SharpMind Stress
Solaray
SharpMind Stress
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(72 ratings)
GABA 100 mg
Score 85.0
A premium multi-ingredient supplement for stress, mood, and sleep, combining GABA, L-Theanine, and Ashwagandha. Offers comprehensive support but at a higher price point.
Quantity: 30 VegCap(s)Servings size: 1 VegCap(s) (30 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Stress Relief
Mood Support
Sleep Support
leaderboard Score 85.0
A premium multi-ingredient supplement for stress, mood, and sleep, combining GABA, L-Theanine, and Ashwagandha. Offers comprehensive support but at a higher price point.
insights Analysis
Solaray SharpMind Stress is a thoughtfully designed supplement for holistic stress management, mood support, and sleep enhancement. It uniquely combines 100mg of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), which is a key inhibitory neurotransmitter, with 200mg of L-Theanine for calm focus, and 120mg of Shoden Ashwagandha extract, a potent adaptogen that helps the body manage stress and cortisol levels. The inclusion of Shiitake Mushroom also provides unique support. This synergistic blend means it addresses stress from multiple angles, offering benefits that extend beyond what a standalone GABA product could provide. Despite a relatively high price per serving, the comprehensive nature and quality of the ingredients make it a strong contender for those seeking robust support.
- Multi-ingredient formula combines GABA with L-Theanine and the adaptogen Ashwagandha (Shoden) for synergistic and comprehensive stress support.
- Ashwagandha (Shoden) is a well-researched adaptogen that helps the body manage physiological stress.
- L-Theanine promotes calm alertness without drowsiness, complementing GABA's relaxing effects.
- Offers a holistic approach to stress, mood, and sleep beyond basic GABA supplementation.
- Very high price per serving (87 cents), making it one of the most expensive options for daily use.
- Contains a relatively lower dose of GABA (100mg) compared to standalone GABA supplements, relying more on the synergistic blend.
- Lower review count compared to high-volume single-ingredient products, though still positive.
- Individuals sensitive to adaptogens or multiple supplement ingredients should consult with a healthcare professional before use, especially given the presence of Ashwagandha.
$26.39($0.87 per serving)
 iHerb | $ 26.39 | |
 Vitacost | $ 26.39 | |
 Walmart | $ 26.39 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Some studies suggest that GABA supplementation may help reduce feelings of stress and promote a sense of calm in certain individuals. However, the extent of its anxiolytic effects and the mechanisms by which oral GABA acts are subjects of ongoing scientific investigation. Individual responses can vary.
GABA supplements are commonly marketed for their potential to support relaxation, reduce stress, and promote restful sleep. It is an amino acid that functions as a primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Research on its oral supplementation benefits is ongoing.
Research on whether orally ingested GABA effectively crosses the blood-brain barrier is mixed, with some studies suggesting limited direct passage. However, indirect mechanisms or specific forms of GABA might still influence brain activity. This area remains an active field of investigation.
Preliminary research indicates that GABA supplementation might help some individuals fall asleep faster and improve overall sleep quality. These effects are often attributed to its role in promoting relaxation. More extensive human trials are needed to confirm these findings.
GABA supplements are commonly used by individuals seeking support for relaxation, stress reduction, and improved sleep quality. It is marketed for its potential calming effects.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
Many individuals take GABA daily, especially when using it for consistent support for relaxation or sleep. It is generally considered safe for daily use at recommended dosages. However, long-term use should ideally be discussed with a healthcare professional to ensure it aligns with individual health needs.
Common dosages for GABA supplements typically range from 250 mg to 750 mg per serving. It's advisable to start with a lower amount to assess tolerance before considering higher doses. Always follow the specific instructions on the supplement's label.
Typical dosages for GABA supplements often range from 250 mg to 750 mg per serving. Some individuals may use higher amounts, but it's generally recommended to start with a lower dose and adjust as needed. Always follow the specific instructions provided by the supplement manufacturer.
While specific maximum dosages can vary, some sources suggest not exceeding 1000-2000 mg per day without professional guidance. It's crucial to follow the dosage instructions on the supplement label and consult a healthcare provider for amounts exceeding typical recommendations. High doses may increase the likelihood of side effects.
For sleep support, GABA supplements are often taken 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. This timing allows the compound to be absorbed and potentially contribute to relaxation before sleep.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
Some individuals may experience mild side effects such as stomach upset, headache, or drowsiness. These effects are generally uncommon and often mild. It is always best to start with a lower dose to assess tolerance.
GABA supplements may potentially interact with central nervous system depressants, including sedatives, anxiolytics, and some antidepressants. This could lead to increased drowsiness or sedation. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before combining GABA with prescription drugs.
Some individuals may experience mild side effects such as stomach upset, headache, or drowsiness. These effects are generally uncommon and tend to be mild. If adverse reactions occur, discontinuing use is advised.
Combining GABA supplements with alcohol is not recommended as both can cause central nervous system depression. This combination may intensify effects such as drowsiness, sedation, and impaired coordination. It is best to avoid concurrent use.
Pregnant or nursing women, children, and individuals with specific medical conditions should exercise caution or avoid GABA supplements. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended before use in these populations. This ensures the supplement is appropriate for individual health circumstances.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Shoden (Withanolides, Ashwagandha root extract, Ashwagandha Leaf Extract) | 120 mg |
| L-Theanine | 200 mg |
| Shiitake Mushroom (Oat) | 100 mg |
| Gamma Amino Butyric Acid | 100 mg |
Categories
GABA 80.0
While it includes GABA, this product stands out in the GABA collection as a comprehensive stress-support formula rather than a simple GABA supplement. Its synergistic blend with L-Theanine and Ashwagandha provides a more advanced approach to managing stress and related issues, justifying its premium positioning within the category, despite the lower pure GABA dose.
Goals
Stress Relief 90.0
This product excels for stress relief due to its synergistic blend of GABA, L-Theanine, and particularly Ashwagandha (Shoden). Ashwagandha is an adaptogen proven to reduce cortisol and improve stress resilience, offering a more comprehensive and effective approach to managing stress than GABA alone.
Mood Support 88.0
The combination of calming GABA, focus-enhancing L-Theanine, and mood-balancing Ashwagandha makes this an excellent product for mood support. It helps to stabilize emotional responses and reduce irritability often associated with stress, promoting overall well-being.
Sleep Support 85.0
While not a dedicated sleep aid, the powerful anxiolytic effects of L-Theanine and Ashwagandha, combined with GABA, significantly promote relaxation and reduce mental chatter. This creates an optimal state for falling asleep and achieving restful sleep, making it highly effective for stress-induced insomnia.
Recommended Alternatives
80 Value 
Totally Zen
Carlson
4.8
★★★★★
(324 ratings)
This blend of GABA, L-Theanine, Magnesium, and B vitamins costs 28 cents per serving, significantly less than the original's 87 cents, while still offering a comprehensive stress and mood formula. It delivers excellent value for a multi-ingredient product.
70 Value 
GABA Calm Orange Flavor
Source Naturals
4.5
★★★★★
(296 ratings)
This product combines 125mg of GABA with N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, Taurine, Glycine, and Magnesium, and costs 16 cents per serving. It offers a multi-ingredient approach to calm and focus at a much lower price point, providing good value for a complex formula.
85 Value 
Theanine Serene With Relora
Source Naturals
4.6
★★★★★
(32 ratings)
While still a multi-ingredient blend, this product offers 500mg of GABA (a higher dose than the original's 100mg) along with L-Theanine, Magnesium, and Relora for 47 cents per serving. Although not as cheap as single-ingredient GABA, it provides a much more potent and comprehensive blend for about half the price per serving of the Solaray product, representing better value for a premium blend.
85 Performance
Theanine Serene With Relora
Source Naturals
4.6
★★★★★
(32 ratings)
This product is an excellent alternative due to its comprehensive formula that includes 500mg GABA, L-Theanine, Magnesium, and the adaptogenic Relora blend. Its higher GABA dose and the unique combination of other well-researched calming ingredients provide a robust and potentially more effective solution for stress and mood support.
80 Performance
Totally Zen
Carlson
4.8
★★★★★
(324 ratings)
This alternative provides a synergistic blend of 200mg GABA, L-Theanine, Magnesium, and B vitamins. The inclusion of B vitamins and magnesium can further support nerve function and energy metabolism under stress, offering a different but equally effective multi-ingredient approach to calming and mood.
70 Performance 
Sleep Essentials
Swanson
4.5
★★★★★
(718 ratings)
While specifically for sleep, this product is a better alternative for sleep support because it includes a broad spectrum of traditional calming and sleep-inducing herbs like Valerian, Chamomile, and Hops, alongside a small amount of GABA (25mg) and Melatonin. This multi-herbal approach can be more effective for sleep-specific issues than a stress-focused blend if sleep is the primary concern.
60 Budget 
GABA Gamma Aminobutyric Acid 250 mg
Swanson Premium Brand
4.7
★★★★★
(1788 ratings)
For just 5 cents per serving, this offers 250mg of GABA, making it drastically cheaper. It’s a very basic, single-ingredient alternative if the primary goal is just GABA at low cost.
65 Budget 
GABA 500 mg
Swanson
4.6
★★★★★
(1623 ratings)
At 8 cents per serving for 500mg of GABA, this product is significantly cheaper and provides a higher dose of standalone GABA for those on a budget.
70 Budget 
GABA 750 mg
Source Naturals Serene Science
4.4
★★★★★
(2735 ratings)
This alternative offers a very high 750mg dose of GABA at an incredibly low 6 cents per serving. It's a far more economical option for those seeking high-dose GABA without the multi-ingredient complexity and cost.
80 Value
Totally Zen
Carlson
4.8
★★★★★
(324 ratings)
This blend of GABA, L-Theanine, Magnesium, and B vitamins costs 28 cents per serving, significantly less than the original's 87 cents, while still offering a comprehensive stress and mood formula. It delivers excellent value for a multi-ingredient product.
70 Value
GABA Calm Orange Flavor
Source Naturals
4.5
★★★★★
(296 ratings)
This product combines 125mg of GABA with N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, Taurine, Glycine, and Magnesium, and costs 16 cents per serving. It offers a multi-ingredient approach to calm and focus at a much lower price point, providing good value for a complex formula.
85 Value
Theanine Serene With Relora
Source Naturals
4.6
★★★★★
(32 ratings)
While still a multi-ingredient blend, this product offers 500mg of GABA (a higher dose than the original's 100mg) along with L-Theanine, Magnesium, and Relora for 47 cents per serving. Although not as cheap as single-ingredient GABA, it provides a much more potent and comprehensive blend for about half the price per serving of the Solaray product, representing better value for a premium blend.
85 Performance
Theanine Serene With Relora
Source Naturals
4.6
★★★★★
(32 ratings)
This product is an excellent alternative due to its comprehensive formula that includes 500mg GABA, L-Theanine, Magnesium, and the adaptogenic Relora blend. Its higher GABA dose and the unique combination of other well-researched calming ingredients provide a robust and potentially more effective solution for stress and mood support.
80 Performance
Totally Zen
Carlson
4.8
★★★★★
(324 ratings)
This alternative provides a synergistic blend of 200mg GABA, L-Theanine, Magnesium, and B vitamins. The inclusion of B vitamins and magnesium can further support nerve function and energy metabolism under stress, offering a different but equally effective multi-ingredient approach to calming and mood.
70 Performance
Sleep Essentials
Swanson
4.5
★★★★★
(718 ratings)
While specifically for sleep, this product is a better alternative for sleep support because it includes a broad spectrum of traditional calming and sleep-inducing herbs like Valerian, Chamomile, and Hops, alongside a small amount of GABA (25mg) and Melatonin. This multi-herbal approach can be more effective for sleep-specific issues than a stress-focused blend if sleep is the primary concern.