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GABA (Gamma- Aminobutyric Acid)

GABA was identified in the mammalian brain in 1950's. It is believed to be the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA is synthesized from Glutamate. Glutamate is a pivotal amino acid in the brain. It is dervied from alpha keto glutarate, which is one of the intermediates in the Krebs cycle by way of the addition of an amine group. Glutamate also undergoes transamination to form glutamine by addition of another amine group. Glutamine then proceeds to the liver where it is deaminated to regenerated glutamate, which then returns to the brain. This is brain's nitrogen cycle. In situations where the liver is unable to deaminate the glutamine the brain must obtain glutamate by draining the Kreb's cycle intermediates. This in turn begins to impair cerebral energy metabolism.

Following release GABA can be taken back up by the neurons or by astrocytes. It appears that the release of GABA is also under auto receptor control. GABA is metabolized by the enzyme GABA transaminase (GABA-T) to form succinic acid semialdehyde. Succinic acid semialdehyde is metabolized further to form succinic acid, which is also a Kreb's cycle intermediate. GABA-T is inhibited by valproic acid. This is the basis for the belief that valproic acid is GABAergic. There are other alternative pathways for GABA metabolism.


GABA functions in the central nervous system as a neurotransmitter; it occupies the nerve receptor sites for anxiety or stress related messages so that they are restrained from reaching the brain.

GABA can be taken as a tranquilizer to calm the body, but without the addiction that can come with usage of Valium™ or Librium™. GABA is also used for epilepsy, hypertension, and ADD-ADHD.

Balanced supplementation is important because too much GABA can increase anxiety, and cause numbness in the face and tingling in the fingers and toes.

GABA is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. When the level of GABA in the brain decreases to below a certain level, seizures and other neurological disorders may occur. The level of GABA in the brain is controlled by two enzymes, glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) and GABA transaminase (GABA-T).

GABA is considered to act as a natural calming and anti-epileptic agent in the brain. Since GABA is not transported efficiently into the brain from the bloodstream, most of the GABA found in the brain is manufactured there. For that reason, supplemental GABA would not be expected to increase levels of GABA in the brain. A few physicians have reported that GABA can be beneficial when used in connection with a variety of brain disorders including epilepsy and schizophrenia, but these reports have not been scientifically substantiated. Intake of high levels GABA has shown to produce a marked increase in plasma growth-hormone levels and prolactin in one study, but the implication and application of these findings is not yet clear.

Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) is a non-essential amino acid formed from glutamic acid with the help of vitamin B6. GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid) is found in almost every region of brain, and is formed through the activity of the enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). GABA serves as a inhibitory neurotransmitter to block the transmission of an impulse from one cell to another in the central nervous system.

Benefits of GABA

GABA helps to relieve the person from s tress and anxiety. It acts as a neurotransmitter to the brain. GABA is the most common message-altering neurotransmitter in the brain.
It acts as a receptor of stress and anxiety and thus prevents them to reach the brain.

GABA is also used for epilepsy, hypertension, and ADD-ADHD.

GABA is considered to act as a natural calming and anti-epileptic agent in the brain.
A few physicians have reported that GABA can be beneficial when used in connection with a variety of brain disorders including epilepsy and schizophrenia, but these reports have not been scientifically substantiated.

Deficiency symptoms of GABA

If a sufficient amount of GABA is lacking, however, the system goes out of whack, and tens of thousands of neurons send messages rapidly, intensely and simultaneously, resulting in a seizure.

Symptoms of high intake

Intake of high levels GABA has shown to produce a marked increase in plasma growth-hormone levels and prolactin in one study, but the implication and application of these findings is not yet clear.

Too much GABA can increase anxiety, and cause numbness in the face and tingling in the fingers and toes.

Daily requirement

Some doctors have recommended GABA in the amount of 200 mg four times daily, although no general recommendation is made for supplementation of GABA.


 

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Comments

This is amazing, I have suffered with anxiety, restless sleep for 30 plus years. I cant believe how i feel since being on gaba!!!! WOW It helps me where the doctors could not! dewey_york2004@yahoo.com
#1 - dewey - 07/22/2008 - 23:44
My understanding is that oral supplementation probably has no effect since it cannot pass the blood-brain barrier?
#2 - anoj - 09/15/2008 - 22:32
THIS article was very helpful & easy to understand. I have seizures & in one days time of taking GABA I feel at least 80% better!
#3 - Becky B. - 09/27/2008 - 20:45
Im generally high strung and have constant anxiety. GABA has helped me tremendously to be more calm and sleep. Likely the 50th supplement i have tried in 20+ years of research. Using 2 to 4 grams per day.
#4 - Terrence S - 10/30/2008 - 08:54
Isn't the placebo effect great?

Orally taken GABA does not pass through the Blood-Brain-Barrier, so GABA supplements are useless.
#5 - Ian Westmore - 11/01/2008 - 18:44
Ian,

The recent explosive levels of Blood-Brian Barrier research may soon show your information is only partially correct.

(Before I continue, I want to say I am in good health, I do not take GABA, nor am I in close association with anyone who does. I came across this site while "perusing" various sites of interest, and so have no vested interest in your comment, except that.....it struck me as unecessarily dispassionate; as well as out of sync with newly growing hypothosese based on emerging studies.)

Indeed, GABA does not normally pass through the Blood-Brain Barrier -- unless that Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) is compromised. (Although, some researchers/doctors theorize that in high enough doses, small amounts of GABA might pass though the BBB.)


However, the BBB can be and/or is compromised by a number of conditions and influences. The dynamic of high blood levels of homocysteine for example is now a known mechanism of Blood-Brain Barrier compromise.

Elevated levels of homocysteine (Hyperhomocysteine) also has several known causes - from genetic to hypothyroid - but, like high cortisol levels, it is nearly always associated with high or longterm stressers. (lifestyle, dietary, inflamatory processes, etc) Certainly, most would agree that, whatever the cause, few people seeking clinical benefits of GABA would not be in the high-stress catagory.

Continuing further, reports show that large numbers of people do experience improvements from Gaba (..some degree of compromise in the Blood-Brain Barrier perhaps?), while large numbers who would gain equally from increased GABA levels seem to experience no benefits or all (..little or no compromise in the Blood-Brain Barrier?).

So that I don't pose baseless query, I have included two reference sites below that you and others might find useful regarding GABA's (and other substances) seeming dualistic relationship with possible permiation of the Blood-Brain Barrier.

If you trek through a few GABA research sites you'll also find studies suggesting that Gaba taken orally can in varying degrees stimulate certain "GABA precursers", thus affecting GABA production through more indirect ways than crossing of the BBB.



We used to think the world was flat, and that nerve and brain cells can not regenerate - remember? Keep your eye on Brain Barrier reasearch, Ian.



1) Easy-read article in the British Medical Journal on "Stress and Blood-Brain Barrier"

(www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/313/7071/1505/a)


2) Excelent 2006 scientific research brief in The Journal of American Hemotology - 'Hyperhomocystein and Blood-Brain Barrier'.

Quote from its abstract: "...Our study suggests an important toxic effect of elevated Hcy on brain microvessels and implicates Hcy in the dissruption of BBB."

(www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=189564)


#6 - # 6 - SM - 11/24/2008 - 11/24/2008 - 04:55
Im posting again! lol, ...and since Ian thanks its a placebo affect!! Your so wrong...I dont know how it works, i dont care...i just know i dont have any bad side affects, except for feeling too good sometimes!! I have put my son, and 2 of my other friends on it, and I guess IAN, we are all feeling the same placebo affect! ..........Anyway, maybe you should try gabba Ian, would help you with the negative outlook!!! lol
#7 - dewey york - 12/12/2008 - 11:08
I like your comment, SM. We need more of your kind of thinking.

Like the info, too!

I also want to add that the article said the transmission of GABA across the blood-brain barrier is inefficient, not that it's non-existent. And that would be in the perfectly healthy body. I read recently that people with multiple sclerosis have something like holes in their blood-brain barriers so that all kinds of stuff gets through there that normally wouldn't. I doubt that MS is the only condition associated with a porous blood-brain barrier.
#8 - kama - 12/28/2008 - 20:51
What if your blood work shows that you have too much Gaba in your system? everyone talks about Gaba making you less anxious but I am panic/anxiety and recently tested shows that my Gaba is above normal. So I am at a loss as taking Gaba makes me more anxious. Epinephrine is low as is dopanmine , glycine and hystamine. Low levels of norepinephrine, serotoinin, taurine, with normal levels of glutamine and glutamate. Its so confusing. I am taking 5htp and cortisol lowering supplements as cortisol levels are high throughout the day :)
#9 - Sue - 12/31/2008 - 13:32
Hi, I have been taking daily 500 mg's of Gaba supplement for about 2 1/2 years now. I used to have daily panic attacks, but no longer do - thanks to the GABA. I was told by a Naturopath doctor to take it for the anxiety. However he stressed that I must also take omega 3,6,9 oils or just omega 3 oil daily (1Tbsp or 3,6,9 or 1 tsp of omega 3)in order for the GABA to pass the blood brain barrier. He is correct, as when I only took the GABA after a couple weeks, it backed up in my system and I suddenly found my heart pacing shortly after taking it. I returned to him and he immediately knew I had stopped the Omega fatty oils! I now take both everyday, and it definitely makes a BIG difference on the panic/anxiety.
#10 - Cindy - 01/03/2009 - 20:14
3 grams GABA took away peripheral nervous sensations that went on for 7 months despite xanax and benzodiazipans. I take it at night, awake calm and can even deal with some of the stress that caused the nervous problems in the first place.
#11 - Noel - 01/12/2009 - 20:48
I recently came off of Cymbalta for anxiety. I was looking and looking and reading and reading and finally decided to give it a shot. I took my first dose yesterday night with a dose of st john wort. Holy crap...best nights sleep I've had in weeks. I took 500mgs of GABA and 500mgs of St Johns wort. Took another dose this morning and I've felt great all day! Now if anyone is a skeptic....I am. But I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised. Anyone thinking of giving it a try, should go ahead. It's cheap so there's not much to lose. And it beats all the side effects of that perscription crap. Good luck everyone.
#12 - John - 01/15/2009 - 14:10
Does GABA increase serotonin levels?
#13 - Louise - 01/19/2009 - 08:12
GABA has been said to help release HGH from anterior pitiutary gland and can help in faster recovery between workout sessions and faster groth of lean mass and fat burn.

Ornithine along with Arginine (both non essential amino acids made by the body) are also said ti effect the increased HGH.

Any experienced users here ???

Please reply at (skyefitness) (@) (gmail) (.) (com)
#14 - Sandy - 01/24/2009 - 01:47
Try pharmagaba at iherb.com from dr. murray. it crosses the blood/brain barries because it is natural, not synthetic, and made with lactobacillus from korean kim chee. Read about it at the website. Thyere is a video and Dr. Murrays web page. I will be ordering it.
good luck.
#15 - matt - 01/26/2009 - 21:09
In the last week I've started taking GABA and St. John's Wort, been feeling good. Have been reading though that St. John's actually inhibits GABA receptors. Anyone have any further info on this?
#16 - GKfromAK - 01/27/2009 - 16:11
Hey,

I was wondering if it is OK to take GABA with valerian and passion flower. I started taking these a week or so ago for anxiety and insomnia. So far I don't think they've helped with the anxiety but my insomnia's slightly better - it takes me less time to go to sleep and I wake up a few times less a night.

Thanks,
Dom
#17 - Dom - 01/29/2009 - 15:44
First, Ian Westmore has an agenda. He is President-elect of the South African Society of Psychiatry; google it. His job description is to dispense highly profitable drugs on behalf of really powerful companies with patented products. If people take natural remedies, quacks like him are out of business.

GABA works. The first time I had it, I took a bit too much and had to ask my wife to drive because it, in a pleasant way, made me feel a little tipsy. I also recommend the supplement Inositol. I let both dissolve under my tongue for 5 minutes on an empty stomach, before meals and before bedtime. It helps with calming as well as reducing obsessive or redundant thinking.

And their effectiveness is confirmed in many studies, along with organizations such as the Pfeiffer Treatment Center (google it), which is giving people a more gentle, effective and natural solution for mental ailments.
#18 - Kirk - 02/11/2009 - 18:42
Thought i'd get in on this. Has anyone tried L-Theanine? It supposedly crosses the BBB and increases GABA, dopamine, and alpha waves in the brain.

I use it in combination with GABA.

Another good effect of GABA that i've read is that it increases collagen production, which is good for skin, joints, hair, etc...
#19 - DanB - 03/24/2009 - 14:21
I have been taking l-theanine for about 4 weeks now and it does wonders for anxiety. It does not make you sleepy, in fact it helps you to keep focused. I take Suntheanine it's the best form.
#20 - Louise - 03/28/2009 - 07:43
Whoever posted that GABA supplements don't pass through the brain-barrier hasn't tried it or wasn't low in GABA. GABA has reduced my PMS Panic attacks, cramps and shaking.

How do you know if your GABA is low? There are tests for it. You don't have to guess. You can also test your neuropherine, serotonin and others. See a licensed ND Naturopathic doctor for a lab panel.
#21 - Linda - 03/30/2009 - 13:48
i've always had trouble sleeping, the first night I took gaba before bed (2 pills of 750mg each) I felt amazing the next day, refreshed awake perfect. I have never woken up like that. placebo bbb whatever I could care less it works, I bought it from the vitamin shoppe on sale (i'm sure you can get it cheaper off the internet) but the results are incredible
#22 - will - 05/12/2009 - 13:20
Well, I tried it today and will not repeat, at least not for daytime use. 15 minutes after taking the pill (GABA + niacinamide + inositol) I got dizzy and my arms and legs started tingling. Exactly like when you're having a panic attack. Thank heavens I was prepared for this - did quite a lot of reading and this was frequently mentioned as a side effect due to the large amount of GABA in the peripheral nerves. Aside from that, I felt sort of numb, but not in a good way - I coudn't communicate properly and I felt unsteady on my feet. The effects lasted for a couple of hours.
#23 - anna - 05/28/2009 - 12:56
I've been taking Gaba Plus on and off for years. I started having anxiety attacks when I was working and overwhelmed with high pressure of the job. One day I just could not drive anymore. Fear set in. But when I started taking Gaba Plus, it helped me with my anxiety and stress and it helped also with my depression. I rely on Gaba's way to help me calm down, especially when I feel mild depression, I start taking them again. It's not habit forming but it's good to have them in handy when life, from time to time, can be stressful. For me Gaba Plus is God sent!
#24 - GabaBeliever - 06/09/2009 - 14:20
Taking gaba for two years now. Bulk form ebay....... Strong warm tingling sensation around the neck. Symptoms lesson thru repeated usage. Sleep is sound very vivid dreams and very relax and calm. NO PLACEBO EFFECT. Best usage if you take time off it and not use it and cycle. Melatonine a hormone you can buy at walmart also works and use when not using gaba. Use sparingly , effect lessons with melatonine if you use to much. So go on it then off it for best results. Lost my sleep cycle could not dream thats wht I started with Gaba then also with melatonine.
#25 - john - 06/21/2009 - 01:24
Perhaps it doesn't pass the blood-brain barrier, as others have suggested. I don't know its mechanism of action, but its definitely doing something! I have a canister of pharmecutical grade GABA, of which I take 3-4 grams before bed if I have insomnia. Twenty minutes later I'm high as a kite. This stuff knocks me out better than any medication I've ever taken (including Ativan).
#26 - Threelee - 06/30/2009 - 16:34
Yea i take gaba off and on its great. I can feel its calming about 20 min after taking it. It works great and i am very greatful to have found it. Its not placebo its the real deal.
#27 - Tonya - 09/13/2009 - 23:28
I began using GABA a week or two ago and I like it. Sleep much improved and vivid dreams, but I took a little too much of it last night - 2 500 mg capsules, and one mid day, and I had throbbing in my head. I've read that you should not take more than 750 mg at one time of GABA. I'm going to back off it some, and skip a day or two once in a while. Good stuff though and no placebo effect, I'd bet on that.
#28 - Sammy - 09/26/2009 - 06:13
We have been seeing a Dan! Doctor for my son's ADHD and anxiety. We tried the Gaba and it made him extremely hyper...which had decreased a lot. His reaction was unusual. The naturopath felt there had to be a misconnection in his brain causing this and felt B12 must not be getting to his brain. We did some urine testing and found his B12 was low. We started giving him B12 shots every 3 days. He has really improved. After a month of doing the shots, we are now starting the Gaba back up again. We did not see the same hyper reaction. He was able to focus and played his best football game ever. His anxiety has decreased and he is sleeping better. It is very important to make sure you are using fish oils/omega 3,6,9 etc...because that is what helps get the nutrients and vitamins to your brain. It is like using a water slide with no water. Once you add in the omega oils, it is the water you need to get things to your brain. Another important factor, the testing showed yeast overgrowth and leaky gut---which passes things right into the blood stream and that is being treated as well. If you are struggling with meds and doctors that don't work, I highly recommend finding a great naturopath or Dan! doctor. (Some are better than others) but get one that truly understands how the brain works.
#29 - ctmom - 10/04/2009 - 10:08
I started taking GABA on October 31 along with Taurine, Phosphatidyl Serine and now have added Glycine. My Neurotransmitters tests showed I was very depleted and suffering from low appetite, anxiety, insomnia, no energy. The insomnia has finally disappeared. How long does it take for the system to replenish? I have suffered for years.
#30 - Rosemary - 11/13/2009 - 19:30


I have taken and suffered from the affects of several antidepressants and anti-anxiety pharmaceuticals for about 15 years. Sadly, I cannot find a dr who takes my insurance who won't shove me on meds when I give them my symptoms. They hear "ibs" and automatically want to shove me on a popular anti-depressant telling me "well all our female patients seem to benefit." I declared war against big pharma and now I pay a large sum for my supplements each month and I am much better off.

I take gabba, phenyalanine, 5 Htp, theanine, and 2 big doses of sublingual b complex a day.
I went 2 months without any meds. Then started this cocktail about 6 weeks ago. I have no insomnia now at all --- and I am feeling more hopefull. There are times that I feel joyous enough that I feel like I am on "high" -- and I think its probably because its been so long since I have felt this joyfull, that I don't remember what it feels like.
The sad thing --- it costs me about 10xs as much.

If anyone knows a dr in the philly area who takes blue cross and can test and use supplements who won't shove big pharma down my throat --- please post it.
#31 - KP - 11/23/2009 - 13:02
Can someone tell me how long Gaba takes to actually make a difference for you, to actually help your brain to work better and so decrease the anxiety levels?
Thanks and happy new year!
#32 - Anita - 12/28/2009 - 17:39
I was taking antidepressants for years, plus rivotril time to time for my panic attacks. I stopped them a month ago. I found no cure. I couldn't stand the side effects anymore. So I decided to try something else. Last months I take omega 3 and a b complex. Also I ordered pharmagaba from USA (I live in Greece) and I have been taking twice a day for few days now. It is working very good. I am relaxed and I can laugh again.
Happy new year to everybody and goog luck.
#33 - Costas - 01/02/2010 - 03:46
I just bought GABA last night. My mother has dementia and I am as stressed as I care to be with regular anxiety attacks of varying length. I have heard good things so I'm going to give it a try and watch mom closely for any improvement or decline. Alzheimer's is a cruel disorder. Any improvement will be welcome.. I'm glad someone posted the comments to take it with fish oil (omegas) If anything happens I will let you all know! BTW I'm 41 with a new baby, no health problems other than mild hypertension and anzxiety for the past 5 or so years. ?
#34 - rubys mom - 01/06/2010 - 11:00
I started taking Gaba supplements about 3 months ago under the suggestion of an holistic doctor because I was suffering from horrible panic attacks, literally every 5 minutes! It was unbearable. The doctor even suggested Zoloft because he didn't think anything else would really help (we're talking about a really good HOLISTIC doctor here!). In the meanwhile, he prescribed Gaba (because he saw I was reluctant to take synthetic meds). It took a few weeks for it to kick in, but on Gaba I eventually became pretty much symptoms free for 3 whole months. Now my attacks have come back. I think after a while gaba stops working. I heard about using it off and on, or cycling it... but I never read the exact way to do it: how many days on? how many off? what dosage? If anybody has tried it, please let me know, because it's really worth using Gaba, it has really worked! Thanks and happy new year!
#35 - Mary - 01/06/2010 - 22:40
I too have found relief in taking Gaba.. Not any Gaba will pass the blood brain barrier though.
You need to take a Gaba that dissolves in your mouth, such as Natural Factors Stress Relax Pharma Gaba. You will absorb the gaba through your cheek walls and under your tongue. This is effective. The capsules of Gaba sold are harder to absorb, as when the stomach acid hits the Gaba it renders it ineffective for the most part. I have taken both at the dosage of 200 mg in the AM and 200 mg in the PM and I have found a great deal of relief from Panic Attacks.
#36 - Beth - 01/09/2010 - 09:14
First of all, I would like to thank everyone that has contributed. I have been suffering for years with depression and anxiety. I have also taken more prescription medication than a 28 yr old man should ever take and it has literally stolen my life from me. I have been seeing the same psychiatrist for almost ten yrs and I have seen no progress at all. I was never aware that there was a urinalysis for neurotransmitters! I wonder how some of these doctors sleep at night (on golden pillows). Why would something as a simple urine test not be used in diagnosis? The funny thing is that I think the dr. I see has good intentions. But, I guess the lesson is that no matter how bad you feel, you must take responsibility for yourself to find the answers. I wish you all well and GABA seems to work so far. take care...
#37 - Jonathan - 01/14/2010 - 00:05
Also, as far as this Ian Westmore is concerned. If he is a Dr., He is not a very good one. He stated that ORALLY taken GABA does not cross the blood brain barrier. Whether orally or IA/SC injected, if it is in the bloodstream that is the only objective of admin. The issue with oral medications is the ability to make it into the bloodstream through digestion. For instance, vitamin B12 is a very large molecule and is very hard to breakdown. Therefore, B12 injections are used to get it into the bloodstream easier. When in the bloodstream, regardless of the type of administration, the passing into the blood brain barrier is a different matter all together. Also, the side effects that are felt with GABA (this is conjecture) I feel have to be of CNS origin. That is the nature of the side effects that I feel. Rest assured, this supplement is getting to where it needs to be. But, If you like injections they are available without a prescription, but it is not needed. www.trimnutrition.com, I inject B12 every other day and that in combination with GABA has seemed to do the trick so far!
#38 - Jonathan - 01/14/2010 - 00:25
I am glad this has helped so many. I have the oposite problem. My gaba is unusually high due to many years on ssris (which raise gaba levels during use). I am on suppliments to raise my norepenephrin and seratonin levels but these are making my gaba levels spike even more. Does anyone know a way to lower gaba?
#39 - brendon - 02/20/2010 - 17:10
My five cents to the placebo-or-not conversation:

I have several stress related health problems (severe insomnia, focus of about 5 secs, etc) and already stopped counting the near-miss accidents. GABA is said to alleviate the causes. I know about the brain barrier problem. I get no information from doctors in Finland (home country) or Japan (residence), so I surf the net. I know how the net can be misleading.

However, as a kid I quickly learned to ask all questions from adults, then ignore the answer and focus on the way it was presented - arguments, presentation, feeling of honesty versus "I'm the one telling you so you better believe it or else". I've only read a few comments here, but if I have to choose between Ian and SM, I'll go with SM and definitely start taking GABA.

My bottom line as a person with severe health problems is this: if the fix works, who cares if it's placebo or not? I just want to get back with my life, even when professionals can't/won't help.
#40 - acj - 03/02/2010 - 21:04
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