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GABA Brain Food

NS Natural Stacks
4.7
(149 ratings)
Citrulline 500 mg
GABA 633 mg
Rosemary
Product Image
Score 75.0

GABA Brain Food by NS Natural Stacks is designed primarily for stress relief, mood support, and sleep, leveraging GABA's calming effects. It also offers potential benefits for brain health and fitness through the inclusion of Rosemary, Grape Seed, and L-Citrulline.

Quantity: 60 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Capsule(s) (60 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Fitness
Muscle Gain
Cardiovascular Support
Stress Relief
Mood Support

Score 75.0

GABA Brain Food by NS Natural Stacks is designed primarily for stress relief, mood support, and sleep, leveraging GABA's calming effects. It also offers potential benefits for brain health and fitness through the inclusion of Rosemary, Grape Seed, and L-Citrulline.

Analysis

GABA Brain Food by NS Natural Stacks aims to support a range of goals, with a strong emphasis on mental well-being and relaxation, primarily driven by its GABA content. While GABA is widely used for stress and sleep, the scientific community debates its direct bioavailability across the blood-brain barrier when taken orally; however, emerging research suggests indirect pathways (e.g., gut-brain axis) might explain reported benefits. The inclusion of Rosemary Leaf Extract and Grape Seed Extract provides additional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially aiding overall brain health and cognitive function. L-Citrulline, typically found in pre-workouts, adds a unique dimension by supporting cardiovascular health and exercise performance through nitric oxide production, though its synergy with calming agents for the stated goals is not always immediately obvious from a 'brain food' perspective. Online reviews often highlight improved sleep and reduced anxiety, aligning with the core GABA benefits. Nutritionists generally approve of these ingredients, though often caution about managing expectations for GABA's direct brain effects and emphasize the importance of individual responses.

Pros
  • Contains a substantial dose of GABA, which is widely used for stress and sleep support, and users frequently report positive experiences with relaxation and improved sleep quality.
  • Includes Rosemary Leaf Extract and Grape Seed Extract, both potent antioxidants that contribute to overall health, including neuroprotection and cardiovascular benefits.
  • L-Citrulline is a valuable addition for cardiovascular health and exercise performance, offering benefits like improved blood flow and reduced fatigue.
Cons
  • The efficacy of orally supplemented GABA directly crossing the blood-brain barrier to exert its effects is a subject of ongoing scientific debate, meaning some of its purported brain benefits might be indirect or less pronounced than expected.
  • The price per serving at $0.66 is relatively high compared to single-ingredient GABA supplements or other relaxation blends that might offer similar benefits at a lower cost.
  • The inclusion of L-Citrulline is beneficial for fitness, but its synergy with the calming effects of GABA and the overall 'Brain Food' branding might not be immediately intuitive or necessary for users solely seeking cognitive or relaxation support.
Warnings
  • Individuals taking medications for anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders should consult a healthcare professional before using this product, as GABA can interact with central nervous system depressants.
  • Some users might experience mild side effects such as drowsiness or stomach upset, especially when first starting supplementation or at higher doses.
$35.95($0.59 per serving)
iHerb
$ 35.95
Pure Formulas
$ 39.95
Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid 633 mg
L-Citrulline 500 mg
Rosemary Leaf Extract (Rosmarinic Acid) 333 mg
Grape seed (Vitis vinifera) extract (Total Polyphenols) 33 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Dairy Free
Categories
Rosemary 80.0
The product contains 333mg of Rosemary Leaf Extract, standardized for Rosmarinic Acid, which is a good therapeutic dose. Rosemary is recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with historical and some scientific backing for cognitive enhancement and stress reduction.
GABA 75.0
With 633mg of GABA per serving, the product provides a common and effective dosage used for promoting relaxation and sleep. While its direct brain permeability is debated, many users report significant benefits for stress and sleep.
Citrulline 70.0
The product includes 500mg of L-Citrulline, which is a moderate dose. While beneficial for nitric oxide production and cardiovascular support, higher doses are often used for significant athletic performance enhancement, making this amount suitable for general cardiovascular benefits rather than peak athletic output.
Goals
Sleep Support 90.0
GABA is an essential inhibitory neurotransmitter known for its role in calming the central nervous system, which is crucial for promoting relaxation and facilitating the onset and quality of sleep. Its direct action on reducing brain activity makes it a very effective ingredient for sleep support.
Stress Relief 85.0
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and its supplementation is commonly sought for its potential to induce relaxation and alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety. Rosemary Leaf Extract also contributes to stress reduction through its adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, making this product well-suited for stress relief.
Cardiovascular Support 85.0
L-Citrulline significantly contributes to cardiovascular support by boosting nitric oxide, which promotes vasodilation and healthy blood flow. Grape Seed Extract further enhances this benefit with its strong antioxidant properties, protecting blood vessels from oxidative damage and promoting overall heart health.
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This product provides a higher concentration of GABA (750mg) than the original product, making it highly effective for stress relief, mood support, and sleep. Its remarkably low price per serving ($0.09 compared to $0.66) offers exceptional value for direct GABA supplementation, delivering core benefits without the additional cost of other ingredients.
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L-Arginine + L-Citrulline 750 mg

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This alternative offers a beneficial combination of L-Arginine (500mg) and L-Citrulline (250mg) at a very competitive price per serving ($0.07). It provides excellent value for enhancing cardiovascular health and supporting exercise performance through nitric oxide production, making it a highly cost-effective choice for these specific goals found in the original product.
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Theanine Serene With Relora

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Despite being a multi-ingredient formula, this product provides a superior blend for stress, mood, and sleep (GABA, L-Theanine, Relora, Holy Basil, Magnesium) at a price per serving ($0.47) that is still lower than the original. This combination offers greater efficacy and a better overall value for achieving calming and mood-supporting benefits.
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This product offers a superior blend for stress relief, mood support, and sleep by combining a good dose of GABA (500mg) with L-Theanine, Relora, Holy Basil, and Magnesium. This synergistic formulation provides a more comprehensive and arguably more effective calming and mood-enhancing effect compared to the original product, addressing its core goals more robustly.
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SuperPump Aggression Fruit Punch Fury

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For individuals prioritizing fitness, muscle gain, and cardiovascular support, this pre-workout supplement is significantly superior due to its potent 4000mg dose of L-Citrulline, vastly exceeding the original product's 500mg. While more expensive and designed for a different use case (pre-workout energy vs. calming), its effectiveness for athletic performance and nitric oxide production is much higher.
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Brain Elevate

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Although it does not contain GABA or Citrulline, this alternative is a more targeted and effective option for 'Brain Health' and 'Mental Focus' goals. It features a comprehensive nootropic blend including Ginkgo, Phosphatidyl Serine, Huperzine, Gotu Kola, and Rosemary extract, which are widely recognized for their direct cognitive benefits.
90 Budget

GABA 750 mg

NOW
4.6
(25858 ratings)
This alternative provides a higher, effective dose of GABA (750mg vs 633mg) which is the primary calming ingredient in the original product, at a significantly lower cost per serving ($0.09 vs $0.66). It is an excellent choice for those primarily seeking relaxation, mood support, and sleep benefits.
85 Budget

L-Citrulline 1000 mg

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(327 ratings)
Offering 1000mg of L-Citrulline per serving, this product provides a more substantial dose than the original product's 500mg, making it more effective for fitness, muscle gain, and cardiovascular support. It achieves this at a much lower price point per serving ($0.10 vs $0.66), representing a better value for Citrulline-specific benefits.
80 Budget

Rosemary Extract 500 mg

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4.7
(977 ratings)
This alternative delivers a higher dose of Rosemary extract (500mg vs 333mg) at a considerably lower cost per serving ($0.13 vs $0.66). It is a more economical choice if the primary interest is in the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential cognitive benefits of Rosemary.
90 Value

GABA 750 mg

NOW
4.6
(25858 ratings)
This product provides a higher concentration of GABA (750mg) than the original product, making it highly effective for stress relief, mood support, and sleep. Its remarkably low price per serving ($0.09 compared to $0.66) offers exceptional value for direct GABA supplementation, delivering core benefits without the additional cost of other ingredients.
80 Value

L-Arginine + L-Citrulline 750 mg

Nutricost
4.7
(1239 ratings)
This alternative offers a beneficial combination of L-Arginine (500mg) and L-Citrulline (250mg) at a very competitive price per serving ($0.07). It provides excellent value for enhancing cardiovascular health and supporting exercise performance through nitric oxide production, making it a highly cost-effective choice for these specific goals found in the original product.
95 Value

Theanine Serene With Relora

Source Naturals
4.6
(32 ratings)
Despite being a multi-ingredient formula, this product provides a superior blend for stress, mood, and sleep (GABA, L-Theanine, Relora, Holy Basil, Magnesium) at a price per serving ($0.47) that is still lower than the original. This combination offers greater efficacy and a better overall value for achieving calming and mood-supporting benefits.
95 Performance

Theanine Serene With Relora

Source Naturals
4.6
(32 ratings)
This product offers a superior blend for stress relief, mood support, and sleep by combining a good dose of GABA (500mg) with L-Theanine, Relora, Holy Basil, and Magnesium. This synergistic formulation provides a more comprehensive and arguably more effective calming and mood-enhancing effect compared to the original product, addressing its core goals more robustly.
90 Performance

SuperPump Aggression Fruit Punch Fury

Gaspari Nutrition
4.7
(213 ratings)
For individuals prioritizing fitness, muscle gain, and cardiovascular support, this pre-workout supplement is significantly superior due to its potent 4000mg dose of L-Citrulline, vastly exceeding the original product's 500mg. While more expensive and designed for a different use case (pre-workout energy vs. calming), its effectiveness for athletic performance and nitric oxide production is much higher.
85 Performance

Brain Elevate

NOW
4.6
(5910 ratings)
Although it does not contain GABA or Citrulline, this alternative is a more targeted and effective option for 'Brain Health' and 'Mental Focus' goals. It features a comprehensive nootropic blend including Ginkgo, Phosphatidyl Serine, Huperzine, Gotu Kola, and Rosemary extract, which are widely recognized for their direct cognitive benefits.