Alpha-GPC, also known as alpha-glycerophosphocholine, is a phospholipid similar to a molecule found in all body tissues, including the brain. Alpha-GPC may readily be converted to phosphatidylcholine, the most abundant phospholipid in the human body.
Phosphatidylcholine is essential for cellular communication and acetylcholine synthesis in the brain by stabilizing phospholipid metabolites, Alpha-GPC helps preserve cognitive performance during normal aging.
In middle-aged and elderly adults, Alpha-GPC supplementation has improved attention, recall, focus, and cognitive function in randomized control trials.
Adding alpha-GPC to a diet can help you feel less tired and more alert. Choline, which is found in high amounts in alpha-GPC, has improved memory and cognitive function. Its ability to reduce inflammation and maintain optimal health is just as significant. Alpha-GPC also has other benefits such as promoting cholinergic processes (such as memory and learning) and acetylcholine synthesis, a neurotransmitter involved with muscular control and a variety of other essential activities.
Alpha-GPC is an excellent choice for those looking for an all-natural way to improve cognitive function and overall health. Additionally, because it's a natural source of choline, it can also help protect the brain from age-related damage. (1)
What Is Alpha GPC?
Choline is a chemical that can be found in Alpha GPC. It's a fatty acid found in soy lecithin and other plants, and that is utilized in producing health supplements and improving muscular strength.
Alpha GPC (choline alfoscerate) is a chemical helpful in delivering choline to the brain and assisting the body in producing acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter plays a role in many of choline's health advantages.
Acetylcholine is involved in memory and learning and is one of the most critical neurotransmitters for muscle contraction.
L-alpha GPC is a unique form of choline that can cross the blood-brain barrier, unlike common choline bitartrate. This is why it's beneficial for dementia illnesses, including Alzheimer's disease, and what makes it helpful in managing memory issues.
Uses and Benefits
Improves Memory Impairment
Alpha GPC is a type of choline recognized for its potential to reduce brain fog. It does so by boosting acetylcholine in the brain, a chemical that plays an essential role in learning and memory. Researchers believe alpha GPC can enhance cognitive symptoms linked to dementia and Alzheimer's disease. (2)
In a 2003 double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Clinical Therapeutics, the efficacy and tolerability of Alpha GPC were evaluated in the treatment of cognitive impairment due to mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. For 180 days, patients were given 400-milligram capsules of a-GPC or placebo tablets three times per day. All participants were inspected at the start of the study, after 90 days of therapy, and again at the finish of the study after 180 days.
The Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale for cognition and behavior and the Mini-Mental State Examination improved in all measured parameters, including the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale for cognition and behavior, in the alpha GPC group after 90 and 180 days of treatment. In contrast, they stayed unchanged or worsened in the placebo group.
A-GPC has demonstrated efficacy and safety in the treatment of dementia disorders' cognitive symptoms, according to researchers. It has the potential to be used as an Alzheimer's natural therapy. (3)
Vital Mind is an excellent supplement that contains Alpha GPC. Since Alpha GPA can be stacked with similar functioning chemicals, addNeuro Calm to your supplement regimen along with Vital Mind for optimal results.
Boosts Focus and Learning
There's a lot of evidence supporting the usefulness of Alpha GPC for people with cognitive deficits, but what about those who don't have dementia? Alpha GPC has also improved focus, memory, and learning in young, healthy individuals.
A cohort study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that greater choline intake was linked to better cognitive performance among dementia-free individuals. Verbal memory, verbal learning, visual memory, and executive function were evaluated as part of the assessment. (4)
The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition published a study that found alpha GPC supplementation was linked to enhanced physical and mental performance among young adults.
The 400 milligrams of Alpha-GPC group scored 18% faster than the 200 milligrams of caffeine group on the Subtraction Test. In addition, the caffeine consumers had significantly higher levels of jitteriness than those taking Alpha GPC. (5)
Boosts Athletic Performance
Alpha GPC has been shown in studies to have ergogenic effects. As a result, athletes are becoming increasingly interested in A-GPC for its potential ability to improve stamina, muscular strength, and power output. A-GPC is known to aid with strength and muscle growth by promoting the formation of lean muscle tissue and speeding recovery time after workouts
Alpha GPC has been shown to increase human growth hormone, which is involved in cell regeneration, growth, and maintenance of healthy human tissue. Growth hormone is renowned for enhancing physical capability and exercise performance.
There have been several experiments on Alpha GPC on physical endurance and strength. For example, a 2008 double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial with seven males with resistance training expertise found that a-GPC boosted growth hormone levels. Participants were given 600 milligrams of Alpha GPC 90 minutes before resistance exercise in the experimental group.
After taking Alpha GPC, researchers observed that peak growth hormone levels increased four-fold compared to baseline, while they rose by 2.6 times after using the placebo. A-GPC use also enhanced physical strength, with peak bench press force being 14 percent greater than the placebo. (6)
Growth hormone is also believed to help you lose weight, strengthen your bones, boost your mood, and improve your sleep quality.
Improves Recovery After A Stroke
A-GPC may be beneficial for persons who have had a stroke or a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), as early evidence suggests. Alpha GPC has the ability to protect the brain and promote neuroplasticity by activating nerve growth factor receptors. (7)
According to 1994 research conducted in Italy, alpha GPC improves cognitive recovery in stroke patients. Patients who had a stroke were given an injection of 1,000 milligrams of alpha GPC for 28 days and then 400 milligrams three times a day by mouth for the next five months.
Researchers found that 71% of patients had no cognitive deterioration or forgetfulness at the conclusion of the study. Furthermore, patient Mini-Mental State Test scores improved significantly. In addition to these results, there was a low incidence of adverse events with alpha GPC use, and researchers verified its good safety profile. (8)
Where to Get Alpha GPC and How to Use It
In the United States and Canada, Alpha GPC is available as a dietary supplement. It's simple to come by Alpha GPC supplements online or in vitamin shops. It's available in capsule and powder forms. Many products containing Alpha-GPC advise taking it with food to achieve optimum effectiveness.
The most popular A-GPC supplements are utilized to enhance memory and cognitive function. It may also be used to improve physical endurance and performance. People who are allergic to soy should not take these products without consulting the information carefully.
The mineral's hygroscopic nature ensures that it absorbs moisture from the air. As a result, supplements should be kept in an air-tight container and shouldn't be exposed to the air for lengthy periods of time.
Supplements and Dosage Recommendations
The typical dose of A-GPC varies depending on the health advantages you wish to obtain. Alpha GPC products frequently recommend dosages ranging from 200 milligrams to 600 milligrams per day.
The most typical dosage in research with healthy athletes was 600 milligrams taken 90 minutes before exercising or training. (13)
According to studies assessing the effects of alpha GPC on cognitive function, higher dosages of 1,200 milligrams every day, divided into three doses, may be beneficial for people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
It is suggested that you begin with the lowest possible effective dose of alpha GPC supplements and gradually increase it as needed.
Side Effects of Alpha GPC
In healthy individuals, Alpha GPC is harmless and well-tolerated. However, users have reported headaches, tiredness, anxiety, nausea, constipation, and upper gastrointestinal problems. Dizziness and low blood pressure can also occur as a result of this pill in some people.
If you know that you are at risk for hypotension, you should visit a doctor before taking Alpha GPC. Users of high dosages are more likely to experience adverse effects.
Because of the limited amount of research on Alpha GPC during pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid taking it.
Takeaway
Alpha GPC is a choline source that is both safe and well-tolerated. It has been the focus of decades of study and is recognized worldwide as a potent memory booster, with doctors in Europe using it for several memory disorders.
Alpha GPC is also an excellent addition to many other medicines, particularly racetams (a class of drugs that share a pyrrolidone nucleus) that require adequate choline to function properly.
It also increases HGH levels, which can help you gain strength and reduce recuperation time after exercise. It also encourages the development of lean muscle mass, making it a valuable supplement for athletes or anyone who exercises frequently.
For anybody wanting to enhance their memory, increase their physical strength and vitality, or get the best benefits possible from nootropic supplements, Alpha GPC is a wonderful option.
Looking for a quality Alpha GPC supplement?
Our Vital Mind supplement contains Alpha GPC and is designed for those looking for a brain supplement that will help them to increase all aspects of their mental performance while maintaining a calm, balanced mood and without any negative effects on sleep.
Our Vital Mind supplement is also part of our Brain Protocol and Brain Protocol+ bundles, which add our Neuro Calm and Magnesium Supplements, which, alongside Vital Mind, act as the yin and yang, are designed to harmonize the rise and fall of alertness, focus, and calm states throughout the day by providing all of the building blocks needed for neuronal signaling.
