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GABA is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central
nervous system. When the level of GABA in the brain decreases to
below a certain level, seizures and other neurological disorders may
occur. The level of GABA in the brain is controlled by two enzymes,
glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) and GABA transaminase
(GABA-T).
GABA is considered to act as a natural calming and
anti-epileptic agent in the brain. Since GABA is not transported
efficiently into the brain from the bloodstream, most of the GABA
found in the brain is manufactured there. For that reason,
supplemental GABA would not be expected to increase levels of GABA
in the brain. A few physicians have reported that GABA can be
beneficial when used in connection with a variety of brain disorders
including epilepsy and schizophrenia, but these reports have not
been scientifically substantiated. Intake of high levels GABA has
shown to produce a marked increase in plasma growth-hormone levels
and prolactin in one study, but the implication and application of
these findings is not yet clear.
Usage and
Dosage
GABA can be purchased as a nutritional
supplement in capsule and tablet form. Some doctors have recommended
GABA in the amount of 200 mg four times daily, although no general
recommendation is made for supplementation of
GABA.
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