The neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, acts in an inhibitory way on your nervous system, helping to lower its rate of firing and producing a calm feeling. Your body naturally produces GABA, and drugs such as Valium, Ambien and Lunesta operate by allowing GABA to bind to particular receptor sites in your brain. Some health supplement companies claim that GABA is an effective fat burner, but there is insufficient scientific evidence to support this claim.
Supportive Research
One piece of research indicating that GABA may play a role in energy balance was published in the journal "Nature Neuroscience" in August 2008. The study found that mice with a disrupted release of GABA from Agouti-related protein neurons, which regulate feeding, were leaner, had less appetite and had more energy than the control group of mice.
Human Growth Hormone
One of the main weight loss claims regarding GABA is that it increases human growth hormone, or HGH, levels in your body naturally. HGH promotes the growth of lean muscle mass, which in turn helps to burn body fat. The diet guide "Nutritional Concerns in Recreation, Exercise and Sports" states that one study into GABA showed an increase in HGH levels shortly after taking a 5-g dose. Followup studies supported the initial study but also demonstrated that high doses for four straight days reduced the subjects' response to HGH. Though this evidence is mildly supportive of weight loss claims regarding GABA, it is insufficient to affirmatively state it is effective.
FDA Intervention
In 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned one producer of weight loss supplements, Better Bodz, for its claims that GABA was an effective weight loss supplement. The FDA stated in its open letter to Better Bodz that the company's claims of GABA's fat-burning abilities were not supported by "reliable scientific evidence" at the time and should be removed from its advertising.
Expert Insight
Nutrition experts like Debra Goodwin, Ph.D., R.D., and Ray Sahelian, M.D., state that there is not enough evidence to support claims that GABA is effective at fighting the battle of the bulge. Goodwin points out that GABA has difficulty passing through the blood-brain barrier when taken orally, meaning that it has little to no effect on your neurological functions and is simply excreted.
References
- New York University Langone Medical Center: GABA
- Jacksonville State University: The Diet Made Me Do It; Debra Goodwin, Ph.D., R.D.
- RaySahelian.com: GABA Supplement Research for Anxiety and Sleep; Ray Sahelian, M.D.
- Scientist Live: GABA Role in Weight Loss
- "Nutritional Concerns in Recreation, Exercise, and Sport"; Judy Anne Driskell and Ira Wolinsky; 2009
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Warning Letter for Weight Loss Products "InShape Dreamshape"
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