g-Aminobutyric Acid (Urine)

Optimal result: 0 – 5 micromol/g creatinine

- May reflect decreased ability to convert to succinate for use in the Krebs (citric acid) cycle for energy generation. Cofactors here are α-KG and vitamin B6.

- Gamma-hydroxybutyric aciduria is characteristic of genetic variants with succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency. The inevitable retardation of language development in children with this polymorphism is sometimes accompanied by other autistic features. This disorder constitutes one of potential genetic origins of autism.

- Elevated GABA levels, whether primary to illness or compensatory to another process, may be associated with dysfunctional GABAergic neurotransmission in chronic schizophrenia. [L]

- Low levels in plasma are characteristic of one subset of people with depression. The neurodegenerative condition Huntington's disease, also manifests as lowered levels of GABA as neuron loss proceeds.

- Vitamin B6 deficiency impairs GABA formation, offering one option to help assist people with inadequate GABA production.

- In animal models of seizure, lysine has dose-dependent anticonvulsant effects that appear to be due to GABA receptor modulation.

GABA is a neurotransmitter that inhibits nervous system activity, producing a relaxation effect.

AKA: GABA, Gamma-aminobutyric acid, γ-Aminobutyric Acid

- Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a chemical that is made in the brain.

- GABA that is made naturally in the brain has anti-seizure and anti-anxiety effects.

- GABA inhibits nerve transmission in the brain, calming nervous activity.

- Gamma-Amino Butyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid which acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

- GABA is made in brain cells from glutamate, and functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter – meaning that it blocks nerve impulses.

References:

- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2942977/

- https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/09/well/mind/breathe-exhale-repeat-the-benefits-of-controlled-breathing.html

- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11220639_Elevated_plasma_gamma-aminobutyric_acid_GABA_levels_in_autistic_youngsters_Stimulus_for_a_GABA_hypothesis_of_autism

g-Aminobutyric Acid (Urine)
Healthmatters dashboard showing biomarker trend graph

Every lab result you’ve ever had, charted and explained.

Healthmatters is a tracker for your lab results. Upload a report from any lab, any country — every marker charted and explained.

Start with my report →
Beyond g-Aminobutyric Acid (Urine) — 10,000+ markers explained
One g-Aminobutyric Acid (Urine) result tells you where you are. Your history tells you where you’re heading. Upload your past lab reports and see this marker — and every marker on them —every marker charted against your own lab’s ranges.
Start with this report →
Healthmatters timeline preview showing biomarker trends over time
Clinical Sources & References

All our content is backed by peer-reviewed studies, academic research, and trusted medical sources. We’re committed to accuracy and transparency — see our editorial policy for details.

Article Review Log
Written by Healthmatters Editorial Team
Healthmatters Lifetime Plan

Pay $250. Track your health forever

One payment. No renewals. Yours for life.

10,000+ biomarkers explained · trends over time

See other plans →
Secure checkout via Stripe · GDPR & HIPAA
We accept results from any lab
LabCorp Quest Diagnostics Genova Diagnostics DUTCH Test Doctor's Data Vibrant America ZRT Laboratory Cyrex Labs + any other lab

What members are saying

★★★★★ 10,000+ happy members
★★★★★

"Watching my numbers move over the years — instead of forgetting last time's results — completely changed how I manage my health."

Daniel
Member since 2022
★★★★★

"Living across several countries made keeping my lab results organized a real challenge. Healthmatters brought my results from the USA, Spain, and Germany together — 20 years of history, with long-term trends instead of scattered reports."

Ben
Member since 2021 · tracks across countries
★★★★★

"Standard lab ranges are too wide for how I practice — 'normal' isn't optimal. I set my own bands, so a client sees yellow before a marker goes officially out of range. That's the conversation I want to be having."

Dr. Alexandra
Functional medicine · 6 yrs on Pro