GABA inhibits nerve signaling, altering a cell’s ability to send and receive messages.
Medications that target GABA receptors are often used to treat these conditions.
GABA supplements are used to lower stress, ease anxiety, and combatinsomnia.
Illustration by Jessica Olah for Verywell Health
While there isn’t strong evidence to support these benefits, GABA supplements have few side effects or risks.
This article discusses GABA and GABA supplements.
It explores how GABA works and what happens if theres not enough GABA activity in the body.
It also explains common conditions associated with abnormal GABA levels and medications that target GABA receptors.
Illustration by Jessica Olah for Verywell Health
What Does GABA Do?
GABA is a throw in ofneurotransmitter, a chemical messenger in the nervous system.
Nerve signals travel along the nervous system vianeuronsthat pass messages to each other.
As an inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA blocks or inhibits certain nerve transmission.
This slowdown in message transition may be helpful in modulating mood and anxiety.
These can be psychiatric and neurologic conditions.
Types of Neurotransmitters
Inhibitory neurotransmitterslike GABA block certain brain signals and decrease nervous system activity.
Another inhibitory neurotransmitter,serotonin, helps to regulate mood and anxiety.
Excitatory neurotransmittershave the opposite effect: They promote certain brain signals and increase nervous system activity.
An example of an excitatory neurotransmitter isnorepinephrine.
GABA activity only lasts milliseconds, but it has significant consequences.
It starts a reaction that makes it less likely the message will be passed on to other neurons.
In thebrain, GABA has a calming effect, which is why GABA supplements are marketed for stress relief.
In thespinal cord, GABA allows for sensory information integration.
This means it allows your nervous system to process and organize information coming in from the senses.
GABA Health Benefits
GABA is an amino acid that helps to regulate mood.
It’s released by certain neurons that carry messages along the nervous system.
GABA acts to stop messages from being transmitted.
GABA may offer the following health benefits.
Many things can impact GABA levels, which could contribute to anxiety.
Schizophrenia
A lack of GABA is associated with problems carrying out normal cognitive functions.
The studies related to autism seem to show that GABA doesn’t work alone.
An imbalance in this neurotransmitter may affect other neurotransmitters and receptors, or GABA may be affected by them.
Research also suggested that improper GABA functioning may be a factor that contributes to suicide.
Insomnia
GABA plays an important role in promoting sleep.
Medications that regulate GABA signaling are often used to treat insomnia.
GABA supplements are also touted as a remedy for difficulty sleeping.
It can be sold alone or blended with other substances like melatonin, which promotes sleep.
Although its benefits remain unclear, GABA is safe to take every day.
Are GABA Supplements Safe?
If you’re considering GABA supplements, talk to your healthcare provider first.
These substances can be abused by people trying to self-medicate.
Alcohol, for example, promotes GABA receptor activity.
This can create a temporary feeling of calm and relaxation.
But the effect is artificial and risky.
You won’t get the same effect over time.
Abusing certain substances that impact GABA may lead to use disorders and toxicity.
Its clear, though, that mood and mental health are affected by this amino acid.
It also plays a role in neurodegenerative diseases and other disorders.
Healthcare providers may be able to prescribe medications to help regulate GABA activity and treat these problems.
These drugs need to be properly administered to avoid dependence or abuse.
Theres little research to support the benefits of over-the-counter supplements.
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