Alpha-GPC
One of the largest growing categories in dietary supplements is “nootropics” or mind enhancing compounds, and alpha-GPC (alpha-glycerophosphocholine) is one of the most exciting compounds available for this.
Unlike most other nootropics, alpha-GPC has shown additional performance benefits which makes it an amazing choice for just about every athlete looking to enhance either their mind or their body.
What it does
Alpha-GPC has been shown to reduce cognitive decline and symptoms of Alzheimer’s[1], while being able to increase strength/power output[2], fat oxidation, and growth hormone levels[3].
How it works
Alpha-GPC is most commonly used for its ability to increase dietary choline in the body. While our diet provides choline to us, most of it gets degraded in the body. Alpha-GPC on the other hand allows choline to be delivered at extremely efficient levels to both muscle and brain.
Increasing choline levels in the brain allow for a nootropic effect, as it increases cognition and various other mental factors. When choline enters the brain, it acts as a precursor to important neurotransmitters like acetylcholine. When acetylcholine levels rise, the brain is capable of working much more effectively than normal, providing enhanced capacity for memory formation, mental clarity, and focus.
Unlike other forms of choline, alpha-GPC offers increased systemic levels of choline, which helps provide strength increasing benefits unnoticed from other forms.
Dosing
Standard dosing of alpha-GPC is 300-600mg before exercising for strength enhancing benefits. For best nootropic/cognition enhancement, a large dose of 400mg 3/day has been shown to be most effective.
Studies on rats have shown that the doses currently being used may be inadequate however, with studies showing that dosing may have to be within the 3000-6500mg/day range for optimal benefits. Although the science shows us this, more studies show that a smaller dose (300-1200mg/day) has very positive effects, so there is little need to go beyond this dosage.