Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
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Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was discovered in 1950, and although technically an amino acid, it is rarely referred to as such in scientific and medical literature because it is not incorporated into proteins by the body.
GABA is closely related chemically to glutamic acid. While both act as neurotransmitters in the brain and central nervous system, they have generally opposing effects. Glutamic acid, in the form of glutamate, is excitatory, while GABA has predominantly inhibitory effects.
In fact, GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the human central nervous system. As such, it acts to reduce the excitability of neurons, preventing overstimulation and excitotoxicity, and protecting neurons from associated injury. Benzodiazepine drugs such as diazepam (Valium) act on GABA receptors to produce their tranquilizing effects.
Given the above it is unsurprising that abnormally low levels of GABA are associated with neurological and mood disorders including epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
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Editor reviews
Since GABA is relatively cheap and does xert beneficial, although shortlived effects, I have often combined it with other calming nutrients and herbs and this is an approach that seems to be pretty effective, at least in my case.
I have only noted side effects with GABA when taking very high dosages and these have been limited to mild nausea and a spaced out sensation. Moderate dosages have been no problem.
Although certainly no miracle cure, GABA supplements may be of some benefit and thus worth a trial.
| Overall rating | 7.4 | |
| Perceived Effectiveness | 5.0 | |
| Lack of side effects (tolerability) | 8.0 | |
| Ease of use | 10.0 | |
| Value for money | 7.0 | |
| Would you recommend? | 7.0 |
Reviewed by
Maff
October 06, 2010
Last updated: October 06, 2010
#1 Reviewer - View all my reviews (107)
Mildly Effective for Anxiety and Insomnia
I have given GABA powder a few tries over recent years in an effort to reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve sleep. While I experience very noticeable effects when taking GABA, it is rather like I have been numbed to the anxious feelings and muscle tension, rather than them being reduced directly. GABA supplements are certainly fast acting but the flipside is that any beneficial effects tend to wear off within a few hours. Having taken benzodiazepine drugs on and off I am able to make a direct comparison and GABA is much less potent. Of course, there is not the risk of dependence as there is with the 'benzos'.
Since GABA is relatively cheap and does xert beneficial, although shortlived effects, I have often combined it with other calming nutrients and herbs and this is an approach that seems to be pretty effective, at least in my case.
I have only noted side effects with GABA when taking very high dosages and these have been limited to mild nausea and a spaced out sensation. Moderate dosages have been no problem.
Although certainly no miracle cure, GABA supplements may be of some benefit and thus worth a trial.
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