GABA - 500mg

• GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, responsible for calming the overactive central nervous system
• GABA has been studied for its ability to improve mood, sleep parameters, and subjective and objective markers of stress response.
  

Gamma-aminobutyric acid, more commonly known as GABA, is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the human brain. It is responsible for calming the mind and balancing neurotransmission during excitatory conditions, acting as the "yin" to the many "yang" chemicals present in the central nervous system. Lower brain levels of GABA have been linked to various mood disorders, sleep problems, and other neurological disorders. In fact, the widely used class of benzodiazepines (such as diazepam and alprazolam) and sedative medications (such as zolpidem) exert their beneficial effects primarily by activating GABA receptors.

GABA can also be administered as a stand-alone amino acid supplement to support these same psychiatric and neurological disorders. Studies indicate that GABA can improve relaxation and focus during times of stress, reduce sleep latency, and increase the time spent in deep sleep. This makes GABA particularly useful for people who have difficulty falling asleep because they cannot quiet their active minds. In addition to these neurological effects, GABA has been shown to produce a significant increase in growth hormone levels when supplemented with high bolus doses or when combined with whey protein and resistance exercise. One study of the latter combination showed improved lean muscle mass after 12 weeks compared to whey protein supplementation alone.

Although the most obvious mechanism of action of GABA supplementation is the activation of GABA receptors, it also leads to various downstream physiological effects. For example, GABA supplementation has been found to increase alpha brain waves and reduce beta brain waves in the central nervous system, leading to a more relaxed yet alert state. Additionally, stable salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels and reduced cortisol levels have been found in individuals exposed to stressful circumstances if they were pre-supplemented with GABA. Collectively, these mechanisms all indicate a reduced and more balanced stress response.

Overall, GABA is a safe and effective therapeutic amino acid to help calm the mind, reduce stress, and improve sleep. Cyto-Matrix GABA offers 500 mg of pure GABA per capsule in a 90-capsule bottle.