Gaba

Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) is a non-essential amino acid. “Non-essential” doe not mean we do not need it for good health, but rather that the body can produce it without having to ingest it as part of the diet. Glutamic Acid forms GABA using Vitamin B6 as a catalyst.

GABA is also a neurotransmitter. For proper health the brain needs a balance between neurotransmitters that excite nerve transmissions and those that calm the transmissions. GABA is the primary neurotransmitter responsible for calming or inhibiting transmissions from cell to cell. In this role it prevents stress or anxiety-related messages from reaching the brain.

Since GABA facilitates relaxation and sleep, a drop off in levels can result in insomnia, anxiety, and irritability. Low levels have also been linked to depression. In fact, GABA is a central element in determining how the nervous system responds to stressful situations. GABA supplementation may lead to less anxiety and nervous tension.

GABA also helps stimulate the anterior pituitary gland. This gland is responsible for the production of human growth hormone (HGH). In the body HGH contributes significantly to muscle growth and inhibition of fat cells. Individuals taking GABA tended to lose excess body fat during studies. HGH depletion is common after 40 and may contribute to sleep problems. Taking GABA resulted in improved sleep cycles in clinical studies.