GABA is a dietary supplement that provides 500 mg of gamma-aminobutyric acid per serving. When we feel tired and levels of this neurotransmitter are low, the likelihood of feeling anxious, exhausted and sensitive to stimuli is greatly increased. The presence of GABA increases brain waves associated with a relaxed state and decreases those associated with stress and anxiety.
Among the effects of taking GABA, studies also report drowsiness and relaxation: however, it remains an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which helps the body get enough rest. At the endocrine level, sleep promotes the maintenance of good levels of GH, the growth hormone responsible for cell regeneration. Sleeping well therefore has an anti-ageing effect: those who sleep well look healthier, younger and more attractive.
GABA also plays an important role in the regulation of muscle tone, and together with glutamate contributes to homeostasis and the general mental and physical balance of the body.
Interesting recent studies also seem to indicate the effects of GABA in gut health and gastrointestinal function, where it may support motility, control inflammation and support immune system function, as well as helping to regulate hormonal activity.
But what is GABA? And how does it act within the body?
GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is a key amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter and neuromediator, and is naturally present in many species of the animal kingdom. In humans it is found in large quantities in the brain, involved as an anti-stress and relaxing agent, and is therefore attracting great interest in the scientific community. GABA is an endogenous molecule obtained from the de-carboxylation of glutamine acid, which in humans, in addition to functioning as an inhibitory mediator, is directly responsible for the regulation of muscle tone. It is released from neurons in the brain by forming synapses with projection (i.e. excitatory) neurons, which is why regulation of this neurotransmitter can balance stress and anxiety levels. In fact, the main function of GABA is to slow down brain activity, decreasing the likelihood of a nerve impulse occurring with too much force.
Scientific references
Kim S, Jo K, Hong KB, Han SH, Suh HJ. GABA and l-theanine mixture decreases sleep latency and improves NREM sleep. Pharm Biol. 2019 Dec;57(1):65-73. doi: 10.1080/13880209.2018.1557698. PMID: 30707852; PMCID: PMC6366437.
Winkelman JW, Buxton OM, Jensen JE, Benson KL, O'Connor SP, Wang W, Renshaw PF. Reduced brain GABA in primary insomnia: preliminary data from 4T proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). Sleep. 2008 Nov;31(11):1499-506. doi: 10.1093/sleep/31.11.1499. PMID: 19014069; PMCID: PMC2579978.
Boonstra E, de Kleijn R, Colzato LS, Alkemade A, Forstmann BU, Nieuwenhuis S. Neurotransmitters as food supplements: the effects of GABA on brain and behavior. Front Psychol. 2015 Oct 6;6:1520. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01520. PMID: 26500584; PMCID: PMC4594160.
Yamatsu A, Yamashita Y, Maru I, Yang J, Tatsuzaki J, Kim M. The Improvement of Sleep by Oral Intake of GABA and Apocynum venetum Leaf Extract. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2015;61(2):182-7. doi: 10.3177/jnsv.61.182. PMID: 26052150.
Hong KB, Park Y, Suh HJ. Sleep-promoting effects of the GABA/5-HTP mixture in vertebrate models. Behav Brain Res. 2016 Sep 1;310:36-41. doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.04.049. Epub 2016 May 2. PMID: 27150227.
Abdou AM, Higashiguchi S, Horie K, Kim M, Hatta H, Yokogoshi H. Relaxation and immune enhancement effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration in humans. Biofactors. 2006;26(3):201-8. doi: 10.1002/biof.5520260305. PMID: 16971751.
Yoto A, Murao S, Motoki M, Yokoyama Y, Horie N, Takeshima K, Masuda K, Kim M, Yokogoshi H. Oral intake of *γ*-aminobutyric acid affects mood and activities of central nervous system during stressed condition induced by mental tasks. Amino Acids. 2012 Sep;43(3):1331-7. doi: 10.1007/s00726-011-1206-6. Epub 2011 Dec 28. PMID: 22203366.
