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.
Please submit your Suggestions / Tips here. We value your input..
Comment Script
Comments
|
Orally taken GABA does not pass through the Blood-Brain-Barrier, so GABA supplements are useless.
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)
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.
good luck.
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
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.
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...
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.
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.
Thanks and happy new year!
Happy new year to everybody and goog luck.
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.
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.
BTW, in response to the previous poster who brought up people with hyperhomocysteinemia, this is a strong possibility in my son, as we *just* received a diagnosis of MTHFR mutation (double heterozygous).
Oh, and the GABA we have him on is a chewable/sub-q so perhaps some is making it to where it needs to be due to this. I am not really sure and I don't actually care. My son is not acting insane, while being on it, so I will continue to use it until said placebo effect wears off. Which I am sure will be any minute, since you've presented me with the scientific evidence that all of this is impossible. :::rolleyes:::
In some of the therapies for anxious people he put them on GABA, Green Tea Extract and other supplements. I tried it...GABA Green Tea Extract.I felt great a little tires....Had to modify.... Went on MOOD SYNC... A blend from a Company Pain and Stress Managment Center in San Antonio. This Blend consists of 5htp which converts to Seratonin, L Tyrosine which helps with Dopamine,Epi and Norepi, Passion flower which calms the brain, GABA and GLUTAMINE.
HERE IS THE NUMBER IF YOU WANT MORE INFO. 1-800-669-2256.
HOPE THIS IS HELPFUL INFO. NOW I NO LONGER NEED LEXAPRO. THIS FORMULATION HIT THE SPOT.....NATURALLY...
Although the pill already works great for me without taking B-12 for better absorption, I definitely intend to research it further and start using B-12 for greater effect.
Side note: The deep sleep induced by Gaba (level/stage 3 if I'm not mistaken), is the body's prime time for releasing HGH (human growth hormone) which helps the body repair and heal any bones, joints, muscles, skin, and other tissues that are damaged or worn down during the day. Taking protein and amino-acid supplements while taking GABA aids in muscle and tissue growth/repair. Taking calcium and magnesium supplements while taking GABA has the same effect for bones, joints and cartilage.
I'm actually conducting an experiment on myself right now to see if I can grow taller by increasing my HGH production through GABA intake in conjunction with a high protein/amino-acid and calcium/magnesium regimen (as well as Vitamin D, Zinc, Cod Liver oil/fish oils, Foods with high amounts of all kinds of omega fatty acids.)
Other than the supplements and the standard 8 - 8.5 hour sleep schedule, I'll be getting plenty of regular exercise, along with back/spine and leg stretches & hanging right after waking up and right before going to bed. It is proven that increased stretches and exercises naturally increase HGH production in conjunction with good sleep.
It's easy to doubt that any of this will work. However, there are some cases of professional baseball pitchers' pitching arms are actually up to 3 inches longer than their other arm. This alone should prove that one can increase bone length up to age 40, although there are some claims that this can be done up until your late 50's.
Age: 22
Sex: Male
Weight: Approx. 141 Lbs (before Gaba)
Height: 5' 8" in the morning 5' 7.5" In the evening/night
Goal: at least 6'
After checking my weight just now, I'm at 138.9 Lbs. This is after ONE NIGHT of taking GABA. I haven't seen my weight below 140 EVER. Not that I need to lose the weight of course, but the fact that I'm already slender and at an optimum BMI for my height (on the low side actually), AND lost over 2 pounds of weight in one night with no negative side-effects, no major change (increasing or decreasing) in my exercise schedule or diet, is VERY promising. I knew GABA aided in achieving deeper sleep and increased HGH levels, but apparently it also helps digestion/weight loss!
I highly suggest GABA for anyone wanting a better night sleep, increased focus, attention and concentration, weight/fat loss, increased muscle mass, increased bone density / osteoperosis prevention, and an overall improvement in your state of well being.
tongue, you are delusional about sub-lingual meds passing the blood brain barrier! They are absorbed faster into your blood, by by-passing the GI tract. They are not going magically to your brain!
The first day I took GABA I slept for the first time without a sleep aid and at 11 pm (not 1-3 AM) in over two years! I felt in kicking in within 30 mins. The anxiety disappeared. So did the afternoon fatigue. For me, GABA was a godsend!
But after two weeks, the anxiety started coming back slowly. Then, it got worse and I wasn't sleeping as well. In about three months, the insomnia returned with worse anxiety. My doctor told me to add B2, magnesium, and Omega 3 oils. This seems to have helped - for now.
I wonder if, as one person said above, if my body just hasn't become tolerant to GABA. It wouldn't be too surprising since alcohol and benzo tolerance is related to GABA receptors, etc. My doct told me to take it 3x a day. I'm cutting it down to twice then maybe once a day. I'm also not drinking alcohol since I read that can interfere with GABA being used properly.
I'm scared. I was hoping GABA was my cure. Western medicine can't diagnose or treat adrenal fatigue so my options are limited to what integrative med can do!
After more research, I discovered that what I thought was GABA (blend called 'Kavanace' prescribed by my doctor) that worked so well was in fact 'phenobut' short for a GABA antagonist (works like GABA) that crosses the blood-brain barrier. When I switched to regular GABA my symptoms reappeared.
So, if GABA isn't working for you, you should try 'phenobut'. I guarantee it works great!!
Dr. S
I think the best move would be taking a supplement with a precursor molecule, like glutamine, glutamate, or alpha-ketoglutarate. This way, the brain has the available molecule to synthesize GABA, and can make and store it in the cell for use as needed.
Even if 100% of the GABA supplement enters the brain, it won't be very useful. Overloading the brain with a neurotransmitter may be a short term solution, but in the long run this isn't doing anything to help the problem.
I only had 3 samples so I have now run out, but I bought the amino acid L-glutamine, which produces Gaba in your brain. I got it for my son, who is hyperactive, and for myself. So I'm going to try that.
I'll probably buy the Gaba anyway. It helped me more than Zanax or Ativan.
Placebo or not, I don't care. I've tried EVERYTHING to get to sleep, including bigpharma (which I hate taking) and GABA is the best!
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz :)
Kind of like a glass of wine feeling. Seems to help epilepsy in patient with right temporal lobe sclerosis. A 500 mg taurine capsule helps a lot for seizures. Glutamine capsule a day helps. Accidents cause muscle spasms, spasms deplete GABA. When gaba is depleted on the GABA neuron brain receptors, the brain crashes.(Seizures) A good book is GABA the Anti-anxiety Amino Acid by Billie Sahley PHD and her associate PHD. Available from the stressandpaincenter.com in San Antonio Texas.
The drug companies call GABA receptors the Benzo receptors for drugs like ativan and valium etc. They ain't Benzo receptors-they are GABA receptors. Don't fall for their BS. Benzos stick to them but so do all kinds of drugs and alcohol. That don't mean they belong where the GABA belongs for crying out loud !
If you have trouble sleeping or have anxiety it may be best to take a course of Valium (Valium.ca is the approved online outlet serving USA and Europe). In addition, educate yourself via schooled information and not well meant random comments which seem to be conclusive in a majority rule scenario.
Alternatively, valium and a good book such a 'Way of the Peaceful Warrior' (simply put a personal favourite that educates you on how 'you' are likely creating your own anxiety amongst other mental afflictions).
Please also be mindfull that GABA is now being banned in most countries along with many previously called food derivatives due to their potential for dangerous il-considered outcomes. This is where you should research prior to speaking with your GP for assistance with the best clinically proven treatement.
Dr.T
Look up and ask any and every question till you feel comfortable, but if you think it may help I suggest giving it a shot.
FYI: I have heard curcumin is very helpful in releaving some symptoms of alzheimers disease. In india they cook with it reglarly and have extremely low cases of alzheimers disease.
You are right, "big pharma" does lots of clinical studies before determining drugs are safe. Vioxx comes to mind as does Viagra. Nobody ever died from taking those huh?
I'd certainly take a supplement over a pharmaceutical drug any day! I don't need a scientific study to tell me how many people choose a natural supplement over a drug because the supplement did the job better with less side effects.
Clinical studies aside. Statistically, you've got all the evidence you need!
Why do u think the 'Big Pharma' are getting Gaba banned, they dont like easily produced medicine as its less money in there pockets, and also above that less control over the population on a whole.
REALLY??? know why I'm desperately looking for a relief to my anxiety/panic attacks? because I was on the Depo Provera injection for 2 years and this POISON - approved by the FDA and pushed by all the obgyns - totally ruined my life!!!!!!!!!! IAs well as the life of thousands of other women!!! It's been 4 years since I decided to stop the shot despite my doctor telling me "it had nothing to do with my symptoms" (of course, lawsuit!!!), and I'm still plagued with horrible fears, anxiety and panic attacks, hypoglycemia. I can not do anything anymore, I'm now the scared ghost of the happy and ongoing person I've been for 44 years!!! I saw dozens of doctors who only tried to shove antidepressants and benzos down my throat, not even attempting to possibly think it could be an hormonal imbalance caused by the synthetic progestin in the injection. NOT ONE of the side effects experienced by thousands of us is listed by the pharmaceutical company. NOT ONE!!! Do you mean to tell me that thousands of women who have been on the same "medication" have all the same symptoms because they're all genetically insane???? Please...... Drugs are scientifically, phisiologically and biologicallt tested for at least 10 years?? mmhh......REALLY???
Basically when you trick your brain into seeing all the extra Gaba it will send a signal to quit producing so much...just like with alcohol. Then when you quit the supplement you don't have enough Gaba present and will suffeer the classic alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
To the guy taking 2-3 grams a night...I highly recommend tapering off that amount ASAP. You could very well have delerium tremors if you are taking that amount on a regular basis. The number one neurtransmitter system that is effected by alcohol is Gaba. here's a silly little video that shows how alcohol effects Gaba transmission.
http://www.neurogenesis.com/Neuroscience/alcohol-addictions.php
If you are going to supplement for sleep I'd take the advice of the poster that said to take breaks. Use Gaba one night, Tryptophan another night, melatonin another night...BUT DON'T forget to have nights were you fall asleep naturally.
I have Ph.D. Medicinal Chemistry if that adds any merit to what I say what-so-ever.
Cheers
Bobbi
For people who are looking for something to help insomnia, I recommend Valerian Root. I've tried Melatonin and a number of other things, and nothing has ever helped me except Valerian (1000-2000mg a night). GABA for daytime anxiety and Valerian for insomnia seems to be the perfect combination for me.
I noticed your comment (#58) about GABA stopping your seizures. I would love to email you and ask a few questions about this. My son has epilepsy and his medication sodium valproate supposedly works by increasing GABA so I have just ordered some PharmaGaba and Suntheanine for him to try. My email address is aseymour@tpg.com.au if you read this and are willing to email me so I can get more details from you.
Anne
I feel so full of energy - it is great - no depression or panic attacks- GLAD TO BE OFF THE BENZO's :)