Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
( GABA )

The glutamate derived amino acid compound gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) main role is to function as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. This compound is vital for proper brain functioning and is essential in the metabolic processes in the brain. Glutamic acid or glutamate is the precursor of GABA, and this compound is formed in the body itself. One of the main roles of GABA is to decrease the activity of neurons and to inhibit the sudden firing of nerve cells. GABA works alongside niacin-amide and inositol, and stops the anxiety and stress messages from getting into the motor centers of the brain by receptor site inhibition - GABA thus serves to calm things down in the human brain.

Comparable to relaxants and sedatives like diazepam - marketed as Valium, or even chlordiazepoxide - marketed as Librium, and all other classes of tranquilizers, GABA can be supplemented without the fear of addiction for patients affected by stress or anxiety related disorders. The treatment of disorders such as epilepsy and high blood pressure has also been successfully conducted via the use of GABA supplements. GABA supplements have also been used to stimulate a depressed sex drive due to its strong relaxant effects on the brain. As GABA also probably plays a role in the physiological mechanism regulating the release of sex hormones, it may be really effective in the treatment of an enlarged prostate gland in men affected by the disorder. Attention deficit disorder has also been successfully treated using GABA.

Usual dosage

GABA supplements are recommended by certain doctors at a dosage regimen of 200 mg taken four times every day during the supplemental period.

Side effects and cautions

Anxiety and stress can actually be increased by taking excessive amounts of GABA over a long period of time. Very high doses of GABA can sometimes cause shortness of breath and very shallow breathing in the affected individual. GABA taken in very large doses can induce tingling in the extremities and a sensation of numbness in and around the mouth of the person using the supplement.