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Alpha Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline (Alpha-GPC) is the best natural form of choline that a supplement can use.  It is an essential nootropic that boosts levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain and body and is isolated from soy lecithin. The neurotransmitter  acetylcholine is involved with short-term memory, focus, concentration, attention, cognition and recall, increases growth hormone secretion and is involved with skeletal muscle movement.  Acetylcholine is released at the neuromuscular junction and initiates muscle contraction.  During intense physical exercise and/or brain activity, acetylcholine stores are used quickly and supplementation helps to improve cognition and muscle contraction.  Alpha-GPC is superior to other choline donors in that it is able to pass the blood-brain-barrier allowing for a rapid increase in acetylcholine production.  Clinical studies have demonstrated that Alpha-GPC could possibly increases short-term memory and cognition in Alzheimer’s patients.

Alpha-GPC is believed to promote at least 5 different functions in the body and brain based on animal and clinical studies.  These include: increases human Growth Hormone (hGH) secretion, stimulates the production of phosphatidylcholine, acts as a precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, elevates blood levels of choline and improves balance and coordination.  Read below to look at each benefit in more detail.

Human Growth Hormone

Oral administration of Alpha-GPC increases secretion of human Growth Hormone (hGH) by interacting with the hypothalamus to release Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) into the anterior pituitary telling it to release Growth Hormone Stimulating Hormone.  This hormone travels around in the blood and binds to tissues that have receptors for it allowing growth of that particular tissue.  This is particularly important for bone and muscle.  Alpha-GPC also reduces levels of somatostatin that inhibits the production of hGH.

Phosphatidylcholine

Alpha-GPC stimulates the synthesis of the membrane phospholipid phosphatidylcholine (PC) in all cells of the body and brain.  Phosphatidylcholine is the most abundant phospholipid in the brain.  Phosphatidylcholine is important for maintaining membrane integrity and proper function.  This promotes improved general memory and cognition function.  This counteracts aged-related decreases in the production of phospholipids in general but will also enhance normal brain function as well.

Acetylcholine

Alpha-GPC can be used as a choline source for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine effectively increasing transmitter levels.  Acetylcholine is involved in short-term memory involving focus, attention, concentration and cognition.  Short-term memory has to be laid down in order for long-term memory to be established.

Choline Blood Levels

The nootropic Alpha-GPC actually increases blood levels of choline and promotes lipotropic function in the liver.  Lipotropic nutrients are important for fat utilization.  Alpha-GPC helps the liver and gall bladder to decrease their fat deposits and increases metabolism of fat and its removal.  It also works with SAMe, folic acid, vitamin B12 and B6 to support methyl group transfers.

Balance and Coordination

Alpha-GPC improves nerve transmission in smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle as well as the brain.  This improves mental and physical function especially when exercising. 

Alpha-GPC is a multifunctional all natural nootropic that is superior to other choline donors.  This molecule can be used as a stand alone supplement or can act as a lead ingredient with supplements that contain other ingredients.  It is used to enhance short-term memory in normal brains and  individuals with short term memory loss..  Alpha-GPC is used in sports performance supplements to enhance muscle function.