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Promoting cognitive health: The role of GABA in healthy aging
As populations around the world age, healthcare systems are experiencing a significant rise in costs.1
This trend is not limited to a single country but is a global phenomenon. Nations across all geographic regions are confronting the challenges posed by aging societies, with healthcare expenditure expected to increase dramatically as the proportion of older adults grows.2
One of the most significant health challenges associated with aging is the decline in cognitive function. While much attention is given to physical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease or musculoskeletal disorders, cognitive health often receives less focus. However, cognitive decline, particularly in the form of dementia, represents a growing concern. Dementia rates are rising globally, imposing considerable social, emotional, and financial burdens on individuals, families, and healthcare systems.3
As the global population continues to age, the need for interventions that promote cognitive health will become even more critical.
Supporting brain health
Health ingredients could form one part of the answer to help promote cognitive function in the elderly. Consumers are already showing awareness and interest in what can be provided by brain health supplements, with the market valued at $8.2bn in 2024 and expected to reach over $15bn by 2034.4 The ability of such products to potentially support memory, focus, and overall brain health is driving greater interest, especially in the light of aging populations. Additionally, the desire to enhance mental clarity and productivity at all ages has further fuelled interest in these products. With the heightened focus on longevity and quality of life, ingredients that support cognitive health are positioned as a promising tool for long-term cognitive wellbeing.
One such ingredient is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical messenger in the brain that plays a crucial role in regulating communication between brain cells. Specifically, GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, meaning it reduces neuronal excitability, helping to calm the nervous system. By binding to receptors in the brain, GABA helps to decrease excessive neural activity, promote relaxation and reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of overstimulation. GABA is essential for maintaining balance in the brain’s signalling system. Low levels of GABA have been linked to anxiety disorders, mood disorders, epilepsy, and insomnia.5
The human body naturally produces GABA in the brain from glutamate, another neurotransmitter. In addition, some foods contain GABA or promote its production, particularly fermented foods, as well as certain fruits and vegetables.
It is possible to produce GABA through a fermentation process using lactobacillus bacteria, which is the same kind used to ferment vegetables, cheese, wine and other traditional food products. The bacteria are fed with nutrients, including glutamic acid from sugar cane, to produce GABA that can then be concentrated and powdered. This is the process used by Pharma Foods International Co. Ltd, Japan to produce PharmaGABA®, a natural form of GABA.
GABA: Backed by research
As a leader in GABA research and development, Pharma Foods International conducted two randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trials investigating the intake of 100mg and 200mg GABA supplements (equivalent to 125mg and 250mg PharmaGABA, respectively) per day for 12 weeks. All of the participants in the trial were older than 40 years of age.6,7 The aim of the trials was to understand how supplementation with PharmaGABA was able to impact cognitive function.
In the 100mg clinical trial, the results showed that scores for motor speed at the 8th and 12th week of the study were significantly higher for those in the PharmaGABA group. In addition, the scores of participants receiving PharmaGABA were significantly higher than the placebo group in visuospatial/constructional ability and delayed memory at the 12th week.
In the 200mg clinical trial, additional benefits were observed as the GABA concentration was doubled. As in the 100mg group, visuospatial/constructional ability and delayed memory results at the 12-week mark were significantly higher than the placebo group. Interestingly, non-verbal reasoning (also known as abstract reasoning or logical thinking) was also found to be significantly higher with 200mg GABA group at the 12th week.
“To our best knowledge, PharmaGABA is the first reported ingredient that enhances non-verbal reasoning,” explains Dr. Aditya Kulkarni, Associate Director of Pharma Foods Int. Co. Ltd. “In addition, working memory and sustained attention at the 8th week were also significantly higher.”
In terms of quality of life (QOL) measures, the scores for vitality (4th, 8th, and 12th week), role-physical (8th week), and mental health (4th week) were all significantly higher than in the placebo group. It was also noted that IFG-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) levels at 12th week tended to be higher than the score prior to supplementation.
The study authors concluded that, in both doses, the participants were found to display improvement in cognitive health across a range of measures, while QOL measures also exhibited improvement. As such, the clinical trials support the potential for supplementation with products, such as PharmaGABA, in keeping individuals cognitively healthy.
Versatile product
The benefits of GABA also extend to other areas of life. Dr. Kulkarni explains: "The consumption of PharmaGABA has also been shown to help fight stress, improve relaxation, and reduce anxiety.8 Our research has found that PharmaGABA is able to improve the overall quality of sleep by shortening sleep latency and increasing the total non-REM sleep time.9
“Additionally, in combination with a protein source, just 100mg of GABA (equivalent to 125mg PharmaGABA) showed significant enhancement of fat-free muscle mass than the protein group alone, which is a major benefit to bodybuilders, athletes and active-lifestyle consumers.
“It is also significant for senior citizens who are concerned with sarcopenia and can only do light exercise due to their age. PharmaGABA could help them to maintain their muscle strength.10 Other benefits include improvements of energy and vitality, and helping to maintain skin elasticity, says Dr. Kulkarni.”11,12
For companies looking to offer a product that utilises the benefits of GABA, Pharma Foods International is an expert that has been working with PharmaGABA for over 20 years. The product is readily soluble in water and stable at high temperatures and a wide range of pH. PharmaGABA can be formulated in a variety of applications, such as capsules, tablets, powders, chocolates, beverages, gummies, and soft gels, among others. Together, there is the potential to help ensure that aging populations can live in better health, for longer.
References
1. Jacobzone, S.; et al. Ageing and Health Care Costs.
2. Williams, G.A.; et al. (2019). Sustainable Health Financing with an Ageing Population: Will population ageing lead to uncontrolled health expenditure growth? European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies.
3. Alzheimer's Disease International. Dementia Statistics.
4. Future Market Insights. Brain Health Supplement Market Outlook from 2024 to 2034.
5. University Health News. What is GABA Deficiency?
6. Yamatsu, A.; et al. (2020). Improvement of Memory and Spatial Cognitive Function by Continuous Ingestion of 100mg/day of γ—Aminobutyric Acid（GABA）―A Randomized, Double—blind, Placebo—controlled Parallel—group Clinical Trial. Pier Online. Volume 48, Issue 3, 475 – 486.
7. Yamatsu, A.; et al. (2020). Intake of 200 mg/day of γ—Aminobutyric Acid（GABA）Improves a Wide Range of Cognitive Functions ―A Randomized, Double—blind, Placebo—controlled Parallel—group Clinical Trial. Pier Online. Volume 48, Issue 3, 461 – 474.
8. Kanehira, T.; et al. (2011). Relieving occupational fatigue by consumption of a beverage containing γ-amino butyric acid. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 57(1):9-15.
9. Yamatsu, A.; et al. (2016). Effect of oral γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration on sleep and its absorption in humans. Food Sci Biotechnol. 25(2):547-551.
10. Sakashita, M.; et al. (2019). Oral Supplementation Using Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid and Whey Protein Improves Whole Body Fat-Free Mass in Men After Resistance Training. J Clin Med Res. 11(6):428-434.
11. Yoto, A.; et al. (2012). Oral intake of γ-aminobutyric acid affects mood and activities of central nervous system during stressed condition induced by mental tasks. Amino Acids. 43(3):1331-7.
12. Hokazono, H.; et al. (2016). Dermal Effects of Oral Administration of GABA in Humans. Nippon Shokuhin Kagaku Kogaku Kaishi, 63,7, 306-311.
