Effective Dosage: There is currently no clinical evidence that GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is effective as a weight loss supplement at any dosage. Doses of GABA as high as 5 grams per dose are recommended within hard-core bodybuilding circles to stimulate spikes in plasma growth hormone levels, but smaller doses of 1-2 grams are probably more realistic. Doses are typically taken on an empty stomach prior to sleep.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid that functions as a neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA is synthesized in the brain from another amino acid, glutamate, and functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter – meaning that it blocks nerve impulses. In the body, GABA is concentrated in the hypothalamus region of the brain and is known to play a role in the overall functioning of the pituitary gland – which regulates growth hormone synthesis, sleep cycles, and body temperature.
As a dietary supplement, GABA is typically promoted to bodybuilders and other athletes as a nutrient to help stimulate secretion of growth hormone, decrease body fat levels and increase lean muscle tissue. The problem, however, is that GABA does not cross the blood-brain barrier, so it can not get into the brain where it is active. A related compound known as GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) differs from GABA only by substitution of GABA’s amino group with a hydroxyl (OH) group – making GHB able to cross into the brain. As such, products containing GHB have been promoted as supplements to increase growth hormone levels, aid recovery from exercise and promote relaxation and sleep. GABA and GHB appear to be readily interconvertible in the brain and a number of chemically related compounds, such as GBL (gamma-butyrolactone), BD (1,4-butanediol) and furanone (2,3H-furanone di-hydro) are rapidly converted in the body into GHB. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) consider GHB and related compounds (GBL, BD, furanone) to be dangerous unapproved drugs due to their tendency to cause seizures and other adverse side effects. GABA, however, is classified as an amino acid which is legal for use as a dietary supplement.
As it is currently promoted, GABA supplements do not appear to be particularly effective in stimulating growth hormone synthesis/secretion or promoting relaxation. The majority of commercially available supplements provide GABA in levels of 250-750mg – far below the several grams per dose shown to be effective in influencing growth hormone metabolism. When it comes to GHB and its various chemical cousins – the fact that the FDA considers them illegal drugs just about says it all.
Although the chemical structure of GABA and GHB are similar, we are not aware of any adverse events associated with GABA-containing dietary supplements. GHB, however, is a far different story. Despite its presence in a wide variety of dietary supplements, the FDA considers it to be an illegal/unapproved drug – and not a supplement ingredient. As such, the FDA has moved to remove such products from the marketplace – and with good reason. GHB-containing products have been associated with a number of adverse side effects related to the dose of GHB. Low doses of GHB (0.5-1.5 grams) typically induce feelings of relaxation similar to mild alcohol intoxication, while medium doses (1-2.5 grams) increase muscle relaxation and cause physical disequilibrium and loss of coordination. High doses of GHB (above 2.5 grams) result in nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness as well as more serious adverse effects such as depressed breathing, bradycardia (slow heart rate), coma, and even death. Alcohol and other drugs with central nervous system depressant effects are known to compound the effect of GHB. **Toxic reactions have also been reported for supplement products containing GBL, BD and furanone.
These statements about GABA have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. GABA is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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