Mental enhancement ingredients have grown in popularity in the past few years. Many ingredients are offered as standalone products. In addition, they will be in most pre-workouts, mood enhancers, and nootropic formulas. Alpha GPC has proven to be one of the more common and effective mental enhancement ingredients available. In this edition of Supplement Spotlight we’ll look at what Alpha GPC is and its benefits. We’ll also look at a popular branded version, and show several supplements you can find it in. If you’re ready, let’s jump right in!
What Is Alpha GPC?
Also known as Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline, this compound is a phospholipid containing choline in high amounts. Choline is an essential nutrient that’s part of the B complex vitamin family. The B vitamins are well-known for their mental performance benefits. I can personally vouch for the B’s. Back when I worked in retail management, I routinely took a B Complex to smooth out my mood. It always made me feel stress-free, no matter what I was dealing with.
Benefits
This powerful cognitive enhancer is:
- Involved In The Production Of The Neurotransmitter Acetylcholine
- Acetylcholine has a primary role in regulating brain function and muscle control.
- Improves Cognitive Function
- Enhances Memory
- Functions As A Neuroprotectant
- Supports Strength & Recovery
This is an impressive list of benefits. Mental enhancement not only improves your workout performance, it can also enhance your on-the-job or in school mental performance. (1, 2, 3)
How Is Alpha GPC Different From Other Forms Of Choline?
What sets Alpha GPC apart from other forms of choline? Absorption. Alpha GPC is water soluble so it can easily cross the blood-brain barrier. That leads to faster absorption. Because Alpha GPC is concentrated choline, your brain will become saturated quickly after consumption. In fact, many lifters notice effects within a very short period of time. (3)
Alpha GPC’s Effects On Neurotransmitters
Besides acetylcholine, Alpha GPC stimulates production of two other neurotransmitters: serotonin and dopamine.
Serotonin is known as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It affects memory, mood, and sleep. In addition, serotonin plays a role in a number of emotions. Serotonin also elevates mood, reduces stress, and eases anxiety.
Dopamine is known as a “happy” neurotransmitter. It plays a major part in the brain’s reward system. That’s a complex of brain processes that control desire, motivation, and cravings. Even more impressive is that dopamine plays a part in the creation of two other neurotransmitters: epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Both are important neurotransmitters with quite a few benefits. These include stimulation of the body’s “fight or flight” response, which in turn promotes workout motivation and strength. As well, these neurotransmitters help enhance memory. Last but by no means least, dopamine stimulates release of growth hormone. (4)
What Is AlphaSize® Alpha GPC?
I stated above that the primary advantage of Alpha GPC over other types of choline is absorption. Well, there’s a branded version that absorbs even faster! AlphaSize Alpha GPC is a patented version that’s made by CHEM Nutra. As noted, it’s much more absorbable than other forms of this compound. Faster, more complete absorption optimizes your results.
What Is The Accepted Dose Of Alpha GPC
The typically suggested dosages range from 150 mg up to 600 mg, with as much as 1200 mg considered safe. Dosages 600 mg and up should be divided over 2-3.
Supplements That Contain Alpha GPC
You will find Alpha GPC and AlphaSize in the following products.
Alpha Lion SuperHuman Pump
Here’s a powerhouse stim-free pump pre-workout if there ever was one! With focus enhancers (including 150 mg of AlphaSize Alpha GPC), electrolytes, cell volumizers, and nitric oxide boosters!
DAS Labs BAMF
Also known as Bucked Up, DAS Labs Also uses AlphaSize (200 mg). The use of deer antler is virtually every product sets this line apart from the competition. BAMF is a full spectrum pre-workout with just 8 ingredients plus absorption enhancers.
DAS Labs Woke AF Black
In this case, you have AlphaSize (200 mg) and of course deer antler complexed with a more stim-based pre-workout formula.
5% Nutrition 5150
5150 features an explosive 400 mg caffeine from 8 different sources. Plus, it has a balanced formula that includes 200 mg of Alpha GPC. This Pre is so intense that Rich Piana used it primarily on Leg Day only!
In Summary
I’llpumpyouup is the place to shop and Alpha GPC is the ingredient to use if you’re looking for cognitive enhancement. Combined with other cognitive enhancers, Alpha GPC can make a big difference in your mental performance. That should be all the reason you need to stop and shop for Alpha GPC and all your supplement needs today!
References:
- Tayebati, S. K., Tomassoni, D., Nwankwo, I. E., Di Stefano, A., Sozio, P., Cerasa, L. S., & Amenta, F. (2013). Modulation of monoaminergic transporters by choline-containing phospholipids in rat brain. CNS & neurological disorders drug targets, 12(1), 94–103.
- Hollenbeck C. B. (2012). An introduction to the nutrition and metabolism of choline. Central nervous system agents in medicinal chemistry, 12(2), 100–113. https://doi.org/10.2174/187152412800792689
- the-encyclopedia-of-nootropics.pdf (braintropic.com), p.21 – 23.
- Neurotransmitters: Types, functions and disorders | Kenhub