Description
What is Alpha GPC? alpha-GPC (GPC choline, choline
alfoscerate),according to the definition from Wikipedia, is a
natural a water soluble choline compound found in the brain.
Alpha-GPC rapidly delivers choline to the brain across the
bloodbrain barrier and is a biosynthetic precursor of the
acetylcholine neurotransmitter.
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Alpha GPC is a non-prescription drug in most countries due to its
Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status. It is also a
parasympathomimetic acetylcholine precursor which may have
potential for the treatment of Alzheimers disease and dementia.
Alpha-GPC is also used as a nootropic dietary supplement to enhance
memory and cognition.
Synonyms of Alpha GPC
If it is your first time to come across Alpha GPC, you may be
confused by other names. This material is also commonly referred to
choline alfoscerate, GPC, or A-GPC, but is also known as
alpha-glyceryl phosphatidylcholine,
glycerophosphorylcholine,glycerophosphocholine,choline
glycerophosphate, choline-hydroxide,GroPCho, L-A-glyceryl
phosphorylcholine, and L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine. The CAS
number is *********9. CAS Number is the unique identity of Alpha
GPC.
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 of taking alpha GPC supplements
Alpha-glycerophosphocholine (Alpha-GPC or α-GPC) is a cholinergic
compound that is used for its cognitive-promoting properties, and
to enhance power output in athletes. It appears to also support
cellular membranes, and may aid in preventing cognitive decline.
The key benefits of Alpha GPC supplement is summarized as
below:
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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.
*•Growth Hormone Support
: 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.
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In a pinch, 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.
Side effects of taking Alpha GPC supplements
This supplement is very safe and does not have any 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.
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