| GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid) It is actually classified as a neurotransmitter, which means it helps nerve impulses cross the synapses (gaps) and communicate better. GABA has a great number of positive effects on the nervous system. It is essential for brain metabolism, aiding in proper brain function. GABA is formed in the body from another amino acid, glutamic acid. Its function 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. GABA does not easily pass through the blood-brain barrier, which has important clinical implications. Although GABA supplementation is used widely for a calming, sedative effect, there is mixed data indicating that GABA taken orally has much clinical effect. Glutamine, a precursor of GABA, readily passes through the blood-brain barrier and is, therefore, a better supplement to take to increase brain levels of GABA, since Glutamine, once it is in the brain, converts into GABA. The question of GABA's clinical usefulness may be a function of its dosage. That is, it appears that only mega doses of GABA have clinical effects. Main Functions: • One of the two main inhibitory neurotransmitters, the other being Glycine. • Benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Librium, activate GABA neurons. • GABA activity found in glands controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, namely: pancreas and thymus. • Mega-doses may be helpful in treating seizure disorders. • It is good for depressed sex drive because of its ability as a relaxant. • It is also useful for enlarged prostate, probably because it plays a role in the mechanism regulating the release of sex hormones. • GABA is effective in treating attention deficit disorder and may reduce cravings for alcohol. • It is also thought to promote growth hormone secretion. • GABA may also be effective in treating PMS in women. GABA Deficiency: • Deficiency symptoms of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) may cause panic attacks, since an intake of tranquilizers can increase the level of GABA in the body. • A deficiency of GABA has also been linked to depression. • Seizure disorders GABA Excess Seen In: • Anxiety • Acute mania • Liver (hepatic) encephalopathy • Cirrhosis Rich Food Sources of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Food sources of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) are fish (especially mackerel) and wheat bran. Caution Too much GABA, however, can cause increased anxiety, shortness of breath, numbness around the mouth, and tingling in the extremities. Further, abnormal levels of GABA unbalance the brain's message-delivery system and may cause seizures. |