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
Frequently asked questions
Is GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?
Equiterna classes GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.
Is GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) allowed at FEI competitions?
In the profile, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is listed with the FEI status “Prohibited”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.
Which dosage do the sources give for GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)?
Stated in the profile: No 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). This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.
Which sources are there for GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)?
The profile cites: FEI EPSL 2024, The Horse 2012, and PMID:26500584.
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.”
Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.