γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-protein amino acid widely present in the human nervous system. As the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, it plays an important role in regulating neural excitability and helping maintain the balance of nerve signals. In the food field, GABA is a legal food raw material, usually extracted and prepared through microbial fermentation (such as fermenting rice, soybeans and other raw materials with lactic acid bacteria and yeast). It has natural and safe characteristics and is commonly found in various food forms such as solid beverages, compressed candies, dairy products, and baked goods. Its core application value focuses on helping soothe the body and mind and creating a peaceful state, which meets the health needs of modern people for "relaxation and decompression".

In actual product development, to further improve the sense of experience or optimize the taste and nutritional structure, GABA is often used in combination with a variety of raw materials. The common types of matching raw materials and their functions are as follows:

• Sleep-aiding and soothing raw materials: These raw materials synergize with GABA in "relaxing the body and mind" to create a more comfortable state. For example, melatonin, a substance secreted by the human body to regulate the sleep-wake cycle, when paired with GABA, can provide support for a good routine from two dimensions: "neuro-relaxation" and "rhythm care"; theanine (mainly derived from green tea) can promote the production of alpha waves in the brain, bringing a gentle sense of relaxation. When paired with GABA, it can further enhance the peace of body and mind without obvious drowsiness; jujube seed extract  its active ingredients help create a quiet atmosphere. When paired with GABA, it takes into account both traditional health wisdom and modern health needs.

• Mood regulation and stress relief raw materials: To meet the needs of "relieving stress and calming mood", GABA is often combined with such raw materials. For example, L-theanine (similar to the function in the above-mentioned sleep-aiding scenario, focusing on mood relaxation) can help reduce tension and work with GABA to create a relaxed mental state; valerian extract, its active ingredients help soothe mood swings, and it is suitable for daily decompression when paired with GABA; 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), as a precursor for the synthesis of serotonin (a substance related to emotional state), can indirectly contribute to positive emotions. When paired with GABA, it can bring a comfortable experience from both "soothing nerves" and "caring for emotions".

• Nutritional supplement and taste optimization raw materials: These raw materials mainly supplement nutrition for the product, improve the eating experience, and at the same time, some ingredients can indirectly support the role of GABA. For example, B vitamins (especially B6 and B12), as coenzymes related to neural metabolism, can provide nutritional support for the smooth operation of body functions, and when paired with GABA, it helps maintain a good physical and mental state; dietary fiber (such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides), when paired with GABA, can increase the satiety and intestinal friendliness of food. Moreover, some dietary fibers, as prebiotics, can indirectly affect physical and mental feelings by regulating intestinal flora (i.e., the "gut-brain axis"), forming a positive interaction with GABA; natural fruit and vegetable powders (such as banana powder and passion fruit powder) can not only enrich the taste and flavor of GABA food, but also the magnesium element contained in banana powder helps soothe nerves, and the active ingredients in passion fruit powder can also bring a gentle sense of relaxation, further improving the comprehensive experience of the product.