Home > Products > Chemicals > Pharmaceutical Chemicals

What is Alpha GPC?

alpha-GPC (GPC choline, choline alfoscerate),according to the definition from Wikipedia, is a natural a water soluble choline compound found in the brain. Alpha-GPC rapidly delivers choline to the brain across the blood–brain barrier and is a biosynthetic precursor of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter.

Alpha GPC is a non-prescription drug in most countries due to its Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status. It is also a parasympathomimetic acetylcholine precursor which may have potential for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Alpha-GPC is also used as a nootropic dietary supplement to enhance memory and cognition.

Synonyms of Alpha GPC
If it is your first time to come across Alpha GPC, you may be confused by other names. This material is also commonly referred to choline alfoscerate, GPC, or A-GPC, but is also known as alpha-glyceryl phosphatidylcholine, glycerophosphorylcholine,glycerophosphocholine,choline glycerophosphate, choline-hydroxide,GroPCho, L-A-glyceryl phosphorylcholine, and L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine. The CAS number is 28319-77-9. CAS Number is the unique identity of Alpha GPC.

Source of Alpha GPC
What is the Source? Alpha-GPC is derived from highly purified soy lecithin. Alpha-GPC is found as a naturally occurring constituent of red meat products and organ tissue but for the most part is scarce in appreciable amounts in naturally occurring sources. Alpha-GPC may be derived from highly purified soy lecithin in small volumes. Industrially, it is produced by the chemical or enzymatic deacylation of phosphatidylcholine enriched soya phospholipids followed by chromatographic purification. Most supplements containing Alpha-GPC are made synthetically, where it can be enzymatically created from egg or Soy lecithin.Due to this synthesis and the source, it is sometimes referred to as a semisynthetic derivative of lecithin. Unlike lecithin and related choline supplements, alpha GPC has different structure and method of acetylcholine conversion.

Benefits of taking alpha GPC supplements

Alpha-glycerophosphocholine (Alpha-GPC or α-GPC) is a cholinergic compound that is used for its cognitive-promoting properties, and to enhance power output in athletes. It appears to also support cellular membranes, and may aid in preventing cognitive decline. The key benefits of Alpha GPC supplement is summarized as below:
• Memory and Cognitive Health: Alpha-GPC passes through the blood brain barrier providing a source of choline for acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis. By supporting cell membrane fluidity andintegrity, phosphatidylcholine enhances healthy neurotransmitter function and signal transduction. Alpha-GPC may support healthy phospholipid turnoverin the brain, helping to counteract age-related cellularbreakdown of membrane phospholipids. Acetylcholineis a key neurotransmitter in the brain supporting memory and learning. Optimal phospholipid and acetylcholine levels support cognitive, mental and cerebrovascular health.
*•Growth Hormone Support

: Alpha-GPC has the ability to potentiate growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), thereby supporting healthy growth hormone (GH) levels. The mechanism of support appears to involve increased cholinergic tone.

In a pinch, it can be used as an effective energy booster. It is great at helping to thwart the effects of jet lag. Another interesting use is to take Alpha GPC Choline as a pre-workout supplement.

Side effects of taking Alpha GPC supplements
This supplement is very safe and does not have any side effects at all if taken at the recommended dosage levels. On the other hand, if you are not careful about the source of the choline supplement there could be an unintended reaction, especially if the choline source is impure.

On the other hand, it is also possible to overdo things by taking too much Alpha GPC. Some people who go beyond the recommended dosage may notice a slight fishy smell, which is the result of choline breakdown. Simply lower the dose if this happens. In high doses it is also possible to experience increased sweating and salivation, nausea and stomach issues, and decreased appetite. Once again, simply reduce the dosage if any of these occur.