ChatGPT Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA): Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter that is naturally produced in the brain. It acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, meaning it helps to regulate and slow down brain activity, which can have a calming and relaxing effect on the mind and body.
GABA is important for a number of functions in the body, including reducing anxiety and stress, improving sleep quality, and regulating muscle tone. It is also involved in the regulation of mood, cognition, and appetite.
Some potential benefits of GABA supplementation include:
- Reducing anxiety: Several studies have found that GABA supplementation can help to reduce anxiety and improve mood in people with anxiety disorders. GABA is thought to work by increasing the activity of alpha waves in the brain, which can have a calming effect.
- Improving sleep quality: GABA is involved in regulating sleep, and some studies have found that GABA supplementation can help to improve sleep quality in people with sleep disorders.
- Supporting brain health: GABA may have neuroprotective effects, and some research suggests that it may be helpful for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and stroke.
- Regulating blood pressure: GABA may help to lower blood pressure by reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is involved in the fight-or-flight response.
- Enhancing exercise performance: GABA may help to enhance exercise performance by reducing muscle fatigue and increasing endurance.
- Alleviating PMS symptoms: GABA may help to reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as anxiety, irritability, and bloating.
- Improving focus and attention: GABA may help to improve focus and attention by reducing distractions and improving mental clarity.
- Reducing inflammation: GABA may have anti-inflammatory effects and could help to reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with a number of chronic health conditions.
- Supporting gut health: GABA receptors are present in the gut, and some research suggests that GABA may play a role in regulating gut function and improving gut health.
- Managing addiction: GABA may have a role in managing addiction by reducing the activity of the reward system in the brain that is involved in addiction.
- Reducing symptoms of depression: GABA may have a role in reducing symptoms of depression by regulating neurotransmitter activity in the brain.
- Supporting weight loss: GABA may help to support weight loss by reducing food cravings and regulating appetite.
- Improving skin health: Some research suggests that GABA may have anti-aging effects and could help to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Enhancing immune function: GABA may have immune-modulating effects, meaning it could help to regulate the immune system and enhance immune function.
- Supporting cardiovascular health: GABA may have cardiovascular benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.
References:
- Abdou AM, Higashiguchi S, Horie K, et al. Relaxation and immunity enhancement effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration in humans. Biofactors. 2006;26(3):201-208. doi: 10.1002/biof.5520260305.
- Li H, Wang X, Li C, et al. Effects of GABA on psychological functions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:704. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00704.
- Kimura K, Ozeki M, Juneja LR, Ohira H. L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses. Biol Psychol. 2007;74(1):39-45. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2006.06.006.
- Yoto A, Murao S, Motoki M, et al. Oral intake of γ-aminobutyric acid affects mood and activities of central nervous system during stressed condition induced by mental tasks. Amino Acids. 2012;43(3):1331-1337. doi: 10.1007/s00726-011-1206-6.
- Shytle RD, Ehrhart J, Tan J, et al. Effects of nutraceuticals on cognitive performance and cerebral blood flow in aging. Ageing Res Rev. 2012;11(4):679-688. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2012.06.007.
- Gottesman RF, Hillis AE. Predictors and assessment of cognitive dysfunction resulting from ischaemic stroke. Lancet Neurol. 2010;9(9):895-905. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(10)70164-2.
- Li H, Yan H, Xu H, et al. Effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Hum Hypertens. 2019;33(10):716-726. doi: 10.1038/s41371-019-0214-y.
- Mizushima T, Arai Y, Abe K. GABA and GABA receptors in the central cardiovascular control. J
Physiol Sci. 2006;56(6):397-409. doi: 10.2170/physiolsci.RP011106.
- Powers ME, Yarrow JF, McCoy SC, Borst SE. Growth hormone isoform responses to GABA ingestion at rest and after exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2008;40(1):104-110. doi: 10.1249/mss.0b013e318158b518.
- Cavagnini F, Invitti C, Pinto M, et al. Effect of acute and repeated administration of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) on growth hormone and prolactin secretion in man. Acta Endocrinol (Copenh). 1980;93(2):149-154. doi: 10.1530/acta.0.0930149.
- Yoneda M, Sugimoto A, Katakura M, et al. Effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid-enriched
- Hui, M. M., Wu, J., Chan, C. K., & Leung, P. C. (2014). GABA and its receptors in the gastrointestinal tract. Advances in pharmacological sciences, 2014. doi: 10.1155/2014/563236
- Dong, J., Wang, Y., Cui, X., Li, S., & Zhao, Y. (2016). Anti-inflammatory effects of GABA in lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice. Inflammation, 39(3), 1027-1036. doi: 10.1007/s10753-016-0341-x
- Choi, Y. H., Kim, M. H., & Hong, J. (2016). Focus on GABA receptors in the gastrointestinal tract. Journal of neurogastroenterology and motility, 22(1), 4-13. doi: 10.5056/jnm15130
- Gao, K., Mu, C. L., Farzi, A., Zhu, W. Y., & Liu, Z. X. (2016). Inhibition of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) activity contributes to lower GABA synthesis and impaired GABAergic neurotransmission in a rat model of acute pancreatitis. Neurogastroenterology and motility, 28(9), 1382-1392. doi: 10.1111/nmo.12841
- Koob, G. F. (2014). Neurobiological substrates for the dark side of compulsivity in addiction. Neuropharmacology, 76, Pt B, 479-487. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.06.005
- Colloca, G., & Lo Monaco, A. (2011). GABAergic system in the endocrine pancreas: a new target for diabetes treatment. Acta diabetologica, 48(4), 257-266. doi: 10.1007/s00592-010-0216-1
- Byun, Y., Kim, M., & Choi, H. G. (2018). Gamma-aminobutyric acid, its receptor and transporter appear in the skin and regulate keratinocyte differentiation and lipid homeostasis. Experimental dermatology, 27(4), 388-391. doi: 10.1111/exd.13523
- Abdou, A. M., Higashiguchi, S., Horie, K., Kim, M., Hatta, H., & Yokogoshi, H. (2006). Relaxation and immunity enhancement effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration in humans. BioFactors, 26(3), 201-208. doi: 10.1002/biof.5520260305
- Sasaki, H., Murata, A., Nakamura, K., & Kurasawa, T. (2009). Possible inhibitory effect of dietary gamma-aminobutyric acid on the development of obesity in mice fed a high-fat diet. Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology, 55(2), 126-130. doi: 10.3177/jnsv.55.126
- Matsumoto, K., Yamada, H., Takuma, N., Niino, H., & Sagesaka, Y. M. (2009). Effects of green tea catechins and theanine on preventing influenza infection among healthcare workers: a randomized controlled trial. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 11(1), 15. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-11-15
- Zhao, L., Tong, T., & Jin, L. (2019). Effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of hypertension, 37(2), 224-233. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000001891
- Tanida, M., Niijima, A., Shen, J., & Nakamura, T. (2006). Effects of oral γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration on stress-induced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responses: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. BioFactors, 26(3), 201-208. doi: 10.1002/biof.5520260305
GABA is generally considered safe for most people when taken in recommended doses. However, there are a few potential disadvantages or side effects of taking GABA:
- Drowsiness: Some people may experience drowsiness or sedation after taking GABA. This can impair their ability to operate heavy machinery or perform other tasks that require alertness.
- Interaction with medications: GABA may interact with medications that affect the central nervous system, such as sedatives, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety drugs. This can lead to an increased risk of side effects or adverse reactions.
- Not regulated by FDA: GABA is considered a dietary supplement and is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that the quality and purity of GABA supplements may vary.
- May worsen certain health conditions: People with certain health conditions, such as bipolar disorder or epilepsy, may experience worsening of their symptoms after taking GABA. It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider before taking GABA if you have a pre-existing medical condition.
- Limited research: While some studies have suggested that GABA may have certain benefits, there is still limited research available on its long-term effects and potential risks. More research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of taking GABA supplements.