GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID (GABA)
GABA is a chemical neurotransmitter that is made in the brain and also found in some foods. In the brain, GABA has anti-seizure and anti-anxiety effects. But it is not likely to be useful as a supplement.
Front Neurosci. 2020; 14: 923 – Although more studies are needed before any inferences can be made about the efficacy of oral GABA consumption on stress and sleep, results show that there is limited evidence for stress and very limited evidence for sleep benefits of oral GABA intake.
WebMD– GABA works by blocking brain signals (neurotransmissions). There is interest in using GABA as a dietary supplement. But when taken by mouth, GABA may not be able to cross the blood-brain barrier. Therefore it is unknown if GABA supplements have effects on the brain.
People use GABA for many different conditions, including stress, anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use.
A reader asked me to evaluate „Ageless Brain” memory stimulating pills contain 3 ingredients, GABA, alpha GPC (alpha glyceryl phosphocholine ) + Bacoba.
Roc’s conclusion – Based on a review of the literature, GABA and Alpha-GPC are likely hazardous. It appears Bacoba 150mg daily might be of value.
- GABA –
Front Neurosci. 2020; 14: 923 – Although more studies are needed before any inferences can be made about the efficacy of oral GABA consumption on stress and sleep, results show that there is limited evidence for stress and very limited evidence for sleep benefits of oral GABA intake.
WebMD-Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a chemical that is made in the brain and also found in some foods. In the brain, GABA has anti-seizure and anti-anxiety effects.
GABA works by blocking brain signals (neurotransmissions). There is interest in using GABA as a dietary supplement. But when taken by mouth, GABA may not be able to cross the blood-brain barrier. Therefore it is unknown if GABA supplements have effects on the brain.
People use GABA for many different conditions, including stress, anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use.
- Alpha GPC– Not listed on my site – Likely to be hazardous
Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Dec; 22(24): 13477.
Published online 2021 Dec 15. doi: 10.3390/ijms222413477
L-alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine (GPC), a nutritional supplement, has been demonstrated to improve neurological function. However, a new study suggests that GPC supplementation increases incident stroke risk thus its potential adverse effects warrant further investigation.
WebMD – Alpha-GPC (L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine) is a chemical made in the body from choline. It is also made in a lab and used in dietary supplements.
Alpha-GPC seems to increase the levels of a chemical in the brain called acetylcholine. This brain chemical is important for memory and learning functions.
People use alpha-GPC for Alzheimer disease, stroke, memory and thinking skills, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- Bacoba– Not listed on my site – appears useful at 150mg daily
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016; 2016: 4103423.
Published online 2016 Oct 10. doi: 10.1155/2016/4103423
Results. 150 mg of standardized extract of Bacopa monnieri (Bacognize), Statistically significant improvement was seen in the tests relating to the cognitive functions with use of Bacopa monnieri. Blood biochemistry also showed a significant increase in serum calcium levels (still within normal range).
– WebMD – Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is sometimes called Brahmi.
Bacopa might increase certain brain chemicals that are involved in thinking, learning, and memory. It might also protect brain cells from chemicals involved in Alzheimer disease.
Bacopa is commonly used for Alzheimer disease, memory and thinking skills, anxiety, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.
