Have You Heard the Gab About GABA?

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
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