NutraKey GABA delivers 3,000mg of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) per scoop — the clinically studied dose for growth hormone support, relaxation, and sleep quality enhancement. Pure, unflavored GABA powder with no other active ingredients, no artificial additives, non-GMO, gluten free, and BPA free. 41 servings per 125g container. Take 1 scoop with water before sleep on an empty stomach for best results. GABA powder dissolves easily in liquid with no unpleasant taste — it can also be dissolved directly in the mouth for faster absorption. GABA is particularly active in the pituitary gland where it plays a significant role in growth hormone production — making it popular among strength training athletes and bodybuilders alongside its documented applications for relaxation, anxiety reduction, and sleep quality. Note: GABA powder is hygroscopic and may clump during storage — clumping does not affect product quality or potency. Manufactured in Orlando, Florida, USA. California Prop 65 Warning applies.†
Supplement Facts — NutraKey GABA (Per 1 Scoop / 41 Servings)
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) — 3,000mg (3g)
Other Ingredients: None
100% pure GABA powder — single ingredient
Non-GMO. Gluten free. BPA free.
Unflavored — neutral taste, dissolves easily in water or any liquid
41 servings per 125g container
Take 1 scoop with water before sleep, preferably on an empty stomach
Can also be dissolved directly in the mouth for quicker buccal absorption
Note: GABA powder is hygroscopic and may clump during storage — does not affect quality
Manufactured in Orlando, Florida, USA
California Prop 65 Warning applies.
What GABA Is — The Primary Inhibitory Neurotransmitter
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system — the molecule responsible for calming overactive neural activity throughout the brain and nervous system. While technically classified as an amino acid, GABA functions primarily as a neurotransmitter rather than as a protein building block — it is one of the most abundant neurotransmitters in the brain, and its role in regulating neural excitation underlies virtually every relaxation, anti-anxiety, and sleep-promoting mechanism in the CNS. GABA is produced naturally in the body from glutamate (the primary excitatory neurotransmitter) — the balance between GABA's inhibitory activity and glutamate's excitatory activity governs the overall level of neural activation, stress response, and psychological arousal state.†
The Three Primary Applications — Sleep, Relaxation, and HGH
Sleep Quality and Recovery
GABA's role in sleep is direct and well-established. The transition from wakefulness to sleep requires a progressive shift in CNS activity from high-frequency, high-amplitude neural patterns (wakefulness) to low-frequency, synchronized patterns (deep sleep). This shift is mediated primarily through GABA's inhibitory activity — suppressing the excitatory neural firing that maintains the alert waking state and allowing the synchronization of neural activity that characterizes restorative sleep stages. Research has documented that individuals with insomnia and sleep disorders tend to have reduced GABA activity, and that GABA supplementation can reduce sleep onset time, increase sleep duration, and improve the subjective quality of sleep. For athletes whose recovery quality is directly tied to sleep depth and duration, GABA's sleep-promoting properties are particularly relevant.†
NutraKey specifically recommends taking GABA before sleep on an empty stomach — both for the sleep quality benefit and for the HGH secretion pulse that occurs during deep sleep stages. The combination of improved sleep depth and GABA's direct pituitary activity produces a compound benefit: more time in deep sleep (where the majority of growth hormone release occurs) plus direct GABA-mediated stimulation of growth hormone release from the pituitary.†
Relaxation and Anxiety Reduction
GABA's anti-anxiety mechanism connects directly to its inhibitory neurotransmitter function. Anxiety at the neurological level is characterized by excessive excitatory neural activity — overactive signaling in the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and sympathetic nervous system that produces the felt experience of worry, fear, and physiological arousal. By activating GABA-A receptors — the same receptor class targeted by benzodiazepine medications (Valium, Xanax) and alcohol — GABA inhibits this excess excitatory signaling, producing the calm, relaxed state that reduced neural overactivity creates. At the 3,000mg dose NutraKey formulates, GABA provides meaningful anti-anxiety and relaxation support rather than the sub-effective doses found in many combination supplements that include GABA as a peripheral ingredient.†
Growth Hormone Stimulation — The Athletic Application
GABA's role in growth hormone (HGH) production is one of the most compelling reasons athletes and bodybuilders specifically use GABA supplementation at the 3,000mg dose NutraKey provides. GABA is particularly active in the pituitary gland — the master endocrine gland responsible for HGH secretion — where it is thought to have a significant role in the promotion of human Growth Hormone. Research on GABA supplementation has documented increases in HGH levels both at rest and following exercise, with the most frequently cited study finding that 3g of oral GABA produced a 400% increase in HGH at rest and an 18% increase in post-exercise HGH versus placebo.†
Elevated HGH supports anabolic processes including lean muscle mass development, fat metabolism, recovery acceleration, and the anti-aging hormonal environment that strength athletes pursue. Higher levels of HGH leads to less body fat and a better lean tissue to stored fat ratio, and HGH is shown to have anti-aging effects — while HGH levels decrease with age, GABA supplementation provides a natural, non-hormonal approach to supporting the pituitary's own HGH output without introducing exogenous hormones.†
The Oral GABA Bioavailability Question — What the Research Shows
One of the recurring debates in GABA supplementation science concerns whether oral GABA can cross the blood-brain barrier and produce the central effects its proponents claim, or whether it remains largely peripheral (outside the CNS). Some older research suggested GABA has poor blood-brain barrier permeability — theoretically limiting its CNS effects. More recent research has complicated this picture in two ways: first, newer studies using more sensitive methods have documented that oral GABA does modulate CNS activity in humans, suggesting some degree of central bioavailability or indirect CNS mechanism; second, GABA's documented HGH-releasing effects are mediated through the pituitary gland, which sits outside the blood-brain barrier and is therefore directly accessible to peripheral GABA. For the sleep, relaxation, and HGH applications that NutraKey GABA is positioned for, the peripheral pituitary mechanism is well-established regardless of the blood-brain barrier debate.†
NutraKey's product page specifically notes that GABA can be dissolved directly in the mouth — the rationale being that buccal (oral mucosa) absorption may provide some degree of faster direct absorption than waiting for full GI transit.†
Why 3,000mg — The Clinically Studied Dose
NutraKey formulated their GABA specifically at the 3,000mg (3g) per serving dose — the amount used in the research documenting GABA's HGH-stimulating effects and the clinically referenced dose for meaningful GABA supplementation. Many combination sleep supplements and relaxation formulas include GABA at 100-500mg — as little as 1/6th the dose NutraKey provides. At those lower doses, GABA functions as a formula component rather than a primary active at clinical levels. NutraKey's standalone 3g GABA powder is specifically positioned for athletes and users who want the full researched dose rather than a token inclusion in a multi-ingredient product.†
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should GABA be taken on an empty stomach?
GABA's absorption and its effects on HGH secretion are both optimized in a fasted state. Taking GABA with or shortly after a meal — particularly a meal containing protein or carbohydrates — blunts the HGH pulse associated with GABA supplementation through insulin's suppressive effect on HGH secretion. Taking on an empty stomach before sleep maximizes both the GABA absorption and the HGH secretion window during the deep sleep stages that follow.†What is the clumping note on GABA and does it affect quality?
GABA powder is hygroscopic — it absorbs moisture from the air, which causes it to clump together over time after the container is opened. This is a physical property of GABA powder and does not indicate degraded product quality or reduced potency. Clumped GABA dissolves normally in water. To minimize clumping, keep the container tightly sealed and store in a cool, dry environment away from humidity.†Can GABA be taken at times other than before bed?
Yes — GABA can be taken at any time for relaxation and anti-anxiety purposes. However, for the HGH-stimulating application and sleep quality improvement, before sleep on an empty stomach is specifically recommended to coincide with the natural HGH secretion pulse that occurs during deep sleep stages. Athletes who use GABA for relaxation or to manage training-related anxiety may find daytime dosing useful for those purposes independently of the nighttime sleep protocol.†Is NutraKey GABA appropriate for tested athletes?
Yes — GABA is not prohibited by WADA, NCAA, or any major sports governing body. It is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter and amino acid found in the body and in fermented foods. GABA supplementation at any dose is permitted in competitive sports. Tested athletes can use NutraKey GABA without any regulatory concern.†
How to Take NutraKey GABA
Take 1 scoop (3g) with water or your preferred beverage before sleep, preferably on an empty stomach. For fastest onset, dissolve the powder directly in the mouth rather than drinking it in water. GABA dissolves easily with no unpleasant taste. For daytime relaxation use, take at any time on an empty or light stomach. Not for pregnant or nursing women without physician clearance. Consult a physician before use if taking prescription medications — particularly benzodiazepines, sleep medications, or any CNS-active drugs, as GABA may have additive effects with these classes. Do not operate a vehicle or heavy machinery after taking GABA. Keep out of reach of children.†
Why Buy at Get Yok'd
Real-time inventory across all five Southern California stores
Available in Burbank, Glendale, Glendale Galleria, Pasadena, and North Hollywood
Authorized NutraKey retailer — carrying GABA alongside the full NutraKey amino acid and wellness lineup
Staff who can help you incorporate NutraKey GABA into a complete sleep, recovery, and performance protocol
One of the best loyalty programs in the supplement industry — earn rewards on every purchase
Who Should Exercise Caution with GABA
Not for pregnant or nursing women without physician clearance
Individuals taking benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan), sleep medications (Ambien, Lunesta), or other CNS depressants should consult a physician before use — GABA may produce additive CNS depression
Individuals taking anti-epileptic medications should consult a physician — GABA modulates the same pathways these medications target
Do not operate a vehicle or heavy machinery after taking GABA — it promotes relaxation and sedation
Individuals with bipolar disorder should consult a physician before use — GABA's inhibitory CNS activity may interact with mood-stabilizing medications
Consult a physician before use if taking any prescription medications
California Prop 65 Warning applies.
Keep out of reach of children.
†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.