The key difference between GABA and PharmaGABA is their synthesizing process. Synthesis of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) occurs in the brain from glutamate while the synthesis of pharmaGABA occurs through an industrial fermentation process.
The nervous system is an important organ system in the human body that maintains homeostasis. Therefore, different components of the human nervous system involve in maintaining the neurological functions at normal levels. Generally, the human body can synthesize these chemical components within it, but one can obtain some of these via diets as well. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid that occurs naturally within our brain. Hence, it is the main type of chemical component that acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter to reduce the excitation of nerve cells when required. PharmaGABA is the supplementation form of natural GABA derived from the fermentation of Lactobacillus hilgardii.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is GABA
3. What is PharmaGABA
4. Similarities Between GABA and PharmaGABA
5. Side by Side Comparison – GABA vs PharmaGABA in Tabular Form
6. Summary
What is GABA?
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid that naturally occurs within our brain. The brain synthesize it from glutamate. Vitamin B6 and glutamate decarboxylate enzyme (GAD) catalyze the synthesis process of GABA. GABA is one of the main inhibitory neurotransmitters present in the central nervous system (CNS). Also, GABA is present in several peripheral tissues.
Due to the fast action and producing responses within few seconds, amino acid-based neurotransmitters are important and critical for the functioning of the CNS. Therefore, GABA plays an important role in regulating brain functions and managing the neurologically based diseases. Since GABA has an inhibitory neurotransmission effect, it mainly reduces the activity of nerve cells and thereby reduces the rate of neurotransmission.
Figure 01: GABA
Due to the importance of GABA mentioned above, it is prescribed as a natural supplement to promote sleep and good mood. In stressful conditions, the GABA levels could drop. In that case, to reestablish the ideal GABA levels, the person concerned should take GABA supplementations. Such supplements include PharmaGABA, which is clinically-proven for safety.
What is PharmaGABA?
PharmaGABA is a supplementary form of natural GABA produced through a fermentation process involving Lactobacillus bacteria (Lactobacillus hilgardii). PharmaGABA is provided mainly in the conditions where the natural GABA level in the body reduces due to stress conditions. Therefore, the function of PharmaGABA is the same as that of the natural GABA present in the brain. The only difference is the purpose of the provision of PharmaGABA.
Figure 02: Lactobacillus sp
Furthermore, in the manufacturing of PharmaGABA, the process involves the same lactic acid bacterial species that people use to produce the traditional Korean vegetable dish ‘Kimchi.’ Hence, this enhances the level of safety and natural technique of manufacturing. Also, PharmaGABA is not only a supplement of GABA but also a functional food ingredient which provides several health benefits.
What are the Similarities Between GABA and PharmaGABA?
- Both are gamma-aminobutyric acids that function as inhibitory neurotransmitters.
- Both reduce the activity of nerve cells.
- Furthermore, they involve in the management of neurological-based disease conditions.
- Moreover, they are able to manage the regulation of brain activities.
- Besides, both play important roles in reducing stress, anxiety, promoting goof mood, calmness, feelings of relaxation, sleep, mental concentration, focus and awareness.
What is the Difference Between GABA and PharmaGABA?
GABA and PharmaGABA are two types of gamma-aminobutyric acids. However, there is some difference between GABA and PharmaGABA. Among all, the key difference between GABA and PharmaGABA is that the GABA is natural but, the PharmaGABA is commercially synthesized. When the natural GABA level goes down, the level can be enhanced by the supplement pharmaGABA. The brain is the organ that produces natural GABA from glutamate while Lactobacillus hilgardii is the bacterium that produces PharmaGABA through fermentation. One other notable difference between GABA and PharmaGABA is the secondary function of PharmaGABA as a functional food ingredient.
The following infographic presents more information regarding the difference between GABA and PharmaGABA.
Summary – GABA vs PharmaGABA
Both GABA and PharmaGABA are inhibitory neurotransmitters that play important roles in reducing stress, anxiety, promoting good mood, calmness, feelings of relaxation, sleep, mental concentration, focus and awareness. However, Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid that naturally occurs within our brain by the synthesis of glutamate. Whereas, PharmaGABA is a supplement produced through a fermentation process involving the lactic acid bacterium; Lactobacillus hilgardii. Thus, this is the key difference between GABA and PharmaGABA.
Reference:
1.“GABA PharmaGABA.” GABA PharmaGABA. Available here
2.Ruhoy, Ilene. “GABA: Here’s How It Works In Your Brain Why It’s So Important.” Mindbodygreen, Mindbodygreen, 12 Apr. 2018. Available here
Image Courtesy:
1.”GABA 3D ball”By Jynto (talk) – Own work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia
2.”Lactobacillus sp 01″By Janice CarrContent Providers(s): CDC/Dr. Mike Miller – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health Image Library (PHIL) (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia