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Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the product of a biochemical reaction of glutamic acid by the vitamin pyridoxal, as well as from decarboxylase (GAD) and is an amino acid that acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter - a chemical that fosters communication between nerve cells - in the central nervous system. It is popularly referred to as the body's natural tranquilizer and is an amino acid produced in the brain. It is essential for brain metabolism, aiding in proper brain function. GABA is formed in the body from another amino acid, glutamic acid. Its function is to decrease neuron activity and inhibit nerve cells from overfiring. Together with niacinamide and inositol, it prevents anxiety- and stress-related messages from reaching the motor centers of the brain by occupying their receptor sites, thus blocking these sites from the impulses.
GABA can be taken to calm the body in much the same way as diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and other tranquilizers, but without the fear of addiction. GABA has been used in the treatment of epilepsy and hypertension. GABA supplements appear to promote relaxation and sleep. They may have a role to play in preventing seizures and allying chronic pain. It is thought to induce tranquility in individuals who have a high activity of manic behavior and acute agitation.
It is sometimes used as sexual a stimulant for a depressed sex drive, because of its relaxing capabilities, as well as being useful with enlarged prostate problems, probably because it plays a role in the mechanism regulating the release of sex hormones.
GABA is effective in treating attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). GABA supplements have been proposed for improving concentration in ADHD, but has remained untested for this purpose.
Because various safety issues have recently surfaced concerning the use of the popular tranquilizing herb kava, nutritionally oriented physicians have begun recommending GABA more frequently. Basically, the clinical effect of both GABA and kava appears to be the same, namely they're both gentle and non-sedating tranquilizers. GABA is now available as a supplement in pill and powder form.
While GABA has been tested for improving exercise tolerance, decreasing body fat, and stabilizing blood pressure, research on the supplement's effectiveness and safety for these purposes has been mixed at best.
SOURCES
Food sources are fish (especially mackerel) and wheat bran.
MOLECULAR DESCRIPTION
Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the product of a biochemical decarboxylation reaction of glutamic acid by the vitamin pyridoxal. GABA serves as a inhibitory neurotransmitter to block the transmission of an impulse from one cell to another in the central nervous system. Medically, GABA has been used to treat both epilepsy and hypertension where it is thought to induce tranquility in individuals who have a high activity of manic behavior and acute agitation.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Promote sound sleep. GABA participates in promoting relaxation, which explains why many well-known anxiety medications - Valium among them - target GABA receptors in the brain. But unlike many prescription tranquilizers, GABA is not habit-forming. GABA itself does not cause drowsiness. Instead, by easing anxiety, it simply makes it easier to fall asleep. Some research indicates that the popular insomnia-fighting herb, valerian, boosts GABA levels too. When specifically treating sleep disorders, some people like to rotate GABA with valerian or melatonin, the popular hormone-based sleep supplement. Allay stress. GABA may be taken to calm the mind and body. In this respect, it is much like better-known prescription tranquilizers, such as Xanax and Valium, but doesn't carry the fear of addiction. Persistent stress may also contribute to depression, and some evidence suggests that GABA may have mood-elevating properties.
Combat chronic pain. Stress can aggravate pain, making you feel worse. As a natural stress-reducer, GABA supplements can help to relieve the intensity of pain. They may also lessen pain-related nerve impulses.
Treat epilepsy. While the specific cause of epilepsy often remains a mystery from individual to individual, a link has been made to naturally low GABA levels and seizures in some cases. Like a pistol lock, GABA appears to inhibit nerve cells in the brain from firing and setting off seizures. Interestingly, many standard epilepsy drugs, such as benzodiazepines and phenobarbital, serve to enhance GABA levels in the brain.
Clinical study findings have been mixed, however. In a 1994 pilot study, for example, GABA supplementation had no benefit in people with epilepsy whose seizures were set off by exposure to flashes of light. Still, in that study, only a single oral dose of GABA was used. The researchers speculate that GABA may have cumulative benefits when taken over the long term. Earlier studies had reported that GABA helped people with various types of epilepsy who did not respond to conventional medicines. Clearly, more research is needed.
So while GABA should never be used as a substitute for conventional epilepsy drugs, it could possibly compensate for nutritional deficiencies that are contributing to seizures and be a useful adjunct to standard treatments. It may also allow you to take lower doses of conventional medicines. Always check with your health care provider before taking GABA, however, and never change your dose on your own.
GABA DEFICIENCY
Normally, the brain pumps out all the GABA we need. Unfortunately, due to a poor diet, exposure to environmental toxins, or other factors, levels of GABA may become depleted. Too little of this important compound may result in anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. A deficiency of GABA has also been linked to depression.
It has been suggested that a shortage of GABA may cause panic attacks, since an intake of tranquilizers can increase the level of GABA in the body. GABA may also be effective in treating PMS (premenstrual syndrome) in women.
TOXICITY & SYMPTOMS OF HIGH INTAKE
Toxic levels have not been established, but very high intake of GABA can cause increased anxiety, shortness of breath, numbness around the mouth, and tingling in the extremities.
GABA DOSAGE
HerbalRemedies: GABA Information
HerbalRemedies recommended dosage of GABA is a minimum of 2 grams per day; however, better results have been found when supplementing with 5 grams per day. If using GABA for restful sleep, take about 2 hours before going to bed and at least 45 minutes after your last meal. Taking GABA at bedtime allows it to work with the body's natural rhythms for increased effectiveness. The effects of GABA will vary from individual to individual. Results have been seen as early as two weeks after use; however, it could take as long as six to eight weeks for maximum impact.
Dosage has not been established, but it is interesting to note that some research suggests that the supplement Kava (kava is a herbal root used as a supplement) causes more GABA receptors to form in the brain.
GABA is usually found in the amino acid section of the supplement aisle.
For those who do not like swallowing tablets, capsules can be opened and added to juice or water, as can powders. A sublingual tablet, which is placed under the tongue until it slowly dissolves, is also available.
- For insomnia: Take 500 to 1,000 mg an hour or so before bedtime. It will have a calming effect that can help you fall asleep. If anxiety is contributing to your sleep problems, combine GABA with other natural tranquilizers, such as the herb valerian.
- For stress: Take 250 mg three times a day or 750 mg once a day. For general stress conditions, 0 to 6 capsules beCALM'd a day depending on the stress level expected or being experienced. Taking more than 6 is generally wasteful, but has never been reported as harmful. Most clinicians report they recommend two in the morning before breakfast, and two half an hour before bed time (at least two hours after the evening meal). On higher stress days two more might be taken mid afternoon. On lower stress days only one or two on arising.
Adults with Post Traumatic Stress Syndromes should start at 12 per day (4, 3 times a day) for the first month, reduce down to the 6 per day levels for the next month or two, and then follow the dosages recommended in the above paragraph.
- For chronic pain: Take 250 to 500 mg three times a day.
- For ADD & ADHD: 1/2 to 6 capsules BeCALM'd per day depending on the age and weight of the individual. The times the capsules should be taken are 30 minutes before breakfast, mid-afternoon, and 30 minutes before bedtime (at least two hours after the evening meal). Each person's metabolic rate varies just as eye color varies from little pigment (light blue) to fully pigmented (dark brown). Similarly, one person with ADD/ADHD may need only half a capsule in the morning and the other half at night. Another may require two capsules at each of the three times mentioned above. A recommended daily starting point is 1/2 capsule for a four year old to 6 for sixteen years or older. If this dosage is sufficient (e.g. works as well as, for instance, Ritalin, within three days), reduce the dosage a little until the results begin to diminish. Then go back to the lowest that worked well. Conversely if the results are good, but not sufficient, gradually increase the dosage. Taking more than 6 is generally wasteful bit has never been reported as harmful.
- For epilepsy: Take 250 to 500 mg three times a day.
- Tobacco Dependence: 250 mg 3 times a day, or 750 mg at bedtime. For Recovery From Addictive Conditions: 0 to 6 capsules beCALM'd a day depending on the stress level expected or being experienced. Taking more than 6 is generally wasteful, but has never been reported as harmful. Most clinicians report they recommend two in the morning before breakfast, two taken mid-afternoon and two, half an hour before bed.
If the mood swings of PMS are causing you to lose sleep, try taking GABA for a week to 10 days before and during your period.
Like other amino acids, GABA may best be taken between meals for best absorption (one hour before or two hours after eating).
Store in a cool, dry place, away from light, heat, and moisture.
Supplement Forms
Tablet
Powder
Capsule
Combination of Supplements Found in beCALM'd Products:
Vitamin A (beta carotene): 1000 IU
Vitamin B (pyridoxine HCl): 1 mg
D/L-Phenylalanine: 150 mg
L-Phenylalanine: 75 mg
L-Glutamine: 225 mg
Calcium (chelate, carbonate): 50 mg
Magnesium (chelate, oxide): 25 mg
Chromium picolinate: 0.01 mg
Folic Acid: 0.1 mg
See "Products" below for links to purchase this product.
GENERAL INTERACTIONS
Many well-known prescription anxiety medications, including alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium), target GABA receptors in the brain. Using GABA with prescription anti-anxiety agents may produce a dangerous additive effect. Always let your health care provider or midwife know if you are taking GABA or other supplements.
GABA may produce excessive drowsiness when taken with other medications that have a tranquilizing effect, including codeine and other narcotic pain relievers, antidepressants, sedatives, and muscle relaxants. Combine with extreme caution.
GABA & DRUG INTERACTIONS
Acetaminophen with Codeine Phosphate: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Alprazolam: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Astemizole: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Baclofen: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Brompheniramine Maleate: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine/Codeine: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Butalbital/Aspirin/Caffeine: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Butalbital/Aspirin/Caffeine/Codeine Phosphate: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Butorphanol Tartrate: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Carisoprodol: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Chloral Hydrate: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Chlordiazepoxide: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Chlordiazepoxide/Amitriptyline: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Chlorpheniramine Maleate Oral: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Chlorzoxazone: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Clemastine Fumarate: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Clonazepam: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Clorazepate Dipotassium: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Codeine: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Cyclobenzaprine: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Cyproheptadine Hydrochloride: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Dantrolene Sodium: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Diazepam: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Dimenhydrinate: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Estazolam: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Ethchlorvynol: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Fentanyl Transdermal: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Fentanyl Transmucosal: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Fexofenadine: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Fexofenadine/Pseudoephedrine: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Flurazepam Hydrochloride: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Hydrocodone Bitartrate/Acetaminophen: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Hydrocodone Bitartrate/Ibuprofen: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Hydroxyzine: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Levomethadyl Acetate Hydrochloride: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Loratadine: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Loratadine/Pseudoephedrine: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Lorazepam: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Meperidine Hydrochloride: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Methadone Hydrochloride: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Methocarbamol: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Morphine: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Nalbuphine Hydrochloride: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Olopatadine: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Orphenadrine Citrate: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Oxazepam: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Oxycodone Hydrochloride: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Oxycodone/Acetaminophen: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Oxycodone/Aspirin: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Pentazocine: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Promethazine Hydrochloride: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Propoxyphene: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Propoxyphene/Acetaminophen: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Quazepam: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Temazepam: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Tizanidine Hydrochloride: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Triazolam: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Triprolidine Hydrochloride: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Zaleplon: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
Zolpidem Tartrate: Excessive drowsiness may occur when taken together. Use with caution.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
GABA appears to be safe at recommended doses. In research studies, some mild gastric upset and nausea were reported, and some participants reported drowsiness.
At high doses, GABA can actually increase anxiety and insomnia. It may also cause numbness around the mouth and tingling in the extremities.
CAUTIONS
There is limited information on the safety of GABA supplements.
Don't drive or operative heavy machinery until you know how GABA affects you.
When treating a serious condition such as epilepsy, never alter a prescription medication dosage or add GABA to your regimen without consulting your healthcare provider first.
Like many supplements, GABA has not been tested in pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or people with liver or kidney disease. The proper dose in these groups is unknown.
GABA SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
GABA Powder (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid), NOW Foods, 100% Pure, Vegetarian Formula, 500 mg, 6 oz
GABA is a non-essential amino acid found mainly in the human brain and eyes and it is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means it regulates brain and nerve cell activity by inhibiting the number of neurons firing in the brain - GABA is referred to as the brain's natural calming agent.
GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid) Supplement, With Vitamin B-6, NOW Foods, 500 mg / 2 mg, 100 Caps
GABA is a non-essential amino acid found mainly in the human brain and eyes. It is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means it regulates brain and nerve cell activity by inhibiting the number of neurons firing in the brain. GABA is referred to as the brain's natural calming agent.
GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid), Pharmaceutical Grade, 250 mg, 90 Tabs
Gama-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid that acts as a Neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Together with niacinamide and inositol, it prevents anxiety and stress related messages from reaching the motor centers of the brain by occupying the receptor sites.
True Calm, Amino Acid Relaxing Formula, NOW Foods, 90 Caps
True Calm is an effective combination amino acid supplement synergistically blended with vitamins, herbs and other amino acids to support relaxation and a balanced mood.
Herbal Remedies: GABA / Gamma-Aminobutryic Acid Information
Herbal Remedies: GABA / Gamma-Aminobutryic Acid Supplements & Products
BeCalm'd PRODUCTS
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics - Amino Acids Index
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