Alpha GPC isn’t your average cognition booster. Your average cognition booster restricts itself to improving your mental health. It is not able to enhance your athletic performance, help you burn fat within a few days, or save you from a severe vision-threatening condition.
Alpha GPC does all that and more. Research has shown that it can improve attention and memory and reverse cognitive decline caused by poor blood supply to the brain. That is precisely the reason why Alpha-GPC is a prescription drug for Alzheimer’s disease in parts of Europe.
Unfortunately, despite all of its proven benefits, various myths prevent people from giving this dietary supplement a try. That is even though these unfounded assertions are based on hearsay, whereas the advantages of Alpha-GPC have been proven by various clinical trials.
To reverse the situation in favor of Alpha GPC, we’ve come up with this comprehensive guide. We’ll kick things off by discussing what this dietary supplement is and how it works. Next, we’ll turn our attention to its proven benefits and the dosage at which you can acquire them.
What is Alpha GPC?
Alpha-GPC (alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine) is a dietary supplement and one of the best nootropics on the market right now. Research has shown that it enhances the production of acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that is important for memory and learning functions. [R][R]
Alpha-GPC’s primary role, recognized in clinical trials, is providing your brain with choline, a nutrient that your brain and nervous system need to regulate memory, muscle control, mood, and other functions. Your body also needs choline to form cell membranes. [R]
All in all, most of Alpha GPC’s benefits stem from its ability to supply your brain with choline and enhance your brain’s production of acetylcholine. This leads to enhanced focus, more dopamine levels, higher energy, more productivity, and much, much more.
We’ve been using the Alpha GPC from PureRawz for the past few months and have REALLY noticed a difference in how we feel on a day-by-day basis. Let’s get into how it works, now.
How does Alpha-GPC Work?
As stated above, Alpha GPC works by supplying your brain with choline, which, in turn, is used to produce the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This two-step process is why Alpha-GPC is referred to as ‘acetylcholine precursor choline alfoscerate’ in the scientific community.
However, like any cognition enhancer worth its salt, Alpha-GPC doesn’t rely on a single route to achieve its desired outcomes. Here are the other proven effects of Alpha-GPC:
1) Raises the levels of GABA
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger in your brain. It is primarily responsible for providing a calming effect. As a result, GABA plays a crucial role in controlling your stress, anxiety, fear, and even depression. [R]
2) Boosts the synthesis of dopamine
Dopamine is probably the most popular of the brain’s neurotransmitters. It is also one of the most pleasurable – your body releases this chemical when you’re involved in a gratifying activity, such as having sex, eating food, or, on a sobering note, taking a drug.
3) Enhances the activity of serotonin
Serotonin is a brain chemical that regulates mood, sexual libido, digestion, and sleep. This hormone also influences learning, memory, and hunger. Not having enough serotonin might leave you feeling anxious, depressed, or even manic. [R]
4) Boosts human growth hormone release
Human growth hormone is responsible for your height, the strength of your bones and muscles, and how quickly your body digests the food you eat (metabolism). It also helps regulate the balance between good and bad cholesterol, a function that helps it influence your heart health. [R]
Of course, if you just wanted to jack your growth hormone levels through the roof, you could try some Ibutamoren MK-677 (read the guide we have there), which is clinically proven to boost GH.
Alpha GPC Vs CDP Choline
Alpha GPC and CDP choline are both cholinergic supplements. This is to say that both increase the brain’s synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Both have been shown to boost cognition, prevent brain damage, improve eyesight, and help patients recover from strokes.
Here are the major differences between Alpha GPC and choline:
- CDP choline has a long half-life. While Alpha-GPC has a half-life of 4-6 hours, CDP choline takes around 60 – 70 hours to fall to half its original value in your bloodstream. This means it can give the intended effects for a long period.
- Alpha-GPC can reach more brain regions. While both these drugs are capable of penetrating the blood-brain barrier, Alpha-GPC has been found to access more brain regions than CDP choline.
So, in short, if you ask us we think that Alpha GPC is the superior choice as a nootropic. In fact, just go to the Alpha GPC for sale here from PureRawz and use the code “MD15” for 15% off.
Alpha GPC Benefits
Alpha GPC is one of the few supplements with clinical trials backing their effects. That means you don’t have to rely on anybody’s word to believe this drug works. As there are various human studies pointing to the efficacy of this cholinergic compound.
Here are the proven benefits of Alpha GPC:
- Improved Memory Formation
- Better Cognitive Function
- Enhanced Athleticism
- Burn Fat Rapidly
- Accelerated Learning
- …and more
Let’s look at each of these individual Alpha GPC benefits and see how they can be used to treat certain disorders or medical issues, according to the clinical research available to us.
1) Alpha-GPC and Alzheimer’s
In multiple trials, Alpha-GPC demonstrated excellent efficacy against AD.
In a placebo-controlled trial, Alpha-GPC improved all symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s dementia. While a significant reduction in symptoms was observed after 3 months of treatment, patients who received Alpha-GPC for 6 months experienced more improvement. [R]
Another trial was conducted to determine whether Alpha-GPC could improve the efficacy of a drug (donepezil) already used to treat one of AD’s symptoms. Results from this study show that treatment with both drugs may increase the effectiveness of cholinergic therapies in AD. [R]
Finally, an analysis of published clinical data found that Alpha-GPC prevented cognitive impairment in patients with dementia. This is an important finding because cognitive function is one of the first victims of Alzheimer’s. Cognitive decline gets worse as the disease progresses. [R]
2) Alpha-GPC and Cognitive Function
Various trials have shown that Alpha-GPC could improve cognitive functions.
A systematic review of 20 studies found that this drug had a positive effect on memory, focus, and attention impairment. Some of the trials that were part of the study showed that Alpha GPC decreases fatigue (mental and physical) as well as vertigo. [R]
An analysis of 13 clinical trials showed improvements in memory and attention associated with Alpha-GPC treatment. Furthermore, this drug was safer than other cholinergic precursors, such as choline and lecithin, in patients with acute cerebrovascular disease. [R]
Preclinical studies (which are the ones involving animals) have shown similar results. These studies have demonstrated that Alpha-GPC enhances mental performance and reduces cognitive decline caused by poor blood supply to the brain, seizures, and brain damage. [R][R][R]
3) Alpha-GPC and Athletic Performance
Alpha-GPC is incredibly popular among athletes, weight-lifters, and sports nutrition personnel due to its supposed ability to enhance athletic performance. As it turns out, the belief in this drug’s ergogenic properties isn’t misguided.
In one study on 48 healthy, college-aged males, this choline supplement increased speed, pull force, and free plasma choline levels. It was reported that the 250 mg Alpha-GPC dosage brought about the greatest improvements. [R]
Higher doses of this drug (600 mg) enhanced power in 13 college-aged males in a separate study. A third study reported that at lower doses (200 mg), Alpha GPC enhanced vertical jump power by a staggering 8.5% in 22 people. It also improved their bench press force by 14%. [R][R]
4) Alpha-GPC and Fat Burning
Alpha-GPC may also help you shed a few pounds.
In a study comprising young adults, eight healthy males ingested 1,000 mg Alpha-GPC or placebo. Fasting blood samples obtained 2 hours after Alpha-GPC ingestion showed an increase in fatty acid oxidation, or, in plain English, fat burning. [R]
Alpha-GPC’s ability to burn fat probably stems from this drug supplying your body with choline, a nutrient that has been proven to break fat down for use as an energy source. [R]
5) Alpha-GPC and Ocular Ischemic Syndrome
The ocular ischemic syndrome is a severe condition that often leads to significant vision loss. It is caused by atherosclerosis or the build-up of plaque inside your arteries.
In a study involving 51 OIS patients, one group was treated with Alpha-GPC and the other was administered a placebo. Examinations carried out afterward revealed a more rapid and stable improvement of vision in the Alpha-GPC group. [R]
6) Alpha-GPC and Stroke Recovery
Acute ischemic stroke is characterized by a sudden loss of blood to a specific brain part. Signs include difficulty speaking or understanding speed, confusion, and loss of vision.
In an Italian multicenter clinical trial, Alpha-GPC improved the symptoms of acute ischemic stroke. The patients’ mental state, cognitive function, and other parameters of brain function also improved. Plus, very few side effects/adverse events were reported. [R]
Alpha-GPC Dosage
In clinical studies, Alpha-GPC studies ranged between 250 mg/day and 1,000 mg/day. Here are the dosages administered in different studies:
- To enhance athletic performance. 250 mg/day for 1 week or 600 mg/day for 1- 6 days
- To improve eyesight. 400 mg, 2x/day for 2 months
Anecdotal evidence indicates that Alpha glycerophosphocline doses ranging between 300 mg and 1000 mg are best for getting the nootropic effects. Get professional medical advice to know more.
Alpha-GPC Side Effects
Overall, Alpha GPC is a very safe and effective supplement. In all the clinical trials mentioned, this drug didn’t cause any side effects in patients that were of note, aside from minor ones.
I’ve personally been taking the Alpha GPC from PureRawz and haven’t experienced any issues at all. I’ve taken this stuff from many brands over the years, and overall I love it as a nootropic.
Here are some potential benefits of Alpha GPC:
- Mild Headache
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Heartburn
Like I said, I’ve never personally experienced any side effects from Alpha GPC, and most people don’t, but those are some very minor ones to be aware of just in case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alpha GPC legal?
In Europe, alpha-GPC is a prescription medication for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved alpha-GPC as a dietary supplement to enhance memory in the US. In short, yes—it is 100% legal to buy Alpha GPC in the USA & most other countries.
What is the half-life of Alpha GPC?
Alpha-GPC has a half-life of around 4-6 hours.
Does Alpha GPC increase dopamine?
In a rat study, Alpha GPC was found to increase dopamine levels in the frontal cortex and cerebellum, two brain regions. CDP choline, the other drug used in the study, had no such effect. [R]
Does Alpha GPC affect serotonin?
In the above study, Alpha GPC increases serotonin levels. However, clinical research is needed to ensure that the drug can replicate this effect in humans. [R]
Is Alpha-GPC safe to take daily?
Various clinical trials have shown that taking Alpha-GPC on a daily basis is safe. Dosing regimens varied between 300 mg and 1000 mg/day of Alpha GPC.
Conclusion
In short, Alpha-GPC (I alpha glycerol phosphoryl choline) is a cholinergic compound that boosts brain health, enhances athletic performance, and helps you burn fat. This drug may also bring about cognitive improvement and protect your brain cells from damage.
So, not only will Alpha GPC help you improve your focus, remember more, improve your learning capabilities, and make you smarter overall, but it also has proven athletic and fat-burning benefits.
If you’re looking to try some out for yourself, just head on over to Pure Rawz and check the Alpha GPC they have in stock. It’s 3rd party tested, so you know it’s at least 99% pure, high quality stuff.
Don’t forget to use the code “MD15” for 15% off your order, too. If you have any questions about Alpha GPC, how to use it, what it does, etc., please don’t hesitate to ask us in the comments below!