What Is GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) Feed/? Applications, Dosage, Alternatives & Specifications
Last updated: 2026-11-14 · CAS 56-12-2 · Food Grade
- Quick facts
- Name
- GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) Feed/
- CAS number
- 56-12-2
- Grade
- Food Grade
- Certifications
- ISO 9001 · ISO 22000 · HACCP · FAMI-QS · Kosher · Halal · GMP · SGS
- Application areas
- 6
- Documentation
- COA · TDS · SDS
Overview
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), also known as 4-Aminobutyric Acid, is a naturally occurring non-protein amino acid and the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system of mammals, also widely present in plants and microorganisms. Its molecular formula is C4H9NO2, molecular weight is 103.12, CAS number is 56–12–2, and EINECS number is 200–258–6. GABA appears as white or off-white crystalline powder, slightly bitter taste, slightly odorous, very soluble in water, with a thermal decomposition temperature of 202–204°C. As an important physiologically active substance, GABA has various physiological functions including regulating neuronal excitability, calming nerves, improving sleep, anti-anxiety, lowering blood pressure, and promoting growth hormone secretion [17†L10-L11]. GABA is widely used in the food industry, health food industry, pharmaceutical industry, feed industry, and cosmetic industry. In the food industry, as a new food ingredient and synthetic food flavor, it can be used in beverages, cocoa products, chocolate, confectionery, baked goods, puffed foods, and other products [7†L9-L11]. In health foods, the functional claim is limited to "auxiliary improvement of sleep" and other approved claims [17†L14]. In the pharmaceutical field, it is used to treat epilepsy, insomnia, hypertension, and other neurological disorders. In the feed industry, it is used to relieve livestock stress and improve breeding efficiency. In the cosmetic industry, it is used in anti-aging serums and other products for soothing and moisturizing effects.
Appearance: White or off-white crystalline powder, slightly bitter taste, slightly odorous, non-optically active.
Molecular Formula and Molecular Weight: C4H9NO2, molecular weight 103.12.
Applications
Health Food Applications
GABA applications in the health food sector are growing rapidly, as a core ingredient in sleep aid health foods. Main Health Food Applications:
Pharmaceutical Industry Applications
GABA has important applications in the pharmaceutical field as a key raw material for various neurological drugs. Main Pharmaceutical Applications:
Feed Industry Applications
GABA is used as a feed additive in the feed industry, with rapidly growing applications. Main Applications:
Cosmetic Industry Applications
GABA is increasingly widely used in the cosmetic industry as an important ingredient in anti-aging serums and soothing and moisturizing products…
Agricultural Applications
GABA is used as a plant growth regulator and fruit and vegetable preservative in the agricultural field. Main Applications:
Blending Applications
GABA can be blended with other functional ingredients for synergistic effects: GABA + L-Theanine: Both have calming and sleep-promoting effects, and…
Specification
| Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|
| Color | White or light yellow |
| Place appropriate amount of sample in a clean, dry white porcelain plate, observe under natural light | State |
| Crystals, crystalline powder or granules | Same as above |
| Odor | Characteristic odor of the product, no off-odor |
| Olfactory | Impurities |
| No visible foreign impurities | Visual |
| Physicochemical Specifications (based on QB/T 5633.7–2022, enterprise standards): Parameter | Food Processing Grade Standard |
| Feed Grade Standard | Test Method |
| GABA Content (on dry basis), % | ≥99.0 (Grade I); ≥98.5 (Grade II); ≥20.0 (Grade III) |
| ≥98.0 (Grade I); ≥95.0 (Grade II) | HPLC |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | 6.5–7.5 |
| 6.5–7.5 | pH meter |
| Light Transmittance of Solution, % | ≥98.0 |
| — | Spectrophotometry |
| Loss on Drying, % | ≤1.0 |
| ≤1.0 (Grade I); ≤2.0 (Grade II) | Loss on drying method |
| Ash, % | ≤0.1 |
| ≤0.5 (Grade I); ≤1.0 (Grade II) | Ignition method |
| Chlorides (as Cl−), % | ≤0.02 |
| — | Silver nitrate precipitation turbidimetry |
| Sulfates (as SO42−), % | ≤0.04 |
| — | Barium chloride precipitation turbidimetry |
| Ammonium Salts (as NH4+), % | ≤0.02 |
| — | Colorimetry |
| Iron Salts (as Fe), mg/kg | ≤30 |
| — | Thiocyanate colorimetry |
| Other Impurities, % | ≤0.05 |
| — | HPLC |
| Lead (Pb), mg/kg | ≤0.3 |
| ≤0.5 | Atomic Absorption Spectrometry/ICP-MS |
| Arsenic (As), mg/kg | ≤0.2 |
| ≤0.5 | Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry |
| Total Plate Count, CFU/g | ≤1000 |
| ≤1000 | GB 4789.2 plate count method |
| Coliforms, CFU/g | ≤10 |
| ≤30 | GB 4789.3 MPN method |
| Yeast and Mold, CFU/g | ≤50 |
| ≤50 | GB 4789.15 |
| Pathogenic Bacteria (Salmonella, S. aureus) | Not detected |
| Not detected | GB 4789.4, GB 4789.10 |
Packaging & Storage
- Packing: 25kg net fiber drum with double PE liner.
- Sample: 100-500g free sample available.
- Storage: Keep in tightly closed packaging, cool, dry, well-ventilated. Protect from light and moisture.
- Shelf Life: 24 months from production date.
Quality & Certifications
Every batch tested by in-house QC lab. COA, TDS, SDS provided with each shipment.
Regulatory & Compliance
EU
Complies with EU regulations and FAMI-QS standards.
USA
Meets FDA and AAFCO requirements.
China
Registered under Chinese MOA regulations.
International
Kosher, Halal, ISO certified. FTA forms available.
Safety & Handling
- Hazard Class: Generally non-hazardous. Refer to SDS for details.
- Storage: Room temperature, dry, sealed. Avoid strong oxidizers.
- Transport: Non-dangerous goods. Standard sea/air freight.
- SDS: Available on request at sales@xadditive.cn.
Frequently asked questions
MOQ?
MOQ is 1kg for trial, 25kg for regular orders. Free samples available.
Shelf life?
24 months from production date when stored properly.
Certifications?
ISO 9001, ISO 22000, HACCP, FAMI-QS, Kosher, Halal, COA, SDS, TDS.
How to get quote?
Email sales@xadditive.cn with your requirement. Reply within 30 minutes.
Request a quote & COA
Ask for the current specification sheet, a COA sample and a bulk quotation — reply within 30 minutes on working days.