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GABA

GABA is the 'downer' neurotransmitter that counters glutamate (upper), as the two mediate brain activation in a Ying:Yang manner. Highly important in the brain, oral ingestion of GABA is complex due to its difficulty in crossing the blood brain barrier.

Our evidence-based analysis on gaba features 12 unique references to scientific papers.

Kamal Patel
Research analysis led by .
Reviewed by
Examine.com Team
Last Updated:
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Summary of GABA

Primary information, health benefits, side effects, usage, and other important details

GABA is the most potent depressive neuroamine in human brains. It regulates many of the depressive and sedative actions in brain tissue and is critical for relaxation.

GABA is a highly regulated compound in vivo (in living), and is able to balance itself out in body tissues due to a myriad of factors.

Due to these regulation factors, GABA as a supplement does not exert many depressive effects on its own. The human body is too adept at regulation, and orally ingested GABA cannot alter human physiology to much of a degree.

GABA, however, is a target for many other compounds that can act vicariously (in a multitude of ways) to increase GABA levels, which ultimately causes depressive effects.

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How to Take

Medical Disclaimer

Recommended dosage, active amounts, other details

Supplemental GABA has been used in humans (for the purpose of enhancing growth hormone metabolism) in the dosage range of 3,000-5,000mg GABA. It is unsure if this is the optimal dosage.

Things to Note

Is a Form Of

Other Functions:

Primary Function:

Also Known As

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

Goes Well With

  • Nitric Oxide increasing agents

Caution Notice

GABA is a chief neurotransmitter in the brain and may adversely react with any neurally active prescription medication or anti-depressants.

GABA is a depressive neurotransmitter, but supplementation with GABA does not seem to exert depressive effects unless overdosed to an inadvisable level.

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Research Breakdown on GABA

1Overview

2GABA Regulation

3GABA and the Blood Brain Barrier

4GABA and Growth Hormone
Click here to see all 12 references.

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This page is regularly updated, to include the most recently available clinical trial evidence.

Each member of our research team is required to have no conflicts of interest, including with supplement manufacturers, food companies, and industry funders. The team includes nutrition researchers, registered dietitians, physicians, and pharmacists. We have a strict editorial process.

This page features 12 references. All factual claims are followed by specifically-applicable references. Click here to see the full set of research information and references for GABA.

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