Product Overview
GABA 700
Product overview: GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) formulation • Provides 700 mg of gamma-aminobutyric acid • Dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, vegan formula • Convenient vegetable capsule format
Each capsule of GABA provides 700 mg of gamma-aminobutyric acid. Suitable for vegans. References: Additional product info: Supports emotional wellness • Helps to temporarily promote relaxation.(2) • Helps to temporarily reduce symptoms associated with acute psychological stress.(2)
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major Neurotransmitter widely distributed throughout the central nervous system (CNS). Medications for anxiety, such as benzodiazepines, stimulate GABA receptors and induce relaxation. Either low GABA levels or decreased GABA function in the brain is associated with several psychiatric and neurological disorders, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and epilepsy. Studies indicate GABA can improve relaxation and enhance sleep. Both synthetic and natural GABA are available as dietary supplements in the United States. Natural GABA is produced via a fermentation process that utilizes Lactobacillus hilgardii – the bacteria used to ferment vegetables in the preparation of the traditional Korean dish known as kimchi.(1)
A small pilot study enrolled 13 healthy volunteers, seven males and six females ages 21-35. EEG tracings were recorded before and after each of three administrations of 1) only distilled water; 2) distilled water containing 100 mg natural GABA (PharmaGABA); and 3) distilled water containing 200 mg L-theanine. Tests of the three administrations were separated by seven-day intervals. EEG recordings were obtained with the subject resting quietly with closed eyes, and were made before administration, then at 0, 30, and 60 minutes after each administration for five-minute recording sessions. Alpha and beta waves were calculated as a percentage and pre and post-administration values were compared. Alphatobeta ratios were calculated as a ratio between alpha and beta percentage values. GABA significantly increased alpha waves and decreased beta waves. These findings denote that GABA not only induces relaxation but also reduces anxiety.(2)
In a randomized, doubleblind, placebocontrolled, crossover study the effects of GABA on release of immune reactive GH (irGH) and Immunofunctional GH (ifGH) at rest was evaluated. The study also examined the effects of GABA on resistance exerciseinduced irGH/IfGH response. In this study eleven resistancetrained participants ingested either 3 g GABA or placebo followed either by resting or resistance exercise sessions. GABA ingestion acutely and safely increased resting irGH concentrations and augmented the irGH response to resistance exercise. This study also showed that GABA ingestion resulted in the release of ifGH at rest and after resistance exercise, indicating that GABA ingestion stimulates secretion of ifGH isoforms that are capable of dimerizing receptors and inducing signal transduction.(3)
In a placebo-controlled, double-blind study, eight male participants drank a 200-ml sports drink with 1 g of GABA (trial G) or without GABA (trial C), then rested for 30 minutes in a sitting position in a hot environment (ambient air temperature 33°C, relative humidity 50%). The results showed that changes in esophageal temperature from before drinking the sports drink were lower in trial G than in trial C (-0.046 ± 0.079°C vs 0.001 ± 0.063°C; P < 0.05), with lower heat production calculated by oxygen consumption (41 ± 5 W/m2 vs 47 ± 8 W/m2; P < 0.05). The study demonstrated that a single oral administration of GABA induced a larger decrease in body core temperature compared to a control condition during rest in a hot environment and that this response was concomitant with a decrease in total heat production.(4)
References: 1. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), Monograph. Altern Med Rev. 2007 Sep;12(3):274-9. 2. Abdou A.M., Higashiguchi S., Horie K., et al. (2006) Relaxation and immunity enhancement effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration in humans. Biofactors. 26:201-208. 3. Powers M.E., Yarrow J.F., McCoy S.C. and Borst S.E. (2007) Growth hormone isoform responses to GABA ingestion at rest and after exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 40(1):104-110. 4. Miyazawa T, Kawabata T, Okazaki K, Suzuki T, Imai D, Hamamoto T, Matsumura S, Miyagawa T. (2012) Oral administration of γ-aminobutyric acid affects heat production in a hot environment in resting humans. J Physiol Anthropol. 31(1):3.
Other ingredients: Hypromellose, ascorbyl palmitate
