Change your life with natural nutrition backed by science. You should study the effects and potential side effects carefully before adding any supplement into your routine, whether it be for brain function, brain health, or physical health. See our medical disclaimer. It is possible that alpha-GPC decreases the effects of scopolamine, but it's not clear if this actually happens. PC is essential for maintaining healthy cell membranes and keeping them flexible. Uridine is one of 4 repeating units that make up RNA (Ribonucleic Acid). Alpha-GPC is a non-essential nutrient, which means that your body can produce it on its own. This can lead to memory problems and mild cognitive impairment (3). Join our Newsletter and get a free copy of our ebook The Encyclopedia of Nootropics. 1. Alpha-GPC is considered GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA. L-Theanine: Review of Nootropic Benefits, Uses, & Side Effects, L-Tyrosine: Review of Nootropic Benefits, Uses, & Side Effects, Ginkgo Biloba: Review of Nootropic Benefits, Uses, & Side Effects, French Maritime Pine Bark Extract: Review of Nootropic Benefits, Uses, & Side, Rhodiola Rosea: Review of Nootropic Benefits, & Uses, Citicoline (Cognizin): Review of Nootropic Benefits & Uses, All Articles About Vitamins & Supplements, Best Legal Over the Counter Adderall Alternatives, How to Improve Cognitive Ability & Skills, Perfect for people who want to improve their cognitive function, Can help people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, Not the ideal nootropic for people taking anticholinergics such as Scopolamine (Devil's Breath), Treating Alzheimer's disease and dementia, Improved memory and cognitive performance in elderly adults, Tamura, Yasuhisa et al. Overall, I'm very happy with the results. - nootl0v3r, I started taking Alpha GPC a few weeks ago, and I'm really impressed with the results. We wont dive into detail on the other two choline sources. Alpha-GPC is an effective nootropic supplement that can enhance cognitive function. If you happen to experience any of these side effects, you've gone too far in your dose. For those who supplement multiple times per day, it is recommended to keep the doses 4-6 hours apart from each other. His drug development is different from previous neuroactive peptides because they are not subject to pharmacokinetic battlesmeaning the drugs are more efficient than those before them. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. Choline, while naturally present in the body, is a water-soluble compound extracted from purified soy lecithin for commercial resale. Neuroscientists call this long-term potentiation. They offer third-party testing, and you can be sure you're getting a high-quality product. All the best nootropic stacks contain a reliable choline source to aid in your brains production of acetylcholine. 1994 (Trabucchi M. - 9), 5. Lee G, Choi S, Chang J, et al. In one study, healthy men aged 18-39 saw immediate memory-recall gains. The impact of Alpha GPC on cell membrane development in the cerebral cortex is very significant. The focus of this article is on helping you decide whether Alpha-GPC is a substance that you should consider adding to your diet, or to your existing supplement routine. We hope you found our Alpha GPC review helpful. It does not require a prescription to purchase. Alpha-GPC is legal in the United States and most other countries. However, it is banned by some athletic organizations. 4. The initial half-life of choline in plasma, estimated from the rate of disappearance of choline after intravenous administration of either a tracer dose of choline [methyl- 3-H] (0.031 mumol/kg) or a high dose of choline chloride (200 mumol/kg), was less than 1 minute. 1. Alpha-GPC (from Advanced Orthomolecular Research (AOR) out of Canada) basically cured my brain fog and gave me more energy. Glycerol-1-phosphate is used to support cellular membranes. There are a lot of scams out there, and you don't want to end up with a product that doesn't live up to its claims. In humans, choline is considered to be an essential nutrient as its role in reducing the risk of neural tube defects, fatty liver disease, and other pathologies has been well-documented. Alpha-GPC, is 40% choline by weight as well. Though no overdoses have been documented, adverse side effects are more commonly reported among users taking high dosages. Other studies have suggested that Alpha GPC can improve memory formation as well as learning ability. Mol Cell Biochem. People oft en call Acetylcholine the learning neurotransmitter. Changes in the interaction between CNS cholinergic and dopaminergic neurons induced by L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, a cholinomimetic drug. An Italian multicenter clinical trial, Alpha-GPC and power output; growth hormone, alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine administration increases the GH responses to GHRH of young and elderly subjects, Short-term administration of uridine increases brain membrane phospholipid precursors in healthy adults: a 31-phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy study at 4T, Chronic citicoline increases phosphodiesters in the brains of healthy older subjects: an in vivo phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy study, Citicoline enhances frontal lobe bioenergetics as measured by phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Meat protein fractions enhance nonheme iron absorption in humans, Optimization of a phytase-containing micronutrient powder with low amounts of highly bioavailable iron for in-home fortification of complementary foods. We will discuss potential side effects later in our Alpha GPC review. It is a choline prodrug, increasing levels of acetylcholine after administration, and may also support cellular membrane structure. The side effects of Alpha GPC listed below are rare. What Nootropics Are Similar To Alpha-GPC? Let us know about your experience with Alpha GPC in the comments below! Choline is essential for the brains production of acetylcholine, the learning neurotransmitter that is crucial to all aspects of cognition. Alpha-GPC is a biosynthetic precursor of acetylcholine (ACh) and one of the most bioavailable forms of choline. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Alpha-GPC has been shown to improve cognitive function in healthy adults, and it's also used to treat Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Alpha GPC is structurally classified as a phosphatidylcholine, a lecithin phospholipid with a choline attachment. Each molecule of alpha GPC is made up of about 40% choline, which it delivers directly to the brain.[12], Alpha GPCs ability to cross the blood-brain border makes it a particularly efficient cholinergic, surpassing other cholinergics and even choline itself at increasing circulating levels of choline in the central nervous system.[13]. The nutritional supplement L-alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine promotes atherosclerosis. [1] Alpha-GPC appears to easily cross the blood-brain barrier and is rapidly absorbed. Youll want to begin consumption at the lower end of this spectrum. Acute supplementation with alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine augments growth hormone response to, and peak force production during, resistance exercise. Caffeine: Caffeine is seen to increase Acetylcholine release because it improves our ability to absorb Choline. Age-related declines in exploratory behavior and markers of hippocampal plasticity are attenuated by prenatal choline supplementation in rats. Feel free to experiment with this by slowly increasing your dose to assess tolerance and benefit. The cons of using Alpha-GPC as a nootropic supplement include: It can cause headaches in some people, and it's banned by some athletic organizations. Our previous article on the types of choline supplements makes the comparison in detail. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1994;717:253-69. Alpha GPC has a shorter half-life versus CDP Choline: Alpha GPC lasts 4-6 hours in the body, whereas CDP Choline lasts 60-70 hours (roughly 3 days). A pilot study indicated that a 600 mg dose of alpha GPC, taken 90 minutes before bench pressing, increased power by 14%.[10], Another small study involving eight healthy young men under 25 showed that a single dose of alpha GPC increased growth hormone secretion and hepatic fat oxidation, both of which are associated with increased energy and reduced recovery time.[11]. The multiple administrations are important in order to combat the fact that Piracetam has a very short 2 or three hour half-life. [9], A 2021 cohort study of more than 12 million participants (at least 50 years old), including 108,877 alpha-GPC users, reported that alpha-GPC use for at least 12 months was associated with an increased risk of stroke over 10 years. CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. You might be purchasing it for a one-time use, or you might . This page was last updated on July 16, 2021. Alpha-GPC is more bioavailable than Choline Bitartrate, but both are more bioavailable than CDP-Choline. You'll also discover stacking ideas, alternatives, and understand how much Alpha GPC you need to take for optimal cognitive performance. For attenuating symptoms of cognitive decline, almost all studies used a dosage of 1,200 mg per day, divided into three doses of 400 mg. For boosting power output, studies have used a dosage of 300600 mg, supplemented 3060 minutes prior to exercise. It reaches peak concentrations and maximum bioavailability relatively quickly, generally within 30 minutes, and it has a moderately long half-life of 4.5-6.5 hours. Our focus for this analysis will be on the benefits of Alpha GPC and correct dosing information. Effect on plasma serotonin and histamine release and blood conservation. Select a condition to view a list of vitamins. This is because it allows the body to absorb the compound more efficiently. Thus, one of the most common goals of choline supplementation is to improve your ability to retain information. It's essentially a 2-in-1 supplement. If you need to get things done, Choline can help you stay motivated to work harder at a chemical level. In a study performed on eight healthy male subjects, the ones who ingested 1000 mg of GPC showed increases in growth hormone secretion and fat oxidation, while subjects who took the placebo did not display these results. The effects of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, caffeine or placebo on markers of mood, cognitive function, power, speed, and agility. What is Alpha GPC and Where Does it Come From? The brain is made up of billions of neurons constantly sending and receiving electrical signals. Do you want to improve your cognitive function without having to rely on harmful chemicals? 2000 Alpha GPC happens to be a more bioavailable form of choline that can easily cross the blood-brain barrier. In Russia and some European countries, it is available as an oral or injectable prescription treatment for Alzheimers, sold under the brand names Gliatilin and Delecit and used to enhance memory, improve cognitive function, and help restore and maintain biochemical balance in the brain. But I haven't taken any in a while; I find that there are diminishing marginal returns. Alpha-GPC has a half life of 4-6 hours, so many people choose to take it at multiple [points throughout the day to supplement their choline levels. There is a study in that document that focuses on GPC's potential to reverse scopolamin induced dysfunctions but moreover, alpha GPC improved cognitive abilities prior to scopolamine administration compared to controls. The Alpha GPC side effects are few and far between. (University of Utah - 6), Harvard Medical School found Choline improved mental energy by as much as 14%. Alpha GPCs ability to stimulate the production of human growth hormone has not been extensively studied. So now you're releasing more of the motivation chemical and you're more sensitive to it. As a result, Citicoline accumulates in the system. Alpha-GPC Alpha-glycerophosphocholine (alpha-GPC or -GPC) is a cholinergic compound that is used for cognitive-enhancement, and to increase power output in athletes. In clinical studies, alpha-GPC dosage ranged from 250 to 1,200mg/day. Before supplementing with Alpha-GPC, check with your organization to see if it's allowed. 2. Alternatively, you can purchase alpha GPC on Amazon. Let's take a look at what people are saying about Alpha-GPC on Reddit: According to cfjones3: (he notes how powerful the supplement is but warns users not to take it too late in the day because of this), "WOW! It may be worth considering if you're looking for a cognitive boost. With that said, there are some dosing ranges youll want to stay within for optimal benefit. Supplementing with alpha GPC may also 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.[21]. As a result, Choline accumulates in the system. If youre interested in a supplement thats affordable, readily available, and has well-documented benefits for both brain and body, alpha GPC supplementation may be worth a try. Alpha GPC is available without a prescription as a dietary supplement in the US and Canada. A comparative study of free plasma choline levels following intramuscular administration of L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine and citocholine in normal volunteers. This capability makes it of particular value in treating memory loss and cognition deficits related to neurological disorders. Deep Dive on Lutein: Your Eyes' Best friend, Nootropics For Anxiety - How To Solve Your Problems, How To Take Energy Supplements - 5 Mistakes You Must Avoid, How Much Collagen Should I Take The Ultimate Guide. Acetylcholine is dubbed the learning neurotransmitter and is responsible for just that memory and learning. Alpha GPC interacts with scopolamine, which is used to treat motion sickness, postoperative nausea, and irritable bowel syndrome. Studies show that its also a neuroprotectant that helps maintain the biochemical balance of the brain. Choline plays another critical role in connecting our brain-cells together. At the same time, it suppresses overproduction of the potentially damaging stress-related hormone cortisol and triggers the release of Alpha waves, a state of brain activity associated with wakeful relaxation. Gatti G, Barzaghi N, Acuto G, et al. It's been shown to improve memory, focus, and attention span, as well as increase mental energy. The most common side effect is headaches, which is often a sign of too much choline in the system. 2. As a supplement, manufacturers extract Alpha GPC from Soy Lecithin. A 2021 study assessed the effects of alpha GPC on stroke risk over ten years. Alpha GPC contains twice the Choline content than CDP Choline. Alpha GPCs ability to increase choline levels makes it an effective cognition enhancer, facilitating the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. That's because it's often involved in sending messages to our memory center (hippocampus). It's a natural compound that's found in the brain. One of the key ingredients in Noocube is Alpha-GPC. View abstract. Alpha GPC is a concentrated Choline B-Vitamin supplement. We recommend the following brand for its high-quality products: Alpha GPC is a safe, well-tolerated, and highly effective nootropic. Understand how much Choline Alpha GPC gives you: Alpha GPC is 40% Choline by weight, which means that each 250mg Alpha GPC capsule would give you 100mg of Choline, 1 gram of Alpha GPC powder would give you 400mg of Choline and 1 gram of Alpha GPC 50% powder would give you 200mg of Choline. OMG! Alpha GPC has a shorter half-life than CDP Choline: Alpha GPC lasts 4-6 hours in the body, whereas CDP Choline lasts 60-70 hours (roughly 3 days). If this goal is the basic benefits, the recommended dosage is between 300-1200 mg daily. Here are some interesting results that researchers have seen regarding memory-gain: The University of Milan saw Alpha GPC to benefit short-term and long-term memory. Alpha GPC's nootropic qualities lie in its Choline B-Vitamin content. Its high bioavailability allows it to penetrate the blood-brain barrier quickly and efficiently. Choline has been widely studied to be integral to our cognition and overall brain development. Coadministration of caffeine with choline significantly increased ACh release after each of the choline doses tested. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology 13). Because of this, Alpha GPC is often used as a workout supplement. What Is The Recommended Dosage For Alpha-GPC? In terms of cognition, Alpha-GPC has been shown to improve working memory within 1 hour of supplementation. 1. Theres a good chance that if youre reading this Alpha GPC review, you already have some basic knowledge on choline. Some people use it to increase the speed of cognition as well. 2012 - 2023 BRAINTROPIC Braintropic does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In his spare time he invents drugs that will be used to treat neurological disorders or to enhance cognition and the brain's function. COGNITUNE is for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Additional choline works to amplify the cognitive enhancement effects of nootropics such as Huperzine A, Phosphatidylserine, and Caffeine. Users have occasionally experienced headaches, fatigue, nervousness, nausea, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal distress. The myelin sheath acts as an insulator, which helps to protect the nerve fibers and ensure that the electrical signals can travel quickly and efficiently. An Italian multicenter clinical trial., Traini, Enea et al. [26] Dosage The existing human studies used a total daily intake of 1200 mg of pramiracetam, divided into two or three doses per day. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. Its half-life is about an hour and it is completely eliminated in the urine within 24 hours. mismos00 9 yr. ago I had the exact same experience. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you. It has been the subject of decades of research and is recognized worldwide as a powerful memory enhancer, prescribed by physicians throughout Europe for a variety of memory disorders. As you can see, people are generally very happy with the results they've seen from taking Alpha-GPC. For most people, 500-1000mg of Alpha GPC every day will supply your brain with the Choline it needs for optimal brain-development and memory function. This ensures that the product is pure and has the correct dosage.