These may include overeating, gambling, and alcohol or drugs – all of which can decrease the level of naturally occurring GABA in the body and create a damaging cycle of abuse.
Causes. GABA-transaminase deficiency is caused by mutations in the ABAT gene, which provides instructions for making the GABA-transaminase enzyme. This enzyme helps break down a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) called GABA when it is not needed.
Consuming foods rich in glutamic acid, which helps create GABA in the brain, is a quick and easy way to increase and maintain proper GABA levels. These are foods like citrus fruits and bananas, or certain nuts like almonds and walnuts.
Magnesium stimulates the activity of cerebral GABAergic systems by behaving as a modulator of GABA receptors, increasing their activity.
L-theanine is a relaxing amino acid that is naturally occurring in green tea. It has been shown to increase GABA levels. Inositol is a vitamin-like substance naturally produced in the human body that gives GABA a boost.
Decreased GABA activity may contribute to: Anxiety and mood disorders.
There are no blood tests available that assess GABA deficiency. The highest concentrations of GABA are found in cerebrospinal fluid, which requires an invasive procedure called a lumbar spinal tap to measure the fluid.
Iron deficiency anaemia changes the dopamine, serotonin and gamma aminobutyric acid/(GABA) systems (Beard et al. 1993). Further, binding receptors of dopamine D2 (3H-spiperone) decrease and GABA (3H-muscimol) increases in the brain (striatum and cortex) of iron deficient anaemic rats.
The present study suggests that zinc enhances GABA release via potentiation of AMPA/kainate receptors in the CA3 region, followed by a decrease in presynaptic glutamate release in the same region. Zinc seems to be an inhibitory neuromodulator of glutamate release.
GABA release into the synaptic cleft is stimulated by depolarization of presynaptic neurons. GABA diffuses across the cleft to the target receptors on the postsynaptic surface. The action of GABA at the synapse is terminated by reuptake into both presynaptic nerve terminals and surrounding glial cells.
There is no blood test to measure GABA deficiency. Although there may be measurable levels of GABA in your blood, that level may have nothing to do with GABA in your brain.
Too much GABA can cause an increase in anxiety, a shortness of breath, numbness around the mouth and tingling in the extremities. When you start taking GABA you might experience drowsiness or lightheadedness (so don't take it before driving), and in some individuals, skin hives or a rash may appear.
DYSREGULATION in brain γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neuronal function might contribute to the pathophysiology of human panic disorder. For example, lowered brain GABA levels are associated with anxietylike behaviors in animals,%1,2 and elevated brain GABA levels tend to be associated with anxiolysis.
Research shows that Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) may play a key role in protecting against depression and anxiety. A review published in the journal Neuropharmacology concluded that people with anxiety and depression are more likely to have low levels of GABA.
GABA plays an important role in behavior, cognition, and the body's response to stress. Research suggests that GABA helps to control fear and anxiety when neurons become overexcited. Lower-than-normal levels of GABA in the brain have been linked to schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
A minimum of 3-6 months is required to restore neurotransmitter levels to normal. However, it takes longer to restore the body's total store of neurotransmitters. If a patient stops the neurotransmitter therapy too quickly, they may experience a return of their original symptoms.
Clinical studies suggest that taking up to 120 milligrams (mg) of GABA per day as supplements for 12 weeks is unlikely to cause adverse effects. People should take care when using them with other drugs. Using them with medications for high blood pressure or epilepsy may increase the impact of those drugs.
Vitamin B12 enhances GABA content but reduces glutamate content in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus. Am J Physiol. 1997 Jul;273(1 Pt 2):R359-63.
Gabapentin and magnesium can interact with each other. Magnesium can lower the effects of gabapentin. If you've been prescribed gabapentin and take a medication or supplement containing magnesium, it's recommended to take gabapentin at least 2 hours after taking it.
Avoid taking aluminum or magnesium containing products (such as antacids) for 2 hours before your gabapentin.
Exposure to chronic stress has been associated with decreased GABA release (30, 31).
GABA and Mental Health
Stress and other factors can affect the development of the nervous system and GABA activity. This can lead to too little GABA, which may play a role in disorders related to brain function and mood, including schizophrenia, autism, depression, and anxiety.