What is Alpha GPC?

Alpha GPC (or L-Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine) is one of the most popular and widely available dietary supplements to improve cognitive function and mental performance.

Alpha GPC is a naturally occurring phospholipid in the brain and other organs. It is also found in smaller amounts in certain plant-based foods, such as soybeans and spinach. It increases choline levels. Choline  is an essential nutrient that helps regulate neurotransmitters like acetylcholine in the brain. This can lead to improved memory formation and recall, greater focus, and more alertness.

In this article, we'll dive into the world of Alpha GPC and discuss its potential benefits for mental performance and how to safely integrate it into your daily routine. Read on!

Key Takeaways

• Alpha GPC is found in very small amounts in certain foods, but ths sn't enough to get the optimal benefits. Therefore, it's synthetically produced and infused in supplements.
• Alpha GPC is thought to increase levels of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mental performance and alertness.
• Supplementation with this substance is believed to have potential benefits for memory formation and recall, focus, and more alertness.
• Before taking Alpha GPC, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional in order to ensure safety and effectiveness.
• Alpha GPC is generally considered safe when taken as directed, however, overconsumption may lead to side effects such as nausea or headaches.

What is Alpha GPC?

Alpha GPC (alpha-glycerophosphocholine or choline alphoscerate) is a chemical made from Choline. It can also be synthetically made in a laboratory and infused in supplements to help support cognitive function.

Alpha GPC has been studied to potentially increase levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter associated with memory formation and recall in the brain.

Choline is a precursor to acetylcholine, which the body needs to produce this important neurological chemical. Alpha GPC is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to the brain when taken as a supplement.

People use Alpha GPC for various purposes, including improving memory and learning, increasing power output during physical activity, and slowing the progression of age-related cognitive decline.

Alpha GPC is only available as a dietary supplement in the United States. However, in some European countries, Alpha GPC is approved as a drug used to treat anxiety and memory disorders.

Where Does Alpha GPC Come From?

Alpha GPC is a natural constituent of red meat and other foods like dairy and eggs. However, its food source levels are quite low, and naturally, deriving the amount of Alpha GPC needed to see the desired effects would be difficult.

Therefore, many supplements and drugs use Alpha GPC that is made synthetically in a laboratory. Synthetic Alpha GPC is considered to be safe and has been studied extensively for its potential health benefits.

Synthetic Alpha GPC is enzymatically created from soy lecithin or eggs. This process begins with phospholipids. An enzyme then hydrolyzes these to separate the fatty acids from the glycerophosphate.

Glycerophosphate is the resulting product of this process which is attached to Choline, forming Alpha GPC.

Is Alpha GPC Good for You?

Generally, this substance is well tolerated. Researchers haven't found any serious side effects associated with oral supplementation of Alpha GPC. In a study, human participants took 1,600mg of Alpha GPC daily for 6 months and reported no adverse effects.

This study looked at the effects of Alpha GPC on age-related cognitive decline. The results revealed that compared to placebo, participants taking Alpha GPC had significant improvements in memory and other measures of brain function.

However, there're recent concerns regarding the possible side effects of Alpha GPC on the cardiovascular system. This is because it synthesizes trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke in high doses.

Therefore, before starting a supplementation program with Alpha GPC, it's recommended to consult your physician for advice.

A 2021 study showed that taking Alpha GPC daily for 12 months could increase the risk of stroke. Over 12 million participants were included in this analysis, making it one of the biggest studies done on Alpha GPC to date.

Another mouse study showed that Alpha GPC could promote atherosclerosis. This is a disease of the arteries where plaque builds up on their inner walls, causing them to harden and narrow.

The result of this accumulation of plaque could restrict blood flow and potentially lead to a stroke or heart attack.

These studies show that there could be a small danger associated with taking Alpha GPC in high doses for extended periods. The surest way to ensure your supplement helps you achieve deep focus without unwanted side effects is to consult a physician for expert advice.

What are Alpha GPC Benefits?

Alpha GPC comes with a wide range of potential benefits, including:

Mental Performance

Alpha GPC has been shown to enhance mental performance and alertness in many ways. It increases the availability of choline, an essential nutrient for optimal brain functioning.

It also boosts levels of dopamine and serotonin, two “feel-good” neurotransmitters that help improve your response to daily stressors.

On top of this, Alpha GPC promotes the production of phosphatidylcholine, which enhances communication between nerve cells in the brain.

Therefore, if you need drinks that help you focus or a natural supplement to help with mental clarity, go for one containing Alpha GPC as a key ingredient.

Improve Blood Flow to the Brain

Alpha GPC also increases blood flow to the brain. This enhances cognitive function and improves overall mental clarity. Blood flow to the brain is essential for good memory and concentration.

It promotes better focus and creativity, allowing you to make more informed decisions. This explains why the best drink for focus and concentration contains Alpha GPC.

It has been proven that Alpha GPC can help protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals and toxins present in the environment. This is especially important when engaging in activities like smoking or drinking alcohol.

Boost Muscle & Athletic Performance

Alpha GPC is also known to help boost muscle growth and athletic performance. It's been shown to increase human growth hormone (HGH) production, which builds muscle and promotes fat loss. This makes Alpha GPC a great supplement for athletes looking to improve their performance or get into better shape.

Taking Alpha GPC as a pre or post-workout supplement may help improve muscle recovery and reduce fatigue. This allows you to push yourself further in the gym, improving results.

What is Alpha GPC Used For?

Alpha GPC is used for an array of mental and physical health-related benefits. Its most common uses are to improve cognitive function, athletic performance, memory, focus, and concentration. Alpha GPC is also sometimes used off-label to combat low sex drive.

Alpha GPC has also been studied for its potential role in combating various neurological conditions, with some studies suggesting it can help protect nerve cells from damage caused by inflammation and oxidative stress. It may even aid in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in certain cases.

Finally, it is believed that Alpha GPC may help produce human growth hormone, which is sometimes used as a physical performance supplement.

What Does Alpha GPC Feel Like?

Like caffeine supplementation, Alpha GPC gives users a sense of increased mental clarity and focus. It is typically well tolerated with few side effects, and many users report feeling more energized and motivated after taking the supplement.

Alpha GPC also helps increase alertness without the crash associated with other stimulants such as caffeine or amphetamines. Additionally, its effects are much longer lasting than caffeine, with some users feeling effects for up to 8 hours after taking the supplement.

It's worth noting that just like anything else, the effects of Alpha GPC vary from person to person. This depends on factors such as dosage, lifestyle habits, diet, and overall health. Therefore, starting with a low dose and increasing incrementally over time is recommended until the desired effect is achieved.

What Foods Contain Alpha GPC?

Below is a list of foods that contain Alpha GPC:

• Oat bran
• Toasted wheat germ
• Organic soybeans
• Sunflower seeds
• Sweet potatoes
• Brown rice
• Lentils
• Yogurt
• Edamame
• Egg yolks
• Salmon and other fatty fish
• Chicken breast
• Beef liver 
• Broccoli

It's important to note that Alpha GPC is not found in large quantities in most of these foods, but they are still a good compound source and can be included in a healthy diet.

Does Alpha GPC Increase Testosterone?

Research has proven that Alpha GPC boosts hormone secretion by releasing acetylcholine-stimulated catecholamine. This release of neurotransmitters increases adrenaline and noradrenaline, which in turn can lead to increased testosterone levels in the body.

Alpha GPC is especially effective for athletes looking to boost their performance and endurance. Studies have shown that Alpha GPC supplementation can help increase strength, power output, and muscle mass when combined with a physical training routine.

This can be attributed to its ability to increase both testosterone and growth hormone levels.

Side Effects of Alpha GPC

Even though Alpha GPC is generally well tolerated, some potential side effects may occur. These include nausea, headaches, and insomnia in certain individuals. Others experience increased anxiety, restlessness, and even irritability.

It is important to note that these side effects are typically mild and do not affect everyone who takes Alpha GPC. If these side effects occur, it’s best to decrease the dose or stop taking the supplement altogether. If symptoms persist or worsen, talk to your doctor for advice.

How Much Choline in Alpha GPC

Alpha GPC is about 40% choline by weight. This means a 1000mg dose of Alpha GPC would contain approximately 400mg of choline. This is quite a significant amount and should be considered if you’re already taking a separate choline supplement.

Can You Take Alpha GPC on an Empty Stomach?

You generally get the most out of supplements when you take them on an empty stomach. Alpha GPC is no exception. Taking it on an empty stomach will help ensure the compound gets absorbed more quickly and efficiently into the body.

However, if stomach upsets occur, consider taking future doses with food.

Can You Take Alpha GPC Every Day?

Alpha GPC works best when taken regularly. For most people, taking Alpha GPC every day should be fine. However, it is important to listen to your body and adjust the dose as needed. Too much of any supplement can lead to negative side effects.

However, a daily dose is highly recommended if you want to get the most out of Alpha GPC. Take it during the day to stimulate long-term focus and mental clarity, or take it before exercising to increase strength and power output.

How Much Alpha GPC Should I Take?

It's recommended that you take a cumulative dose of 300-1,200mg every day. Depending on your preference, this can be taken in one or two divided doses. However, if you are new to supplementing with Alpha GPC, it’s best to start with a low dose and gradually increase it until the desired effects are achieved.

Buy Alpha GPC Supplements from a Trusted Source

The market is flooded with all kinds of supplements containing Alpha GPC. However, most of them only write "Alpha GPC" on the label without providing any information about the exact amount of Alpha GPC contained in each pill or capsule.

It's important to buy Alpha GPC supplements only from a trusted source. At VYU, our #1 performance drink, TUNE IN, is formulated with clinically backed ingredients, including Alpha GPC.

Each serving contains enough Alpha GPC to help you get the most out of your performance. It's also low on calories and caffeine, making it perfect for those looking to stay energized, focused, and productive throughout the day.

Order yours today and have it delivered right to your door.