WHAT IS ALPHA GPC?

Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine or commonly used, Alpha GPC is a precursor to Acetylcholine, a popular nooptropic used by athletes. It is a naturally occurring compound that is made up of phospholipids and choline. The phospholipid element of Alpha GPC allows for extremely rapid uptake, and superior bio-availability compared to other forms of Choline.

WHAT DOES IT DO/HOW DOES IT WORK?

when consumed, Alpha GPC is converted to phosphatidylcholine. A source of choline for the body. The increased levels of choline then trigger the body to increase the production of Acetylcholine. Just like any Choline based supplement, Alpha GPC will yield the benefits experienced from increased choline levels in the body and thus increased production of Acetylcholine.

One of Alpha-GPC’s most valuable features is it’s bioavailability. When you really look into different forms of any ingredient, bioavailability is a massive factor; you can take as much of any ingredient as you physically can/want to but if your body isn’t actually able to utilise it, then it’s a waste of time & money. It is the phospholipid element of Alpha-GPC that is responsible for it’s extremely rapid uptake and superior bioavailability to other forms of Choline. This creates for near instant effects when supplemented and also requires a lower dose to elicit benefits.

BENEFITS

Muscular Power & Strength

One of the most exciting studied benefits of Alpha-GPC supplementation, for athletes, are the increases in muscular power and strength. As you would have learnt from our Choline Supplements Simplified Article; Choline, increases Acetylcholine production and that Acetylcholine is utilised in sending the messages in the body to allow us to contract our muscles. To put it real simple… more Choline, more Acetylcholine, better and stronger voluntary muscle contractions.

A study gave trained college-aged individuals 600 mg of Alpha-GPC for only 6 days, yes, ONLY 6 DAYS! They measured both upper and lower body isometric peak force before the study and again after the 6 days of Alpha-GPC. Both upper and lower body isometric peak force increased significantly after 6 days of 600mg.

Reversal of Age Related Neurodegeneration

As we grow older our brain’s chemistry changes, unfortunately for the worse. Reaction time, memory recall and general mood decline, brain cell membranes and structure weaken, acetylcholine levels, as well as nerve growth factor levels both decline. The good news is, Alpha-GPC can help.

Alpha-GPC has an impact on the development of cell membranes in the cerebral cortex. This is the part of the brain that is the information processing centre and has a major role in motor function, personality and intelligence. In a double-blind, placebo controlled study Alpha-GPC was given to people suffering from mild to moderate Alzheimers. Results showed that the subjects given Alpha-GPC showed consistent improvements in cognitive impairment over the 180 days compared to those who were given the placebo.

Increased Natural Human Growth Hormone

Typically only associated with Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs), increased levels of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) can have huge performance benefits for athletes. Increased & faster recovery, higher energy levels and increased sense of well being are the most common associated with HGH. As we mentioned above, the PEDs that increase HGH are 99% prohibited in competition.

A randomized, placebo controlled, crossover design study gave men with at least 2 years of resistance training experience 600 mg of Alpha-GPC, or a placebo, 90 minutes before completing some resistance based exercises and then having hormone levels measured post exercise. From a single dose of 600 mg of Alpha-GPC, post exercise levels of Growth Hormone (GH) peaked at 44 times the pre-exercise level. Compared to the 2.6 times increase in the placebo group, it’s safe to say Alpha-GPC had a significant effect on post exercise GH levels.

WHEN DO I TAKE IT?

To benefit from the performance benefits of Alpha-GPC, it is best to consume about 10-30min before training.

For general mental health and increased cognition, it is best taken in the morning or before any mentally demanding task is ideal. Make sure you are not taking Alpha GPC too close to the end of the day/ before sleep as it may have an effect on sleep.

a clinical dose is between 300-1200mg per day to gain the best results both for performance & cognitive benefits

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE BEFORE I NOTICE DIFFERENCE?

Because of it’s superior bioavailability, you will feel the benefits within the first 30 – 60 minutes after consumption. Even more impressive is the fact you will notice effects from your first dose.

For effects such as increased exercise performance, studies have shown you can begin to see it’s effects after only 6 days of consistent use!

WHICH ARE THE BEST PRODUCTS?

Alpha-GPC is usually found in pre workouts or nootropic supplements. But we’ve narrowed our choices down to our favourite supplements containing Alpha GPC based on amount per serve, value for money & quality of entire product. These are some of the very best in the industry today!