Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-protein amino acid that is widely distributed in animals, plants, and microorganisms. GABA acts as a primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system, and is synthesized by the irreversible α-decarboxylation of acidic glutamate in the presence of glutamate decarboxylase. GABA is not only present in the central nervous system, but is also found throughout the body. GABA plays a major role in human health because it has numerous physiological functions and positive effects on many physiological disorders. Many microorganisms which possess glutamate decarboxylase have been reported to produce GABA from many food media containing glutamate. Among them, the major GABA-producers are lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which have been isolated from variety of fermented foods such as kimchi, cheese, and salted seafood. Some GABA-producing LAB strains have been shown a great potential in large-scale fermentation for the mass production of GABA by optimizing the medium composition and culture condition. In recent years, the development of natural GABA and GABA-rich products fermented by LAB is being intensively studied due to the potential health benefits of orally ingested GABA. This article is focused on the GABA-producing LAB species, GABA-rich products fermented by LAB, and health benefits of GABA-rich products.

Abstract
 서 론
 인체에서 GABA의 기능
 GABA 생산 유산균
 유산균의 GABA 생산 조건
 GABA 섭취에 의한 생리활성 효과
 GABA의 이용
 결 론
 참고문헌

• 박훈(선문대학교 식품과학과) | Hoon Park (Department of Food Science, Sun Moon University) Corresponding author