What is GABA? Do GABA sleep supplements really help? #What is GABA?
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter similar to amino acids, but it cannot form proteins or body tissues and organs. GABA is primarily active in the brain, helping to regulate mood and physiological responses. #What are the effects of GABA?
GABA in the brain has anti-depressant, relaxing and stress-relieving effects. However, the absorption and conversion rates of GABA are low when consumed directly, so the e... moreWhat is GABA? Do GABA sleep supplements really help? #What is GABA?
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter similar to amino acids, but it cannot form proteins or body tissues and organs. GABA is primarily active in the brain, helping to regulate mood and physiological responses. #What are the effects of GABA?
GABA in the brain has anti-depressant, relaxing and stress-relieving effects. However, the absorption and conversion rates of GABA are low when consumed directly, so the effect of supplementation through food is limited. #Two main sources of GABA
1. Animal GABA:
GABA in the human body is mainly concentrated in the central nervous system, such as the brain and spine. GABA and serotonin are both neurotransmitters. The maintenance of GABA in the body mainly depends on the intake of glutamate in protein foods, which is then converted into GABA in the body.
<a href=https://healthport.tw/gaba>GABA</a>; Generally speaking, there is no need to supplement glutamate specifically, because it accounts for about 20% of all proteins. You only need to consume protein foods in a balanced manner.
2. Plant-based GABA:
The seeds of some plants, such as brown rice, dark rice and purple rice, also contain GABA. However, the GABA content in these plants is low. In order to obtain higher concentrations of GABA, plant sources are often combined with microbial <a href=https://medvoyage.tw/%CE%B3-%E6%B0%A8%E5%9F%BA%E4%B8%81%E9%85%B8>GABA</a>; fermentation technology. The main source of GABA health foods on the market is glutamate fermented by microorganisms. #GABA's three functions
1. **Anti-depression:** GABA can help suppress depression.
2. **Calm nerves<a href=https://medvoyage.tw/%CE%B3-%E6%B0%A8%E5%9F%BA%E4%B8%81%E9%85%B8>GABA</a>:** It can effectively calm the nerves and make people feel comfortable and relaxed.
3. **Stress Relief:** Helps reduce stress and improve overall mood and relaxation levels.
Studies have shown that when you enter deep sleep, the GABA content in the brain increases. Conversely, people with epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, ADHD, anxiety disorders, and depression have less stable GABA levels in their brains. #Is it necessary to buy GABA health food?
Since the ingredients of GABA health food come from glutamic acid produced by microbial fermentation, it is labeled as "glutamic acid fermentation product (containing GABA)", but the effect of direct consumption is not significant.
##Why is consuming GABA ineffective?
1. **Self-regulation:**
The body regulates the absorption and excretion of foreign nutrients. When the body detects that there is too much GABA, it will actively excrete it. In most cases, the GABA in a healthy person's body is naturally not easily changed.
2. Blood-brain barrier:
The blood-brain barrier is the biggest challenge for GABA health foods. There is a membrane between the central nervous system and the blood circulation system, called the blood-brain barrier. Except for oxygen, carbon dioxide and blood sugar, most substances cannot pass through, including GABA. Although GABA can be absorbed by the intestines, it cannot cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain to take effect.
GABA in the brain is mainly synthesized in the brain, so simply consuming GABA health foods is not enough to significantly increase GABA levels in the brain.
The conclusion is that in most cases, indirectly promoting GABA synthesis in the body through a balanced intake of protein foods is more effective than consuming special GABA health foods.
