Have You Heard the Gab About GABA?

Q: Why do people call it GABA? 

A: Because it’s easier than saying gamma-aminobutyric acid. 

Seriously, try saying it out loud. You’ll call it GABA from then on. 

While its name is a lot to handle, it’s important to get a handle on why GABA is such an important neurotransmitter. Let’s start by going over what exactly a neurotransmitter is.

An Essential Neurotransmitter

Neurotransmitters are specialized cells that influence mental health and ensure that neurons can communicate with each other so the brain can perform a variety of important tasks.¹ GABA is one of those specialized neurotransmitters that is widely abundant in the brain and spinal cord that plays a key role in balancing the calming effects of the central nervous system.²

The Calming Powers of GABA

GABA is most known for its ability to instill a state of relaxation. For example, a 2019 study involving university students found that a GABA-fortified tea helped students feel more relaxed.³ According to the Cleveland Clinic, because GABA helps slow down certain brain functions and nerve cell hyperactivity it can also help reduce stress, relieve anxiety, and help support sound sleep.⁴

Research shows that GABA levels influence sleep quantity and quality.⁵ According to a 2020 review of 14 studies, GABA was found to not only help support stress management but also sound sleep.⁶ New research also indicates that GABA can influence the gut-brain axis, which could explain its positive brain-supporting effects.⁷

Supplement with GABA

Some fermented foods contain GABA, but it’s only found in trace amounts in other foods so it can be difficult to get enough GABA from diet alone.⁸ That’s why taking a GABA supplement to support brain function may make sense. 

GABA is a significant neurotransmitter that can help with sleep, relaxation, and occasional stress support. So if you’re looking for extra balanced brain support, consider taking a supplement with GABA daily. 

References

1. Sheffler ZM, Reddy V, Pillarsetty LS. Physiology, neurotransmitters. StatPearls. 2023;May 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539894/?report=reader#_NBK539894_pubdet_
2. Almutairi S, Sivadas A, Kwakowsky A. The effect of oral GABA on the nervous system: potential for therapeutic interventions. Nutraceuticals. 2024;4(2):241-259. https://www.mdpi.com/1661-3821/4/2/15
3. Hinton T, Jelinek HR, Vengkhou V. Effect of GABA-fortified oolong tea on reducing stress in a university student cohort. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2019;6. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2019.00027/full
4. Cleveland Clinic. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). 2022;April 25. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22857-gamma-aminobutyric-acid-gaba
5. Varinthra P, Anwar S, Shih S, Liu I. the role of GABAergic system on insomnia. Tzu Chi Medical Journal. 2024;36(2):103-109. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11025592/
6. Hepsomali P, Groeger JA, Nishihira J, Scholey A. Effects of oral gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA administration on stress and sleep in humans: a systematic review. Front Neurosci. 2020;14:923. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7527439/
7. Braga JD, Thongngam M, Kumrungsee T. Gamma-aminobutyric acid as a potential postbiotic mediator in the gut-brain axis. NJP Science of Food. 2024;16. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41538-024-00253-2
8. Nall R. What do know about GABA. Medical News Today. 2024;Jul 26. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326847