Bioclinic Naturals, GABA-Pro Tropical Breeze 90 Chewable Tablets

Benefits

• Uses Pharma GABA™, a naturally sourced form of GABA
• Naturally manufactured via a fermentation process that uses Lactobacillus hilgardii, the bacterium used to ferment vegetables in the preparation of kimchi, the traditional Korean dish
• Improves calmness and relaxation from daily stress, eases nervous tension, and reduces the negative effects of caffeine consumption, without causing drowsiness
• Fast acting – effects can be felt in as little as five minutes and can last from four to six hours1
• Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status in the United States
• Delicious tropical fruit-flavoured chewable tablet
• Suitable for vegetarians/vegans

Feature Summary

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is one of the major inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, balancing the excitatory effects of glutamate on neuronal activity. The inhibitory effects of GABA are generally considered to lessen anxiety, relax muscle tension, and have sedative-like effects.2,3,4 GABA has also been shown to cause a significant increase in alpha brain waves, which are associated with a more relaxed state and better concentration.

In a clinical trial involving people with a fear of heights, a control group crossing a suspension bridge had a 35% decrease in salivary levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), a marker for stress-related decreases in immune system activity. Participants who crossed the same bridge, but took GABA-Pro had increases in sIgA levels, suggesting a stress-reducing effect.1,5,6

Many medications used for insomnia also target GABA receptors and activity, with effects such as decreasing wakefulness, shortening sleep latency, and increasing slow-wave sleep.7,8,9

Pharma GABA is well absorbed and binds to GABA receptors in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), the arm of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) responsible for producing the “relaxation response” – the opposite of the “fight or flight” response. In a double-blind crossover study, 12 young adult males taking 30 mg of Pharma GABA per meal after an overnight fast had significant increases in overall ANS and PNS activities, compared to placebo. This suggests Pharma GABA may induce relaxation effects by modulating ANS activity.10

Non-Medicinal Ingredients

Xylitol, stearic acid, hydroxypropylcellulose, silica, natural tropical fruit flavor (banana, pomegranate, pineapple, mango, passionfruit, orange, tangerine, mandarin), citric acid, vegetable grade magnesium stearate (lubricant).

Dosage

Recommended Adult Dose: Chew 1–2 tablets 3 times per day or as directed by a health care practitioner. Consult a health care practitioner for use beyond 4 weeks.

Warnings

Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult a health care practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen. Consumption of alcohol, other medications, or health products with sedative properties is not recommended. Keep out of reach of children.

Allergens

Contains no artificial colours, preservatives, or sweeteners; no dairy, starch, wheat, gluten, soy, egg, fish, shellfish, animal products, salt, tree nuts, or GMOs. Suitable for vegetarians/vegans. Sealed for your protection. Do not use it if the seal is broken. For freshness, store in a cool, dry place.

Drug Interactions

No known drug interactions have been documented; however, a theoretical concern exists for interaction with CNS depressants, and GABA may decrease blood pressure in people with hypotension, including those taking hypotensive agents.

References:

1. Abdou, A.M., Higashiguchi, S., Horie, K., et al. (2006). Relaxation and immunity enhancement effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration in humans. Biofactors, 26, 201-208.
2. 2Gajcy, K., Lochyñski, S., & Librowski T. (2010). A role of GABA analogues in the treatment of neurological diseases. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 17(22), 2338-2347.
3. Kendell, S.F., Krystal, J.H., & Sanacora, G. (2005). GABA and glutamate systems as therapeutic targets in depression and mood disorders. Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets, 9, 153-168.
4. Nemeroff, C.B. (2003). The role of GABA in the pathophysiology and treatment of anxiety disorders. Psychopharmacology Bulletin, 37, 133-146.
5. Yoto, A., Murao, S., Motoki, M., et al. (2012). Oral intake of aminobutyric acid affects mood and activities of the central nervous system during stressed conditions induced by mental tasks. Amino Acids, 43(3), 1331-1337.
6. Yang, Y., Koh, D., Ng, V., et al. (2002). Self-perceived work-related stress and the relation with salivary IgA and lysozyme among emergency department nurses. Occupational & Environmental Medicine, 59(12), 836-841.
7. Walsh, J.K., Salkeld, L., Knowles, L.J., et al. Treatment of elderly primary insomnia patients with EVT 201 improves sleep initiation, sleep maintenance, and daytime sleepiness. Sleep Medicine, 11(1), 23-30.
8. Lundahl, J., Staner, L., Staner, C., et al. (2007). Short-term treatment with gaboxadol improves sleep maintenance and enhances slow-wave sleep in adult patients with primary insomnia. Psychopharmacology (Berl), 195(1), 139-146.
9. Yamatsu, A., Yamashita, Y., Panharipande, P., et al. (2016). Effect of oral gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration on sleep and its absorption in humans. Food Science and Biotechnology, 25(2), 547-551.
10. Fujibayashi, M., Kamiya, T., Takagaki, K., et al. (2008). Activation of autonomic nervous system activity by the oral ingestion of GABA. Journal of Japan Society of Nutrition and Food Sciences, 61, 129-133.