Alpha-GPC and Atheltic Performance

Alpha-GPC, also known as alpha-glycerophosphocholine, is a natural compound that has gained attention for its potential benefits in enhancing athletic performance. It is a choline-containing supplement that is believed to support cognitive function, improve memory, and promote the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in muscle contraction and cognitive processes. Many athletes and fitness enthusiasts have turned to Alpha-GPC as a potential ergogenic aid to enhance their physical performance and improve their overall athletic abilities.

Alpha-GPC: The Benefits for Enhancing Athletic Performance

One of the key benefits of Alpha-GPC is its ability to improve cognitive function. Many athletes rely on their mental sharpness and focus to excel in their respective sports. Alpha-GPC has been shown to enhance memory, attention, and overall cognitive performance. By improving these cognitive functions, athletes can make better decisions on the field, react faster to changing situations, and maintain a higher level of focus throughout their performance.

In addition to its cognitive benefits, Alpha-GPC has also been found to increase power output and strength. This is particularly beneficial for athletes involved in power-based sports such as weightlifting, sprinting, and football. Studies have shown that Alpha-GPC supplementation can lead to significant improvements in strength and power, allowing athletes to push their limits and achieve new personal bests.

Furthermore, Alpha-GPC has been found to enhance the production of growth hormone in the body. Growth hormone plays a crucial role in muscle growth, repair, and recovery. By increasing the production of growth hormone, Alpha-GPC can help athletes build lean muscle mass, recover faster from intense training sessions, and reduce the risk of injury. This is especially important for athletes who engage in high-intensity training or participate in sports that require repetitive movements.

Another benefit of Alpha-GPC is its ability to improve endurance and reduce fatigue. Endurance athletes, such as long-distance runners and cyclists, can greatly benefit from Alpha-GPC supplementation. Studies have shown that Alpha-GPC can increase the body’s oxygen uptake, improve aerobic capacity, and delay the onset of fatigue. This means that athletes can perform at a higher intensity for a longer period of time, giving them a competitive edge in their respective sports.

Moreover, Alpha-GPC has been found to have neuroprotective properties. This means that it can help protect the brain from damage caused by physical trauma or oxidative stress. For athletes involved in contact sports or those at risk of head injuries, Alpha-GPC supplementation can be particularly beneficial. By protecting the brain, Alpha-GPC can help reduce the risk of concussions and other traumatic brain injuries, allowing athletes to continue participating in their sports safely.

Alpha-GPC: Recommendations for Usage and Dosage

General Use

For cognitive enhancement in healthy individuals, a common dosage is 300-600 mg per day. This can be taken in a single dose or split into multiple doses throughout the day. It’s advisable to start at the lower end of this range and gradually increase as needed.

Athletic Performance

For enhancing athletic performance, a dosage of 600 mg, taken approximately 30-60 minutes before exercise, has been found effective.

Medical Use

In cases of cognitive decline or recovery from neurological conditions, higher dosages ranging from 1,200 mg to 1,600 mg per day, divided into three doses, are often recommended. However, this should be done under medical supervision.

Safety and Side Effects

Alpha GPC is generally considered safe, with few reported side effects. However, high doses may cause headaches, nausea, or dizziness in some individuals. As with any supplement, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting Alpha GPC, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those on medication.

Research

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De Jesus Moreno Moreno M Cognitive improvement in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s dementia after treatment with the acetylcholine precursor choline alfoscerate: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial Clin Ther.(2003 Jan)

Kim YJ, Lee TK, Noh MG, Jung TY, Kim IY, Jung S, Lee KH, Moon KS Effect of Choline Alphoscerate on the Survival of Glioblastoma Patients: A Retrospective, Single-Center Study. J Clin Med.(2022-Oct-13)

Kansakar U, Trimarco V, Mone P, Varzideh F, Lombardi A, Santulli G Choline supplements: An update. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne).(2023)

Sagaro GG, Traini E, Amenta F Activity of Choline Alphoscerate on Adult-Onset Cognitive Dysfunctions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.J Alzheimers Dis.(2023)

Parker A, Byars A, Purpura M, Jager R The effects of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, caffeine or placebo on markers of mood, cognitive function, power, speed, and agility J Int Soc Sports Nutr.(2015 Sep)

Lena Marcus, Jason Soileau, Lawrence W Judge, David Bellar Evaluation of the effects of two doses of alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine on physical and psychomotor performance J Int Soc Sports Nutr.(2017 Oct 5)

Ziegenfuss T, Landis J, Hofheins J Acute supplementation with alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine augments growth hormone response to, and peak force production during, resistance exercise J Int Soc Sports Nutr.

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Harrington RN Effects of branched chain amino acids, l-citrulline, and alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine supplementation on exercise performance in trained cyclists: a randomized crossover trial J Int Soc Sports Nutr.(2023-Dec)

David Bellar, Nina R LeBlanc, Brian Campbell The effect of 6 days of alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine on isometric strength J Int Soc Sports Nutr.(2015 Nov 17)

Amy M Brownawell, Edward L Carmines, Federica Montesano Safety assessment of AGPC as a food ingredient Food Chem Toxicol.(2011 Jun)

Gyeongsil Lee, Seulggie Choi, Jooyoung Chang, Daein Choi, Joung Sik Son, Kyuwoong Kim, Sung Min Kim, Seogsong Jeong, Sang Min Park Association of L-α Glycerylphosphorylcholine With Subsequent Stroke Risk After 10 Years JAMA Netw Open.(2021 Nov 1)

Zeneng Wang, Jennie Hazen, Xun Jia, Elin Org, Yongzhong Zhao, Lucas J Osborn, Nisreen Nimer, Jennifer Buffa, Miranda K Culley, Daniel Krajcik, Bert-Jan H van den Born, Koos Zwinderman, Bruce S Levison, Max Nieuwdorp, Aldons J Lusis, Joseph A DiDonato, Stanley L Hazen The Nutritional Supplement L-Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine Promotes Atherosclerosis Int J Mol Sci.(2021 Dec 15)

Seyed Khosrow Tayebati, Daniele Tomassoni, Antonio Di Stefano, Piera Sozio, Laura Serafina Cerasa, Francesco Amenta Effect of choline-containing phospholipids on brain cholinergic transporters in the rat J Neurol Sci.(2011 Mar 15)

Francesco Amenta, Seyed Khosrow Tayebati, Daniela Vitali, Maria Antonietta Di Tullio Association with the cholinergic precursor choline alphoscerate and the cholinesterase inhibitor rivastigmine: an approach for enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission Mech Ageing Dev.(2006 Feb)

M Trabucchi, S Govoni, F Battaini Changes in the interaction between CNS cholinergic and dopaminergic neurons induced by L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, a cholinomimetic drug Farmaco Sci.(1986 Apr)

C M Lopez, S Govoni, F Battaini, S Bergamaschi, A Longoni, C Giaroni, M Trabucchi Effect of a new cognition enhancer, alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, on scopolamine-induced amnesia and brain acetylcholine Pharmacol Biochem Behav.(1991 Aug)