5 Powerful Alpha-GPC Benefits + Dosage & Side Effects

When you think of natural brain-protective remedies – think alpha-GPC. It boosts mental and physical performance, and it releases choline to protect your whole nervous system. This article goes into the crux of alpha-GPC benefits and side effects. Alpha-GPC (L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine or choline alphoscerate) is a phospholipid essential for brain health. It provides choline for cell membranes and myelin production, and thus nourishes the nervous system [ 1 , 2 ]. Choline from alpha-GPC also builds acetylcholine , a neurotransmitter that maintains your cognitive and muscle functions [ 2 , 3 ]. Natural sources contain only trace amounts of alpha-GCP, but your body can make it from choline. Foods rich in choline include [ 4 , 5 ]: Beef liver Eggs Chicken Whole grains Soybean Supplement manufacturers usually derive alpha-GPC from egg or soy lecithin [ 6 , 7 ]. Let’s start with the basics. CDP-choline or citicoline is made of choline (with two phosphate groups) and cytidine, while alpha-GPC is made of choline (with one phosphate group) and glycerol. This may sound pretty similar, but it gives rise to some interesting, distinct effects in the body [ 8 ]. For one, alpha-GPC raises choline blood levels to a much greater extent than CDP-choline. As a result, it has a more powerful impact on age-related cognitive decline and physical performance. Secondly, alpha-GPC may stimulate fat burning and growth hormone production , giving it an edge over CDP-choline among bodybuilders [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. On the other hand, CDP-choline is essential for the production of phosphatidylcholine . It has a broader range of active metabolites and benefits, such as combating mental disorders and drug addiction [ 14 , 15 , 16 ]. Boosts Cognition Supports stroke recovery Enhances athletic performance May cause headaches and […]

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