alpha-GPC

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.
chemical structure of Alpha GPC is as below:

alpha-GPC-structure

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.

Comparisons with other choline sources
When controlling for the amount of Choline in each supplement, Alpha-GPC requires 46% the dose of CDP-choline and due to being relatively higher in choline on a weight basis, administration of the same doses of either agent result in the group given Alpha-GPC experiencing a greater serum increase in choline. Alpha-GPC is considered to be a more effective (assessed by potency on a weight basis) cholinergic than both choline and CDP-choline when looking at serum values or benefit from clinical interventions.
Small amounts of alpha GPC can be obtained through food however GPC supplements are bio-synthetically created. It is usually created from highly purified lecithin. Lecithin is a common product used for phosphatidylcholine supplementation (a weaker precursor to acetylcholine). Alpha GPC differs from lecithin and carries a different chemical structure. This explains its unique effects and properties over choline and phosphatidylcholine.
Alpha-GPC appears to be the best currently known cholinergic in increasing plasma and brain choline levels, as it has better transportation into the brain than does choline (somewhat similar to CDP-choline) but since it is a greater percentage choline by weight (relative to CDP-choline) taking X dose of either drug gives more choline when using Alpha-GPC

Mechanisms of Action of Alpha GPC
How does Alpha GPC work? Many scientists and researched have been done over the past decades. Alpha GPC serving as an acetylcholine precursor could plausibly affects cognitive mechanisms through an involvement of central neurotransmission, predominantly cholinergic. Additionally, it could serve as precursor for phospholipids, mostly phosphatidylcholine (PC), in neuronal membranes, which in turn alter their functionality. The exact mechanism by which GPC exert is effects on neuronal function is still unclear.

The main way that Alpha GPC works is by increasing the amount of available choline, which then naturally converts to, and influences the production of, Acetylcholine. It is this powerful brain chemical that has been largely determined to influence a number of cognitive processes within the mind and is one of the reasons Alpha GPC is considered to be a Nootropic.

Basically, alpha GPC is a way of helping to support natural bodily functions through a very pure and highly effective choline to Acetylcholine conversion process. Alpha GPC works by delivering the choline and then breaking down, producing Acetylcholine as a by-product. There are other sources of choline supplementation that end up having similar effects, although they work by acting as an intermediary to the produced Acetylcholine.

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.

Dosage of taking Alpha GPC products
Since this supplement is water soluble it is easy to take Alpha GPC powder and also extremely fast-acting. Therefore, many experts suggest a daily dosage range of between 400 and 1200 mg, normally with breakfast and/or lunch. It is a bit stimulating, so it is recommended to not take this supplement any later than the early to mid-afternoon.

Storage of alpha GPC
Many users report degradation of Alpha-GPC when stored openly or for long periods of time. It should be noted that Alpha-GPC is hygroscopic and will pull moisture in from the surrounding air. This will cause the powder to turn into what appears to be a gel. 99%+ Alpha-GPC will undergo this process at a visible rate (seconds to minutes) and thus requires minimized exposure to the air. This hygroscopic quality can cause gel capsules not fully packed with Alpha-GPC to dissolve. Proper storage methods need to be used with Alpha-GPC and include removing all air from the container, double bagging with plastic bags rated for chemicals (less likely to leak air), and storing bulk/excess inside the freezer. Vacuum sealed bags are highly recommended. For people accessing Alpha-GPC daily it is advisable to separate a month’s supply from excess and storing the excess as best as possible. Vacuum sealing a large supply into many 1 month dividends is a method positively reported by many users. It is important to note that hygroscopy is not degradation and leaves the substance still usable, however, the ability to accurately weigh a dose is no longer possible as the substance being weighed will be a mixture of powder and water. Liquified or gelled Alpha-GPC may also be indicative of poor storage and thus have an increased likelihood of actual degradation.

Where to buy Alpha GPC?
Herb Nutritionals Co., Ltd is the largest raw material manufacturer of bulk Alpha GPC in China, with output of 10 tons per month. In fact, there are no more than 5 companies manufacturing this ingredient. We apply advanced manufacturing process to Alpha GPC, making it stable at room temperature. Our specifications available include alpha GPC 50%, 85%,98%,99%. 50%,98% are in powder & Granular powder form, while99% powder and 85% liquid (food grade and Pharmaceutical Grade ). If you need certificate of analysis of Alpha GPC , MSDS, pricing quotation or have any other technical questions, please kindly drop us an email, we will reply to you within 12 hours.