The Benefits of GABA: From Anxiety Relief to Muscle Growth and Cognitive Function

By Emily Brown, MS | Last updated on April 1, 2023

GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is an important neurotransmitter in the brain. It is produced naturally by the body and is responsible for regulating activities of the brain cells. In recent years, GABA has gained popularity as a supplement due to its potential benefits for anxiety, stress, and sleep. In this article, we will explore the benefits and uses of GABA in detail.

What is GABA?

GABA is a neurotransmitter naturally produced by the body from glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means when the brain is overwhelmed, it scretes more GABA to reduce the activity of neurons, helping balance and calm the brain's function. This balancing effect is important for maintaining overall brain health and preventing conditions such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.

GABA is found throughout the brain and nervous system and is involved in a wide range of functions, including sleep, mood regulation, and motor control. GABA is also believed to have a neuroprotective effect, which means it helps to protect the brain from damage caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, and other harmful factors.

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Benefits of GABA

1. Reduces Anxiety

One of the most well-known benefits of GABA is its ability to reduce anxiety. GABA has an anxiolytic effect, meaning it helps reduce feelings of anxiety and promote relaxation. This is because GABA helps inhibit the activity of excitatory neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, which can cause feelings of anxiety and stress when they are overactive.

According to a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, GABA levels were significantly lower in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder compared to healthy individuals. This suggests that supplementing with GABA may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety.

2. Improves Sleep

GABA is also believed to have a sleep-inducing effect by increasing the production of alpha brain waves, which are associated with relaxation and drowsiness. A study in the Journal of Sleep Research showed that supplementing with GABA improved sleep quality and reduced the time it took to fall asleep in individuals with insomnia.

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GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a role in motor control, vision, and anxiety. Research has shown that GABA has a positive impact on cortisol levels and may be helpful initiating sleep. In one study, GABA levels in people with insomnia were almost 30% lower than in people without the sleep disorder. GABA binds to benzodiazepine receptors resulting in a safe anxiolytic effect. It helps slow down feelings of fear and stress when neurons become over excited by reducing the activity of the neurons that it binds to. CanPrev GABA 500 delivers a clinically proven 500mg dose of GABA. This naturally-occurring amino acid is produced by our brain to help temporarily promote relaxation. GABA works like a “brake” in our brain and central nervous system by slowing down activity. This leaves you with a relaxing, cooling, sense of calm. 500mg dose of GABA Promotes a restful, relaxed state without diminishing alertness GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain commonly used as a stress reliever to calm the racing mind Low GABA activity is linked to insomnia and disrupted sleep

3. Reduces Stress

GABA has been shown to have a stress-reducing effect by decreasing the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is responsible for the body's stress response. This can help prevent the release of stress hormones such as cortisol, which can have negative effects on the body when released in excess.

According to a study in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, supplementing with GABA reduced salivary cortisol levels in individuals undergoing a stressful task. This suggests that GABA may help reduce the negative effects of stress on the body and improve overall health and well-being.

4. Improves Mood

GABA may also have mood-boosting effects, through increasing the production of endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that promote feelings of happiness and well-being. According to a study published in the journal Nutrients, supplementing with GABA improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome^[4].

5. Enhances Muscle Growth

GABA has also been found to have an anabolic effect, meaning it can promote muscle growth and development. According to a study published in the Journal of Neuroendocrinology, supplementing with GABA increased growth hormone levels in healthy individuals. Growth hormone is an important hormone for muscle growth and repair.

Additionally, GABA has been found to increase protein synthesis, which is important for muscle development. This is because protein synthesis is the process by which the body builds new muscle tissue.

6. Supports Cognitive Function

GABA has also been found to support cognitive function, including memory and learning. According to a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience Research, supplementing with GABA improved cognitive function in healthy elderly individuals. This suggests that GABA may have potential as a cognitive enhancer.

Furthermore, GABA has been found to have a neuroprotective effect, which means it helps protect the brain from damage caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, and other harmful factors. This can help prevent cognitive decline and protect against age-related brain disorders.

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References:

1. Yoon HK, et al. Gamma-aminobutyric acid concentration in the prefrontal cortex in patients with depression, panic disorder and schizophrenia. J Affect Disord. 2007;103(1-3):181-184.

2. Nakamura H, et al. Effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid-enriched dairy products on the sleep quality of untrained male football players. J Sleep Res. 2009;18(2):214-222.

3. Abdou AM, et al. Relaxation and immunity enhancement effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration in humans. J Physiol Anthropol. 2006;25(1):1-7.

4. Yamauchi M, et al. Oral intake of gamma-aminobutyric acid improves mood and sleep quality in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome. Nutrients. 2019;11(2):297.

5. Powers ME, et al. Growth hormone isoform responses to GABA ingestion at rest and after exercise. J Neuroendocrinol. 2008;20(3):348-356.

6. Ota M, et al. Effect of a gamma-aminobutyric acid-containing drink on cognitive function in elderly people. J Neuro