Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

The main calming neurotransmitter, also measured as an amino acid.

Last reviewedJune 16, 2026

Plasma

sample type

~5 mL

blood needed

~7 days

results in app

Morning, fasting

best timing

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Why test Reference ranges What you'll learn What affects it How testing works Sources FAQ

In short

Gamma-aminobutyric acid, usually called GABA, is the main calming signal in the nervous system. It is made from glutamic acid and helps balance the excitatory signals in the brain. As an amino acid it can also be measured in blood.

Comprehensive Health Check

Reviewed against DGKL reference practice.

Why test this?

It is measured as part of a plasma amino acid profile. Blood GABA does not directly reflect brain activity, so it is read for context within the wider panel rather than as a test of mood or anxiety. Plasma levels are normally very low.

What is a normal result?

Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.

Group	Adult fasting plasma range
Adults	0 to 5 µmol/L

Plasma GABA is normally very low. Amino acid ranges vary by laboratory and method, and are best read as part of the full plasma amino acid profile.

Ranges are guidance and vary by lab and assay, aligned with DGKL practice. Always read your result against your own lab's reference interval.

What insights will this test give you?

Context on GABA within your amino acid profile.
Awareness that blood GABA does not directly measure brain function.
Help interpreting the rest of your amino acid profile.

What can affect this result?

What can skew the result

Recent protein intake, supplements, fasting state, and time of day affect the result. Blood GABA does not reflect brain levels. A fasting morning sample gives the most reliable reading.

Best interpreted with

Read as part of the full plasma amino acid profile.

How is this tested?

Sample

Plasma

Blood needed

~5 mL

Method

Ion-exchange chromatography or LC-MS/MS

Best timing

Morning, fasting

Sources. The evidence behind this

Mayo Clinic Laboratories: Amino Acids, Quantitative, Plasma
MedlinePlus: Plasma amino acids

Common questions

Which Aniva panels include this marker?

Amino Acids

These tests assess essential, non-essential, and branched-chain amino acids, plus related metabolites and functional ratios.