Mixed evidenceamino_acid
GABA for High Blood Pressure
Proposed to lower blood pressure via peripheral vascular GABA receptors or by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, a mechanism that does not require crossing the blood-brain barrier.
How strong is the research?
Mixed evidence
In the hypertensive subgroup, both the GABA-containing fermented drink (systolic -7.6 mmHg) and the same drink without GABA (systolic -5.5 mmHg) significantly lowered blood pressure versus baseline, with no clear GABA-specific advantage reported -- suggesting the vinegar/dried-bonito base, not the GABA, drove the effect. One author affiliated with a yogurt manufacturer.
How much to take
10–12 mg