What is GABA?

Avro only uses Japanese-made PharmaGABA, a naturally fermented source of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a calming neurotransmitter in the body. PharmaGABA is unique because it is made by a beneficial probiotic, Lactobacillus hilgardii, the same probiotic used to ferment cabbage, radishes, and other vegetables for the Korean side dish kimchi. The resulting material is GABA, along with other fermentation nutrients, including nucleic and amino acids.

Natural-sourced versus synthetic GABA: Evidence points to the benefits of the natural form of GABA over synthetic GABA. In an unpublished, double-blind comparison trial, natural-source PharmaGABA, but not synthetic GABA, was shown to produce relaxation.* Measures of relaxation included brain wave patterns, diameter of the pupil, and heart rate, as well as reduction of the stress markers salivary cortisol and chromogranin A (a marker of adrenal stress).

Anti-stress effects of PharmaGABA supported by salivary tests: Additional clinical studies of PharmaGABA yield further evidence of its anti-stress activity.* Secretory IgA (sIgA) is an important antibody in saliva that supports immune function. Typically during times of stress, salivary sIgA levels will drop. In one study, subjects with acrophobia (fear of heights) traversed a long, walking suspension bridge spanning a 150-foot high canyon. Salivary sIgA levels decreased when participants were given a placebo; however, when they were given PharmaGABA, their salivary sIgA levels were maintained half-way across the bridge and actually increased on completion of the crossing, indicating that PharmaGABA helps prevent stress-induced decrease in immune function.*

A second study, which used the same suspension bridge but different subjects (n=13), produced additional support for GABA’s ability to reduce markers of stress.* Participants who were given 200 mg of natural-source GABA (PharmaGABA) experienced a 20% decrease in salivary levels of the adrenal stress marker chromogranin A at the halfway point across the bridge compared to starting values; whereas, the placebo group had a 20% increase in chromogranin A.

PharmaGABA can promote restful sleep: Natural-source GABA has been shown to promote restful sleep.* In a 2016 randomized, placebo-controlled trial, a small group of poor sleepers were given either 100 mg of PharmaGABA or a placebo for one week 30 minutes before bedtime.
After a one-week washout period, the substance protocol was reversed – those who previously took placebo received PharmaGABA and vice versa. As measured by EEG, there was a significant decrease in the time it took to fall asleep in the group taking PharmaGABA compared to when they took the placebo.*
PharmaGABA plus whey protein supports lean muscle mass: In a study on the effect of nutrient supplementation on muscle mass, 21 males (average age, 39.5 years) who did not exercise regularly were given a daily dose of 10 grams of whey protein or 10 grams of whey protein plus 100 mg of PharmaGABA for 12 weeks. Either supplement was taken within 15 minutes of completing exercise training or before bedtime on non-exercise days. Both groups participated in twice-weekly, 60-minute strength training sessions consisting of leg presses, leg extensions, leg curls, chest presses, and pull-downs. The total body lean muscle mass increased significantly in the whey protein plus PharmaGABA group compared to the whey-only group.*

Article by: Peter van Stolk

References:

  1. Unpublished data provided by Pharma Foods International LTD., Kyoto, Japan.
  2. Abdou A, Higashiguchi S, Horie K, et al. Relaxation and immunity enhancement effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration in humans. BioFactors 2006;26:201-208.
  3. Yamatsu A, Yamashita Y, Pandharipande T, et al. Effect of oral γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) adminis­tration on sleep and its absorption in humans. Food Sci Biotechnol 2016;25:547-551.
  4. Sakashita M, Nakamura U, Maru I, et al. Combined oral intake of GABA with whey protein improves lean mass in resistance-trained men. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2016;48(5 Suppl 1):54.