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 low mood/depression. 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 and glutamate are:

• amino acids GABA
• L-theanine
• N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
• vitamin B6
• vitamin D
• magnesium
• zinc
• Omega 3 fatty acid, 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)

See also

• Glutamate
• Neurotransmitters (category)

central nervous system (CNS) - One of the two parts of the human nervous system, the other part being the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system consists of nerves that travel from the central nervous system into the various organs and tissues of the body.