Alpha GPC (L-Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine) is a choline compound purified from soy lecithin. It is a very effective choline source and a potent nootropic supplement. Choline is a natural precursor to the Acetylcholine neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine is responsible in learning and memory as well as other important cognitive functions. Alpha GPC works great as a supplement by itself or when stacked with racetams or other nootropics. It has also been evaluated as a possible treatment for cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s and has shown possible results in trials.

 

Method of Action:

Alpha GPC’s end results work identically to other choline supplements. The difference is in the purity and effectiveness of the choline-to-acetylcholine conversion. Choline has extreme importance for cognitive functions within body because is converted into the Acetylcholine neurotransmitter. Many people do not receive enough choline through their natural diets and supplementation usually results in positive results. Alpha GPC and choline also have positive benefits when racetams or ampakine drugs are being used as it can help potentiate the effects.

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Metabolism of (Alpha GPC VS. CDP-Choline):

Alpha GPC works differently than CDP-Choline. Both achieve similar results by increasing the abundance of Acetylcholine within the body however the metabolism of each substance is almost entirely opposite. CDP-Choline works as an intermediate to Acetylcholine whereas Acetylcholine is the by-product in the breakdown process of Alpha GPC. In the end, both substances achieve similar results by increasing levels of Acetylcholine and are superior to other choline sources.

Alpha GPC Benefits

Alpha GPC has been proven to have consistent benefits for its users. Benefits are consistent to an increase in Acetylcholine levels. This includes: increased learning, improved memory, heightened sensory perception, increased focus and improved motor skills. One is likely to see an increase in some or all of these benefits but improvement may be prevalent to a specific area.

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Ones who will see the most benefits from Alpha GPC or choline supplementation are the people who lack it in their normal diets. It is estimated that about 90% of the population do not get the recommended amount of choline from their diets. This can often lead to cognitive decline such as memory problems and lack of energy. Supplementation with Alpha GPC will also have benefits for ones taking racetam or ampakine supplements. Racetams and similar substances will create an increase in demand for available Acetylcholine.

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Another great health benefit of Alpha GPC and choline supplements in are their antioxidant properties. Studies show that these supplements act as antioxidants in the brain that help reduce free radicals which can lead to oxidative stress and “brain aging”. It is believed that Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases often relate to damages in the cholinergic and acetylcholine receptor systems. Supplementation with Alpha GPC may reduce damages to these systems.

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One unique property of Alpha GPC not seen in other choline supplements is the increase in natural human growth hormone levels (HGH). This is believed to be caused by a release of human growth releasing hormone (HGRH) triggered by Alpha GPC. HGH has enormous health benefits known to help with body tissue repair and development. For this reason, Alpha GPC is commonly sold by body building supplement retailers.

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Alpha GPC Side Effects:

Alpha GPC is a precursor to a natural and healthy compound in the brain. It is known that is it very low in side effects and interactions. If there are interactions with the substance it is likely to be due to an impure compound or other possible factors (other substances). The unlikelihood for Alpha GPC to cause side effects, make them attractive nootropic compounds.

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There are several things to keep in mind with Alpha GPC and choline supplements. Too much of a good thing is possible. One issue that is common in “mega-dosing” of Alpha GPC is a slight fishy odor. This smell is a cause of choline metabolism in the body and can be easily corrected by lowering the dose. Other common side effects in high dosages of Alpha GPC are: increased sweating and salivation, upset stomach and a decreased appetite. These side effects normally occur in much higher than normal doses and are not life threatening.

 

Alpha GPC stacking:

Alpha GPC is great to stack. Actually, it is highly recommended if you are taking racetams or other supplements that will cause an increase in demand for Acetylcholine. This will include all the racetams like: Piracetam, Aniracetam, Oxiracetam, Pramiracetam and Noopept.

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Stacking Alpha GPC with the other racetams may help potentiate nootropic effects and possibly reduce side effects normally seen in these substances. If you are taking racetams or other nootropics and experience neurological side effects like headaches or fatigue try incorporating Alpha GPC into your stack. This may help reduce or eliminate these side effects and may result in increased cognitive benefits.