Which Supplements for Relaxation are Right For Me?

Resolving oxidative stress supports mood.* [1-4] Vitamin C is a well-known, powerful antioxidant.* [5] The vitamin C in MetaCalm® helps to reduce oxidative stress and limit action of the stress hormones.* Vitamin C supports mood and provides some relief from occasional anxiety.* [5] 

Pyridoxine, or vitamin B6, is involved in the synthesis of both neurotransmitters (including GABA, serotonin, and dopamine) and amino acids. B6 supports healthy serotonin levels and can ease occasional anxiety during the premenstrual period.* [6] Vitamin B6 likely has other stress-reducing mechanisms, including healthy blood pressure within normal limits and supporting the metabolism of stress hormones.* [7] 

Folate, or vitamin B9, is a nutrient that helps synthesize and repair DNA, and participates in the synthesis and processing of neurotransmitters such as serotonin. Clinical research has found a strong connection between folate levels, mood, and energy balance.* [8] Many people are unable to process synthetic folate (folic acid) efficiently. MetaCalm® contains L-methylfolate, the form of folate that can be absorbed and used by all bodies.* 

Vitamin B12 supports mood balance and memory. [9]  

Although technically a “pseudovitamin,” inositol shares qualities with many B vitamins in stress response.* Inositol can easily cross the blood-brain barrier, where its receptors are found abundantly on the amygdala: the portion of the brain responsible for emotion in mammals. [10]  

Inositol has been shown to support a balanced mood. [11] It also assists in communication between nerves, gene expression, and signal transduction for insulin.* [12] 

MetaCalm® also contains a proprietary blend of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), taurine, inositol, 5-HTP, and L-theanine. GABA is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter that controls brain activity in a variety of ways and regulates muscle tone throughout the body. Your body synthesizes GABA from glutamate in a process that requires vitamin B6.  

Unlike other neurotransmitters, GABA has an inhibitory function: it slows down neuron firing. Most other neurotransmitters (such as adrenaline) have an excitatory function and tend to stimulate neuron firing. Without enough GABA, neurons can fire too easily and too often.  

GABA supplementation may promote a natural calming effect. It may reduce feelings of occasional anxiety and fear by decreasing neuronal excitability.* [13] GABA receptor activation supports sleep onset, physical comfort, mediation of various emotions, and neuronal growth and development. [13] Unfortunately, we tend to produce less GABA naturally as we age.  

Taurine is an amino acid and GABA agonist, meaning that it causes more activity at GABA receptors, especially the thalamus brain region. The thalamus is involved in transitions between sleep and wakefulness.*  

L-Theanine is an amino acid from green tea. It can support levels of various neurotransmitters, producing a calming effect that helps counter the stimulating action of the caffeine in tea. At the same time, it works with caffeine to support concentration and “alert calmness.” L-Theanine exhibits its calming effect on the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier and supporting production of both GABA and dopamine. [14]  

5-hydroxytryptophan, better known as 5-HTP, is a precursor for the production of serotonin, a precursor to melatonin.* [15] 

Magnesium is also important for the function of GABA, enhancing GABA sensitivity on nerve receptors. [16] This action explains part of magnesium’s role in muscle relaxation.*  

Sufficient magnesium levels support a calm mood and good sleep.* [6] Unfortunately, the amount of magnesium recommended daily for bodily requirements is greater than what the average American consumes. At least 50% of Americans do not get the daily intake of magnesium experts recommend. [17]  

There are many forms of magnesium that are poorly absorbed by the body. Mental, emotional, environmental stressors, heavy exercise, and other factors, can all contribute to poor absorption of magnesium from the diet. MetaCalm® contains magnesium as magnesium glycinate, a highly absorbable form of magnesium that is gentle on the gut.* 

Zinc is an essential element that interacts with both GABA and glutamate receptors in the central nervous system. Probably due to this relationship, zinc exhibits effects on both mood and locomotor activity in a dose-dependent manner.* [18] Homeostasis requires a minimum intake of zinc daily, as the body has no specialized way to store it. 

When comparing the supplemental facts between MetaCalm® and Stress Maintenance, you will notice some similarities and some differences. Stress Maintenance is our most powerful GABA support product, and GABA has been combined with the botanicals Melissa officinalis and Passiflora incarnata, as well as a mineral and amino acid blend.  

Stress Maintenance formula focuses on GABA support, as the GABA pathway is central to supporting a calm and relaxed sense of being in the face of daily stressors.* [19] 

Use this product during the day to stay centered through a busy schedule. In the evening, ingredients like magnesium and glycine help quiet the mind, relax muscles, and improve sleep quality.* 

As described earlier, GABA is a powerful, naturally occurring brain chemical that functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, balancing out the excitatory brain activity caused by stress hormones. By decreasing neuronal excitability, GABA is thought to have a natural calming effect, decrease fear and worry, improve mood, promote quality sleep, and attenuate premenstrual challenges. 

Stress Maintenance not only contains a much greater dose of GABA than the amount found in MetaCalm® but also a wide variety of nutrients that support the natural production of GABA by the brain and the actions of GABA throughout the body.*  

Although it is still unclear whether dietary GABA molecules cross the blood-brain barrier, its precursor, glutamine, and the catalyst for its biosynthesis, vitamin B6, can be transported to the brain. Both of these nutrients can be found in Stress Maintenance.  

Passiflora incarnata (a.k.a. purple passionflower or maypop) is an herbal ingredient that supports the action of GABA in the brain.* [19] Passiflora incarnata supports onset of sleep.* [20] 

Melissa officinalis, or lemon balm extract, can support mood and cytokine balance.* [21] Its effects are thought to occur mainly due to its phenolic and flavonoid constituents.* [21] It may support calm feelings, relaxation from stress, as well as restful sleep.* [22] 

Glycine, an amino acid found in Stress Maintenance, may act as a neurotransmitter binds to glycine receptors (GlyRs) which are ligand-gated chloride channels that allow chloride ions to enter neurons, making them less likely to fire. This produces a calming, stabilizing effect on neural activity.* [23-24] Glycine supports cognitive performance and the CNS by regulating the metabolic synthesis of certain nutrients that the brain and nerves require for energy.*  

Because it is connected to both nerve and neurotransmitter function, glycine may support sleep quality (without causing fatigue), strengthen cognitive performance, heighten bodily sensations, and support mood.* [23-26]  

Ashwagandha is a popular dietary supplement ingredient [27] but has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine as a “Rasayana,” or rejuvenator herb. Rasayana herbs rejuvenate the body and promote the health of tissues by eliciting a complex network of changes throughout the body. [27] One of many benefits backed by modern science, however, is helping the body respond to stress and occasional worry.* Regular supplementation with ashwagandha can supports the activity of the HPA axis in response to stressors.* [28,29] 

Aside from its benefits to stress and occasional worry, ashwagandha can support metabolic health, cognitive function, stimulate female sexual function and male fertility, support the effects of exercise, and balance immune responses,.* [30,31]  

Ashwagandha does not elicit one specific mechanism. The processes it catalyzes in the body are holistic and complex. Adaptogens, like ashwagandha, support stress resilience through balance.* [28] 

A review of the scientific literature summarizes about 140 specialized compounds isolated from ashwagandha. [28] Half of the compounds on this list are withanolides, a complex group of steroidal lactones.  

Root and leaf extracts of ashwagandha, including the withanolides, have been shown to support the stress response in both human and animal studies. [31] Shoden® ashwagandha extract in Ashwagandha Plus has been standardized to 35% withanolides. Studies show that Shoden® ashwagandha extract is more bioavailable at lower doses than other products on the market and so is effective at a lower dose level.* [32] 

Ashwagandha Plus goes further than most ashwagandha supplements in another way. It also provides relaxation and stress-recovery support through L-theanine and magnesium bisglycinate.* 

L-Theanine is an amino acid isolated from green tea. It’s the calming, soothing chemical that balances tea’s caffeine (and the reason you’re less likely to get shaky after tea vs coffee). Whereas ashwagandha’s anti-stress benefits take regular supplementation to build up, L-theanine’s effects are potentially faster acting.* [33] 

L-Theanine is structurally similar to glutamine and glutamate and has been proven to cross the blood-brain barrier.* [33] In the brain, L-theanine exhibits its effects through the modulation of glutamine, GABA, glycine, and dopamine. [33] Together, these neurotransmitters create a feeling of calm well-being in the body and mind.*  

Magnesium is the second most abundant cation found in intercellular fluid, yet commonly lacking in the Western diet and quickly depleted in stress states.* [34] One of the hundreds of roles magnesium plays in the body is its regulation of stress hormones, norepinephrine, and cortisol. It also participates in the relaxation of muscles throughout the body.* 

The magnesium in this formula is chelated with two molecules of glycine, another calming amino acid. Magnesium bisglycinate is significantly more absorbable in the intestines than other forms and may be better for rebalancing magnesium levels than other types of supplementary magnesium.* [34]