What is GABA?

GABA is a neurotransmitter inhibitor. It works by blocking certain brain signals and reducing nervous system activity. Therefore, GABA supplements are often used in the treatment of conditions related to stress, anxiety, and mood disorders.

1. What is GABA?

Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a naturally occurring amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter inhibitor because it blocks certain brain signals and reduces nervous system activity levels.
When GABA attaches to a protein in the brain called the GABA receptor, it produces a calming effect that helps reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, and fear. It may also help improve sleep, prevent seizures and brain damage. Therefore, low levels of GABA increase feelings of anxiety, mood disorders, seizures, and chronic pain.
Thanks to its known effects, GABA has become a commonly used functional product in recent years. This is partly because it is not available from many food sources. The only foods that contain GABA are fermented foods like kimchi, miso, and tempeh.
The brain naturally releases GABA at the end of the day to promote sleepiness and allow the body to rest. Some medications doctors prescribe to induce sleep and reduce anxiety can also increase the effects of GABA.

2. Under what circumstances can GABA supplements be used?

GABA has a natural calming effect, so it is used in reducing stress - the cause of poor sleep quality, a weak immune system and an increased risk of depression. In addition, it is also effective in the treatment of:
Seizure disorders Movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Frequent anxiety Panic disorder Mood disorders, such as depression Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

chan-doan-va-dieu-tri-benh-parkinson — GABA có tác dụng trong điều trị các triệu chứng của bệnh Parkinson

GABA has also been tested in:
Reduces pain from injuries Increases exercise tolerance Lowers blood pressure Burns fat Increases lean muscle mass Treats and prevents diabetes

3. GABA is abundant in which foods?

GABA is not found in foods, but a variety of foods contain substances such as flavonoids that may help improve GABA function in the brain. These foods include:
Fruits Vegetables Tea Red Wine

4. Drugs that increase GABA

Doctors can prescribe drugs that increase the amount of GABA or stimulate similar neurotransmitters in the brain to treat certain types of conditions such as epilepsy, depression, convulsions, muscle pain...
Benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax): Acts on many of the same neurotransmitter receptors as GABA. According to some studies, benzodiazepines have the effect of increasing GABA levels, improving depression. The drug gabapentin (Neurontin): Chemically similar to GABA, it helps relieve convulsions and muscle pain. However, doctors have yet to determine whether these drugs work in the same way or in different ways than GABA.

Ở mức độ nhẹ, bệnh nhân được điều trị bằng kháng sinh — Trong một số loại thuốc giúp tăng GABA

5. Proven Benefits of GABA

5.1 Reduce anxiety

According to a 2006 article about two studies that proved GABA supplements have a stress-reducing effect. The results showed that the group who took the GABA supplement showed less signs of stress than those who took the placebo or L-theanine. The article also noted a relaxing effect that lasted within an hour of taking the GABA supplement.

5.2 Lowering blood pressure

In a study from 2003 on consumption of fermented dairy products containing GABA in people with mild hypertension. As a result, the blood pressure of these people decreased after 2 to 4 weeks compared to those who took a placebo.
A 2009 study found that taking a chlorella supplement containing GABA twice daily reduced blood pressure in people with limited hypertension.

Hạ huyết áp là một trong những tai biến có thể gặp phải sau khi gây mê nội khí quản — Hạ huyết áp là một lợi ích đã được chứng minh của GABA

5.3 Improve sleep

In a small 2018 study of 40 people, those who took 300 milligrams (mg) of GABA an hour before bed felt asleep faster than those who took a placebo. They also reported improved sleep quality 4 weeks after starting treatment.

5.4 Reduce stress and fatigue

A 2011 study in Japan examined the effects of a beverage containing either 25 mg or 50 mg of GABA on 30 participants. Results showed that both drinks were effective in reducing symptoms of mental and physical fatigue, with the drink containing 50mg of GABA having a stronger effect.
Another study from 2009 found that eating chocolate containing 28 mg of GABA reduced stress in participants performing a task. In another study, taking a capsule containing 100 mg of GABA reduced stress in people who needed to complete a challenging task.

socola-den-co-giup-giam-cang-thang-cai-thien-tri-nho-1 — GABA trong socola đen giúp giảm căng thẳng và mệt mỏi

5.5 Improve the ability to think and perform tasks

A study from 2015 of 30 healthy volunteers found that supplementing with 800 milligrams (mg) of GABA per day increased the ability to organize and plan work.

5.6 Workout recovery and muscle building

A 2019 study in 21 healthy men were asked to supplement with whey protein and GABA once daily for 12 weeks and perform physical training exercises twice a week. Results showed that the combination of whey protein and GABA increased growth hormone levels more than whey protein alone.
The research results are small in scale and outdated. Therefore, it is necessary for scientists to conduct larger, longer-term studies so that people can fully and accurately understand the benefits that GABA brings to the body.

GABA giúp phục hồi tập luyện và xây dựng cơ bắp

6. What are the side effects of GABA supplements?

Some of the more commonly reported potential side effects of GABA supplements include:
Stomach pain Headache Drowsiness Muscle weakness If you want to try GABA treatment, see your doctor first. You should provide your doctor with information about the drugs, herbs and functional products you are using for advice on possible drug interactions that need to be monitored while using GABA.
Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for examination, treatment and prevention of diseases. When performing the examination process at Vinmec, customers will be welcomed and used modern facilities and equipment along with perfect medical services under the guidance and advice of experts. Good doctors, well-trained both at home and abroad.
Customers can directly go to Vinmec Health system nationwide to visit or contact the hotline here for support.
References: webmd.com, healthline.com, medicalnewstoday.com

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