Have you been recently recommended by your doctor to take a GABA supplement? It’s quite natural that you will be having questions about how long it takes for GABA to work. Before getting into the details, it’s necessary to understand what GABA is and how it works.
What Is GABA?
Gamma-aminobutyric acid, commonly known as GABA is a neurotransmitter. It works in such a way that by sending chemical messages through the brain and nervous system, it aids in regulating communication between brain cells.
GABA performs the function of reducing or calming the activity of neurons. When you take a prescription pill, it boosts GABA in your brain, and thus supplement manufacturers recommend GABA supplements to help with stress and sleep.
Health Benefits Of GABA Supplements
Low levels of GABA can cause anxiety, insomnia, depression, and mood disorders.
Being a natural brain relaxant, GABA supplement is generally used to prevent and treat the below health issues.
- Manages anxiety – A participant’s brain waves were examined in a clinical trial. Within an hour of taking GABA, there was a significant increase in alpha waves that led to feelings of calm and relaxation.
- Controls hypertension – Among patients suffering from hypertension, GABA was found to be effective in stabilizing blood pressure.
- Cuts down obesity risk – Studies show that those who consumed GABA supplements experienced a reduction in body fat and triglyceride levels. At the same time, they benefitted from an increase in lean muscle mass.
How Long Does GABA Need To Work?
Now, let’s find out how long it takes for GABA supplements to work. Generally, it takes around 30 to 45 minutes for them to show results. However, it varies from person to person depending on several factors such as weight, metabolism, and dosage.
GABA Supplements And Sleep
When it comes to sleep , the effectiveness of GABA supplements depends on various factors such as the timing of its use and the amount used. Among people who used them continuously, the supplement turned out to be effective after 4 weeks of consistent use.
A study also revealed that people who consumed higher doses of GABA supplements received better quality of sleep when compared to those who received lower doses.
To add on, the efficacy of GABA supplements in providing sleep can be impacted by several factors such as caffeine intake, high-stress levels, and medication interactions. Also, research shows that GABA may not work for all, based on individual differences in metabolism and brain chemistry.
GABA Dose For Sleep
Generally a GABA dosage exceeding 200mg should be sufficient in providing sleep. However, according to studies, 300mg is the optimal GABA dose that offers sleep.
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GABA Supplements And Anxiety
A study revealed that GABA was effective in improving anxiety within an hour. Going by the results of various studies, a 100mg dosage of GABA supplements improved anxiety within 30 minutes to an hour. It was also observed that the longer the doses, the higher the time taken to get results.
Another important finding was that with the passage of time GABA supplements were found to be more effective in improving anxiety. The effectivness was much higher after 4 to 8 weeks of continued usage. It is to be noted that caffeine intake can adversely affect GABA’s efficacy.
GABA Dose For Anxiety
If you are dealing with anxiety, 100 mg would be the optimal dose provided you want to see results within 30 to 40 minutes. However, if your anxiety levels are less, a dose of 30 mg or above would work out. It also comes with the benefits of lesser side effects and tolerance.
Conclusion
Hope you found the article quite insightful. Though the time required for the GABA supplements to show results may vary, they are generally considered safe and there are no reported drug interactions. However, it is yet to be proven whether the GABA supplements are 100% safe for females who are pregnant or lactating.
To be on a safer side, speak to your doctor before taking GABA supplements daily and follow directions on product label. It is also to be noted that the recommended dosage of these supplements will also vary depending on age, gender, and condition.
