Replies

Fascinating study! I must admit that I am aging. And just recently discovered that a minimal dose of Valium makes me think more clearly.

Quick search turned up this info from http://www.bodybuilding-supplements-for-you.com/AST/gaba.htm
where they have GABA for sale:

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 effecting 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

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

GABA really does work as a GH stimulator (there are several other amino's that work also and I usually stack several of them together). It has to be used correctly to be of any GH value though, but some people take it for other reasons (tranquilizer type effect without being doped). To use as a GH stimulator it needs to be taken on an empty stomach about 2 hours before bedtime. the 5 gram dosages are excessive, IMO, and I've gotten as much results from 1.5 to 2 gram dosages as with higher ones. I used GABA for about 2 years before swithcing over to the GH spray about 7 months ago. The effects are both the same and they are diffferent. If you're trying to gain a lot of muscle fast, I think the GABA is more usefull, but the GH sprays seem to be faster at the age reversing process. In the near future I am thinking of trying a combination of the two, or a schedule of alternating one then the other (I would like to hear from anyone that has tried this apporach for suggestions).

GABA is cheap (if purchased from the right source) and the GH sprays are expensive (about twice as much per month). GABA has some unpleasant side effects that the sprays do not have including a niacin like reaction with flushing of the skin and a feeling of shortness of breath that occurs after taking a large dose and lasting for about 15 minutes. It isn't dangerous from all I've studied, but it is unpleasant at first and somewhat alarming if you aren't expecting it. GABA also has the undesired side effect of rapid weight loss if taken as a GH stimulator (the before bedtime useage) with loss of as much as 15 lbs/week occuring if used in relation to an excercise program. The weight loss seems to be entirely fat and not muscle, which is good for body builders prior to contests as it also seems to strengthen and harden existing muscle as well as building new mass; getting ripped is what I believe it is called. It isn't good if you are very thin to start with and can't afford to loose any fat.