Gamma-aminobutyric acid: what it is, functions, source of synthesis

Gamma-aminobutyric acid began to be viewed as potentially important for the functioning of the brain brain substance over 60 years ago, and only about 28 years ago, scientists assigned it the status neurotransmitter.

We now know that approximately 40% of the nerve cells in the mammalian brain synthesize this acid.

It plays an important role in disorders such as depression, anxiety and stress. Studying the structure and function of a substance can help solve health problems.

 What is GABA

Gamma-aminobutyric acid is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps transmit signals between the brain and the nervous system.

The main function is to control the level of glutamic acid (an excitatory neurotransmitter) and reduce the activity of nerve cells.

Suppressing nervous excitability, it naturally has a calming effect, suppresses feelings of anxiety and fear.

Sources of this acid

Gamma-aminobutyric acid is synthesized in brain cells from another neurotransmitter, glutamic acid, in the presence of the enzyme glutamate decarboxylase and the active form of vitamin B6. Lack of vitamin B6 leads to a decrease in the production of GABA, the accumulation of glutamate and nervous strain.

In addition, the immune system can attack and destroy glutamate decarboxylase. It is observed in autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's disease, celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, and other neurological disorders.

Since the substance in question is produced during fermentation under the influence of lactobacilli, it cannot be found in fresh products. This makes fermented foods the only source of it. These products include:

• kimchi (a traditional Korean cabbage dish);
• kefir;
• sauerkraut;
• yogurt;
• miso;
• Puer tea;
• fermented rice and beans.

Functions of gamma-aminobutyric acid

Reduced anxiety and improved mood

One of the main tasks of GABA is to reduce the excitability of nerve cells, as a result of which the incidence of fear and anxiety decreases.

There are clinical data indicating a link between a deficiency in the body of gamma-aminobutyric acid and the occurrence of anxiety disorders.

It enhances the alpha rhythm of the brain, promoting relaxation, improving mood, and smoothing out the effects of stress.

Improves sleep quality

With insomnia, there is a decreased level of GABA. It is noteworthy that a large number of receptors for this acid are concentrated in a part of the brain called the thalamus, which is involved in regulating sleep. This is explained by the sedative effect that it has on the body. With the normalization of the level, the rate of falling asleep increases, as well as the time of the deep phase of sleep.

 Preventing the onset of depression

As with insomnia, people with depression are deficient in GABA. After successful treatment, its level rises. Thus, it is used as an alternative to conventional drugs in the treatment of depression and allied disorders.

Relieves PMS Symptoms

Premenstrual syndrome (or PMS) is a collection of symptoms that appear before the onset of menstrual bleeding. Typical symptoms: anxiety, insomnia, mood swings, fatigue, abnormal hunger. At the same time, there is a violation of the acid level, which can help alleviate the manifestation of some symptoms.

Eases pain and reduces inflammation

GABA plays an important role in the transmission of pain impulses and the development of inflammatory processes. Studies note that a reduced concentration of this substance is accompanied by such physiological disorders as fibromyalgia and other pain syndromes. This substance suppresses the transmission of pain impulses and reduces inflammation that accompany pain of various origins. This improves the effectiveness of the treatment.

Symptoms and consequences of insufficient production

When the substances necessary for the normal functioning of the brain are in balance, a person feels energetic, sufficiently motivated to perform tasks productively. Or, as the case may be, calm and relaxed.

When the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid decreases, the brain is constantly stressed. As a result, the person is unable to relax.

The most common symptoms of GABA deficiency are:

• a feeling of fear for no apparent reason;
• the person is constantly scattered and disorganized;
• a person does several things at the same time, but does not succeed due to low productivity;
• feeling anxious even when everything is going well;
• inability to relax, the stream of thoughts does not allow falling asleep;
• an unreasonable rapid heartbeat or uneven rhythm;
• addiction to high-carbohydrate foods, alcohol and substances that help achieve relaxation.

Low acid levels are associated with a number of disorders: increased anxiety, depression, insomnia, migraines and fibromyalgia. Its deficiency is not the cause, but is noted in autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and epilepsy.

How to normalize acid levels

B vitamins are vital substances involved in the synthesis of many neurotransmitters, including GABA. Accordingly, with a deficiency of vitamin B6 (to a lesser extent, vitamin B12), a decrease in the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid is also observed.

To normalize production, foods containing glutamine, glutamic acid and glutamate are useful (not to be confused with monosodium glutamate, a food supplement). These include bananas, beef liver and other organs, broccoli, citrus fruits, halibut fish, lentils, molasses, and nuts.

A healthy lifestyle also helps restore amino acid balance, as low GABA levels are stress, lack of sleep, excess caffeine, unhealthy diet, insensitivity to gluten free.

Given the fact that full-scale studies of GABA began not so long ago, many aspects of the effect on the brain and body remain unexplored. At the moment, we can confidently talk about the positive effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid on anxiety and related disorders, while research in other areas is still are underway. For example, there is encouraging evidence to support muscle gain and fat loss, which could significantly expand the use of GABA in the future.