Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an important neurotransmitter that is found throughout the central nervous system. GABA is also a very important neurotransmitter, found in high concentrations in the brain, because it can greatly increase the body’s ability to handle stress. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
This interesting neurotransmitter acts as a mild sedative in the brain. Because of GABA's beneficial sedative affects, anxiety medications exploit this neurotransmitter by increasing its production.
What does GABA do?
There have been many studies on GABA. One interesting study involved people who had an established fear of heights. Eight participants were given either 200 mg of GABA supplementation or placebo before traversing a 150ft bridge that was suspended over a canyon.
Saliva samples were taken and analyzed to establish the level of sIgA (secretory immunoglobulin A) in each participant. Secretory immunoglobulin A levels increase in a relaxed state and decrease under a stressful state.
The saliva samples were taken at the beginning of the bridge, middle, and end. In the group that received only placebo, the levels of sIgA decreased by as much as 35 percent. The group that was given GABA maintained original sIgA levels in the middle of the bridge and showed an increase in sIgA at the end of the bridge.
Who is deficient in GABA?
People with anxiety, depression, insomnia, and epilepsy have decreased levels and decreased function of cerebral GABA.
How much GABA should be taken?
The dosing starts at 2 grams per day and reports indicate that GABA benefits decline after ingesting 18 grams per day. The usual recommendation is to administer your daily dose in three increments. If we are using 2 grams as the daily dose this would mean taking roughly 650 grams three times throughout the day.
Are there any side effects of GABA?
Numbness and tingling in the neck as well as increased heart rate have been reported when taking GABA supplements. These side affects are not life threatening and they are only felt for a short period of time.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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