PLAINS, NY — August 7, 2002 — ConsumerLab.com, an independent evaluator of health and nutrition products, released results today of its Product Review of Black Currant, Borage, Evening Primrose, and Flaxseed Oils: Sources of ALA and GLA (Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acids).
Recalls & Warnings
November 21, 2015
FTC Charges Maker of Supplement for Opiate Addiction with Deceptive Claims
On November 16, 2015, the FTC filed a lawsuit against Sunrise Nutraceuticals, LLC, charging that the company made deceptive claims its product, Elimidrol, can alleviate opiate withdrawal symptoms and increase a user's likelihood of overcoming opiate addiction.
Recalls & Warnings
August 28, 2013
Maker of Sexual Enhancement Supplement Warned for Manufacturing Violations
On July 11, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Precise Nutrition International Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
March 15, 2013
Maker of Liquid Supplements Warned For Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims
On January 31, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Liquid Health, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
September 10, 2012
Maker of Concussion Recovery Supplement Warned For Making Drug Claims
On August 28, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Trinity Sports Group, Inc. after a review of the company's websites found statements about Neuro Impact Concussion Response Formula constituted drug claims not permitted on supplements.
Recalls & Warnings
October 28, 2015
GNC Accused of Selling Supplements with Unlawful Ingredients
On October 22, 2015, Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum filed a lawsuit against supplement retailer GNC, alleging that the company sold products that were adulterated with BMPEA and picamilon, which are not lawful dietary supplement ingredients.
Recalls & Warnings
February 18, 2020
Seller of CoQ10, Resveratrol and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations
On February 5, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to R-Garden LLC, which found the company's Vitamin O, Gamma-Zyme, L.
Recalls & Warnings
May 14, 2014
Maker of Mood, Smoking Cessation Supplements and More Warned for Violations, Drug Claims
On April 17, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to CDJ Holding, Incorporated, d.b.a.
Recalls & Warnings
October 24, 2012
Manufacturer of Green Tea, Vitamin E, Omega-3 and Cranberry Supplements Warned For Manufacturing Violations, Misbranding and Drug Claims
On October 16, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to dietary supplement manufacturer Advanced Nutritional Technology Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
November 02, 2012
Manufacturer of Prostate, Inflammation and Cholesterol Supplements Warned For Drug Claims
On October 15, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Ortho Molecular Products, Inc. for making drug claims about the following dietary supplements: Candicid Forte, Inflamma-bLOX, Lipitrol, Mucosagen, Prostatrol Forte, Resvoxitrol, Paracid Forte, VascuPak HTN and Lithium Orotate.
