| Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) | ||||||||
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- Why GABA is good for you
- Important GABA facts
- Groups at risk of GABA deficiency
- Symptoms of GABA deficiency
- GABA and health
- GABA in foods
- GABA recommended daily intake (RDI)
- GABA works best with
- Overdosage, toxicity and cautions for GABA
Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) is a non-essential amino acid which is necessary to ensure that the brain (especially the neurons or nerves) function properly. GABA's main role is to decrease neuron activity and inhibit nerve cells from over-firing. Together with niacinamide and inositol, it prevents anxiety and stress-related messages from reaching the motor centers of the brain by occupying their receptor sites, thus blocking these sites from the impulses.
asically GABA helps the body to relax.
- GABA is an amino acid that is produced in the brain from another amino acid - glutamic acid
- GABA is an inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitter, which means it limits over-activity of certain nerons in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to promote relaxation
- GABA is popularly referred to as the body's natural tranquiliser and can be used to calm the body and promote relaxation and sleep
Groups at risk of GABA deficiency
Deficiency is rare, but can occur in the following individuals:
- People on low protein diets - people who are not eating enough protein foods may not get enough GABA in their diet
- Vegans and vegetarians - people who are on a strict vegetarian diet may suffer from a GABA deficiency if their diet is deficient in protein
People in these groups at risk of GABA deficiency should talk to a medical professional about GABA supplementation BEFORE trying it.
Normally, the brain produces all the GABA we need. Unfortunately, due to a poor diet, exposure to environmental toxins, or other factors, levels of GABA may become depleted and so many people may be deficient without even realising it.
Main symptoms of GABA deficiency include:
- anxiety
- irritability
- insomnia
- depression
- palpitations
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- Promote better sleep - GABA promotes relaxation and induces better sleep by easing anxiety
- Epilepsy - a link has been made to low GABA levels and epileptic seizures in some patients. In these cases, extra GABA appeared to inhibit nerve cells in the brain from firing and setting off seizures.
- Chronic pain - stress can aggravate pain, making it feel worse. As a natural stress-reducer, GABA supplements can help to relieve the intensity of pain and as it reduces the pain-related nerve impulses to make the sensation of feeling pain a lesser experience
- ADHD - GABA is effective in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Depression - some evidence suggests that GABA may have mood-elevating properties
- Panic attacks - it has been suggested that a shortage of GABA may cause panic attacks, since an intake of tranquilizers can decrease the level of GABA in the body
- PMS - GABA may also be effective in treating PMS (premenstrual syndrome) in women
Talk to a medical professional about GABA supplements BEFORE taking them
GABA is abundant in all protein foods, but best food sources are:
- Fish (especially mackerel)
- Wheat bran
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GABA recommended daily intake (RDI)
| RDA | No information available |
|---|---|
| TOLERABLE UPPER LIMIT | 250mg-500mg per day (divided into 3 equal portions) |
| TOXIC LEVELS | No information available |
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
- Vitamin H (Biotin)
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Taurine
Overdosage, toxicity and cautions for GABA
Toxic levels have not been established, but very high intake of GABA may cause the following symptoms:
- increased anxiety
- shortness of breath
- numbness around the mouth
- tingling in the extremities
- mild gastric upset and nausea
CAUTIONS
- GABA can produce excessive drowsiness and other dangerous side effects if it is taken with any prescription medication that has a sedative effect, such as codeine
- People should not operate machinery or drive if taking GABA, as it could cause drowsiness
references
- Osiecki H, Meeke F, Smith J, The Encyclopaedia of Clinical Nutrition - Volume 1: The Nervous System, BioConceps Publishing QLD 2004
