Nutrization: Nutrition, Supplements and Herbs

I took a long break from writing. Sorry that it’s been so long.

I ran into some information about gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) that made me curious to look up more. I thought I would share this information.

FLEX magazine in April published a small article “The gift of GABA.” It has been stated that GABA can help with sleep. Studies have suggested that when GABA is taken before bed, it increases the body’s sleeping cycle. However, many studies have been not promoted the idea of GABA increasing Growth Hormone (GH) levels. Well, FLEX magazine tells about a study done from Shenendoah University that shows GH levels increased by 200% to about 400%. “…they increased their GH levels after the workout by about 200% and increased GH levels at rest by about 400% compared to when they took the placebo (Elliott, T., April 2009. Flex, 27, 2. p.144).” That almost sounds crazy! The question is though since GH is involved with muscle growth and fat burning; is the body able to increase muscle and wight loss at the same percentage? From people who have reported taking GABA the answer is “No.” I’m not saying it will not increase muscle growth or fat burning but that there is too much involved to know exactly at what percent these things may occur.

GABA is known more for being a neurotransmitter. What it does do is inhibit certain neuronal processes. There are also three types of GABA receptors with their own function.

In 2003 the University of Utah did a study on old monkeys finding that increasing GABA helped them perform mentally. Aging brains may be sharpened and, in effect, briefly made young again by increasing the levels of a neurochemical called GABA, according to a recent study. “Researchers at the University of Utah found that GABA appears to help extremely old Rhesus monkeys focus their vision and thinking processes by silencing interfering static from other neurons (Study finds brains can be improved. Capper’s 125.11 (May 27, 2003): 2(1).” The older we get the less GABA is produced in the brain.

There may also be a difference in the way the brain makes GABA with GABAergic neurons from glutamate and the body intake or supplementation of just GABA. What some worry about is with supplementation the body may have a tendency to make less of its own substance. However, with many types of supplements where there is a question of how the body reacts to long term effects, it is advised that when taking such supplements that the user have off and on periods so that the body readjusts and to prevent tolerance to the supplement.