Gamma-aminobutyric acid. Signs of deficiency in the body

The main regulator of our entire body is the brain. Thanks to him, the actions of all systems are coordinated. With the help of the brain and spinal cord, we can move, see, hear, speak, feel and understand. Naturally, the central and peripheral nervous systems carry out their action through special structures - neurotransmitters. These include a number of substances that help the brain to transmit signals.

The action of neurotransmitters in the body

Assistants are needed to carry out the transfer between nerve fibers, as well as to muscle tissues. They are intermediaries who conduct an electrical impulse through synaptic spaces. The impulses go along the nerve end and, reaching the end, cause the release of the neurotransmitter. "Assistants" fall into the gap and affect the neighboring neuron, which becomes permeable to the signal. Thus, all electrical impulses are transmitted in the body. Neurotransmitters are substances of chemical origin that can cause both excitation and inhibition in the central nervous system. They are divided into 3 groups: amino acids, catecholamines and peptides. The most frequently occurring representatives are adrenaline and norepinephrine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, glycine, dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, acetylcholine.

Functions of GABA in the body

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (with English GABA) refers to mediators that inhibit the nervous system. It is a chemical substance present in the body of humans and animals. GABA refers to a number of interchangeable amino acids that are not capable of synthesizing protein molecules. Despite this, its importance in the body is very high. Gamma-aminobutyric acid fulfills two most important functions:

1. Mediator action. Due to its inhibitory effect, GABA has antihypertensive, calming, anticonvulsant effects. In addition, it promotes sleep stimulation, regulates motor activity, improves memory and thinking processes .
2. Metabolic function. GABA improves metabolic processes in the brain and its circulation, provides nerve cells with energy. Thanks to this substance, one of the most important effects is realized: antihypoxic, that is, avoidance of oxygen starvation. The next action of GABA is the removal of metabolic products from the body and the effect on the stimulation of production of growth hormone by the anterior pituitary gland.

Sources of gamma-aminobutyric acid

GABA is one of the components of blood and brain tissue. If there is a lack of natural reserves, it must be obtained from other sources. Gamma-aminobutyric acid is present in some plant products. These include leaves of tea and coffee, filamentous fungi, as well as the juice of plants of the genus Cruciferae. In addition, GABA is chemically produced using microbiological methods. To develop it, use human bacteria, such as E. coli. Some drugs contain the main substance - nicotinoyl gamma-aminobutyric acid. It refers to analogues obtained by laboratory methods.

Signs of GABA deficiency in the body

With a lack of gamma-aminobutyric acid, a number of pathological processes occur. The main ones are depression, anxiety and muscle cramps. This is due to a decrease in the functions that gamma-aminobutyric acid performs in the body. GABA is needed to provide the brain with energy, control over the processes occurring in it. Therefore, with its deficiency, many CNS disorders develop. These include:

1. Vascular pathologies of the brain - hypertension, atherosclerosis, the development of strokes and heart attacks.
2. Headaches, weakness, dizziness, sleep, memory, attention.
3. Epilepsy.
4. Alzheimer's disease.
5. Cerebral paralysis.
6. Encephalopathy.
7. Increase in the level of growth hormone.
8. Dementia after traumas of the brain.
9. Parkinson's disease.
10. Depressive states.
11. Underdevelopment of mental processes in children.
12. Unstable neuropsychological status.
13. Marine and air sickness.

All these conditions require drug replacement of gamma-aminobutyric acid, as well as increased use of the products in which it is contained.

Drugs containing GABA

In order to make up for the deficiency of gamma-aminobutyric acid, you need to see a doctor. He will prescribe adequate substitution therapy. The main substance of all drugs is gamma-aminobutyric acid. Analogues of it contain additives in the form of calcium, nicotinoyl, and also are derivatives of GABA. The main medicines include medicines Aminalon, Pikamilon, Phenibut, Neurobutal, GABA. Indications for the use of all these drugs are disorders caused by a deficiency of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the body. Drugs containing GABA are contraindicated for children under 1 year, pregnant women (in the first trimester), with increased sensitivity to the main or auxiliary substances and acute renal failure.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid: patient feedback

With the appointment of GABA or its analogs, patients are significantly improved performance, sleep and wakefulness regulation, there is an improvement in memory and a decrease in depressive conditions, a convulsive syndrome is arrested. Among the side effects, some patients report dyspeptic disorders, increased libido, drowsiness.