Description

INTRODUCTION

Alpha-GPC (Alpha-glycerophosphocholine or sometimes just glycerophosphocholine) is a choline-containing supplement that, although found in a variety of food products that are also rich in choline, appears to be pharmacologically active at higher doses. Alpha-GPC is mostly marketed due to it conferring dietary choline to the body following oral ingestion, and being the most efficient choline supplement at doing so (able to influence both systemic and brain concentrations of choline). Due to the provision of the other half of the Alpha-GPC molecule (glycerophosphate), Alpha-GPC also appears to support the structure of cellular membranes, which is not a common mechanism attributed to choline supplements (only CDP-choline is associated with lipid membranes in this sense).

ALPHA GPC BENEFITS

Alpha-GPC supports the whole nervous system by boosting acetylcholine and cholinergic activity. It may also raise the levels of other brain-protective messengers such as:

– GABA
– Dopamine
– Serotonin
– Inositol phosphate

Among its benefits are:

– Increased Cognition
– Promotes stroke recovery
– Enhanced athletic performance (due to increased growth hormone levels)

It has been noted that due to the ability of Alpha-GPC to increase cholinergic activity in the brain, that activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (and subsequent activation of PI3K) could confer protection against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity.

RESEARCH DOSAGE

A standard dosage of alpha-GPC is 300-600 mg, according to the most common label doses. This dose is in accordance with the study using alpha-GPC to enhance power output (600 mg) and the two studies noting an increase in growth hormone secretion, and is likely a good dose to take for athletes. For the usage of alpha-GPC in attenuating symptoms of cognitive decline, almost all studies use a dosage of 1,200 mg daily, divided into three doses of 400 mg. It is unsure how lower doses would benefit cognition, but the 1,200 mg appears to be consistently associated with benefit.

SIDE EFFECTS

While Alpha GPC is both safe and well tolerated in healthy adults, some side effects have been reported. Users have occasionally experienced headaches, fatigue, nervousness, nausea, diarrhoea and gastrointestinal distress. In addition, this supplement can result in dizziness and low blood pressure in some individuals. If you are prone to hypotension, you should consult a medical professional before taking Alpha GPC.

Though no overdoses have been documented, adverse side effects are more commonly reported among users taking high dosages.

Alpha GPC is known to interact adversely with Scopolamine, which is used to treat motion sickness, post-operative nausea, and irritable bowel syndrome. Those using Scopolamine are advised to avoid Alpha GPC.

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