GABA, Gamma Aminobutyric Acid, is an amino acid classified as a neurotransmitter (A neurotransmitter is a substance that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse. A synapse is a region where nerve impulses are transmitted across axon terminals.)

GABA's high concentration in the hypothalamus suggests this amino acid plays a significant role in hypothalamic-pituitary function. The hypothalamus is a region of the posterior section of the brain and is the regulating center for visceral (instinctive) functions such as sleep cycles, body temperature, and the activity of the pituitary gland.

The pituitary gland is the master endocrine gland affecting all hormonal functions of the body. One primary hormone of concern to the athlete is growth hormone (GH) and its various hormonal constituents.

The amino acid GABA has been shown in numerous studies to promote significant increases in plasma growth hormone levels.

There have been literally hundreds of clinical studies on GABA and numerous studies on GABA's ability to elevate growth hormone levels. As with most nutritional studies, GABA research has come directly from the medical community. One noted study from the First Medical Clinic at the University of Milan in Milan, Italy titled, "Effect of acute and repeated administration of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) on growth hormone and prolactin secretion in man", shows just how effective GABA is.

Quoted results from this study showed "In all of the 19 subjects studied, compared with 18 controls, plasma growth hormone levels were significantly increased (above 5 ng/ml) by acute oral administration of 5 g of GABA."

This study showed over a 5 1/2 fold increase in plasma growth hormone levels 90 minutes after GABA administration. That is a significant increase unmatched by any other nutritional means.

Most cited studies on amino acids and growth hormone elevation utilize intravenous delivery means. This is unrealistic and doesn't reflect real world results. Studies on GABA have been performed with both oral and intravenous administration with the oral route showing remarkable effectiveness.

GABA's growth hormone elevating effects rival that of potent pharmaceutical compounds.

Anabolic substrate that binds tightly to the androgen receptor for a long lasting anabolic response.

What's the story with GABA?
GABA is without a doubt the most underrated supplement you'll find. There is no question it is on the "must use" list of performance supplements. Only athletes that are "in the know" seem to harness the benefits of this truly incredible amino acid. Big Skip La Cour has used GABA for years and continually adds slabs of muscle every year that goes by.

AST brought GABA to the attention of athletes way back in 1990. It was uncovered while doing research into ways to naturally increase growth hormone levels. The research we uncovered was staggering to say the least. Studies showed an elevation in plasma (blood) growth hormone levels as high as 550% greater than normal after 90 minutes of taking 5 grams of GABA. This is a significant and very effective increase. In fact, I know of no other supplement of any kind that has such a significant impact of growth hormone levels as GABA. And aside from GL3, I don't know any supplement that even comes close.

Growth hormone is believed to be the most potent muscle building hormone in the body. Many factors influence your body's growth hormone output both positively and negatively. Weight training increases growth hormone secretion. And interestingly enough, sleep causes a spike in growth hormone secretion. Especially REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. REM occurs approximately 30 to 90 minutes after falling to sleep.

One unique function of GABA is that it has a unique relaxing effect. This is important and plays into the body's natural slide into REM sleep. GABA's effect on growth hormone appears to be greatest after 90 minutes of taking it. This coincides perfectly with the body entering REM sleep.

Since GABA promotes a relaxing effect, sound and restful sleep results and with out sound sleep, muscle recovery and growth will suffer. Elevating growth hormone levels while promoting a more restful sleep enhances your body's recovery ability and will significantly increase lean muscle anabolism as well as promote a continuous feeling of well being.

Higher growth hormone levels also increase your body's ability and use of stored body fat as energy. This accounts for your decrease in body fat while you are building muscle. Growth hormone's effect on decreasing body fat is well documented and to get this effect while promoting a restful sleep is a great benefit of GABA.

A dose of 3 grams right before bed is fine and is obviously working well for you. The most significant growth hormone elevation was observed with a dose of 5 grams. This may or may not be the "magic" dose. I would, however, recommend going to 5 grams simply because this was the research illustrates to be measurably effective.

One thing you should know about GABA. It may cause a slight tingling and flushing sensation minutes after you take it. This is not uncommon at all. Those that are not aware of this effect sometimes get a little excited. However, it's harmless and dissipates after a 15 minutes or so. The way to minimize this effect is to slowly work up to the 5 gram dose over a 3 week period. For example, the first week start off taking 2 grams before bed. The second week, increase the dose to 3 grams. On the third week go to 4 grams. And on the forth week you should comfortably be able to take a 5 gram dose before bed.

I encourage everyone who is looking to increase lean muscle and minimize body fat to use GABA. It's a once a day supplement that has profound effect on altering body composition and increasing muscle growth. It dramatically increases your body's ability to recover and makes your sleeping hours very productive for muscle growth. It is very inexpensive and could very well be the boost your body needs to pack the muscle.

I've been mixing my creatine dose with GABA before I go to sleep. Is this good or should I be taking them separately?
There should be no problem with this, but I would still recommend taking them separately.

GABA works best on an empty stomach. The best way to take GABA is with a small amount of water right before you go to bed. I recommend not eating anything for at least 30 minutes prior to taking GABA. This method ensures optimum uptake and no digestive or absorption competition.

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