Evidence supporting the use of: GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
For the health condition: Nervousness

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and plays a key role in regulating neuronal excitability, mood, and stress responses. Oral GABA supplements are popularly marketed to relieve nervousness, anxiety, and promote relaxation. There is some scientific rationale for this use: low GABA activity has been associated with anxiety and related symptoms in both animal and human studies. Additionally, several pharmaceutical anxiolytics (such as benzodiazepines) work by enhancing GABAergic activity in the brain.

However, direct scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of oral GABA supplements for reducing nervousness in humans is limited. One key issue is that GABA taken orally is believed to have poor ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, which means that its direct effects on brain function may be minimal. A few small human studies and clinical trials suggest modest benefits for stress and relaxation, but these studies often have methodological limitations, such as small sample sizes or lack of rigorous controls.

In summary, there is a plausible scientific basis for targeting GABAergic pathways in the treatment of nervousness, but the specific use of oral GABA supplements is supported by only modest and preliminary evidence (rating: 2/5). More high-quality research is needed to determine whether these supplements are effective and under what conditions they might work.

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