How Can GABA Be Used for Social Anxiety?

Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid in the body that acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Neurotransmitters are responsible for sending messages throughout the body. For instance, your brain may send a message to your hand that something is hot so that you don't touch it. GABA limits nerve transmission, which prevents nervous activity.

Without the right levels of GABA in your body, nerve cells are activated too often, making the symptoms of conditions like social anxiety disorder (SAD) even more intense.

This article covers what GABA is, its relation to social anxiety, and whether GABA supplements can help decrease anxiety.

The Link Between GABA and Social Anxiety

GABA is called an inhibitory neurotransmitter because it blocks certain messages sent from nerve cells to the brain. Because it blocks nerve stimulation and excitement, GABA can reduce stress and anxiety.

With social anxiety disorder, your neurons fire signals to feel anxious when you're at a crowded social gathering or when you meet someone new. GABA works to calm the brain and slow down the central nervous system, which can help to diminish these signals to feel anxious and help you feel more at ease in social situations.

Low GABA activity has been shown to cause more severe anxiety symptoms, while healthy levels of GABA may help calm symptoms and make them more manageable.

GABA Deficiencies

It's possible for someone to have low levels of GABA in their brain. Research links low GABA levels with mental health conditions like anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, depression, and autism spectrum disorder.

Research has also shown that stress can affect how GABA functions in the body. Stress can decrease levels of GABA in the brain.

Research on GABA Supplements

While some manufacturers will claim that GABA supplements improve sleep quality and lessen stress and anxiety, more research is needed to know whether GABA supplements actually offer these benefits.

Additionally, it has not been confirmed that supplemental GABA can cross the blood-brain barrier. If it can't, taking GABA in supplement form would not have the intended effect on neurons in the brain. However, there is anecdotal evidence that people taking the supplement have experienced some anxiety relief.

Other supplements may help stimulate GABA receptors in the brain, such as magnesium, which is one of the reasons research suggests magnesium supplements may alleviate depression, anxiety, and stress. However, more evidence is needed to back this claim.

Side Effects of GABA Supplements

To date, there is insufficient evidence to determine the side effects of GABA supplements. But you should not drive or operate machinery if you are taking GABA supplements. You may experience a tingling or jittery feeling after taking GABA tablets.

GABA supplements should not be used by children; by those who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding; or have kidney or liver disease.

In addition, it is important to remember that GABA supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and, therefore, you cannot be sure of the safety or components of the GABA supplement that you purchase.

Some supplements can interfere with your treatment and harm your health, particularly if you are taking other medications.

If a doctor feels GABA supplements may help you, they can help you determine the appropriate dosage. The correct dose for each person will depend on a number of factors such as your weight and activity level. It may take some time and trial-and-error to find what works best for you.

Improving GABA Levels Naturally

GABA is found naturally in some foods such as tomatoes, tea, soybeans, and germinated rice. GABA is also in some fermented foods like kimchi and miso. However, since there is no way of measuring GABA levels in the brain, it may be impossible to know whether you're actually increasing GABA levels by eating these foods.

It's also worth noting that GABA levels in food are much lower than they are in supplement form. Nonetheless, maintaining good nutrition is important for managing stress and anxiety levels.

A Word From Verywell

If you are living with untreated anxiety, the best first step is to see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. If you experience mild anxiety or are looking for a natural alternative to traditional medication, a GABA-promoting supplement may be right for you. Be sure to speak with a healthcare provider before taking any new supplements.

You can also ensure you're getting enough sleep, eating a nutritious diet, and exercising regularly to help manage the day-to-day symptoms of anxiety.