What Is Alpha-GPC? Other Names: Alpha Glycerol Phosphoryl Choline, Glycerophosphorylcholine, GroPCho

What is Alpha-GPC?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha-GPC) is a naturally occurring choline compound found in the brain. It is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in many functions including memory and muscle control. Alpha-GPC is commonly used as a dietary supplement to enhance cognitive function and physical performance. Other names include: Alfa-GPC, Alpha Glycerol Phosphoryl Choline, Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline, Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphatidylcholine, Alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, Choline alphoscerate, Glycerophosphorylcholine, Glycérophosphorylcholine, GPC, GroPCho, L-A-Glyceryl Phosphorylcholine, L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine.

Cognitive Benefits

Several studies have demonstrated the cognitive benefits of Alpha-GPC. For instance, it has been shown to increase motivation and improve mood in healthy individuals. In a study involving healthy volunteers, Alpha-GPC treatment significantly increased motivation, particularly in the evening5. This suggests that Alpha-GPC can be beneficial for enhancing mental focus and emotional well-being.

Physical Performance

Alpha-GPC is also recognized for its ergogenic properties, meaning it can enhance physical performance. Research indicates that Alpha-GPC supplementation can prevent exercise-induced reductions in choline levels, increase endurance performance, and stimulate growth hormone secretion1. In athletes, Alpha-GPC has been shown to improve isometric strength and power output. For example, a study found that six days of Alpha-GPC supplementation significantly increased lower body force production3.

Heart Rate Variability and Hemodynamic Responses

Alpha-GPC has been studied for its effects on heart rate variability (HRV) and hemodynamic responses, particularly following strenuous exercise. In overweight and obese women, Alpha-GPC consumption was found to improve the recovery of HRV and blood pressure after sprint interval exercise, suggesting a favorable impact on cardiac autonomic function4.

Comparison with Other Supplements

Alpha-GPC has been compared with other supplements such as caffeine and citicoline. While caffeine is known for its ability to enhance mental focus and athletic performance, it can also cause nervousness and anxiety. Alpha-GPC, on the other hand, does not have these side effects and may be a preferable option for those sensitive to caffeine1. In terms of choline release, Alpha-GPC has been shown to produce higher plasma choline levels compared to citicoline, making it a more effective choline source7.

Learn more with Consensus:

 

---

Alpha-GPC Mechanism of Action

Alpha-GPC works by increasing the release of acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is crucial for learning and memory processes. By boosting acetylcholine levels, Alpha-GPC can potentially improve cognitive functions such as memory and learning1 5. Additionally, Alpha-GPC contributes to the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, a major component of cell membranes, which supports overall brain health7.

Learn more with Consensus:

 

---

Uses of Alpha-GPC

Cognitive Function and Mental Performance

Enhances Learning and Memory: Alpha-GPC increases the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which facilitates learning and memory1 7.

Increases Motivation: Alpha-GPC has been shown to increase motivation in healthy individuals, particularly in the evening2.

Physical Performance

Improves Endurance and Strength: Alpha-GPC supplementation can prevent exercise-induced reductions in choline levels, increase endurance performance, and enhance isometric strength1 3 4.

Enhances Explosive Performance: Short-term supplementation with Alpha-GPC has been shown to improve lower body force production and countermovement jump performance3 4.

Faster Recovery Post-Exercise: Alpha-GPC helps in faster recovery of heart rate variability and blood pressure following strenuous exercise, particularly in overweight and obese women5.

Emotional and Psychological Effects

No Significant Effect on Anxiety: While Alpha-GPC increases motivation, it does not show significant effects on anxiety levels2.

Biochemical Effects

Increases Plasma Choline Levels: Alpha-GPC administration leads to a rapid increase in plasma choline levels, which is utilized for acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis in the brain7.

Learn more with Consensus:

 

---

Adverse Effects of Alpha-GPC

General Safety and Side Effects: The provided abstract does not mention specific adverse effects of Alpha-GPC. It focuses on the benefits of Alpha-GPC in improving mental and physical performance, such as increasing endurance and growth hormone secretion, without detailing any negative side effects1.

Learn more with Consensus:

 

---

How has Alpha-GPC Improved Patient Outcomes?

Physical Performance Enhancement

Alpha-GPC has been shown to improve certain aspects of physical performance, particularly in countermovement jump (CMJ) metrics. The 250 mg dose of Alpha-GPC demonstrated significant improvements in maximum velocity and maximum mechanical power during CMJ tests compared to placebo and other treatments1.

Biochemical Changes

Supplementation with Alpha-GPC significantly elevated serum free choline levels, with the 500 mg dose showing a 132% increase and the 250 mg dose showing a 59% increase compared to placebo1.

The 500 mg dose of Alpha-GPC also resulted in a significant decrease in serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels compared to other treatments1.

Learn more with Consensus:

 

---

Common Complaints Associated with Alpha-GPC Use

Mood and Cognitive Effects: Alpha-GPC is noted for its ability to improve mood and cognitive function by increasing the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter associated with learning and memory1.

Physical Performance: In athletes, Alpha-GPC supplementation can prevent exercise-induced reductions in choline levels, enhance endurance performance, and increase growth hormone secretion1.

Comparison with Caffeine: Unlike caffeine, which can cause nervousness or anxiety, Alpha-GPC does not seem to contribute to these feelings, suggesting a more favorable side effect profile in terms of mood and anxiety1.

Learn more with Consensus:

 

---

Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please seek immediate attention from a healthcare provider.