GABA is a non-essential amino acid which is closely related to glutamine and glutamic acid. It is also a relaxing neurotransmitter and counteracts the impulse activity of the nervous cells becoming too high. GABA is produced in the brain from glutamate and sugar. It is not regarded as very good at crossing the blood-brain barrier.
Doses up to 3 g. a day effectively for hypertension. Half of a group of diabetics who took GABA noticed a significant decrease in their blood sugar level. In about half of a small group of patients with paralysis, speech impediments, and amnesia after a cerebral haemorrhage, GABA had a beneficial effect.
Half of a large group of epileptics who were given GABA supplements along with vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) experienced an improvement of their condition. Several other clinical tests confirm these results and show a reduction of the number of seizures and their severity.
It has a calming effect on the nervous system and relieves enlargement of the prostate. This condition can have other causes, íncluding zinc deficiency.
In some cases, GABA has shown to have an effect on cancer, especially experimental sarcoma, but further research is needed in order to evaluate these possibilities.
Therapeutic dosage
The dose should be slowly increased over a couple of weeks and should altogether not exceed 3 g. a day. Start out with low doses. To be taken between meals.
Caution!
In some people, the tolerance towards GABA can be limited.
GABA supplements enhance the effect of benzodiazepines and alcohol.
Symptoms of overdosing can appear in the form of nausea, elevated puls and blood pressure, a buzzing sensation in the body, and in some cases even anxiety attacks.
Also see "Amino acids in general" and "Amino acid complexes - Protein supplements"..
