Effects of Meditation on Dopamine, Glutamate, and Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Among Long-Term Skilled Meditators in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study aimed at comparing dopamine, glutamate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in blood in a group of long-term skilled meditators with a control group to explore the association of meditation on these three neurotransmitters in one cohort. A comparative analytical laboratory-based study was conducted on long-term skilled meditators (LTSM, n = 30) and a non-meditator control (n = 30) group. Venous blood was collected from each participant in the morning to determine the baseline neurotransmitter levels. The neurotransmitter levels in blood were obtained using an enzymatic immunoassay (ELISA). There was no significant difference in socio-demographic factors and habits between the LTSM (age = 42.23 years ± 8.99) compared to controls (age = 42.20 ± 9.04). GABA levels were significantly higher in LTSM’s with a mean concentration of 67.92 ng/ml (± 2.39 SE; 95% CI [63.10, 72.80]) compared to 61.21 ng/ml (± 1.37 SE; 95% CI [58.40, 64.0]) in the controls (p < 0.01; Cohen’s d, 0.63; coefficient r = 0.24). Similarly, the dopamine levels were also significantly higher in the LTSM compared to controls (LTSM, 134.80 ng/ml ± 18.20, 95% CI [97.60, 172.10]; controls 94.70 ng/ml ± 15.50, 95% CI [61.20, 128.20]; p = 0.02; Cohen’s d, 0.43; coefficient r = 0.33). Glutamate levels were significantly lower in LTSM’s compared to controls. (LTSM, 6.0 µg/ml ± 0.49, 95% CI [5.0, 6.90]; controls, 7.30 µg/ml ± 0.54, 95% CI [6.26, 8.42], p < 0.01; Cohen’s d, 0.47; coefficient r = −0.15). Meditation is associated with alterations in blood levels of key neurotransmitters in long-term, skilled meditators compared to non-meditators, suggesting a potential influence on their metabolic pathways and related functions. This study was not preregistered.