Alpha GPC
Alpha-GPC (alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine) is a choline compound used as a supplement primarily for its benefits in cognitive function and athletic performance. Its main mechanism of action is increasing levels of acetylcholine, a crucial neurotransmitter for memory, learning, and muscle control.
Cognitive and Neurological Benefits
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- Memory and Learning: Alpha-GPC is widely used to support and improve memory, learning, and overall thinking skills. It is a common nootropic and is even a prescription drug in some European countries for addressing cognitive decline.
- Cognitive Decline & Recovery: In patients with Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia, alpha-GPC supplementation has shown promise in slowing cognitive decline and improving behavioral and functional outcomes, sometimes as an add-on therapy to standard treatments. It can also support cognitive recovery after a stroke or transient ischemic attack.
- Focus and Mental Clarity: By enhancing neuronal communication, alpha-GPC can contribute to better focus, attention, information processing speed, and mental sharpness in healthy individuals.
- Motivation and Mood: Studies on healthy volunteers indicate that alpha-GPC may increase motivation levels, particularly at night, and contribute to overall positive mental health by supporting healthy choline levels.
Physical Performance Benefits
- Increased Power Output: Research suggests alpha-GPC can enhance power output in athletes and resistance-trained individuals. Studies have shown improvements in lower body force production (e.g., in the isometric mid-thigh pull) and vertical jump power.
- Enhanced Muscle Function: It supports the mind-muscle connection by boosting acetylcholine levels at the neuromuscular junction, which facilitates muscle contraction and exertion.
- Endurance and Recovery: Alpha-GPC can prevent exercise-induced reductions in choline levels, potentially aiding endurance performance and speeding recovery.
- Growth Hormone Secretion: Supplementation has been shown to increase the exercise-induced secretion of growth hormone, which plays a role in muscle building and recovery.
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