Raw Materials Choline Glycerophosphate Alpha-GPC/[email protected]

Choline Glycerophosphate is a natural choline supplement found in the brain. It is also a parasympathomimetic acetylcholine precursor. Athletes are at times interested in alpha-GPC due to its ability to enhance growth hormone production and to enhance power output, which has a lone pilot study in support of 600 mg alpha-GPC prior to exercise. Although ergogenic properties of alpha-GPC cannot be ruled out and look promising, it requires more evidence.

Source of Alpha GPC

What is the Source? Alpha-GPC is derived from highly purified soy lecithin. Alpha-GPC is found as a naturally occurring constituent of red meat products and organ tissue but for the most part is scarce in appreciable amounts in naturally occurring sources. Alpha-GPC may be derived from highly purified soy lecithin in small volumes.

Industrially, it is produced by the chemical or enzymatic deacylation of phosphatidylcholine enriched soya phospholipids followed by chromatographic purification. Most supplements containing Alpha-GPC are made synthetically, where it can be enzymatically created from egg or Soy lecithin.Due to this synthesis and the source, it is sometimes referred to as a semisynthetic derivative of lecithin. Unlike lecithin and related choline supplements, alpha GPC has different structure and method of acetylcholine conversion.

Benefits

Memory and Cognitive Health: Alpha-GPC passes through the blood brain barrier providing a source of choline for acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis. By supporting cell membrane fluidity andintegrity, phosphatidylcholine enhances healthy neurotransmitter function and signal transduction. Alpha-GPC may support healthy phospholipid turnoverin the brain, helping to counteract age-related cellularbreakdown of membrane phospholipids. Acetylcholineis a key neurotransmitter in the brain supporting memory and learning. Optimal phospholipid and acetylcholine levels support cognitive, mental and cerebrovascular health.

Alpha-GPC has the ability to potentiate growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), thereby supporting healthy growth hormone (GH) levels. The mechanism of support appears to involve increased cholinergic tone. It can be used as an effective energy booster. It is great at helping to thwart the effects of jet lag. Another interesting use is to take Alpha GPC Choline as a pre-workout supplement.

Choline Glycerophosphate may have potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. It appears to also support cellular membranes, and may aid in preventing cognitive decline.

Oral supplementation of alpha-GPC is of interest for nootropic purposes, as it appears to have cognitive-enhancing properties and attenuate the rate of cognitive decline in the elderly. In regards to reducing the rate of cognitive decline, alpha-GPC at high doses (1,200 mg) does appear to be somewhat effective in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and works nicely with the standard therapy (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors).

Side Effects

This supplement is very safe and have few side effects at all if taken at the recommended dosage levels. On the other hand, if you are not careful about the source of the choline supplement there could be an unintended reaction, especially if the choline source is impure.

On the other hand, it is also possible to overdo things by taking too much Alpha GPC. Some people who go beyond the recommended dosage may notice a slight fishy smell, which is the result of choline breakdown. Simply lower the dose if this happens. In high doses it is also possible to experience increased sweating and salivation, nausea and stomach issues, and decreased appetite. Once again, simply reduce the dosage if any of these occur.