RelaxMax® 120 Caps Supports Relaxed Mood* Supports Stress Resiliency*

Take four capsules once or twice daily, or use as directed by your healthcare professional.

Consult your healthcare professional before use. Individuals taking medication should discuss potential interactions with their healthcare professional. Do not use if tamper seal is damaged.

Keep closed in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.

Wheat, gluten, corn, yeast, soy, animal and dairy products, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, sesame, ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), artificial colors, and artificial sweeteners.

Discussion

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

GABA is a nonproteinogenic amino acid and the most common inhibitory

neurotransmitter, making it critical to the central nervous system (CNS) functioning.

Through an enzymatic reaction, it is made from glutamate, the main excitatory

neurotransmitter. GABA inhibits chemical messages among nerve cells, whereas

glutamate permits them; a delicate balance of these neurotransmitters must be

maintained for a properly functioning brain. GABA also exists in various foods,

including tea, germinated rice, soybeans, and some fermented foods.*1,2

As an inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA increases the production of alpha waves

(related to a relaxed yet mentally focused state) while decreasing beta waves

(associated with hyperactivity, nervousness, and fleeting thoughts). Sufficient GABA

results in the smooth, calming, regular rhythmic flow of electrical impulses in the

brain needed for emotional well-being.3 Low GABA levels have been associated

with stress, mood, and sleep disturbances, with oral doses ranging from 20 mg

to 300 mg having been studied as beneficial for these behavioral responses.

However, many human studies did not use GABA alone but examined the effect of

eating GABA-containing foods.*1,4

In a 2-part study evaluating the effect of GABA on brain waves, healthy fasting

subjects (N = 13) given 100 mg of GABA demonstrated a significant increase

in alpha waves and decreased beta waves, indicating an induction of relaxation

within 60 minutes of administration. In the second part of this study, the role of

relaxant and anxiolytic effects of GABA on immunity was assessed in stressed

volunteers (N = 8). When compared with the placebo group, those given GABA

showed significantly higher levels of immunoglobulin A, suggesting enhanced

immunity under stressful conditions.*3

Another study investigated the physiological and psychological influence of 100

mg of GABA when healthy subjects (N = 63) were exposed to mentally stressful

conditions. The activity of the CNS was assessed through measurement with an

electroencephalogram (EEG), and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and visual

analogue scale (VAS) were used as subjective ratings of mental state. A decrease

in alpha- and beta-band brain waves as measured by EEG suggests that GABA

played a role in alleviating mental stress induced by cognitively challenging

tasks, whereas POMS scores indicated a mood-improving effect. The 5-point VAS

assessing feelings of fatigue, relaxation, arousal, pressure, and tension showed no

significant difference between the GABA group and placebo.*4

L-Theanine

A naturally occurring, biologically active, free-form amino acid, L-theanine is found

almost exclusively in green tea and is the primary component contributing to

green tea’s characteristic umami taste.5 L-theanine has been widely researched

for its specific and positive effects on modulating aspects of brain function and

the nervous system.6 L-theanine, provided as Suntheanine®, is protected by both

US and international patents for its various physiological efficacies and L-isomer–

specific production processes that ensure safety and stability.*5

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Clinical Applications

» Supports Relaxed Mood*

» Provides Nutrients Associated With Inhibitory Neurotransmitter and

Second Messenger Functions*

» Provides Nutrients Associated With Neurotransmitter Balance and

Neuronal Stabilization*

» Provides Nutrients Associated With Brain Osmotic Regulation, Glial

Cell Function, and Neuronal Transmission*

» Supports a Healthy Stress Response*

RelaxMax® features a carefully selected blend of ingredients

designed to promote calm, relaxation, and a well-balanced mood

and to support a healthy stress response. This formula provides

nutrients associated with neurotransmission and second messenger

functions, neuronal stabilization, brain osmotic regulation, and glial

cell function.*

L-theanine’s ability to relax the mind without inducing drowsiness has been

documented by an increase in alpha wave activity during EEG recording.5,6

In animal and laboratory studies, L-theanine has been suggested to play a

role in lowering glutamate levels by preventing the transport of glutamate’s

precursor, glutamine. It may also inhibit neurotransmission, cause inhibitory

neurotransmission via glycine receptors, and thereby reduce neuronal

overstimulation.*7,8

In a study of healthy participants (N = 16), EEG was measured at baseline and

at 45, 60, 75, 90, and 105 minutes after ingesting 50 mg of L-theanine. Results

demonstrated a greater increase in alpha activity across time with L-theanine

compared with placebo when at rest or when engaged in passive activity. These

data indicate a significant effect on a relaxed yet alert mental state.*6

A 4-arm, single-dose, repeated study explored the effects of 50 mg to 200 mg

of L-theanine (Suntheanine) on physiological measures of relaxation in female

subjects (N = 50) divided into high- and low-anxiety groups. Both doses generated

alpha brain waves, which promote relaxation.*5

Taurine

Taurine is a conditionally essential nonproteinogenic amino acid with a ubiquitous

presence in the body and diverse physiological functions. It is present in high

amounts in shellfish, red meat, organ meats, chicken, turkey, and eggs.9 Taurine

maintains cell volume via osmoregulation, which is the process that corrects

excessive or insufficient concentrations of electrolytes.10 It also stabilizes cell

membranes in the heart and brain—2 electrically active tissues.9,11 In addition

to its antioxidant and cytokine-balancing functions, taurine is important to

neurotransmission and neuroregulation and is considered neuroprotective because

of the role of glial taurine in supporting neurons.9,10 It is also noted that doses of

taurine from 1 g/d to 6 g/d show promise for supporting healthy blood pressure

levels that are already in a healthy range.*12,13

Inositol

Inositol is a group of 6-carbon cyclic molecules involved in cellular signaling.

The most plentiful inositol isomer found in mammalian cells and synthesized in

the body is myo-inositol, which acts as an osmolyte to ensure adequate cellular

defense.14,15 Inositol is also obtained from foods like fruits, beans, grains, and

nuts. More than half of the nearly 100% of ingested myo-inositol absorbed

in the gastrointestinal tract becomes lipid bound. In contrast to low-plasma

concentration, the peripheral nerves have an extraordinarily high concentration of

myo-inositol.*16

Inositol is a precursor for the second-messenger phosphatidylinositol system,

affecting mood status differently than neurotransmitter precursors.17 Although

further evidence is needed to solidify a positive effect and an optimal dose,

several studies using 6- to 18-g doses have explored the role of inositol in mood

modulation.*14,17,18