Alpha-GPC 98%

Over the recent years, alpha-GPC, a compound naturally occurring in human brain and a fatty acid found in soy lecithin and other plants, has gained significant recognition and popularity among nootropic users. As a choline source (and technically a prodrug to acetylcholine), it is by far the most bioavailable one when it comes to central nervous system due to its rapid absorption and blood-brain barrier crossing capacity. This is what enables its promising effects on the central nervous system and the reason why it has been investigated for its potential for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

It is only logical and expected that its consumption should have positive impact on cognitive performance, including but by no means limited to memory, learning, focus, verbal fluency, and executive function.

In a 2003 double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled trial published in Clinical Therapeutics, patients treated with 400-milligram capsules of a-GPC showed consistent improvement in cognitive impairment after 90 and 180 days, whereas in the placebo group it remained unchanged or deteriorated. Another study indicates that alpha GPC supplementation might be beneficial for healthy young adults in terms of mental and physical performance on par with caffeine, without its most prominent side effect commonly known as jitteriness.

Speaking of which, some people experience the action of alpha-GPC as mildly stimulating and energizing. Interestingly enough, it has been observed to improve stamina, power output and muscle strength and as such is highly popular among athletes.

As if being a superstar among choline sources weren’t enough, multiple studies suggest that alpha GPC elevates human growth hormone, which might amount to its effects and explain its impressive profile of a high-efficacy, broad-spectrum compound.

Furthermore, there is also scientific evidence for Alpha-GPC being able to increase dopamine levels, particularly in individuals with dopamine deficiency.

Benefits of taking alpha-GPC

• improved memory and learning;
• boost in energy and stamina;
• better focus and attention;
• enhanced verbal skills;
• increased visual and auditory acuity;
• enhanced executive function;
• increased athletic performance;
• boost in motivation;
• reduced folate and vitamin B12 deficiency;
• anti-inflammatory action;
• lower blood pressure;
• increased iron absorption;
• reduced liver fat and protection against liver damage;
• possible aid in drug use cessation;
• vivid dreams;
• might improve stroke recovery.

Side effects

Alpha-GPC is generally well tolerated and does not produce significant adverse effects when taken in moderation (the below are likely to be observed with high doses over a prolonged period and indicate that one should reduce its intake).

• headaches;
• nausea;
• alteration of body odor;
• heartburn;
• diarrhea;
• foul-smelling stool;
• dizziness.

Dosage

While some people benefit from doses as low as 250 mg per day, it seems that more observe cognitive improvement with doses ranging from 400 to 1200 mg.

The most typical scenario involves a 400 mg dose in the morning and a second 400 dose early in the afternoon. Due to its stimulating properties, it is advised not to dose it in the evening.

Individuals susceptible to gastrointestinal side effects might prefer to take alpha-GPC with food.