GABA, effective for hypertension?

Hypertension: causes and consequences

Let’s start by defining hypertension : this chronic condition, the most common in developed countries, is characterised by abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries.

Without a medical examination, it often goes unnoticed but is nonetheless responsible for many cardiovascular, cerebrovascular or neurodegenerative complications (heart attack, stroke, etc.) (1).

What constitutes ‘normal’ blood pressure?

Blood pressure is considered normal when:

• the ‘top’ number (systolic pressure) is between 90 and 120 mmHg;
• and the ‘bottom’ number (diastolic pressure) is between 60 and 80 mmHg.

While blood pressure increases naturally with age, excess weight, a sedentary lifestyle, excessive salt consumption, alcohol and smoking are often contributing factors.

Heredity too, can play a part in the development of hypertension, as can certain diseases and medications.

We would, of course, recommend consulting a health professional if you experience an abnormal rise in blood pressure or are worried at all about your health.

Effects of GABA on hypertension

While the primary approach to combatting hypertension involves changes to diet and lifestyle (losing weight, increasing physical activity, giving up alcohol and cigarettes, eating a balanced diet, etc.), a number of studies are now investigating the anti-hypertensive effects of an amino acid called GABA.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid: a regulatory neurotransmitter

Naturally present in the body, gamma-aminobutyric acid, commonly known as GABA, is the central nervous system’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter.

In effect, it counterbalances the excitatory effects of glutamate and calms nerve cell activity.

It’s precisely this inhibitory role which is supported by certain anxiolytic drugs that target GABAergic receptors (2).

Produced by the body from glutamic acid, GABA is thus often considered to be the body’s natural anti-stress messenger (3).

It also plays a neurotrophic role, ie, it promotes the growth of certain neurons (4).

GABA and hypertension

Scientists have also observed that the parts of the brain that control blood pressure (the solitary tract, the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and the rostral ventrolateral medulla) contain numerous GABA receptors and are directly influenced by this neurotransmitter (5).

Indeed in several studies, daily administration with GABA was shown to produce a significant fall in blood pressure in naturally hypertensive individuals within a few weeks (6-7).

The latest research in the field therefore suggests that GABA is a potential solution for helping to combat hypertension, by activating specific receptors in the central nervous system.

Different forms of GABA

There are several different types of GABA supplement:

• standard synthetic forms, preferably high-strength for greater efficacy (such as GABA);
• GABA produced naturally by lacto-fermentation, from Lactobacillus hilgardii, which is more easily absorbed (such as PharmaGABA®);
• GABA in liposomal form, where the GABA is encapsulated in artificial lipid bilayer vesicles, which offers greater protection to the molecule during digestion and increases its bioavailability) (such as Liposomal GABA) (8).

GABA supplements and the blood-brain barrier

Each of these supplements has its own way of overcoming the difficulty of crossing the blood-brain barrier:

• the standard form usually comes in a high dose to minimise loss;
• GABA from fermentation is naturally more absorbable;
• and liposomal GABA is better protected and more easily delivered to cells (due to the ability of the liposomes, similar in structure to cell membranes, to fuse with cells) so that more of the GABA reaches the brain.

Natural remedies for high blood pressure

In addition to GABA supplementation, which is also believed to offer benefits for depression and sleep problems, there are other natural approaches to combatting hypertension such as:

• omega-3 supplements (EPA and DHA), which help maintain normal blood pressure (such as Super Omega 3, Super EPA and Super DHA) (9);
• potassium supplements, which have the same effect as omega-3 on blood pressure (such as Potassium Orotate) (10);
• and celery: a traditional natural remedy, this vegetable is rich in potassium, antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamin B9 and fibre. Recent studies have pointed to a potential anti-hypertensive effect. It is primarily celery seeds which have been used to combat hypertension with extremely encouraging results. In terms of supplements, opt for a celery seed extract with a high content of phthalides the plant’s active ingredients (as is the case with Celery3nb™) (11-12).

Again, don’t hesitate to seek advice from your doctor, especially if you have a health concern, have diagnosed high blood pressure, or are already taking medication.