GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

gamma-aminobutyric acid · 4-aminobutyric acid

Mechanism

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, acting via GABA-A and GABA-B receptors. As an orally administered supplement, GABA is pharmacologically disputed: the blood-brain barrier is only poorly permeable to GABA, so a central effect of orally supplied GABA is questionable and not robustly established. Regardless of the efficacy question, the compliance situation is clear: the FEI has added GABA and hydroxy-GABA as banned substances to the Equine Prohibited Substances List after adverse reactions in horses were documented and a welfare risk exists. Use in the competition horse is therefore excluded.

Cautions

· FEI: banned substance (Banned, Class A) — never in the competition horse
· Oral bioavailability/CNS penetration questionable — efficacy not established
· Documented adverse reactions in horses; welfare risk
· Feed-law marketability of isolated GABA in the EU is not secured — problematic as a complementary-feed additive; obtain legal review before placing on the market

Sources

FEI EPSL 2024FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List 2024 — GABA/Hydroxy-GABA Banned

The Horse 2012FEI to Add GABA, Hydroxy-GABA to Prohibited List (Bericht)

PMID:26500584Boonstra et al. 2015 (Front Psychol) — Review GABA als Nahrungsergänzung, Gehirn/Verhalten

Equiterna Score

56/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety6.6/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

DosageNo validated, sensibly justifiable equine dose (oral CNS effect questionable). Use is advised against; any administration only under veterinary responsibility. NOT for competition horses (FEI banned).

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusProhibited

Evidenceemerging

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.