Does Alpha GPC Give You Energy?

Sometimes, you need the energy and focus to power through a tough day. Getting it from food can sometimes be tricky because most of what we eat can quickly get used up in minutes.

Most people use supplements for a more sustainable, long-term energy boost. They contain ingredients such as caffeine and B vitamins which help to give you a short burst of energy. One supplement that has raised some eyebrows for long-term energy is Alpha GPC (alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine).

Does Alpha GPC give you energy? Will it truly provide you with the sustained energy boost you seek? Let’s take a closer look.

Key Takeaways

• Alpha GPC is a choline-containing compound that supports healthy brain function and has been used in the past to help with mental clarity and memory recall.
• Alpha GPC has several uses, including improving memory recall, increasing athletic performance, enhancing mental clarity, and promoting fat oxidation.
• Alpha GPC provides a sustained energy boost and does not cause crashes like other sources of caffeine. It can also improve sleep quality but may react differently to different people, and it's best to observe one's body reaction and adjust the dosage accordingly.
• Always consult with a doctor before you start supplementing with Alpha GPC.

What is Alpha GPC?

Before we dive into the effects of Alpha GPC on energy, let’s get to know this substance a bit better.

Alpha GPC is an ingredient often found in nootropic supplements and pre-workouts. This component is synthetically derived from soy lecithin or eggs, though it's naturally found in very small concentrations in foods such as red meat and wheat germ.

It is a choline-containing compound that helps to support healthy brain function. It is a precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and has been used in the past to help with mental clarity and memory recall.

What is Alpha GPC Used For?

Alpha GPC has a plethora of uses, including:

Promotes Better Memory Recall

One of the main uses for Alpha GPC is to help maintain a healthy level of memory recall. Supplementing with it helps provide adequate choline levels in the brain, improving neurological functioning and memory.

Since a cellular deficiency causes memory loss, Alpha GPC helps bridge this gap and improve cell communication.

Increase Athletic Performance

Another popular use for Alpha GPC is to help increase athletic performance. It can help boost power output and muscular strength and increase energy levels. It also helps spare muscle glycogen, which can help you last longer and sustain a higher level of performance during strenuous activities.

Improve Mental Clarity

Another use for Alpha GPC is to enhance mental clarity. Supplementing with this compound increases the availability of acetylcholine in the brain, which can improve cognitive performance. Additionally, Alpha GPC helps promote healthy neuronal plasticity, allowing neural pathways to form and strengthen.

Fat Oxidation

Fat oxidation is the process of breaking down fat cells to create energy. Alpha GPC helps to accelerate this reaction, meaning you can burn more calories and promote weight loss. Research has also found that Alpha GPC may help suppress the formation of new fat cells, making it a valuable addition to any weight loss regimen.

Does Alpha GPC Keep You Awake?

One of the questions that many people have is whether Alpha GPC can keep them awake. While it provides energy, it’s not the same as a cup of coffee or an energy drink.

This ingredient helps create sustained energy, meaning you won’t be crashing after a few hours like you would with other sources of caffeine.

However, Alpha GPC won’t be able to keep you awake indefinitely. It can provide a mild boost of energy and mental clarity during periods of stress or need for increased performance without the associated jitters or crash that normally follows other stimulants.

Supplementing with this substance can actually improve sleep quality. It's one of the supplements that can create lucid dreaming (REM rebound) if taken at night.

As a precursor to acetylcholine, Alpha GPC may increase acetylcholine levels, which ultimately helps the brain and nervous system to relax. This, in turn, can lead to deeper and more restful sleep.

However, it's worth noting that Alpha GPC reacts differently to different people. Even though it can positively affect sleep, it can also keep some people awake when they're supposed to be sleeping. Therefore, it's always best to observe your body's reaction to Alpha GPC and adjust your dosage accordingly.

How Long Does it Take for Alpha GPC to Work?

Generally, Alpha GPC boosts acetylcholine levels instantly. Therefore, expect to experience its effects 25-30 minutes after ingestion. However, several factors can affect how quickly it works. They include:

Dosage

The most important factor in determining how quickly Alpha GPC works is dosage. Smaller dosages usually take longer to kick in, while higher doses act quicker. The dosage also dictates how long the effects last, with higher doses typically having a longer duration of action.

Body Weight

Body weight also affects the onset of Alpha GPC's effects. Generally, larger individuals require higher doses to feel the same effects as someone with a lower body weight. However, this can vary from person to person, so it's best to experiment and find what works best for you.

Digestive Health

The faster your digestive system works, the more quickly Alpha GPC will take effect. If you have poor digestion or sluggish metabolism, it may take longer for the supplement to enter your bloodstream and start working its magic. Also, note that Alpha GPC has been shown to benefit digestive health in several ways.

Age

Age is another factor that can affect the onset of Alpha GPC effects. Generally, younger individuals will experience the effects more quickly than older people, as their digestive systems tend to work faster.

However, this isn't a hard and fast rule, as some older people may experience the effects quicker than their younger counterparts.

These factors notwithstanding, it shouldn't take longer than an hour for Alpha GPC to start working. If you fail to experience any effects after this time, it may be a sign that your dosage or product isn't suitable for you. In this case, it's best to consult your doctor before taking Alpha GPC.

What Foods Have Alpha GPC?

Below is a list of 15 foods that are rich in Alpha GPC:

1. Eggs
2. Soybeans
3. Cabbage
4. Fish
5. Chicken
6. Milk
7. Spinach
8. Lentils
9. Tofu
10. Sunflower Seeds
11. Garlic
12. Liver
13. Brown Rice
14. Lentils
15. Bananas
16. Red meat

These foods are excellent sources of this Alpha GPC. However, note the levels are very low. Therefore, if you want to reap its full benefits, consider supplementing with a quality product that contains it as a key ingredient.

Can You Take Alpha GPC at Night?

When looking for natural energy boosters to boost energy levels at work or help you focus on a specific task, you should take it in the morning for the best results. Therefore, does it make sense to take Alpha GPC at night?

Alpha GPC isn't a strong stimulant like caffeine or other energy-boosting supplements. Rather, it's a natural nootropic that boosts mental performance and focus. Therefore, it's unlikely to disrupt your sleep cycle.

You can take Alpha GPC in the morning, day, or night - whatever works best for you.

If you're looking for an afternoon boost, take it during the day at least 30 minutes before your activity. If you want to improve cognitive performance while studying or working late at night, taking Alpha GPC a few hours prior will help with concentration and focus.

It's important to note that Alpha GPC may cause insomnia in some people. If you notice this as a side effect, try a lower dose and see how it turns out. In case of persistence, stop taking the supplement and speak to your doctor.

Can You Take Alpha GPC Every Day?

If you take Alpha GPC in the recommended dose, you can feel safe taking it daily. A 300-1200 mg dosage taken in one or two divided doses throughout the day leads to enhanced effectiveness. As with any supplement, it's important to start slow and gradually increase the dosage until you find a balance that works for you.

The effects vary from person to person, so it's best to start with a lower dose and work your way up until you find the right amount that works for you.

It's important to note that Alpha GPC is a powerful nootropic and should not be taken indefinitely. Your body needs time to adjust to the supplement, so take breaks between cycles. This will help reset your cognitive performance and make your brain more efficient.

Your doctor will help you decide the most appropriate cycle length for your needs.

How to Take Alpha GPC Powder

Alpha GPC powder is a great way to get the benefits of this nootropic supplement. It can be added to any liquid or food, such as smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, and more. The powder is tasteless and odorless, so it won't affect the taste or smell of your drink.

To use Alpha GPC powder:

1. Measure the recommended dose and put it in a cup or bowl.
2. Add 2-4 ounces (60-120 ml) of water or your favorite beverage.
3. Stir until the powder is completely dissolved in the liquid.
4. Enjoy!

How Much Alpha GPC Should I Take?

The amount of Alpha GPC you take depends on:

• Activity level: If you engage in physical activities, more Alpha GPC may be needed to maintain concentration and focus.
• Usage goals: Higher doses are recommended if you want to use Alpha GPC as a cognitive enhancer or mood booster. On the other hand, lower doses may be sufficient if you want to improve your memory and focus.
• Personal sensitivity: Some people may experience mild side effects such as insomnia or headaches when taking higher doses of Alpha GPC. Therefore, they may opt for a lower dose.

As a rule of thumb, the recommended dosage is 300-1200 mg daily. You can divide the dose throughout the day to make it more effective. Also, start with a lower dose and gradually increase it until you reach the desired effects.

Get the Most Out of Alpha GPC

At VYU, we know how hard it can be to find the right Alpha GPC supplement to give you the energy boost you need to stay productive. That's why create an on-the-go performance drink that will supercharge your brain and give you the mental clarity you need to tackle any task.

TUNE IN is formulated with Alpha GPC to help you stay focused and alert throughout the day. It's a convenient way to get your daily dose of Alpha GPC so that you can reach peak performance and be more productive.

You can choose between the Tropical Punch and Pink Lemonade flavors. The two are packed with powerful cognitive enhancers like Alpha GPC and natural energy boosters to keep you energized throughout the day.