Alpha GPC − Health Benefits, Dosage, Safety, Side Effects, and Suitability

Is Alpha GPC a supplement worth investing in? Does it actually work? 

Alpha GPC is a well-known supplement for improving brain function. Several studies have already proved that it has the potential to treat some mental issues. 

Apart from mental improvement, it has shown a positive effect on some other areas, too, such as physical activity, eyesight, cardiovascular health, etc. 

However, if you’re someone interested to know about Alpha GPC’S health benefits, dosage, safety, and side effects, this guide’s where you should invest your next few minutes. 

How Does Alpha GPC Work?

Choline is an essential nutrient for our health, and it produces a chemical called Alpha GPC. This chemical is also known as L-Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholie.

Now, there are two types of Alpha GPC, one that our body naturally makes and another one made in the lab. All the supplements contain lab-made alpha-GPC. 

This chemical boosts the production of another brain chemical known as Acetylcholine which is essential for better brain functioning

After taking an alpha GPC supplement, the chemical reaches the brain pretty fast. That’s because it’s water-soluble. When it’s in the brain, alpha GPC accelerates signal transmission and prevents damage to the neurons, which enhances brain function. 

What Are the Health Benefits of Alpha GPC?

This brain chemical offers several health benefits. Let’s have a look −

Treats Cognitive Decline and Memory Loss

Dementia (memory loss) and cognitive decline are pretty common in old people, and there are several reasons for that. According to many clinical trials, alpha GPC can help people overcome these mental problems. 

Several medical trials have been conducted on a total of 4000 older citizens dealing with dementia, where every one of them was given Alpha GPC. 

And all of the trials show that alpha GPC is effective against memory loss and cognitive decline. 

It’s also found that it can improve attention and memory significantly. The nootropic and brain cell protective effect of Alpha GPC is the same in the animals as well.  

Aids With Alzheimer’s

According to a medical trial conducted on 260 old Alzheimer’s patients, Alpha GPC has the potential to improve Alzheimer’s symptoms. 

Another study shows that it increases the effectiveness of Alzheimer’s standard treatment as well. That being said, the effect of Alpha GPC on young people is yet to be found. 

Improves Physical Performance 

A number of studies have been conducted on Alpha GPC’s effect on physical performance, and all of them showed positive results. 

On trial, a group of 61 young men was given 250 – 600 mg of Alpha GPC, and they noticed high pull force, power, and speed. 

What’s more impressive is that the group noticed the effect of alpha GPC is higher on the lower body. Another trial shows a few 200 mg doses of Alpha GPC can increase the vertical jumping power by up to 8.5%. 

Not only that, 600 mg of Alpha GPC resulted in a significant increase in growth hormone as well. 

Boosts Stroke Recovery 

A clinical trial on 2500 people who survived stroke showed that Alpha GPC helps recover mental function pretty fast. And in most cases, Alpha GPC improves cognition too. However, more studies are needed before we can reach a conclusion.

Dosage Recommendation 

It’s recommended to take 400 mg of Alpha GPC supplement orally 3 times a day. For effective results, it should be taken for a few months, but not more than 6 months. 

Those who’re taking these supplements for the performance boost should take them 30 minutes before exercise or whatever physical activity they do. 

And for dementia and Alzheimer’s diseases, the dosage needs to be higher, which needs to be consulted with the doctor. 

What Are the Side Effects?

Like all other supplements, this one also comes with a few minor side effects, which are −

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Digestive issue

These symptoms should go away once the body adapts to the supplement. If they don’t, it’d be wise to consult a certified doctor. 

Who Shouldn’t Take Alpha GPC?

Those who’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any kind of medical condition, shouldn’t take these supplements without consulting with a certified doctor first. 

Plus, those who’re on medicines should also consult, as some medicines might react to alpha GPC. 

Conclusion 

Wrapping this guide on Alpha GPC – health benefits, dosage, safety, side effects, and suitability with a final statement. 

Don’t start using any kind of supplement just because you saw others using it. Consult with a doctor first, otherwise, you might have to pay a high price. 

References −

Tamura, Y., Takata, K., Matsubara, K., & Kataoka, Y. (2021). Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine Increases Motivation in Healthy Volunteers: A Single-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Human Study. Nutrients, 13(6), 2091. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13062091

Parker, A. G., Byars, A., Purpura, M., & Jäger, R. (2015). The effects of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, caffeine or placebo on markers of mood, cognitive function, power, speed, and agility. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12(S1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-12-s1-p41

Marcus, L., Soileau, J., Judge, L. W., & Bellar, D. (2017). Evaluation of the effects of two doses of alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine on physical and psychomotor performance. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-017-0196-5