Can GABA pass the blood brain barrier?

GABA is such an important neurotransmitter that your brain would rather make it itself rather than bring it in from the outside. So Can GABA pass the blood brain barrier? Nature has erected a barrier between the central nervous system and the bloodstream that limits what may cross over. While GABA may be crucial to the growth and development of your nerve cells and your mental health. The barrier will keep it from passing through. Though their effectiveness is questionable, oral GABA dietary supplements are available. Consult with your physician first before you start taking GABA or GABA-like supplements.

Can GABA pass the blood brain barrier?

Leaky Brain Barrier

A healthy blood-brain barrier is an impenetrable gate. Bacteria, toxins and the supplemental GABA you ingested should never get a chance to reach vital brain tissues. There may be some tiny holes in the dike, however. Under certain circumstances, a small amount of GABA can cross from the brain into the bloodstream. The researchers of a 2001 study published in the “Journal of Neurochemistry” suggest that the body limits GABA levels in the brain by transporting it out of the central nervous system. And into the bloodstream through a special one-way pump.

GABA and Growth Hormones

GABA may also sneak into the brain through an unlocked door: the pituitary gland. The researchers of another study published in “Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise” in 2008 found that oral GABA supplements elevated growth hormone levels. Growth hormone produced the pituitary gland, which located in the brain but not isolated by the barrier. Because the pituitary has a foothold in both environments, it may provide the path that GABA can take to enter the central nervous system.

Supplemental GABA Derivatives

Though nature may limit GABA from crossing the barrier, chemists have found a way to create GABA-like supplements or analogs that can cross the barrier and function like GABA in the brain. Phenibut, or beta-phenyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid Hcl, is a designer GABA analogue. Chemists added a 6-carbon ring to GABA that enables it to cross the barrier and act on GABA receptors. Another GABA analogue supplement is picamilon, or nicotinoyl-GABA. Picamilon made by adding niacin to the GABA molecule. Once picamilon crosses the barrier, the niacin molecule is cleaved off, leaving pure GABA.

Prescription GABA Derivatives

Because of its importance as a neurotransmitter, pharmaceutical manufacturers have worked to design prescription GABA analogues that can cross the blood-brain barrier and mimic GABA. GABApentin is a GABA analogue used to treat epilepsy and neurotic pain. GABApentin causes an increase in GABA levels in the brain. Another GABA analog is gamma-hydroxybutyrate or GHB. Also known as “liquid ecstasy” and the “date rape drug,” GHB is available in the U.S. as the prescription narcolepsy treatment Xyrem. Its generic name is now sodium oxybate.

What is Gabapentin 600 mg used for?

 Gabapentin 600 mg is used to treat epilepsy and peripheral neuropathic pain. It is used to prevent seizures that are initially limited to certain parts of the brain, whether the seizure spreads to other parts of the brain or not. Gabapentin 600 mg is also used to treat long-lasting pain caused by damage to the nerves.

What are Gabapentin 100mg capsules used for?

 Gabapentin 100 mg capsule is used to treat various forms of epilepsy. Doctors prescribe Gabapentin 100 mg Capsules to help treat epilepsy when the patient’s current treatment is not fully controlling his condition. The capsule is also used to treat peripheral neuropathic pain caused by a variety of different diseases. 

How much GABA can you take daily?

It depends on the doses that your health condition needs at the moment. The doses can be like 100mg-200mg daily for sleep, anxiety or stress problem, and 10mg-20mg daily for high blood pressure. As the doses are based on the needs that have been suggested by the doctor, individual dosing and amount will vary.

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