Alpha GPC (L-Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine)

Alpha GPC (L-Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine) is a naturally occurring cholinergic compound in the body¹. Its primary function is to supply choline to the brain, where it’s transformed into acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter pivotal for cognitive functions.

This compound is renowned for potentially enhancing cognitive processes, supporting cellular health, and maintaining a balance of essential neurochemicals in the brain¹. As per the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Alpha GPC can:

• Support standard neurological function;
• Contribute to memory retention and overall brain function;
• Aid in nerve impulse transmission.

Understanding Alpha GPC

Alpha GPC, a variant of the nutrient choline, is renowned for its role in supplying choline to the brain. Once in the brain, it’s transformed into acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for cognitive processes. Not only is Alpha GPC present naturally in our bodies, but it’s also abundant in choline-rich foods such as dairy products, meats, and wheat germ. Nonetheless, its pharmacological benefits are best experienced through supplementation, offering higher doses¹.

Mechanism of Action

Though extensive research has been conducted on the modes of action of Alpha GPC, specific impacts on neuronal activities remain elusive. Structurally, Alpha GPC is identified as Phosphatidylcholine, a lecithin phospholipid integrated with choline. This choline is essential for the synthesis of acetylcholine, often dubbed the “learning neurotransmitter”, instrumental in numerous cognitive domains. The nootropic attributes of Alpha GPC largely revolve around this vital function.
When ingested, Alpha GPC, being water-soluble, exhibits rapid action and demonstrates high bioavailability. Most users report experiencing its benefits within an hour post-consumption. Alpha GPC provides the brain with an approximate 40% choline content².
Its proficiency in crossing the blood-brain barrier qualifies Alpha GPC as an efficient cholinergic, surpassing even other choline sources when it comes to enhancing choline levels within the central nervous system³.

Alpha GPC has been observed to elevate the levels of serotonin⁴ and dopamine⁵, neurotransmitters pivotal in regulating mood, energy, and motivation. Additionally, it enhances phosphatidylcholine levels, aiding in the maintenance of brain’s neurochemical balance and fostering strong cell membranes. Notably, deficiencies in phosphatidylcholine are associated with neurological ailments such as dementia and schizophrenia⁶.

Benefits of Alpha GPC Supplementation

Alpha GPC boasts a plethora of both physical and cognitive benefits, whether consumed standalone or in synergy with other nootropics.

Enhancements in Memory and Cognition

Thanks to its potential to increase acetylcholine synthesis, a neurotransmitter, Alpha GPC serves as a potent cognitive booster. This positions it as a promising supplement for bolstering regular neurological function and improving memory. Though much research zeroes in on age-related memory deterioration, Alpha GPC displays notable memory benefits across different age groups.
In a particular study, 32 healthy young adults exhibited memory recovery post a temporary chemically induced amnesia, upon being administered Alpha GPC⁷. User testimonials frequently acclaim Alpha GPC’s efficacy as a nootropic that amplifies cognitive abilities while also elevating energy and motivation levels⁸. Further, studies suggest Alpha GPC’s capacity to stimulate the development of new brain cells and mend damaged cell membranes, fortifying regular neurological activity. It may also possess anti-aging and neuroprotective traits¹¹.

Human Growth Hormone and Post-Exercise Recovery

The full spectrum of Alpha GPC’s ability to augment human growth hormone secretion remains under exploration. Preliminary research suggests that a 600 mg dosage of Alpha GPC taken 90 minutes prior to bench pressing could potentially enhance the power output by 14%¹². Another study infers that a single dose of Alpha GPC can amplify growth hormone production and hepatic fat oxidation, characteristics linked to augmented energy levels and reduced recovery durations, in healthy males under 25 years of age¹³.

Recommended Dosage

A standard dosage of Bacopa monnieri typically consists of 300 mg of a standardized extract²⁸. Being fat-soluble, it’s advised to consume Bacopa Monnieri with a fatty meal or milk³⁰. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, this herb is often paired with clarified butter or ghee.
While Bacopa Monnieri might show quick anxiolytic effects³¹, consistent intake over several weeks is necessary to realize its full cognitive-enhancing properties⁴.

Introduction to Alpha GPC

Alpha GPC (L-Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine) is a natural cholinergic compound found within the body¹. Recognized for its role in delivering choline to the brain, it is metabolized into the cognition-enhancing neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. This process contributes to several cognitive functions, supports cell health, and maintains a crucial neurochemical balance in the brain¹. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has highlighted that Alpha GPC can:

• Facilitate normal neurological functions;
• Preserve memory and overall brain performance;
• Aid in the transmission of nerve impulses.

For those seeking a high-quality source, Biohacking Core Alpha GPC ensures purity and the desired effects of Alpha GPC supplementation.

Understanding Alpha GPC

A derivative of the nutrient choline, Alpha GPC facilitates choline transportation to the brain, where it gets converted to the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, aiding cognitive function¹. While naturally present in the body, choline-rich foods like dairy products, meats, and wheat germ also contain Alpha GPC. However, its pharmacological benefits are best experienced when ingested as a supplement.

Mechanism of Action

Alpha GPC’s actions are extensively studied, though its influence on specific neuronal functions remains to be fully understood. Structurally, it’s identified as phosphatidylcholine, a lecithin phospholipid connected to choline, vital for synthesizing acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter significant in many cognitive areas. The nootropic attributes of Alpha GPC largely revolve around this relationship.

Upon oral consumption, alpha GPC exhibits water solubility, which enables it to act promptly and ensures it is highly bioavailable. It is efficiently transported across the blood-brain barrier, allowing most individuals to experience its benefits within an hour post-consumption. Notably, the molecular composition of alpha GPC comprises approximately 40% choline, a significant portion of which is directed to the brain².
Its unique ability to cross the blood-brain barrier establishes alpha GPC as a superior cholinergic compound. In comparison to other choline sources and even choline itself, alpha GPC demonstrates a heightened efficacy in augmenting choline concentrations within the central nervous system³.
Additionally, alpha GPC has the potential to elevate the levels of serotonin⁴ and dopamine⁵. Both neurotransmitters play pivotal roles in the modulation of mood, energy, and motivation. Another crucial action of alpha GPC is its contribution to phosphatidylcholine production in the body. This compound aids in upholding the neurochemical balance within the brain and fortifying cellular structures. Furthermore, a deficiency in phosphatidylcholine has been implicated in various neurological disorders, including dementia and schizophrenia⁶.

Alpha GPC: A Profusion of Benefits

Alpha GPC is celebrated for its manifold physical and cognitive benefits, manifesting both in its standalone use and in conjunction with other nootropics.

Enhancement of Memory and Cognitive Faculties

Through its role in bolstering the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, Alpha GPC is recognized as a potent cognitive booster. This property underscores its potential as a supplement geared towards preserving regular neurological function and enhancing memory recall. While the bulk of studies have centered on addressing age-associated memory decline, emerging evidence suggests that Alpha GPC offers memory benefits across diverse age groups.

In a study, the memory-recovery potential of Alpha GPC was tested on 32 healthy young adults who had temporarily induced amnesia. This study revealed that Alpha GPC could play a role in memory recovery⁷. On the anecdotal front, several users have reported that Alpha GPC enhances cognitive functions and simultaneously increases their energy and motivation levels⁸⁹¹⁰. Further research has indicated that Alpha GPC can promote new brain cell growth and repair damaged cell membranes, which are crucial for maintaining healthy neurological functions. Some studies even propose that it may have potential anti-aging and neuroprotective effects¹¹.

Human Growth Hormone and Post-Exercise Recovery

While extensive research on Alpha GPC’s ability to increase human growth hormone production is still pending, preliminary studies are promising. For instance, a pilot study showed that a 600 mg dose of Alpha GPC, taken 90 minutes before bench pressing, increased the power output of participants by 14%¹². Another study demonstrated that a single dose of Alpha GPC heightened growth hormone production and hepatic fat oxidation in healthy men under 25. These effects are believed to be associated with higher energy production and quicker recovery periods¹³.

Recommended Dosage

Existing research recommends an Alpha GPC dosage of 1200 mg daily, divided into three 400-mg doses¹⁴. Nevertheless, the EFSA clarifies that there’s no standardized dosage recommendation for Alpha GPC within the EU. In contrast, the recommended dosage in the United States stands at 550 mg daily for adult males.
A dosage range between 300–1200 mg, administered in one to three doses, is generally perceived as safe and effective for the majority. As a standard practice for supplements, it’s advised to begin with the minimum effective dose and adjust based on individual needs.