GABA CALM Stress Support

Our formula combines Magnesium, GABA, N-acetly L-tyronsine, and Taurine. We have packaged it into a sublingual form so that is easily and readily absorbed into your bloodstream. This allows for maxium absorption and effect.

GABA CALM Stress Support

Inhibit neurotransmitters naturally No lazy or 'drugged' effect Control stress Relax easier Daytime Formula

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Price: $29.95

Serving Size: 1 Tablet
Servings Per Container: 120

Ingredients: Total carbohydrates 1g, Magnesium (as magnesium taurinate) 3mg, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) 100 mg, Glycine 50 mg, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine 25 mg, Taurine (as magnesium taurinate) 15 mg.

GABA supplement

Serving Size: 1 Tablet
Servings Per Container: 60

Ingredients: GABA 250 mg (Gamma-aminobutyric acid)

GABA

What is GABA?

GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is the main regulator for neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. Its main use is for inhibiting nerve transmissions in the brain. In essence, increased levels of GABA can treat epilepsy or manic behavior by bringing a sense of calm and tranquility. In short, it is a natural and non-addictive tranquilizer.

Before discussing the other effects of GABA, it is important to understand how this acid functions within the brain and how it may help some of the conditions it impacts. GABA is produced from glutamate. Glutamate actually encourages the cells to fire to the nerves, while GABA is the yin to its yang. What it does is to slow down the firing of the nerves.

If the brain has a deficiency of GABA, these nerve cells get "over excited," or in other words, fire too fast and too frequently. GABA literally calms the nerve cells. This fact is important because taking a supplement that increases GABA can fight anxiety or other similar disorders.

So why would anyone have a GABA deficiency in the first place? There are a few speculations as to why this occurs. The most popular hypothesis is that a GABA deficiency is genetically caused; however, prolonged stress and poor diet are also believed to contribute to this condition. Some foods, like wheat bran and fish, actually contain GABA, so a diet low in these products might be a cause or a contributing factor.

Another function of gamma-aminobutyric acid is that it stimulates a pituitary gland which releases higher levels of HGH (human growth hormone). This hormone is responsible for blocking fat cells and contributing to muscle growth, which is why many body builders use this as a supplement.

While limited research has been done, those researchers have found low levels of GABA in certain types of patients. Specifically, patients that have disorders of movement such as multiple sclerosis have shown low levels of the gamma-aminobutyric acid. Also, patients with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, and alcoholism exhibit low levels of GABA.

Some research suggests that gamma-aminobutyric acids are not able to cross the blood-brain barrier. The current medical opinion held by most is that GABA does not reach the brain and thus could not work for all the uses it claims to. However, other research shows that Picamilon, a GABA bonded supplement, may allow the supplement to cross the barrier and get to work. The bottom line here is that research is on-going.

GABA has a very similar chemical structure to GHB, a dangerous drug that was outlawed by the FDA after it caused seizures in some of its patients. You may also recognize the name GHB as it is associated with the "date rape" drug class. GHB has some of the similar effects as GABA; it also helps to relax and sedate but on a much varying level. Furthermore, GABA can be converted to GHB in some of the processes in the brain, which is why the safety of GABA has started to come under speculation. However, it remains unclear whether the supplement GABA can be converted to GHB in the brain, or if that only includes the natural GABA that already resides in our brain.

Side effects of GABA are few; immediately after taking the supplement many report to have a tingling sensation and sometimes a shortness of breath. Depending on what use you are looking to gain from this supplement, another side effect it can cause is drowsiness. However, if your overall intended effect is a treatment for insomnia, then this is the purpose rather than a side effect.

History of GABA

Gamma-aminobutyric acid actually was found in the late 1800's but only was thought to be in plants. The history truly begins as early as 1950 with two researchers studying an unknown substance present in the human central nervous system. Conclusive studies showed that GABA was the substance and that it primarily presided in the brain.

However, the importance of the gamma-aminobutyric acids was still yet to be understood. It wasn't until seven years later that the significance of GABA emerged in terms of what this meant for brain disorders such as epilepsy.

GABA has come on to the market for a few reasons. One of them is for a study that was done with athletes in Italy that showed success in HGH (human growth hormone) levels and increasing muscle mass overall. However, the most interest has come up recently as a natural alternative over prescription drugs for many anxiety driven disorders.

While research has opened the doors for insight as to what regular levels of GABA do for us (and how badly low levels can affect us), it is a complex process. It would be difficult to target a specific reaction, so for now, by increasing GABA levels all the effects that come with the supplement increase as well.

Uses of GABA

GABA is used for a wide range of purposes. Keep in mind that very few studies have been done and this is not an FDA approved drug, but an approved dietary supplement. Without the proper research these uses cannot technically be confirmed. The majority of these uses of GABA come from people currently taking the supplements, and the evidence is anecdotal. GABA is used by people to treat:

• Insomnia. GABA is well known for its use as a sleep aid, although its effectiveness seems to vary depending on the severity of the insomnia.
• Anxiety. As GABA has a calming effect, it is often very useful for anxiety.
• Depression. As research has shown, low levels of GABA are typically found in patients suffering from depression.
• Social Phobia. This condition is closely linked to anxiety, and many claim it can be improved by taking this supplement.
• Fibromyalgia. These patients often find some relief, possibly due to the calming effects.
• Asberger's Syndrome and Autism.
• Sexual/Libido enhancement
• Epilepsy and muscle spasms. These may decrease due to the regulation of neurons being fired slower.
• Movement disorders, such as Tourette's syndrome, can benefit from GABA.
• Weight Loss. GABA stimulates the pituitary gland which increases the human growth hormone.

There are additional uses that are listed in different research, and there is other research that refutes some of these uses. Unfortunately none of these have been conclusively proven to be cured as a result from taking gamma-aminobutyric acid supplements. As with many natural supplements and drugs, anecdotal evidence inspires many to try these products, and these claims spur further research. If you do decide to try GABA for any purpose, track your results, symptoms and side effect with a doctor you trust that is aware of your medical history.

Can I take GABA with other supplements or medications?

As mentioned before, the studies don't yet confirm all the uses of GABA, let alone other drug and supplement interactions. Still, many people will choose to try it and determine their own results. Here are some known and suspected interactions to be aware of.

1. Other prescription anxiety medications can produce an adverse side effect. Anxiety medications like Valium and Xanax work at targeting and increasing GABA levels, so taking this in combination could be too much.

2. Since drowsiness is another side effect, be careful when combining with other relaxants. Other antidepressants, sleeping medications, and pain relievers may not be safe to take in combination.

3. GABA users should also be cautioned when combining with alcohol or other addictive substances.

4. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, use GABA with caution. No studies have yet been done which report on the effects of GABA on a developing child.

5. Patients with liver or kidney disease should consult a physician before taking GABA as extensive studies have not been completed to see the effects this may have on the disease.

Summary of GABA

As a natural alternative to prescription medications that come with baggage (aka side effects), gamma-aminobutyric acid supplements seem like an appealing option. This supplement works for a multitude of different ailments, some more serious and some aesthetic, but all that can prevent a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Due to the wide array of uses for this supplement, many feel that further research is duly warranted. Consumers are continuing to buy and use GABA based on the anecdotal evidence or previous users. As of yet, the scientific research behind it is not sufficient enough for the traditional medical establishment to back the supplement. Nevertheless, interest from lay people seems to be spurring more research.

GABA is a complex and often times misunderstood supplement. To date, there seem to be few adverse effects from taking this natural supplement in moderation. This should not discount the caution that should be taken before deciding to add this, or any other SSRI supplement, to your diet. There are few studies confirming the uses of this supplement, and no studies that look at the long term effects of GABA. However, with the low risk of side effects and large scope of benefits, users are continuing to give this supplement a closer look.