Amino Acid Precursor to GABA
| Neurotransmitter | Amino Acid (Building block) | Deficiency | Toxicity | Genetics or Natural Depletion | External/Chemical Source of Depletion | Present in Foods |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GABA | l-glutamine | Anxious, Racing thoughts, panic | Excessive sedation | Depleted by trauma. Reduced levels in parents can result in DNA/RNA reduction of GABA in child. | Glutamine can be depleted by sedative drugs, including tranquilizers and alcohol | Glutamine can be found in lean beef & pork, Sesame seeds, Fowl, Sunflower seeds |
Glutamine: Precursor to GABA
Glutamine in an amino acid that is a major precursor for the neurotransmitter, GABA, or gamma amino butyric acid, and is especially important when the body is subjected to stressful situations. It has been stated that when there is no GABA, there is no calm and no sleep because the brain will not "turn off".
A Conditionally Essential Amino Acid: Glutamine
Glutamine is considered a "conditionally essential amino acid" because, although it can be manufactured in the body, under extreme physical or emotional stress the demand for glutamine exceeds the body's ability to synthesize it.
Unlike glutamic acid, glutamine crosses the blood-brain barrier easily, readily reaching the central nervous system (CNS) for use.
It is a potent energy source and is vital for high energy activities, such as exercise and projects requiring concentrated thinking and memory. Therefore, it is essential for supplying both the body and brain with energy.
Glutamine and Excess Ammonia
L-glutamine is important for removing excess ammonia (a common waste product in the body). It has been shown to enhance the immune system. Also, people who are gluten sensitive can use glutamine without the problems often associated with sensitivity to monosodium glutamate.
Glutamine and Anxiety
Glutamine is an all-natural, anti-anxiety supplement that allows the mind to relax without causing the side effects sometimes associated with tranquilizers. It "tones down" unwanted "mind chatter," which sharpens a person's ability to focus and concentrate with more clarity or simply relax.
Why not use GABA instead of L-Glutamine?
While l-glutamine is an all-natural product, an ingredient by the name of GABA is a synthetic product that increases calm in the neurotransmitter by the same name.
The problem with using this synthetic product is that your body responds to it like it would any other external chemical source (See Addiction); it increases the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma amino butyric acid, but does nothing to actually build or replenish it. The only way to naturally build the brain chemical GABA is through nutrition or through the use of the amino acid l-glutamine.
People who are taking the product GABA will get a temporary calm, but will eventually need to change to l-glutamine to rebuild the GABA levels naturally.
Always remember, before any nutritional supplement, including amino acids, consult your health care professional first.
