If you’re looking for a way to reduce anxiety and get more restful sleep, a GABA supplement might be precisely what you need. GABA supplements work to slow down overactive brain signals that cause stress and anxiety. With such an oversaturated supplement market, it can be tricky to choose a worthwhile product. The best GABA supplement is Now’s 500-milligram GABA and B-6 supplement. This affordable supplement includes GABA for help with anxiety and B-6 for immune support and a mood boost.
GABA stands for gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter found in the human brain. GABA is known as the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Its job is to block the frantic brain signals typically occurring when you’re frightened or anxious. Slowing these signals helps you calm down and gain your bearings. People with low levels of GABA in their brains may be prone to more stress, heightened anxiety, insomnia and symptoms of depression. Since GABA isn’t present in many foods, people with these issues have turned to GABA supplements for some help.
The primary purpose people take GABA supplements for is anxiety. These supplements are seen as an effective and safe alternative to heavy-duty prescription anxiety medications. However, GABA supplements also have some secondary uses and benefits such as help with sleep, lowering blood pressure, alleviating symptoms of depression and reducing fatigue.
There aren’t any widespread side effects that people who take GABA supplements consistently report. However, while there have been some reports of headaches and nausea, studies show the supplements are likely not a significant cause of migraines. Still, you should consult your doctor before adding a GABA supplement to your daily routine.
With no official recommended dosage for GABA supplements, users have to do a bit of trial and error to find the dose that works best for them. Supplement manufacturers publish dose recommendations that can sometimes vary significantly from one company to the next. Starting with a low dose of a new supplement is always the safe bet. If you’re new to GABA supplements, it might be best to choose a product with a smaller serving size so you can test the waters. Again, your doctor is the best person to ask for advice on this matter.
As with most oral medications and supplements, GABA is available in multiple forms. The three most common forms of GABA supplements are capsules, liquids, and lozenges.
Manufacturers often pair GABA with other active ingredients to create a multi-faceted supplement. Vitamins such as B-6 and amino acids including L-theanine, L-tyrosine and L-citrulline are commonly paired with GABA for a synergistic effect. This type of supplement pairing is especially apparent in supplements specialized for help with sleep.
GABA supplements can cost as low as $15 and as high as $50. GABA supplements on the higher end of the spectrum tend to include other active ingredients.
A. There have been two scientific studies that bode well for the effectiveness of GABA supplements in reducing anxiety. However, these two studies were relatively small and much more research has to be done to determine the true efficacy of these supplements. The majority of evidence in support of GABA supplements is anecdotal.
A. Most manufacturers recommend taking GABA supplements in the morning and at night. If you are taking the supplement for anxiety, daytime use makes the most sense. If you take it as a sleep aid, you should take it before bed.
Now 500-milligram GABA Supplement with B-6
What you need to know: Now’s GABA and B-6 blend is an affordable supplement that benefits from its two active ingredients’ synergistic properties.
What you’ll love: The healthy helping of B-6 in these capsules promotes a healthy immune system. The capsules are free of gelatin and dairy.
What you should consider: 500-milligrams might be a large dose for a beginner.
Where to buy: Sold by iHerb and Amazon
Source Naturals GABA Calm Lozenges
What you need to know: These tasty GABA lozenges from Source Naturals include a careful blend of amino acids that promote a calm mind and restful sleep.
What you’ll love: The ingredients work well together to help you calm down and get to sleep faster. Each lozenge contains a relatively low amount of GABA, making it easier for you to personalize your dosage.
What you should consider: The lozenges can take quite a while to dissolve fully.
Where to buy: Sold by iHerb and Amazon
Natural Stacks GABA Brain Food Capsules
What you need to know: Natural Stacks’ GABA Brain Food capsules are specialized to help your brain create essential neurotransmitters.
What you’ll love: The grape seed extract in these capsules helps your body metabolize the GABA. Unlike some of its competitors, all of Natural Stacks’ product testing is done by third-party labs.
What you should consider: This blend is quite a bit pricier than comparable products.
Where to buy: Sold by iHerb and Amazon
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Nick Rezzonico writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
