GABA (Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid)

What does it do?

GABA is a natural calming and anti-epileptic agent in the brain that is manufactured from the amino acid glutamine and glucose.

Since GABA does not cross the blood-brain barrier very well (i.e., it cannot be transported efficiently into the brain from the bloodstream), virtually all of the GABA found in the brain is manufactured there.1 For that reason, supplemental GABA would not be expected to increase levels of GABA in the brain. Two doctors have reported that GABA is beneficial in the treatment of a variety of brain disorders, including epilepsy and schizophrenia.2 However, those reports have not been substantiated with clinical trials. High intake of GABA was shown to produce a significant increase in plasma growth-hormone levels (single administration of 5,000 mg) and prolactin (daily administration of 18,000 mg for four days) in one human study3 but the clinical significance of these observations is not clear.

Where is it found?

GABA is found as a nutritional supplement, primarily in capsules and tablets.

Who is likely to be deficient?

Some people with anxiety, panic disorders, and depression may not manufacture sufficient levels of GABA.

How much is usually taken?

Some doctors recommend GABA in the amount of 200 mg four times daily.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

The safety of GABA supplementation has not been demonstrated in human trials.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with GABA.

References

1. Waagepetersen HS, Sonnewald U, Schousboe A. The GABA paradox: multiple roles as metabolite, neurotransmitter, and neurodifferentiative agent. J Neurochem 1999;73:1335-42.

2. Braverman E, Pfieffer C. The Healing Nutrients Within. In Facts, Findings and New Research on Amino Acids. New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, 1987.

3. Cavagnini F, Invitti C, Pinto M. Effect of acute and repeated administration of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) on growth hormone and prolactin secretion in man. Acta Endocrinol 1980;93:149-54.