Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

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Description: GABA is a neurotransmitter that is used in brain metabolism. This amino acid is formed by glutamic acid in the body. GABA prevents nerve cells from firing too much, decreasing neuron activity.

Absorption/Storage :The body arranges the amino acids in a way that will benefit the body at a particular time. If the body needs to make more cells, more proteins are made to produce that cell. The absorption of amino acids occurs along the entire length of the small intestine. Amino acids are not stored; however, there are some free forms floating around in the bloodstream. About 1/3 of the amino acids not used are broken down for energy and the rest is broken down by the liver to produce urea.

Dosage/Toxicity: The doses for specific amino acids are contraindicated because they compete for the same carriers and chains of amino acids (peptides) are more rapidly absorbed than single amino acids. When taking specific amino acids for healing purposes, take them on an empty stomach so they will not have to compete for an absorption carrier. Individual amino acids should be taken with vitamin B6 and vitamin C to increase the absorption. Take caution when taking more than 6,000mg a day. Supplemental amino acids should be taken under the supervision of a health care professional. When there is an excess amount of amino acids, the liver and kidneys are strained. Urea contains a toxic substance called ammonia, which builds up in the liver when amino acids are in high concentrations. This may cause poor digestion and impairment of liver function. Excess amounts of GABA may cause shortness of breath and tingling sensations of the fingers and toes.

Deficiency: Even if a diet is full of protein, a deficiency is still possible. Reasons leading to a deficiency include stress, infection, impaired absorption, and age. Many problems may arise with insufficient amounts of amino acids. If the amounts of amino acids are reduced, the proteins used for certain biological processes can not be made.

Common Uses: GABA is commonly used to treat hypertension and epilepsy.

Precautions: Doses higher than 6,000mg may cause adverse effects. Children should not be given supplemental amino acids. Consult a physician if pregnant, symptoms of nausea, diarrhea, or dizziness last more than a week, or if new symptoms appear.

Scientific References: Davis, F.A., (1993). Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: F.A. Davis Company. Groff, J., Gropper, S., and Hunt, S., (1995). Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. St. Paul Minnesota: West Publishing Company. Gropper and Hamilton., (1987). The Biochemistry of Human Nutrition. St. Paul, Minnesota: West Publishing Company. Kirschmann, G. and Kirschmann, J., (1996). Nutrition Almanac. New York, New York: McGraw Hill. Murray, M., (1996) Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Unites States of America: Prima Publishing. Murray, M. and Pizzorno, J., (1998) Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. United States of America: Prima Publishing. National Research Council., (1989). Recommended Dietary Allowance. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press. Null, G., (1998) The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. New York, New York: Kensington Publishing Corp. Werbach, M., (1987). Nutritional Influences on Illness. Tarzana, California: Third Line Press.

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