Phenibut is an analogue of GABA

GABA

David Tomen
Author:
David Tomen
Robert Iafelice, MS, RDN, LDN
Fact Checked:
Robert Iafelice, MS, RDN, LDN
11 minute read
GABA has a calming effect on brain and body, helps relieve stress and anxiety, and boosts Human Growth Hormone

Key Takeaways

  1. GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is a crucial neurotransmitter that contributes to stress relief, relaxation, and improved sleep quality.

  2. It deviates from other neurotransmitters due to its inhibitory nature, serving to slow down neuron firing and calm the nervous system.

  3. While not as potent as some other nootropics, GABA’s effects are pronounced and significant, offering potential benefits like reduced anxiety, stress, and promoting better sleep.

  4. GABA is generally safe for consumption within the suggested dosage range of 500 – 1000 mg per day.

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid and neurotransmitter. GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter of your central nervous system. Its role is to keep glutamate, the primary excitatory transmitter, from overwhelming you.

Too much glutamate can cause a seizure, and too much GABA can put you in a coma. A healthy brain maintains a critical balance of GABA and glutamate.

GABA acts like a “brake” on neuron circuits during stress. Low GABA levels can result in anxiety, insomnia, poor mood and restlessness.

Clinical studies show that boosting GABA with a supplement relieves anxiety, stress, and boosts the production of alpha brain waves.[i] If GABA is optimized in your brain you’ll feel focused, relaxed and stress-free.

GABA helps:

  • Balance mood. GABA has an inhibitory effect on overly stimulated neurons. Low GABA levels lead to anxiety, depression and insomnia. GABA helps restore that balance. Promoting a more positive mood which improves focus and relaxation.
  • Boost Human Growth Hormone. Bodybuilders and athletes use GABA before resistance training. Studies show GABA supplements boost blood levels of Human Growth Hormone. Promoting greater recovery support and lean muscle.
  • Recovery from addiction. Some addiction doctors have been administering drugs that enhance the brain’s GABA-receptors. Normalizing GABA receptors takes away the craving and anxiety that one would typically experience in the absence of the addictive drug.

Overview

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory or relaxing neurotransmitter in your brain.[ii] GABA’s primary role is to keep the major excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate in check.

GABA
GABA

GABA isa naturally occurring amino acid synthesized in brain cells from glutamate. It’s estimated that 40% of the synapses in the human brain work with GABA and therefore have GABA receptors.

GABA enhances normal sleep cycles, and improves blood pressure. GABA stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete Human Growth Hormone. And helps produce endorphins that make you feel good after a workout or sex.

When you normalize GABA levels you’ll experience a reduction in anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness,  lowering blood pressure, and stress.

Benzodiazepine drugs like Valium and Xanax work by increasing GABA receptor sensitivity.[iii]

Meditation and yoga affects GABA receptors in your brain to help reduce stress

How do GABA Receptors Work in the Brain?

There are two natural GABA signaling receptors on nerve cells — GABA-A receptor and GABA-B receptor. While each works differently, when GABA binds to one of these receptors, the result is a decrease in that nerve cell’s responsiveness. This means that GABA modulates the signals that nerve cells are able to send.

GABA helps brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.

  1. GABA as one of two major inhibitory neurotransmitters works by preventing neural signaling associated with anxiety from reaching other neurons. It does this by attaching to the receptors that would otherwise excite those neurons. Over-stimulating neurons in certain areas of your brain is what causes anxiety-related symptoms.

Researchers in Japan studied the calming effects of GABA with 8 volunteers. They had study subjects cross a suspension bridge as the stressful stimulus.GABA supplements help reduce the stress caused by walking across a suspension bridge The placebo subjects in this group showed significant drops in blood level markers indicating high stress levels. While the GABA group showed significantly higher blood levels of these same markers.

GABA worked as a natural relaxant and its effects could be seen within 1 hour of taking GABA. The researchers concluded that GABA could enhance immunity from stress.[iv]

  1. GABA also helps decrease Beta brain waves and increase Alpha brain waves.[v] Beta brain waves are important for attention, alertness, concentration and developing memories. But excess levels of concentration, particularly during stress, can lead to anxiety, depression, insomnia and more stress.

When you are in an alert state, both Alpha and Beta brain waves can be stimulated. But the type of alertness will determine which brain wave is produced.

Alertness during an Alpha wave state is associated with a relaxed state. And a stressed alert state produces a Beta wave. But an excess of Beta brain waves contributes to a variety of nervous disorders including anxiety and stress.

As a side note, I’m writing this while listening to binaural music which produces an Alpha state. It allows for a relaxed environment which promotes creativity and productivity.

GABA also helps decrease Beta brain waves and increase Alpha brain waves for an alert but calm state.

How things go bad

Low levels of GABA are associated with a variety of health problems.

↑ Anxiety[vi], panic attacks, stress and insomnia

↑ Muscle spasms, hypertension, convulsion, Tourette’s Syndrome and epilepsy

↑ Dry skin and wrinkles

↑ Poor digestion, bloating, flatulence, and constipation

When your neurotransmitters, including GABA, are in balance, you feel motivated, productive and energetic. And you feel calm and relaxed during downtime.

When GABA levels are low you feel filled with dread, you’re constantly worried, you have racing thoughts, and you’re frequently late and disorganized.[vii]

Many people in this GABA-slump resort to high carbohydrate foods, and drugs or alcohol to relax.

GABA benefits

The amino acid L-glutamine is the precursor to GABA production in your body. L-Glutamine is a precursor the synthesis of  L-glutamate. Glutamate is your body’s most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter. Which is responsible for attention span, brain energy, learning ability, memory, and staying awake. The amino acid L-glutamine is the precursor to GABA production in your body and brain.

An enzyme called glutamate decarboxylase converts glutamate to GABA. It does it with the help of the active form of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P)).

The amino acid taurine helps increase the communication and productivity of this enzyme. And zinc helps the release of GABA from its receptors.

When this process works efficiently, you feel relaxed with no stress or feelings of anxiety. And if you are dealing with insomnia symptoms you should get a more restful night’s sleep.

How does GABA feel?

When you balance GABA levels in your brain, you feel relaxed and calm. But many neurohackers who try using GABA as a supplement don’t feel the effects. Because some research shows that the GABA molecule is too large to cross the blood-brain barrier.[viii]

If you do feel the calming effects of GABA within a ½ hour of taking it, it may mean you have a “leaky” brain. Not a good thing.[ix] Because if GABA can get through, all kinds of nasty stuff can get through too. Including toxins, undigested food particles and anything else in your blood stream that shouldn’t be in your brain.

You can learn how to fix a “leaky” brain in my article called > How to Heal a Leaky Blood-Brain Barrier. But the good news is, supplementary GABA can also benefit other functions in your body.

GABA is found in your adrenal glands, pituitary gland, pancreas and your sex organs.[x] GABA is also anti-inflammatory, and has an immune benefit. When all these are running optimally, you’ll feel good.

We’ll also cover other ways to boost GABA levels in our brain in the “Type of GABA to Buy” section of this article.

GABA Clinical Research

GABA was identified as a neurotransmitter several decades ago. And there had been a lot of research on GABA published since. But most of it is focused on how GABA works. And the drugs and chemicals which affect its action.

There is very little research available on using GABA as a supplement. Likely because many scientists believe that taking GABA as a supplement will not cross into the brain

GABA Increases Human Growth Hormone

GABA helps create Human Growth Hormone.Bodybuilders and athletes use supplementary GABA to help repair and support muscle function. And there are several studies supporting the notion that GABA increases Human Growth Hormone.

In one study, researchers worked with 19 subjects who were given a single oral dose of 5 grams of GABA. 18 subjects were given a placebo during this trial.

3 hours after the administration of GABA, blood samples were taken. The team reported that “GABA caused a significant elevation of plasma growth hormone levels”.[xi]

GABA helps Reduce Insomnia

A Los Angeles study conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial with 18 patients with sleep disorders. The patients received either a placebo, or Gabadone (a combination of GABA and 5-hydroxytryptophan).

The difference between the two groups of sleep-deprived patients was significant. The Gabadone group fell asleep faster, stayed asleep longer, and had a better quality of sleep than the placebo group.[xii]

GABA Recommended Dosage

The recommended daily GABA supplement dosage is 500 to 1000 mg for a relaxation or calming effect.

Some neurohackers notice an immediate relaxing effect, while others need to take it for a couple weeks before it starts to kick in.

L-Arginine which increases nitric oxide may also help supplementary GABA cross the blood-brain barrier.[xiii]

PharmaGABA™ which is a natural form of GABA produced with the help of Lactobacillus hilgardii bacteria is dosed at 50 – 200 mg per day.

GABA Side Effects

GABA is considered very safe when taken in normal recommended doses.

Bodybuilders who use much higher doses of GABA do report experiencing flushing, tingling, a spike in heart rate and blood pressure, and anxiety.

Type of GABA Supplements to Buy

You can take GABA food supplements in the form of a tablet, capsule and powder.

Scientists have shown that GABA does not readily cross into the brain. But many neurohackers report feeling a calming effect when using GABA.

PharmaGABA™ is a natural form of GABA made using Lactobacillus hilgardii bacteria. The same bacteria used to ferment vegetables when making the Korean cabbage dish called kimchi. This form seems to be effective in helping mood.

Another safe way to change the way GABA functions in the brain is to use any of several commonly used herbs, vitamins and minerals.

Valerian root[xiv], American Ginseng and Kava Kava work by increasing the effect of GABA on its receptors.

Extracts of green, black and oolong tea also elicit a GABA effect.[xv]

Magnesium binds to GABA receptor sites and increases its effect.[xvi]

Taurine protects against glutamate over-stimulation. And this inhibitory effect acts as an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety).

The neurotransmitter Serotonin enhances GABA. So precursors to Serotonin like tryptophan and 5-HTP can increase GABA action in the brain.

The amino acid Theanine in tea provides a calming effect. Theanine inhibits glutamate uptake which would increase GABA levels in the brain.[xvii]

Suntheanine, which is a branded from of L-Theanine is also found in some pre-formulated nootropic stacks including Mind Lab Pro®.

And Phenibut, which is a derivative of GABA developed in Russia, also increases levels of GABA in the brain. While some report that Phenibut causes drowsiness and fatigue, it’s a much safer way to boost GABA than with a pharmaceutical like Valium or Xanax. But Phenibut is no longer easily available in many countries including the USA.

Frequently Asked Questions

How good is GABA for anxiety?

GABA supplements may help reduce anxiety especially if you are GABA deficient. Many have found that when you normalize GABA levels you’ll experience a reduction in anxiety and stress, nervousness, and restlessness.

Who should not take GABA?

Do NOT use GABA if your are currently using any drug that affects GABA or GABA receptors. Benzos and barbiturates are contraindicated with GABA supplements because if you increase GABA too much you could put yourself into a coma.   

Is GABA safe to take daily?

Yes, GABA is safe to use daily as long as you are not using medications that are contraindicated with GABA.

Is it safe to take GABA every night?

GABA is safe to use every night for most people. I personally use a PharmaGABA™ supplement every night before bed because it helps me sleep. But GABA supplements are NOT safe to use if you are using anti-anxiety medications that affect GABA and its receptors.

Nootropics Expert Recommendation

GABA 500 – 1,000 mg per day. Nootropics Expert has Tested and Approved GABA supplementation.

I recommend using GABA as a nootropic supplement if you’re feeling anxiety or stress. And to calm or keep in check some of the stimulatory effects of some nootropics.

Your body does make GABA on its own from glutamate in your brain. Most healthy people have an adequate supply of GABA.

But if you’re dealing with anxiety, mood disorders, or chronic stress and need some extra help in calming things down, GABA can help.

While GABA does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier, you have many other options available for regulating or boosting GABA, if GABA as a supplement doesn’t work for you.

I suggest trying a GABA supplement first at a dose of 500 mg.

Or try one of the readily available GABA supplements made by major supplement makers containing PharmaGABA™.

Another safe option for regulating GABA levels is to use a high quality multivitamin that contains Vitamin B6 and zinc which influences the way GABA works in your brain.

Check the “Type of GABA to buy” section of this article for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may also contain other affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

[i] Nemeroff C.B. “The role of GABA in the pathophysiology and treatment of anxiety disorders.” Psychopharmacology Bulletin. 2003;37(4):133-46. (source)

[ii] Petroff O.A. “GABA and glutamate in the human brain.” Neuroscientist 2002 Dec;8(6):562-73. (source)

[iii] “HOW DRUGS AFFECT NEUROTRANSMITTERS” McGill University Canada (source)

[iv] Abdou A.M., Higashiguchi S., Horie K., Kim M., Hatta H, Yokogoshi H. “Relaxation and immunity enhancement effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration in humans.” Biofactors. 2006;26(3):201-8. (source)

[v] Abdou A.M., Higashiguchi S., Horie K., Kim M., Hatta H, Yokogoshi H. “Relaxation and immunity enhancement effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration in humans.” Biofactors. 2006;26(3):201-8. (source)

[vi] Enna S.J. “Role of gamma-aminobutyric acid in anxiety.” Psychopathology. 1984;17 Suppl 1:15-24. (source)

[vii] Struzyńska L., Sulkowski G. “Relationships between glutamine, glutamate, and GABA in nerve endings under Pb-toxicity conditions.” Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry. 2004 Jun;98(6):951-8. (source)

[viii] Kuriyama K., Sze P.Y. “Blood-brain barrier to H3-γ-aminobutyric acid in normal and amino oxyacetic acid-treated animals” Neuropharmacology Volume 10, Issue 1, January 1971, Pages 103–108 (source)

[ix] Montagne A., et. Al. “Blood-brain barrier breakdown in the aging human hippocampus.” Neuron 2015 Jan 21;85(2):296-302 (source)

[x] Watanabe M., Maemura K., Kanbara K., Tamayama T., Hayasaki H. “GABA and GABA receptors in the central nervous system and other organs.” International Revue of Cytology. 2002;213:1-47. (source)

[xi] Cavagnini F., Invitti C., Pinto M., Maraschini C., Di Landro A., Dubini A., Marelli A. “Effect of acute and repeated administration of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) on growth hormone and prolactin secretion in man.” Acta Endocrinologica (Copenhagen). 1980 Feb;93(2):149-54. (source

[xii] Shell W., Bullias D., Charuvastra E., May LA., Silver D.S. “A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of an amino acid preparation on timing and quality of sleep.” American Journal of Therapeutics. 2010 Mar-Apr;17(2):133-9. (source)

[xiii] Shyamaladevi N., Jayakumar A.R., Sujatha R., Paul V., Subramanian E.H. “Evidence that nitric oxide production increases gamma-amino butyric acid permeability of blood-brain barrier.” Brain Research Bulletin. 2002 Jan 15;57(2):231-6. (source)

[xiv] Yuan C.S., Mehendale S., Xiao Y., Aung H.H., Xie J.T., Ang-Lee M.K. “The gamma-aminobutyric acidergic effects of valerian and valerenic acid on rat brainstem neuronal activity.” Anesthesia and Analgesia. 2004 Feb;98(2):353-8 (source)

[xv] Hossain S.J., Hamamoto K., Aoshima H., Hara Y. “Effects of tea components on the response of GABA(A) receptors expressed in Xenopus Oocytes.” Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry. 2002 Jul 3;50(14):3954-60. (source)

[xvi] Möykkynen T., Uusi-Oukari M., Heikkilä J., Lovinger D.M., Lüddens H., Korpi E.R. “ Magnesium potentiation of the function of native and recombinant GABA(A) receptors.” Neuroreport. 2001 Jul 20;12(10):2175-9. (source)

[xvii] Sugiyama T., Sadzuka Y. “Theanine and glutamate transporter inhibitors enhance the antitumor efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents.” Biochim Biophys Acta. 2003 Dec 5;1653(2):47-59. (source)

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Join The Discussion - 245 comments

Mick
January 7, 2021

Hi David,

Most of the Gaba 1000mg brands that I found suggest taking 2 capsules a day – 2000mg.
Do you think 1 capsule is enough? And why do you think most of them suggest 2000mg a day?

Thanks.

    David Tomen
    January 8, 2021

    Mick, GABA does not cross the blood-brain barrier easily. So higher doses are used to compensate. But I only ever use 1,000 mg GABA per day and it works for me. It may for you as well.

      Mick
      January 9, 2021

      I think 2000mg is too much for me at the moment. I will try 1000mg and see how I go.

      Thanks David.

Mick
December 28, 2020

Hi David,
I’m taking 500mg of Gaba before bed for a long time now, and I’m just about to run out. I wanted to order the same dose 500mg, but then I saw 1000mg in a capsule. I’m thinking maybe I should try it.
David can you please let me know what is the sign that I need more Gaba?
Thanks.

    David Tomen
    December 28, 2020

    Mick, there’s really no sign that you may be deficient in GABA without getting really technical here. I suggest trying the 1,000 mg GABA dose and see if it works for you. It’s what I use every night.

      Mick
      December 29, 2020

      Ok, David I will try it. Thanks a lot for the tip.

Betti Fernandez
December 14, 2020

How long can you take GABA? I take 500 at nite to help me sleep. And I take w/5mg of Melatonin. I fall asleep but wake up in a couple of hours then go back to sleep an hour later. And yrs, it takes about 1 hour to work. I am a little slow when I wake up so I am wondering if I can cut back and take 1 Gaba and 1 L THEANINE and 1 Melatonin
Thank you so much.

    David Tomen
    December 15, 2020

    Betti, it’s the melatonin that doing this to you. I do not recommend anyone use melatonin for a variety of reasons. Much safer to use 500 mg L-Tryptophan which makes serotonin which then goes on to make melatonin naturally in your brain.

    Or if your heart is set on using melatonin then I recommend Tart Cherry Juice from concentrate (NOT a juice blend). You can get it from your local supermarket or Whole Foods. And use about 6 oz. with your other supplements before bed. Nature’s best source of natural melatonin.

    You can continue to use GABA for as long as you like. It’s highly unlikely that is causing your issues.

Serge
December 3, 2020

Hello David
Does Gaba has effect on ED?
Thanks

    David Tomen
    December 4, 2020

    Serge, GABA controls orgasm release. And one study showed that taking GABA with a lower dose of sildenafil (Viagra) achieved the best results.

Damian
November 8, 2020

Also i would like to know please David if it is safe to take Calcium Carbonate or if it is safer to consume calcium citrate instead?, because some sources mention that Calcium Carnonate causes cerebrovascular disease and ischemic heart disease…
And the other question is,
in the labels of the Carbonate or Citrate product the amount of recommended daily values ​​are not equivalent with his Bioavailability (the amount of absorbable calcium),
I should respect the dose on the label or take the dose that corresponds to its bioavailability up to 1200 mg daily?

    David Tomen
    November 9, 2020

    Damian, calcium carbonate must be taken with food so your body absorbs it properly. Not so with calcium citrate. Don’t take any more than 500 mg of the supplement at a time an ignore your own calculations of “absorbable calcium”. Best not to go above the dosage recommended by the manufacturer.

    And make sure you’re taking a Vitamin D supplement in the morning because this vitamin helps deliver calcium to where it is supposed to go.

      Damian
      November 16, 2020

      thank you for your generosity David, the only doubt that I remain is about the sources that mention that the consumption of Calcium Carbonate is the cause of cerebrovascular disease and ischemic heart disease, I consume Puritans Pride calcium carbonate, the recommended dose on the package is two capsules, there are 1200 mg of calcium carbonate in total (the two capsules), it would help me a lot to know Please your opinion if it can cause me problems with health that? due to some media saying calcium carbonate is bad

        David Tomen
        November 17, 2020

        Damian, these guys from the Department of Medicine at the University of Auckland in New Zealand have a convincing meta-analysis of years of studies on calcium supplementation.

        And they conclude based on their findings that it’s not worth the risk. Because time and again studies have shown increased cardiovascular risk. And increased risk of kidney stones, acute gastrointestinal events, and increase the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. You can read that analysis here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4125316/

Damian
November 8, 2020

Hello David, im a big fan of your work
I need your help to improves my life
I have been taking Gaba 200 mg before go to bed, It has help me so much but, I have become extremely sleepy for the rest of the day (without consuming Gaba in the Morning), why this happen and how to solve it?

I would also like to know the risks of consuming GABA that has expired?, Mine did not expire but when it do I would like to know if I should throw it away or it could be a few months or a year without the risk of it hurting me

And the last question is about the importance of l glycine for sleep and they Results comparing with Gaba and if you recomend it?
(above of Theanine o Taurine in my case)

    David Tomen
    November 9, 2020

    Damian, your sleepiness during the day can be caused by a variety of issues. One of them being not getting sound sleep the night before. L-Glycine is know to help promote sound sleep. I suggest you try it.

    GABA is your major inhibitory neurotransmitter and while is can help calm you it is not necessarily directly related to sleep. L-Tryptophan is because it helps produce serotonin and then goes on the make melatonin.

    Dietary supplements can expire. But if they are stored correctly can last a lot longer than you imagine. So unless it is contaminated with something toxic I would not worry too much about it ‘expiring’.

    I suggest putting together a sleep stack of 500 mg L-Tryptophan, 400 mg magnesium, and about 6 oz. of tart cherry juice from concentrate (NOT a juice blend). Take it about 60 minutes before bed and see how it works for you. You can also add 2 grams of L-Glycine after you’ve tried this stack on its own and see if it helps you.

    Those supplements are also available in a pre-made stack called Performance Lab Sleep (https://bit.ly/35cx80b) if you’d like to try it.

      Damian
      November 17, 2020

      thanks David, you are a great man, I promise to share your work as a thank you. One last question, do you think that the consumption of Yogurt has a negative effect on the body as it is in the case of milk?

        David Tomen
        November 19, 2020

        Damian, likely only if one is lactose intolerant. If you’re not then I think there are too many benefits to using yogurt that it would be wise to continue.

      MB
      June 24, 2021

      Dont use glycine, it lowers your orgasm and erection.

        David Tomen
        June 24, 2021

        MB< you are the first person to report that type of reaction to Glycine. I have seen a couple of animal studies showing Glycine increasing estradiol and luteinizing hormone in mice. But have not seen this replicated in anything other than mice.

Jazmin
October 7, 2020

Hi David! I took 500 mg of GABA last night before sleep and within 15 minutes I started to feel effects like little dizziness and sleepiness. Nonetheless I woke up feeling very good, should I keep taking it? o because of the leaky brain is better to stop? Thanks a lot!

    David Tomen
    October 9, 2020

    Jazmin, if that was the extent of what you experienced it sounds like it has potential. And the dose is right as well. It can’t hurt to continue using GABA for another few nights and see how it continues to work for you.

Jimmy Hudson
September 27, 2020

Hey David, I’m wondering If I could potentially use Gaba to increase my current levels of HGH. I’m 16 and still trying to grow (I think research suggests HGH and IGF-1 work together to increase linear bone growth). I want to increase hgh while my epiphyseal plates are still potentially open.
I would also like to use this to calm me down and allow me to sleep before tests!
What I’m wondering is if you would recommend a different supplement to increase hgh safely/more efficiently, or would suggest gaba, or nothing at all?
I saw a research chemical called mk677 which looks promising but is prescription where I live (Australia).
It’s long term effects are also not known which is concerning.

    David Tomen
    September 28, 2020

    Jimmy, you need to be careful at your age that you don’t upset the natural development of your brain. This development continues into your early 20’s.

    GABA on the other hand is a natural neurotransmitter that you already use. And GABA naturally promotes Human Growth Hormone. If you decide to use GABA then please use the lowest effective dose of 500 mg or less. You may be able to get away with just 250 mg before bed.

    Stay away from research chemicals. It’s not worth the risk especially at your age. Short term gains could end up costing you big time.

      Jimmy Hudson
      September 28, 2020

      Thanks for the reply David! I have one last question, I ordered some gaba and it is in powder form. The information says “a flat standard teaspoon of GABA is around 3.4g. ½ teaspoon will provide around 2g dose.” Does this mean I should use 1/8th of a teaspoon in water to get 500mg, that just seems to little to me?

      Also, is the best time to use gaba right before bed when trying to increase HGH?
      Thank you.

        David Tomen
        September 29, 2020

        Jimmy, I’ve never been a believer in trying to measure stuff using a teaspoon or tablespoon. The only accurate way to weigh powder is with a little scale like this one: https://amzn.to/34fQWym

        And most use GABA before bed because it is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Using it earlier has a tendency to put you to sleep. GABA boosts HGH any time so might as well do it while you’re sleeping.

        Jimmy Hudson
        September 29, 2020

        Hey, thanks for the reply again, Just in case you wanted to know. I’ve just watched pretty much every gaba review there is out there and have found an interesting trend. Gaba tablets/capsules seem to be hit or miss for most people whereas gaba powder seems to yield consistent and reliable results (in relation to it’s relaxing effects). Have you found this to be true and or do you know a possible reason as to why this seems to occur? Obviously ten or so reviews is not large enough of a sample to make conclusions. Just would like to see what u think.

        David Tomen
        October 1, 2020

        Jimmy, tablets may be because of what is coating them and retarding digestion. Capsules should work much the same as powder. I’ve never tried powder and have only used capsules which work for me. But you’re right. A handful of reviews does not tell you much.

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