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What is GABA?
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid manufactured in the brain where it acts as an important regulator of mental function and mood. GABA is particularly important in promoting feelings of calmness and increased mental focus. Sufficient amounts of GABA are normally produced by the body, but outside factors such as a poor diet or increased stress may cause the body to produce lower levels.
What is PharmaGABA ™ ?
GABA has been available as a dietary supplement for decades, but until recently it has only been available in the U.S. as chemically produced, synthetic GABA. PharmaGABA™ is a special form of GABA naturally manufactured from Lactobacillus hilgardii K-3– the bacteria used to ferment vegetables in the preparation of the traditional Korean dish known as kimchi. PharmaGABA ™ is manufactured by Pharma Foods International Co. LTD., of Kyoto, Japan.
What is the difference between synthetic GABA and PharmaGABA ™ ?
Studies with synthetic GABA have indicates it has little, if any benefit. Synthetic GABA contains trace amounts of pyrrolidinone and as a result is not allowed for use in Japan. In addition to being a chemical irritant, pyrrolidinone is used as an industrial solvent and and paint-remover. In contrast, PharmaGABA is the only form of GABA that has achieved generally recognized as safe status (GRAS) in the United States and detailed experiments with PharmaGABA ™ have demonstrated significant anti-stress effects.
Health Benefits of GABA
GABA acts as a natural anti-stress agent helping to ease feeling of nervousness and anxiousness. A growing body of evidence indicates that increasing GABA levels may also help improve mood and mental focus. GABA is especially important in promoting higher quality sleep. Studies with PharmaGABA demonstrated an ability to improve sleep quality as noted by an ability to reduce the time required to go to sleep and increasing the time spent in the deeper levels of sleep without increasing total sleep time. PharmaGABA is non-addictive unlike many of the popular anti-anxiety drugs that are associated with serious side-effects and are known to be highly addictive.
Preliminary research also indicates that increasing GABA levels is a possible strategy for reducing the appetite, lowering blood pressure, and improving exercise performance.
Efficacy
Research from Japanese Universities has shown that PharmaGABA ™ increases the production of alpha brain waves (a state often achieved by meditation and characterized by being relaxed with greater mental focus and mental alertness) as well as reduce the beta brain waves that are associated with nervousness, scattered thoughts, and hyperactivity. PharmaGABA ™ has also shown an ability to reduce biological markers of stress such as cortisol; enhance feelings of focus and calmness; offset stress-induced immune suppression; and improve sleep quality.
What types of products in Japan contain PharmaGABA ™ ?
PharmaGABA ™ is approved for use in Japan as an aid to conquer the feelings of stress. The most popular applications of PharmaGABA ™ are in chocolate and coffee beverages as it is particularly helpful in counteracting the effects of caffeine. It is also found in sports beverages, water, candy, and even sausage.
Are there any side effects or drug interactions with PharmaGABA ™ ?
There have been no reports of any side effects or drug interactions with PharmaGABA ™ . However, since no test available, it is best avoided during pregnancy and is not intended for children under 6 years old.
Who uses PharmaGABA ™ ?
- Individuals working in a high-stress environment
- Individuals who feel that they are overwhelmed or over-committed
- Individuals who want to increase levels of concentration and sharpen the mind.
- Athletes (One study showed that athletes using PharmaGABA ™ experienced reduced stress markers during and after exercise.)
When do they use PharmaGABA ™ ?
- Mid-day when energy levels are low.
- To restore mental calmness quickly.
- To improve learning performance and memory.
- To improve sleep quality.
- Situations involving high stress, extreme anxieties, phobias and fears.
- Whenever an individual needs to regain/increase mental focus and concentration
- During times of high-stress.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.





