GABA

Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), is a neurotransmitter made from the amino acid glutamate. GABA is the chief inhibiting, or calming neurotransmitter in the brain, functioning as a brake on the neural circuitry during stress. Low GABA levels are associated with restlessness, anxiety, insomnia and a poor mood. GABA works to balance glutamate (excitatory) in the brain. GABA is the brake pedal on a car while glutamate is the gas pedal.

Supplements to support GABA & glutamate are: amino acids GABA, L-theanine, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), vitamin B6, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, omega 3, and inositol.

Notable studies

 * 2005, GABA and glutamate systems as therapeutic targets in depression and mood disorders
 * 2005, Beyond monoamines: glutamatergic function in mood disorders
 * 2006, Relaxation and immunity enhancement effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration in humans
 * 2007, Thorne Research, Inc: Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA). Alternative Medicine Review, 2007; 12(3)