Alpha-GPC 50% | AlphaCholine™

Properties: Alpha-GPC (choline alphoscerate) is the most efficient source of choline. When administered orally, it is completely absorbed in the digestive tract and easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. Due to that reason, its effects can be felt shortly after administration. Alpha-GPC works twofold. Firstly, it supports concentration and makes it easier to acquire new information, due to its direct effect on the cholinergic system. Secondly, it optimizes the general functioning of the central nervous system by indirectly regulating other neurotransmitter systems. Thus, benefits of Alpha-GPC supplementation include higher motivation, more energy, and better mood. Moreover, choline alphoscerate has an influence on muscular activity, and that is why it is so popular among bodybuilders. When it is supplemented before a work-out, it strengthens muscle’s efficacy and increases the release of growth hormone.

Occurrence: Alpha-GPC is naturally present in the nervous tissue of the human body. It can also be found in food. Animal products that contain alpha-GPC include: milk, yoghurt, eggs, chicken (breast and liver), Atlantic cod, and salmon. Alphoscerate choline is also present in plant-based products such as: wheat products, oatmeals, oranges, strawberries, broccoli, courgettes, sweet potatoes, and bananas. It can also be synthesized from phosphatidylcholine or from the extract of soy lecithin – a mixture of phospholipids and sterols obtained from soybeans (Glycine max).

Biochemistry: Alpha-GPC (choline alphoscerate, alpha-glycerophosphocholine) is an organic chemical compound classified as a phospholipid. It is quickly and completely absorbed from the digestive tract. Furthermore, it is exceptionally water-soluble, which increases its bioavailability. In contrast to choline, it can quickly cross the blood-brain barrier. As a rich source of choline, it is a precursor of acetylcholine – an important excitatory neurotransmitter. What is more, Alpha-GPC supports the production of phosphatidylcholine – a phospholipid necessary to build cellular membranes in the brain, as well as in the whole body.

Fun fact: Alpha-GPC is one of the three phospholipid compounds available on the market that contain choline. The other two are CDP-choline and phosphatidylcholine. Alpha-GPC is the strongest among them, as it contains around 40% of pure choline per molecule. In comparison, the amount of choline in CDP-choline is roughly 18,5%. Such a high level of choline provides quick influence on the cholinergic system. Therefore, alpha-GPC is often used acutely, in order to support both the mind and the body. It can be supplemented right before a training to increase the secretion of growth hormone, thus enhancing the training results.