Alpha GPC – what is it and how does it affect the human body?

Nowadays, many people decide to promote their health in a new way. Thanks to substances that support proper memory and muscle function, we can take care of our focus, physical energy and concentration. One such substance is Alpha-GPC, a unique compound with a multitude of health benefits for the endocrine system. What is Alpha-GPC? And how does it affect the human body?

Alpha GPC – what is it?

Alpha-GPC, also known as choline alfoscerate, is a cholinergic compound (containing a precursor molecule of acetylcholine). One of the main advantages of this substance compared to natural choline-containing agents is undoubtedly its high bioavailability. Thanks to its higher biological activity, Alpha-GPC is believed to increase the simultaneous levels of choline and acetylcholine in the blood. This condition seems to be extremely beneficial, for example in the treatment of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

Choline alfoscerate is able to directly cross the blood-brain barrier, thus helping to deliver choline to nerve cells as quickly as possible. As a result, Alpha-GPC increases the level of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine itself plays an extremely important role in muscle contractions, blood vessel health and heart well-being, offering a range of benefits for our health.

Alpha GPC – how does it work?

As a dietary supplement, Alpha-GPC acts on the human body by increasing the reserves of choline, a compound that is a building block of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter found in the brain and muscle tissue. In supplement form, Alpha-GPC is converted into phosphatidylcholine, a metabolically active form of choline. Phosphatidylcholine then migrates to synaptic terminals in the CNS, which in turn contributes to the synthesis and release of acetylcholine.

Acetylcholine itself plays a key role in virtually all cognitive functions. In muscles, it is essential for proper contraction, as it is the main neurotransmitter involved in regulating the physiological response to excessive physical exertion. Furthermore, acetylcholine has long been clinically proven to be associated with improved memory and cognitive processing. With proper supplementation of choline alfoscerate, we can prevent many problems associated with deficiencies in naturally produced hormones.

Alpha GPC – what are its properties?

Alpha-GPC is recognised as a nootropic substance, i.e. a group of compounds that can significantly improve our cognitive functions and mental performance. Nootropics can be used as everyday medicines (e.g. for ADHD) and as dietary supplements.

A number of clinical studies have shown that choline alfoscerate has the following properties:

• Promotes proper stimulation of the body – as fatigue associated with physical and mental exertion increases in the human body, the activity of motor neurons in the neuromuscular junction deteriorates. Alpha-GPC prevents this condition, improving physical and mental performance, proving to be more effective than the world-famous caffeine;
• Supports growth hormone synthesis and increases fat oxidation – some studies have shown that Alpha-GPC leads to a direct increase in free choline levels in plasma, a simultaneous increase in growth hormone (HGH) secretion, and an increase in free fatty acids (FFA) in the body. As a result, the compound supports muscle growth and the burning of excess body fat;
• Prevents mental illness – Alpha-GPC can improve cognitive function, slow down its deterioration, and alleviate the symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease. The loss of acetylcholine-utilising neurons is an early symptom of the development of Alzheimer's disease. A number of clinical studies have shown that patients taking the supplement reported improved cognitive function within 90 days of supplementation;
• Reduces symptoms of epilepsy – animal studies involving Alpha-GPC have shown that the substance contributes to slowing down neuron death and supporting the natural blood-brain barrier. Researchers believe that the supplement can significantly improve cognitive function in people with epilepsy;
• Regulates the circulatory system – in addition to its significant role in memory and learning, choline alfoscerate supports the body's natural homeostasis. It regulates heart rate and blood pressure, promoting proper blood flow and slowing the heart rate.

Alpha GPC – does it promote a longer life?

Acetylcholine levels decrease with age, so a supplement that helps increase its availability can improve memory, attention and reasoning. These are cognitive functions that slowly deteriorate with age.

What is more, it appears that Alpha-GPC is broken down into components that can repair and maintain the good condition of brain cell membranes, which are essential for the proper functioning of neurons. The supplement also increases the activity of growth hormone (HGH), which stimulates the growth, reproduction and regeneration of cells in the human body. This hormone is considered to be one of the longevity hormones. Alpha-GPC causes a steady increase in HGH levels just 60 minutes after taking a dose, as a result of acetylcholine-stimulated activity of catecholamines in the brain.

Alpha GPC – appropriate dosage

The optimal standard dose of Alpha-GPC for people who want to increase the natural levels of acetylcholine and choline in the body ranges from 300 to 600 mg. In terms of amount in relation to body weight, this means approximately 4.8-96 mg/kg of body weight.

For disease prevention or improving athletic performance, the dosage of choline alfoscerate is as follows:

• Alzheimer's disease – taking 1200 mg of Alpha-GPC once a day significantly improves thinking ability in Alzheimer's patients after 3 to 6 months of supplementation;
• Dementia – 1000 mg per day can improve symptoms of vascular dementia, including behaviour, mood and thinking skills;
• Slowing cognitive decline – 1200 mg of Alpha-GPC per day appears to be an effective dose for alleviating cognitive decline;
• Improving athletic performance – the standard dose is 300 to 600 mg once daily. To increase muscle contraction frequency and physical strength, it is recommended to combine the supplement with other nootropic agents, such as huperzine or caffeine.

Alpha GPC – morning or evening?

Currently, there are no studies suggesting which time of day is best for taking Alpha-GPC in supplement form. However, it seems that the appropriate time of day depends on various factors, such as age and health.

Due to the risk of excessive stimulation of cognitive functions when using high doses of Alpha-GPC, older people should take the supplement in the morning, 30 to 60 minutes before their first meal. Younger people can take the supplement at any time of day, while maintaining safety in terms of dosage.

Bibliography

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