Estimation of gamma-aminobutyric acid intake from the human diet

• Varuzhan A. Sarkisyan
• Alla A. Kochetkova
• Vladimir V. Bessonov
• Vasily A. Isakov
• Dmitriy B. Nikityuk

Abstract

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an endogenous bioactive compound with essential properties for the normal functioning of the human nervous system. As a potent neurotransmitter, it plays an important role in modulating synaptic transmission by exerting phasic inhibition of neurons. This and other effects of GABA provide the phenomenon of neural tissue plasticity underlying learning, memory, maturation and repair of neural tissue after damage. It also has a wide range of biological actions, including antihypertensive, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. In this regard, GABA is increasingly used in the composition of food for special dietary uses and dietary supplements. However, its adequate intake levels have not yet been assessed and its dietary intake has not been characterized.

The aim of the review was to estimate the level of GABA intake under balanced consumption of foods, corresponding to rational norms that meet modern requirements of a healthy diet.

Material and methods. The existing literature on the problem in recent years was reviewed using the databases RISC, CyberLeninka, Pubmed, and ResearchGate.

Results. Based on the analysis of scientific literature, we evaluated the content of GABA in the average daily diet, compiled on the basis of the rational norms of food consumption that meet modern requirements for healthy nutrition (Order of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation dated August 19, 2016. No. 614). The balanced diet can provide about 740 mg of GABA per day, mainly due to vegetables (potatoes – 419 mg/day, beet – 49 mg/day, pumpkin – 41 mg/day), fruits (apple – 15 mg/day, grapes – 3.8 mg/day), as well as low-fat dairy products (92 mg/day).

Conclusion. The presented data may be useful in assessing the adequacy of enrichment of foods for special dietary uses and dietary supplements with GABA.

Keywords:gamma-aminobutyric acid; dietary intake; foods for special dietary uses; dietary supplements; clinical efficacy

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