Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers found throughout the central nervous and multiple organ systems. They help drive vital functions and one of their most important roles is in regulating mood. Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), is the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its signals protect against overstimulation or excitement of the brain, creating a calming effect which is important for mood, sleep, chronic stress, and brain function. GABA is a natural remedy for improving and maintaining optimal mental health.

The neurotransmitter GABA has been studied for its effects in individuals experiencing chronic worry and insomnia as a result of not being able to “turn off” their thoughts at night (also known as “monkey mind.”) It is effective in reducing stress and anxiety, and has been shown to help with falling asleep faster. It affects the brain directly by increasing brain waves associated with relaxation (alpha -waves) and reducing brain waves associated with worry and stress (beta waves).

AOR Advantage

GABA is a natural neurotransmitter which is present in the body and which offers a safe alternative to anxiety disorder medications. Anti-anxiety drugs such as benzodiazepines can become addictive, a risk that is non-existent with GABA supplementation.  AOR’s GABA™ provides 600 mg pharmaceutical grade gamma aminobutyric acid, which has a purity of over 99%.

Stress, Relaxation and Anxiety Relief

Study #1: Oral GABA supplementation on brain wave alterations and stress related immunosuppression

This two-part human clinical study aimed to demonstrate the change in brain waves from anxious beta waves to more relaxed and alert alpha waves after supplementation with GABA in 13 healthy subjects (21-35 yo.) The second portion of the study examined the impact on acute stress induced immune suppression in 8 healthy volunteers.

The first part of the study used EEG recording of volunteers 0, 30, and 60 min after administration of 200 mL distilled water only, 200 mL distilled water + Pharma GABA (100 mg GABA from natural fermentation), or 200 mL distilled water + 200 mg L-theanine. Each administration was supported by a seven day washout period. The GABA treatment showed the most significant increase in alpha waves (and concurrent decrease in beta waves). L-theanine group also showed an increase in alpha waves though not as much as the GABA group alone.

A second small study nested within this paper tested the impact of GABA intake on salivary IgA levels (as a marker of immunity) of eight “stressed participants” (i.e., Acrophobic subjects were required to cross a suspension bridge). The salivary IgA was tested before crossing, in the middle of the bridge and at the end of the bridge in both placebo and GABA treated groups. The GABA treated group demonstrated increases in the salivary IgA levels for the middle and end testing points as compared to placebo. However, the very small sample size merely suggests a correlation with GABA preventing stress related immunosuppression.

Abdou AM, Higashiguchi S, Horie K, Kim M, Hatta H, Yokogoshi H. Relaxation and immunity enhancement effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration in humans. Biofactors. 2006;26(3):201-208. doi:10.1002/biof.5520260305 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16971751/

Study #2: GABA supplementation on acute brain wave activity and mood states

A randomized, single blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study from 2012, investigated impacts of GABA supplementation in 63 healthy subjects with three primary endpoints: brain wave patterns (using EEG), assessment of mental state (using Profile of Mood Scale, and Visual Analogue Scale) during and following stressful events. Participants were randomised into the treatment group received 100 mg of GABA, and the placebo group received dextrin capsules. Both groups were then subjected to three sessions of a two-part stress loading tasks, a ten-minute arithmetic mental task and a five minute auditory oddball target detection task. Subjective assessments using the validated tools mentioned above resulted in a decrease in scores (indicating higher experienced stress) for both groups from baseline to post administration, however the GABA treated group demonstrated a smaller decrease than the placebo group- indicating increased stress resilience. The EEG measurements at 0, 30, and 60 min showed less pronounced decrease in alpha waves 30 minutes post-administration in the GABA treated group compared with placebo group.

Yoto A, Murao S, Motoki M, et al. Oral intake of γ-aminobutyric acid affects mood and activities of central nervous system during stressed condition induced by mental tasks. Amino Acids. 2012;43(3):1331-1337. doi:10.1007/s00726-011-1206-6 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22203366/

 GABA and Sleep

This review article from 2002 provided insights into the relationship between GABA and activation of GABA-A receptors. Because many of the currently available hypnotics target the GABA-A receptor mediated inhibition related to sleep (i.e., decrease waking, increase slow-wave sleep and enhance the intermediate stage situated between slow-wave sleep and paradoxical sleep.) The review also outlines the important role of GABA- B and C receptor mediated functions for sleep. While this paper is not specifically testing the role of supplementation it is helpful in establishing the physiologic importance of GABA on sleep processes.

Gottesmann C. GABA mechanisms and sleep. Neuroscience. 2002;111(2):231-239. doi:10.1016/s0306-4522(02)00034-9 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11983310/