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GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid): Overview
Non-essential amino acid. Necessary for brain metabolism - truly a "brain food". Assists niacinamide and inositol in preventing anxiety; works in the body much like a natural tranquilizer. Used to treat epilepsy, hypertension, Attention Deficit Disorder and impotence.
GABA, or Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid, is a non-protein amino acid, that functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Source
GABA can be synthesized by the human body from the two amino acids precursors, glutamate and succinate, both of which are generated via an intact kreb cycle. Function
GABA inhibits the transmission of neuronal signals by increasing the permeability of the nerve axon to chloride ions, which in turn causes the cell to become hyperpolarized (excessive negative charge) requiring a greater impulse to generate the action potential. Essentially this means that the nerve is less likely to fire unless given a stronger nerve impulse, thus inhibiting the nerve. This activity has made GABA supplements one of the more useful substances for nerve-induced muscle spasms, Myofacial Pain Syndrome, trigger point pain, fibromyalgia, and some menstrual cramping. The Merck index lists GABA as an anti-hypertensive. The pharmaceutical agent known as baclofen (used as a muscle relaxant/anti-spastic agent) is a structural analog of GABA.
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GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) can help with the following: | | | | | Mental |  Anxiety | GABA has a powerful calming effect on the brain. Tranquilizers like Valium and Librium work by stimulating the brain's receptors for GABA. |
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KEY | | Likely to help |
GLOSSARY
Amino Acid (Amino Acids)
An organic acid containing nitrogen chemical building blocks that aid in the production of protein in the body. Eight of the twenty-two known amino acids are considered "essential," and must be obtained from dietary sources because the body can not synthesize them.
Anxiety
Apprehension of danger, or dread, accompanied by nervous restlessness, tension, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath unrelated to a clearly identifiable stimulus.
Axon
An extended process of a neuron that conducts impulses traveling away from the cell body.
Cramp (Cramping, Cramps)
A sudden, involuntary, painful muscular contraction.
Epilepsy
Chronic brain disorder associated with some seizures and, typically, alteration of consciousness.
Fibromyalgia (FMS)
Originally named fibrositis, it is a mysteriously debilitating syndrome that attacks women more often than men. It is not physically damaging to the body in any way, but is characterized by the constant presence of widespread pain that often moves about the body. Fibromyalgia can be so severe that it is often incapacitating.
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
An amino acid derivative that is a calming substance. Tranquilizers such as valium and Librium owe their soothing effects to the fact that they stimulate GABA receptors in the brain.
Hypertension
High blood pressure. Hypertension increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure because it adds to the workload of the heart, causing it to enlarge and, over time, to weaken; in addition, it may damage the walls of the arteries.
Inositol
Usually considered part of the vitamin B complex. It is thought that along with choline, inositol is necessary for the formation of lecithin within the body. Involved in calcium mobilization.
Menstruation (Menses, Menstrual, Menstrual Cycle, Menstrual Cycles, Menstrual Flow, Menstrual Phase, Monthly Cycle)
The periodic discharge of blood, tissue fluid and mucus from the endometrium (lining of the uterus) that usually lasts from 3 - 5 days. It is caused by a sudden reduction in estrogens and progesterone.
Metabolism (Metabolic, Metabolize, Metabolizes, Metabolizing)
The chemical processes of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds. Also defined as the sum total of changes in an organism in order to achieve a balance (homeostasis): Catabolic burns up, anabolic stores and builds up; the sum of their work is metabolism.
Neurotransmitters (Neurotransmitter)
Chemicals in the brain that aid in the transmission of nerve impulses. Various Neurotransmitters are responsible for different functions including controlling mood and muscle movement and inhibiting or causing the sensation of pain.
Niacin (B3, B-3, Niacinamide, Vitamin B3)
A coenzyme B-complex vitamin that assists in the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Essential for the health of the skin, nerves, tongue and digestive system. It is found in every cell of the body and is necessary for energy production. Niacin is also needed for DNA formation.
Syndrome
A medical condition characterized by a collection of related symptoms (what the patient feels) and signs (what a doctor can observe or measure).
Last updated: Aug 30, 2010
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