GABA | PharmaGABA™

Properties: GABA is one of the most essential substances that occur in the human body. Gamma-aminobutyric acid belongs to the group of neurotransmitters, i.e. compounds which are directly involved in the conduction of nerve impulses. Due to the fact that GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter, it is worthwhile to ensure that we have the right amount of it in the body. We should remember that GABA receptors are located in almost every nerve cell. Not only does this substance affect brain activity but it also helps to regulate functions of the whole organism. It helps, for example, to decrease the intensity of the nerve impulses that go to our muscles, so that we can relax and regenerate.

However, we should expect the biggest changes in terms of stress resistance. As an inhibiting neurotransmitter, GABA is of great importance for our reactions in stressful situations. It sometimes happens that the negative effects of stress prevent us from functioning properly. When we take care of appropriate GABA levels, the effects of stress are not so severe. Due to this neurotransmitter’s activity we can “mute” unnecessary emotions so that we don’t do something on a whim. At the same time we can relax and analyze a given situation with a cool mind.

But what is the relationship between GABA and our mood? It turns out that it’s more significant than one would expect. It is exactly because of the inhibition of unnecessary impulses and “excess” emotions that we can enjoy the peace of mind and feel better. No wonder GABA supplementation is recommended for those who have trouble with sleeping or just want to relax before bedtime. The proper level of gamma-aminobutyric acid is simply crucial to get good sleep every night and peacefully rest after the day full of work and different challenges.

Although GABA is naturally produced in our body, it often happens that its concentration in the nervous system is too low. To check whether we have deficits in GABA level it is worth it to run the Braverman Test which is available on our website. It allows you to determine the level of main neurotransmitters in your body, including GABA. Its supplementation is extremely useful for those who struggle with stress, want to support the regeneration of the body and just want to feel better.

Occurrence: GABA, a gamma-aminobutyric acid, is one of the key neurotransmitters that naturally occur in our body. The vast quantities of this substance can be found in the brain. To maintain a proper level of GABA we can supplement it. It is produced by lactic acid bacteria so its main source are products like yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut or dill pickles. It also occurs in products of plant origin, for example in tomatoes and in tea.

What is more, it’s a good idea to provide the body with products containing glutamic acid from which GABA is made. Among the products of animal origin that have glutamic acid there are: dairy products (especially cheese: parmesan, Emmentaler, cheddar), beef, pork, poultry (mainly a duck), fish (mainly a mackerel). Whereas the products of plant origin that contain it are: green pea, spinach, corn, tomatoes, brussels sprout, mushrooms, almonds, sunflower seed, groundnuts or pistachio nuts.

Biochemistry: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an organic compound that belongs to the group of non-protein amino acids. It poorly crosses the blood-brain barrier. Its transport in the opposite direction (brain-blood) is almost 16 times more efficient. In the human body it is synthesized from the other compound – glutamic acid in the presence of vitamin B6 active form (pyridoxal phosphate). This process is reversible, which means that gamma-aminobutyric acid can be then metabolized to glutamic acid.

GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter whose role is to counterbalance the activity of the main excitatory neurotransmitter and that is glutamic acid. A good balance and interaction between those two compounds is very significant for the proper functioning of the nervous system. What is more, GABA is a systemic neurotransmitter so not only does it work in the brain but it also works in the peripheral organs since its receptors can be found in almost every nerve cell. It leads to increased production of growth hormone (HGH) that is responsible for fat metabolism and energy production in the mitochondria. At the same time, it contributes to a decreased level of cortisol – the so-called “stress hormone”.

Fun fact: It was initially thought that GABA does not occur in the human body. In 1883, when this compound was synthesized for the first time, scientists thought that it’s the product of plant and microbe metabolism. The breakthrough came in 1950 when it was found in mammals. Two scientists: Jorge Awapara and Eugene Roberts have proven that GABA exists in mammalian nerve cells and it actually is an integral part of the central nervous system.