GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) is a non-essential amino acid found mainly in the human brain and eyes. It is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means it regulates brain and nerve cell activity by inhibiting the number of neurons firing in the brain. GABA is referred to as the "brain's natural calming agent". By inhibiting over-stimulation of the brain, GABA may help promote relaxation and ease nervous tension.* NOW provides only the naturally occurring L-form as found in food and in the body. Serving Size: 1 Vcap® Amount Per Serving % Daily Value GABA 750 mg
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23 of 23 found the following review helpful:
GABA Works, try it with L-Dopa which works tooApr 01, 2012
By Pauline Adams GABA is an inhibitory transmitter which helps to calm the brain from excitatory neurotransmitters. This gives the mind and body a feeling of calmness and relaxation . In the absence of GABA, these nuero transmitters are not regulated and can cause restlessness, irritability, and insomnia. These were my symptoms before deciding to do something about it. You can get GABA from foods too but the benefits of taking it as a supplement has been well documented.
I have noticed better relaxation and sleep when taking more than one or two grams per night (always take it at night). Side effects are minimal such as waking up feeling somewhat groggy but thus just a question of adjusting my dosage to find the right amount to take each night to still feel the effects without having them carry over to the next morning.
I would not suggest adding 5-htp, which I did try and found no additional benefits versus what I was already getting from the GABA alone. If you do feel the need to supplement the GABA, Mucuna Pruriens 99% L Dopa Bulk Powder 100 Grams has worked in conjunction with the GABA very well for me. It's a derivative of dopamine which works on the part of the brain that is responsible for stress, anxiety, relaxation, etc. Kind of like what GABA does too but unlike the htp, taking these two together has given me the best results, period.
15 of 15 found the following review helpful:
GABA for StressApr 13, 2012
By Jamie Silva I really can't believe how much this GABA has helped me in stressful situations. I have anxiety issues, and this product really calms you down. I noticed a considerable effect on my mood and focus, especially when I began doing deep breathing exercises whenever I felt myself in a stressful situation and I also read that taking L-Tyrosine, 100 Grams (3.53 Oz) N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT) Bulk Powder made the GABA work ten times better and vice versa. I don't think I could have found a better solution and have been feeling better than I have in quite long time.
22 of 28 found the following review helpful:
Once a skeptic, now convinced.Dec 04, 2011
By JCsman I was very very skeptical, as many others, when ordering this product. As a lifelong sufferer of anxiety and depression (which runs in my family) I've tried everything to curb symptoms from illicit drugs and alcohol to prescription medication - none helped to alleviate the symptoms. I do not believe in miracle pills or cures, so this is not a claim for a miracle pill.
I came across some cursory information on GABA while reading "The Anxiety Cure" by Dr. Archibald Hart for a graduate program in counseling which I am currently enrolled in. I highly recommend Dr. Hart's book. Before purchasing I researched and read anything I could I get my hands on pertaining to GABA. I must reiterate, the literature is INCONCLUSIVE with regard to whether GABA crosses the blood-brain barrier most likely because research is limited due to non-backing of natural products by the FDA (which should tell you something right away). Of all the literature I read on GABA, only ONE, yes ONE (1) article briefly mentions "not crossing the blood brain barrier" so take this claim lightly.
After reading up on GABA, I decided to go for it. All I can say is that in the 5 weeks since first taking GABA (2 capsules each morning, 1500 mg) I have noticed a remarkable difference. Impulse eating had markedly decreased, I am much more at ease, I can even stand being around myself! This should resonate with fellow sufferers of anxiety and depression as I am sure you know what it is like to not stand being in your own skin. Perfectionist tendencies have greatly diminished. Although racing thoughts still present from time to time, the frequency and duration are much less. I take special note of the decline in impulse eating as this was mentioned in a previous review. I, too, am less hungry and have not had the urge to eat past 8 p.m. and the binge eating is no more, even throughout the day. Ive even lost a few pounds. It's as if my natural cycle has been restored.
So as not to be deceptive, I must add that I also read up on l-theanine, an amino acid found in large quantity in green/black tea. L-theanine stimulates GABA production in the brain (this claim is soundly supported by research done on green/black tea). I take the l-theanine sporadically before bed which helps with restful sleep. In addition, I have substantially decreased daily caffeine intake from 6-8 cups of coffee to no more than 2. I often substitute green/black tea for coffee as well. For anyone who is serious about taking GABA or l-theanine, I highly recommend reading up on these, especially l-theanine. Green/black tea does have caffeine, though less, but the presence of l-theanine balances out the caffeine surge and produces an alert calmness.
Be sure and follow the directions and take on an empty stomach. There are no side effects except for what can be described as a "tingly" feeling roughly 20-30 minutes after taking (this is actually proof that the supplement is GABA as this too is reported in the literature). It lasts for a few seconds, so don't be too alarmed. It is my contention that these changes in diet along with the presence of GABA/l-theanine supplementation have lead to the reduction of anxiety/depression. I highly recommend this product.
12 of 15 found the following review helpful:
So gratefulJan 04, 2012
By bruinluvs I have had a problem turning off my mind when it's time to go to sleep. The sleep I did get was broken and with two little ones running me ragged and working full time I average 4-6 hrs of sleep each night. I also suffer from depression but have not wanted to take prescription medication for health reasons.
This product was recommended by a co-worker and I have to say it has worked wonders for me. I take one each night and though I only get 3-5 hrs of sleep it is good quality sleep and I am not dozing at work anymore. My depression and anxiety issues have lessened dramatically and I find I am not a screaming maniac with my kids as I was when I was exhausted.
I stopped taking the GABA for a week and noticed a huge difference in my temper and anxiety. I need a t-shirt that says . . ."Have you had your GABA today"
I have since recommended it to a couple co-workers. One said she didn't notice a difference and the male said it helped him dramatically with his sleep issues.
I am very grateful for the product and how it has helped me. I highly recommend trying it out and I hope you have the same results I did.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
help for chronic insomnia? no one could be more surprised than meJan 13, 2012
By Desert Gypsy
"A Brooklyn Girl Out West"
I've been dealing with insomnia for years now and have tried pretty much *everything* so when investigating the next "miracle cure" I maintain a healthy balance of skeptical and desperate. Having recently read about the possible benefits of taking GABA as a supplement to promote sleep, I decided to give it a try.
I started taking one tablet every 12 hours, 8am and 8pm on an empty stomach. The first night I did not fall asleep faster or sooner but notably I did sleep for six hours when I usually get four hours or less. The second night I didn't sleep at all which happens more often than I'd care to admit. The third and fourth night I found myself sleepy at "normal" hours, as in before midnight and actually fell asleep before 2am and got about 6 hours of consecutive sleep each night. It is now the second week and the results have been about the same - I am actually getting some sleep!.
Frankly, I am really stunned at these improvements since even prescriptions like Ambien have not been as helpful. I am equally surprised at how quickly my system responded to this supplement as most things need to build up in your system first before a result can be seen. I should mention that in having a chronic illness (Lupus) I have been on countless permutations and combinations of prescription and non prescription medications and supplements over the years so I am much less likely to fall for a placebo effect; I've learned somewhat to expect less from a label over the years of claims that fell short or flat out failed to deliver.
It is only the second week now but the results have been really great so far with me getting a decent nights' sleep at least two thirds of the time. I'm hoping that the results continue to improve or at least stay consistent and I'll update this review with any significant changes.
based on 38 reviews
( 38 customer reviews )
