Effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid on working memory and attention: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial

Abstract

Background: γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a primary inhibitory neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in the central nervous system. Studies on both animals and humans show that GABA has the pharmacological potential for reducing the impact of cognitive disorders, as well as enhancing cognitive functions and mood. However, its specific effects on human attention and working memory have not yet been extensively studied. Aims: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and crossover trial, we aimed to test whether the administration of 800 mg GABA, dissolved in a drink, acutely affected visual working memory (VWM) maintenance, as well as temporal and spatial attention in healthy adults. Methods: The participants were 32 young adults (16 females and 16 males). Working memory recall precision, spatial attention and temporal attention were measured by a delayed match-to-sample task, a visual search (VS) task and a speeded rapid serial visual presentation task, respectively. Participants completed two experimental sessions (GABA and Placebo) in randomized and counterbalanced order. In each session, 45 min after administration of the drink, they completed all three aforementioned cognitive tasks. Results: Linear mixed model analysis results showed that GABA increased VS time, compared to the placebo, but did not affect VS accuracy, temporal attention, nor VWM precision. Conclusions: The results suggest that GABA increases VS time but does not affect temporal attention and memory, and that previously reported effects on cognition might rely on other functions.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid in Stress and Depressive Disorders through the Gut–Brain Axis

“…In addition, Leonte et al did not find a positive effect of GABA supplement (800 mg) on spatial attention but on temporal attention [197]. However, the improvement in temporal attention could not be replicated by Tınok et al [196].…”

“…Even though all these studies reported convincing evidence that GABA-enriched foods can improve cognition, there are also studies reporting null or even negative results. Tınok et al could not find a positive effect of a GABA supplement (800 mg) dissolved in orange juice on spatial attention and visual working memory [196]. In addition, Leonte et al did not find a positive effect of GABA supplement (800 mg) on spatial attention but on temporal attention [197].…”

The Effect of Oral GABA on the Nervous System: Potential for Therapeutic Intervention

“…GABA intake decreased cognitive flexibility during task switching, but there was no effect on Stroop task accuracy suggesting a nonlinear or U-shaped relationship between GABA intake and cognitive performance [70]. In a randomized, double-blinded, placebocontrolled, crossover trial the same GABA dose increased visual search time compared to the placebo but did not affect visual search accuracy, temporal attention, or visual working memory precision [71]. Furthermore, the GABA-enriched fermented Laminaria japonica intake provided a protective effect against cognitive impairment associated with dementia [72].…”

The effect of attention shifting on Chinese children’s word reading in primary school

“…It may take a long time to shift attention between two target stimuli. Hari et al ( 1999 ) first employed the rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) task, which is a dual task including a rapid series of stimuli (Tınok et al, 2023 ). The RSVP task is generally used to test temporal attention allocation.…”