Pickles

Overview

Pickles (unpasteurized fermented) provide live probiotics, including Levilactobacillus brevis strains that produce GABA through the glutamate decarboxylase pathway. Levilactobacillus brevis is one of the key bacteria known to produce GABA, and this bacteria is active in L. brevis strains isolated from fermented foods, such as kimchi, kefir, and pickles.

Food Context

Synergies

• Part of fermented foods strategy

Sourcing

• Choose unpasteurized for live probiotics

Preparation

• Rinse if high-sodium variety
• Supports GABA production via gut microbiome

Recipes

no recipes found

Nutrient Tables (per 100 g)

Core nutrients

Nutrient	Amount per 100 g	% RDA per 100 g
Energy	49 kcal	—
Protein	0.9 g	—
Total fat	0.7 g	—
Saturated fat	0.1 g	—
Carbohydrates	9.8 g	—
Fibre	2.5 g	—

Key micronutrients

Nutrient	Amount per 100 g	% RDA per 100 g
Iron	0.8 mg	4.3%
Zinc	0.2 mg	2.1%
Magnesium	6 mg	1.4%
Selenium	0.6 µg	1.1%
Calcium	25 mg	2.5%
Potassium	12 mg	0.4%
Choline	11.9 mg	2.2%
Folate	20 µg	5%
Vitamin B12	0 µg	0%
Vitamin B6	0.1 mg	8.2%

Reference intakes: US Dietary Reference Intakes for adults (19–50 years; using the higher of male/female values where they differ).

Data provenance (core / micronutrient panel): USDA FoodData Central, Eggplant, pickled, FDC ID 169892, API, per 100 g edible portion, last checked 2026-03-14

Substances

Substances in this food: editorial (Overview / literature) plus analytical (nutrition table).

10 substances in this food

Sodium

Electrolyte for fluid balance and nerve function

Iron

Oxygen transport; dopamine synthesis (tyrosine hydroxylase cofactor)

Zinc

Cofactor in neurotransmission and antioxidant enzymes; dopamine modulation

Magnesium

Enzymatic cofactor (>300 reactions); neurotransmitters; mitochondria; redox balance

Selenium

Antioxidant enzyme cofactor (GPx); supports redox balance

Calcium

Bone health; neurotransmission; interacts with vitamin D and K2

Potassium

Electrolyte for nerve transmission, muscle function, and blood pressure regulation

Choline

Acetylcholine precursor; methyl donor; phospholipid synthesis for membranes

Vitamin B9 (Folate; 5-MTHF)

One-carbon metabolism; methylation; homocysteine recycling

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine → PLP)

PLP cofactor for neurotransmitter synthesis; relies on brain PDXK activation

References

• Levilactobacillus brevis is one of the key bacteria known to produce GABA. This bacteria is active in L. brevis strains isolated from fermented foods, such as kimchi, kefir, and pickles