Alpha GPC, Loves your Brain

In recent years, nootropics, have gained popularity among people looking to improve their mental performance.

The key to this is Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, or brain chemical, that plays a role in many key aspects of brain function, such as memory, thinking, and learning. Studies around the use of Alpha GPC (L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine) have shown to increase levels of Choline, an essential nutrient that can be converted into Acetylcholine.

Alpha-GPC is a supplement that assist in increasing brain levels of Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, that is important for memory and learning. Neurons that produce Acetylcholine are some of the first neurons lost in Alzheimer’s disease, and theoretically, taking Alpha-GPC can compensate for that loss. Research studies suggest that Alpha-GPC can improve cognition health in humans.

Let’s Take a Closer Look

Dietary supplements that can increase Choline levels and reduce the breakdown of Acetylcholine include Alpha-GPC (L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine) and citicoline. However, Alpha-GPC is typically higher in Choline content per unit weight and are more easily absorbed than other forms. Which is great news as Choline is an essential nutrient that can be converted into higher levels Acetylcholine, improving cognitive and brain health.

What is Acetylcholine; it is a molecule that functions as a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) in your body. This means it relays messages from your brain to your body through nerve cells. It’s produced from Acetyl coenzyme, which comes from the sugar molecule glucose, and Choline, with the help of an enzyme called Choline Acetyltransferase.

It has many important functions in the body and plays a role in muscle movement, thinking, working memory, and many other brain functions. Low Acetylcholine levels have been linked to learning and memory impairments, as well as brain disorders, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Because Acetylcholine plays a role in brain functions, supplements that increase Acetylcholine levels have gained interest as nootropics, natural or synthetic substances that may improve your mental performance.

Acetylcholine can’t be taken as a dietary supplement. However, supplements that increase the release of Acetylcholine, such as Alpha-GPC supplementation, with the ability to inhibit the breakdown of Acetylcholine can boost Acetylcholine levels and cognitive performance.

Want to find out more?, click of these links to view the scientific & research studies.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17331541/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28791706/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19574993/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16788077/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1662399/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8030842/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4116781/

Alpha-GPC & Brain Ageing

Alpha-GPC is a potent nootropic, and according to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, nootropics are known as 'cognitive enhancers', drugs that some people use to improve memory, increase mental alertness and concentration as well as boost energy levels and wakefulness. Studies have found that Alpha-GPC can be used at the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia to improve cognitive recovery, neurological function and it may also help improve the memory of older individuals. Alpha-GPC’s claim to fame is to increase the brain chemicals Acetylcholine because it is super-rich in an absorbable form of choline. In 1967, Acetylcholine was firmly accepted as a neurotransmitter and is vital to brain health.

Acetylcholine, as the name suggests, is made from choline which can be found in foods such as eggs, liver, seeds vegetables and legumes. Once ingested, choline readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and is taken up by cholinergic nerve terminals via sodium-dependent uptake channels. Once Acetylcholine is formed in the brain, it is involved in the formation of memories, motivation, arousal and attention. It makes sense to boost brain choline levels and more specifically consume choline-rich ingredients such as Alpha-GPC before mental exertion and exercise. This is why Alpha-GPC is a popular ingredient in pre-workout and energy drinks. It is often combined with other ingredients that activate the brain such as caffeine. Research of Alpha-GPC over the last 30 years has shown that it plays a pivotal role in brain function.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10041421/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12637119/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24898643/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11589921/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8235064/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21156078/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4595381/

Alpha-GPC & Isometric Strength

Sporting performance is intrinsically linked to extreme force production and power output. Even if you are seeking muscle gain or toning your body, lifting more weight using agents such as Alpha-GPC can result in more weight lifting and thus a great workout. This can lead to improved results in muscle mass and fat loss. In a recent research trial, a moderate group size of me (average age 22) were either given 600mg of Alpha-GPC or a placebo in a double-blind placebo-controlled study. At the conclusion of the study, participants taking either the placebo or the Alpha-GPC, the men's strength was measured. In the group taking the Alpha-GPC, the supplement treatment resulted in significantly greater isometric mid-thigh pull peak force change from baseline which led the researchers to conclude that Alpha-GPC to be an effective supplement for increasing body force production and physical performance, when supplementing with 600mg per day.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4650143/

Alpha-GPC & Growth Hormone Release

There is no doubt that resistance exercise is the best way to improve muscle growth. Individuals are always seeking ways to improve their gym experience using supplements and alpha-GPC as mentioned certainly improves alertness and motivation in the gym and, as we have just learnt that it also increases the force your muscles can access. One of the most important natural hormones we can produce to build muscle is growth hormone. Gym goers have been seeking ways to boost this hormone to gain more out of every gym session.

Using a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover design, trained men were given either a placebo or 600mg of Alpha-GPC and then preformed 6 sets × 10 repetitions of Smith Machine squats at 70% of their pre-determined 1-repetition maximum. In both groups, blood growth hormone levels were measured every 10 minutes to determine the effects of just exercise or exercise plus 600 mg of Alpha-GPC. In the placebo (exercise only group), growth hormone levels rose by 2.6-fold, demonstrating the importance of the effects of exercise on growth hormone levels. In the group exercising, plus taking 600 mg of Alpha-GPC, growth hormone levels rose a staggering 44-fold from baseline. The participants also experienced a 14% greater peak bench press force in the group supplementing Alpha-GPC. While this study highlights the importance of exercise for increasing growth hormone secretion, taking Alpha-GPC amplifies this release while giving you more strength in the gym.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22673596/

Alpha-GPC Dosage

For everyday use, we recommend a dose of 300 mg for the first 4 weeks, and then to increase to 600mg if you decide you would benefit from more.

When taken at recommended dosages Alpha GPC is well tolerated. For most adults the range of acceptable dosage is relatively broad; a cumulative daily dosage of 300-1200 mg is safe and efficient.

As is the case with all supplements, it is wise to start with the lowest possible effective dose and build gradually as needed.

Are there side effects of Alpha-GPC supplementation? 

As with any supplement, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking Choline supplements or other supplements that raise Acetylcholine levels. In general, Choline supplements, such as Alpha-GPC and citicoline, are safe for most people and rarely associated with negative side effects.

However, consuming too much Choline may have unpleasant and harmful side effects, such as low blood pressure, sweating, fishy body odor, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and liver damage, when consuming doses greater that 3500mg. That said, it’s very unlikely to consume this amount through diet alone. The only way to reach the upper limit is through taking supplements in large doses.

The only reported drug interaction for Alpha-GPC is Scopolamine, a drug used for motion sickness.