IUBio

OTC GABA and the Blood-Brain Barrier

Marcello Spinella marshmallow at earthlink.net
Wed May 19 20:01:40 EST 1999


It's come to my attention that GABA is sold over the counter in capsule
form. People who I have spoken to have said that taking it has sedative
effects. 

Textbooks adamantly state that GABA does not pass the BBB, but for it to
be sedating it must be getting through the "leaky" spots. This itself
isnt so surprising, but what is surprising is that enough GABA gets
through and survives enzyme degradation to have potent sedative effects.

Has anyone had any thoughts or experience with this?

Thank you.

Marcello Spinella, Ph.D.




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