Effects of combined gamma aminobutyric acid supplementation and exercise training on the body composition of women: A randomized double-blind trial.

2025-08
Clinical nutrition ESPEN 68
- Larissa Vitalina de Medeiros Pires
- Adilson de Barros Martins
- Cristina Maria de Oliveira Trindade
- Raianne Dos Santos Baleeiro
- Thainá Gomes Peixoto
- Vitória Louise Teixeira E Silva
- Kelerson Mauro de Castro Pinto
- Fernanda Guimarães Drummond E Silva
- Daniel Barbosa Coelho
- Emerson Cruz de Oliveira
- Lenice Kappes Becker

PubMed: 40345658
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2025.04.028

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population: 26 women with obesity
Methods: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial; daily GABA (200 mg) supplementation for 90 days alongside exercise training (3 days/week)
Blinding: Double-blind
Duration: 90 days

Background

Preclinical and clinical investigations have revealed the metabolic health benefits of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) supplementation. Exercise training is widely acknowledged for its positive effects on the health of individuals with obesity.

Objective

To investigate the effects of combined GABA supplementation and exercise training on the body composition, nutritional intake, physical performance, and serum biomarkers of women with obesity.

Methods

Twenty-six women with obesity were investigated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. They received daily GABA (200 mg) supplementation for 90 days alongside exercise training (3 days/week).

Results

For intragroup comparisons hand grip improved in both groups (placebo, p = 0.00276; GABA, p = 0.00012), while sit-up performance increased only in the GABA group (p = 0.00664). Body mass index (p = 0.01273) and waist circumference (p = 0.01393) decreased in the GABA group. In the placebo group, body mass (p = 0.02956), fat-free mass (p = 0.00344), and basal metabolic rate (BMR) (p = 0.00386) decreased, while body fat increased (p = 0.02666). There were no differences in daily macronutrient intake, BMR, body mass, body fat, fat mass, fat-free mass, hip circumference, waist-hip ratio, blood pressure, heart rate, or serum levels of glucose, triglycerides, leptin, resistin, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2, chemokine ligand 16, and growth hormone between groups.

Conclusion

GABA supplementation combined with exercise training enhanced physical performance, accompanied by modest improvements in body composition, with no adverse effects on nutritional, physiological, or blood serum parameters.

Study registration

https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-8t7h259.

Research Insights

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid→Reduced Basal Metabolic Rate
There were no differences in ... BMR ... between groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid→Reduced Blood Glucose Levels
There were no differences in ... serum levels of glucose ... between groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid→Reduced Blood Pressure
There were no differences in ... blood pressure ... between groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid→Reduced Body Fat
There were no differences in ... body fat ... between groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid→Reduced Body Fat Mass
There were no differences in ... fat mass ... between groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid→Reduced Body Mass
There were no differences in ... body mass ... between groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid→Reduced Chemokine C-C Motif Ligand 2 Level
There were no differences in ... serum levels of ... chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 ... between groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid→Reduced Chemokine Ligand 16 Level
There were no differences in ... serum levels of ... chemokine ligand 16 ... between groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid→Reduced Fat-Free Mass
There were no differences in ... fat-free mass ... between groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid→Reduced Growth Hormone Level
There were no differences in ... serum levels of ... growth hormone ... between groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid→Reduced Heart Rate
There were no differences in ... heart rate ... between groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid→Reduced Hip Circumference
There were no differences in ... hip circumference ... between groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid→Reduced Resistin Level
There were no differences in ... serum levels of ... resistin ... between groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid→Reduced Triglyceride Levels
There were no differences in ... serum levels of ... triglycerides ... between groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid→Reduced Uric Acid Levels
There were no differences in ... serum levels of ... leptin ... between groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid→Reduced Waist-to-Height Ratio
There were no differences in ... waist-hip ratio ... between groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day

Adverse Events Reported

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid→Overall tolerability
with no adverse effects on nutritional, physiological, or blood serum parameters.
Finding
Reported