GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a naturally occurring amino acid that functions as a primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It plays a crucial role in regulating neuronal...
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a naturally occurring amino acid that functions as a primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It plays a crucial role in regulating neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system. As a dietary supplement, GABA is purported to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and alleviate stress, although the evidence supporting these claims is limited and often contradictory, primarily due to its difficulty crossing the blood-brain barrier. While generally considered safe, common side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, and potentially mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Further research is necessary to fully understand the efficacy of GABA supplementation and its mechanism of action.
Key Information
Inside Body Harmful Score
Common Dosage
100-750mg daily, often divided into multiple doses
Source Type
natural
Production Process
GABA can be extracted from naturally occurring sources or produced through microbial fermentation processes using specific strains of bacteria or fungi. Chemical synthesis is also possible.
Use Type
Inside BodyPotential Benefits
Magnesium and glycine work synergistically to reduce anxiety by modulating neurotransmitters and promoting relaxation within the nervous system. This combined action can lead to a decrease in feelings of worry and unease.
Improved sleep enhances sleep quality by facilitating faster sleep onset, longer sleep duration, fewer awakenings, and increased feelings of refreshment. This is achieved through mechanisms affecting neurotransmitters, circadian rhythm regulation, and stress reduction.
Sleep aids enhance sleep quality, duration, and ease of initiation by regulating the sleep-wake cycle and influencing neurotransmitters like GABA, melatonin, and serotonin. This promotes restful sleep, leading to improved daytime alertness.
Tongkat Ali is believed to reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels. This may lead to improved mood and overall well-being.
L-Tyrosine may help regulate blood pressure, particularly in individuals with hypotension, by increasing the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. However, more research is needed to confirm this effect and understand its implications for individuals with normal or high blood pressure.
L-Tryptophan is converted into melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Supplementation may improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.
Reduces anxiety.
GABA may lower blood pressure in hypertensive individuals by acting as an inhibitory neurotransmitter and promoting vasodilation. It reduces neuronal excitability, influencing the autonomic nervous system to regulate vascular tone.
Possible Side Effects
Drowsiness is a state of impaired alertness characterized by a strong desire to sleep and reduced responsiveness. It can cause difficulty concentrating, decreased reaction time, and impaired judgment.
Headache is pain in the head ranging from mild to severe, potentially with nausea, light/sound sensitivity, or dizziness. It can be caused by tension, dehydration, stress, or medication side effects, and persistent headaches require medical evaluation.
Fatigue is a common symptom of perceived lack of physical and/or mental energy interfering with daily activities. It can be caused by various factors and manifests differently in intensity and duration.
Stomach upset involves abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and potential diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Severity varies depending on individual sensitivities and underlying conditions.
Muscle weakness (myasthenia) is a reduction in muscle force, leading to difficulty with movement. With GABA supplementation, it may result from excessive GABAergic inhibition, impacting motor neuron function.
Tingling is a reported side effect characterized by a prickling or pins-and-needles sensation in the skin. Its cause and prevalence related to this product are currently unclear.
Shortness of breath is a difficulty in breathing. The symptoms can vary from mild to severe.
Scientific Evidence
Several small clinical trials have explored the effects of GABA supplementation on sleep, anxiety, and stress, with varying results. In vitro and animal studies provide more consistent evidence of GABA's effects on neuronal inhibition. The primary challenge is demonstrating that orally ingested GABA can significantly impact brain GABA levels.
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