What Are The Benefits Of Alpha GPC (glycerylphosphorylcholine)? |
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What Are The Benefits Of Alpha GPC (glycerylphosphorylcholine)? | Darrell Miller | 11/01/11 |
Date:
November 01, 2011 07:19 AM
Author: Darrell Miller
(dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: What Are The Benefits Of Alpha GPC (glycerylphosphorylcholine)?
Alpha - glycerylphosphorylcholine, or abbreviated as alpha - GPC, is a chemical compound which is choline in nature. It can be naturally obtained from soya milk and also in trace amounts among meat and meat products. In the body, this chemical is abundantly found in the brain. It acts as a precursor to acetylcholine which functions as a parasympathomimetic. Scientists have studied on this chemical as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. However, its indication as a medication for Alzheimer’s disease has not been established. Ongoing studies are still being done to prove its safety and effectiveness on this matter.
Moreover, alpha - GPC is also commonly used as a dietary supplement for the primary purpose of enhancing memory and cognition. This chemical has been found to effectively deliver choline to the brain because it can cross the blood - brain barrier. Inside the brain, it is metabolized into the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Aside from its memory - enhancing benefit, alpha - GPC can also be used to support and protect neurons and nerve endings. Thus, alpha - GPC can significantly improve the transmission of impulses through the brain. The chemical compound also enhances brain function and learning abilities. This is the reason that it is commonly employed among people who have experienced cerebrovascular accident or commonly known as Stroke. It increases the synthesis of phospholipids which is necessary for structural and protective functions in the brain.
Another benefit of alpha - GPC is that it can improve brain blood circulation, thus, enhancing the distribution of brain chemicals. Hence, this supplement can also be used to improve concentration, alertness and mental focus.
Many studies have also been conducted to prove its effectiveness as a treatment for dementia. Preliminary results have showed that those who are supplemented with alpha - GPC had an improved mental ability. In addition, vascular dementia was improved.
Alpha - GPC also has an effect of GABA neurotransmitter inside the brain. Alpha - GPC has been found to have the capacity to improve the release of GABA. This neurotransmitter is important for the control of mood and behavior. Initial studies are being done on whether it affects the production and release of human growth hormone. Results have not been established.
Alpha - GPC is commonly utilized with the recommended dosage of 300 to 1,200 milligram everyday. As mentioned above, alpha - GPC can be obtained naturally from the diet. Because of its health benefits, alpha - GPC is made into supplements. Supplements of alpha - GPC are extracted from highly purified soy phospholipids known as lecithin.
Alpha - GPC supplement is relatively safe. Ongoing studies are being done to establish its safety and effectiveness. Though preliminary results showed that it is safe, it is still highly recommended that you should consult your doctor before starting supplementation. This is to prevent any adverse effects in relation to your present and past health condition. A proper assessment prior to using this supplement would also greatly prevent in any drug to drug interactions. Recommended dosage is also determined by a physician depending on the individual’s age, physical status and health condition.