By Alissa B Daschbach MA BS BA MH

Alpha Glyceryl Phosphorylcholine (Alpha GPC), an essential ingredient in BrainPower, has been shown to support the promotion and development of new brain cells and is known to improve memory. Alpha GPC also promotes the increase in levels of choline, an essential nutrient known to increase alertness and clarity of thought. The presence of increased levels of acetylcholine in turn improves nerve membrane fluidity. The increase in choline levels helps to improve mood and provide mental energy.

Alpha Glyceryl Phosphorylcholine, or Alpha GPC, is known to be a powerful nootropic with the ability to enhance learning and memory capabilities while improving mental performance. Alpha GPC, a biological phospholipid, is made in the human body. A phospholipid is made up of two layers that attract and repel water. These chemical interactions allow the biological membrane to form two neat parallel layers which work to let in essential nutrients, oxygen, and water while letting out biological waste products.

Alpha GPC is currently used to treat symptoms of a variety of disorders, including:

• Stroke
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Dementia (vascular)
• Memory and cognitive disturbances (i.e. difficulty learning)

Supplements that contain Alpha GPC are derived from soy or sunflower lecithin. Alpha GPC is a prescription medication in some European countries. However, in the United States it is considered a dietary supplement and does not need a prescription.

Alpha GPC’s Boosts Essential Cognitive Neurotransmitters

The major mechanism in which Alpha GPC works to boost brain functioning is due to its ability to increase the levels of choline - an essential nutrient and precursor for the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetylcholine plays a pivotal role in numerous functions in the human body, including acting as the primary neurotransmitter in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Among its greatest roles are acetylcholine’s relationship with sleep, memory, and cognition.

If you do not have adequate levels of acetylcholine, you may struggle with sleep disturbances, memory issues, and other cognitive difficulties. Another issue to consider is the fact that acetylcholine levels will decrease with age. This decrease in acetylcholine levels can lead to neurological disturbances and lead to the development of related disorders such as myasthenia gravis (neuromuscular autoimmune disease), Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Studies have shown that Alpha GPC improves memory and learning abilities, helping to relieve the brain fog that is a common complaint of people who have cognitive impairment. Further studies show that Alpha GPC can help to enhance cognitive functioning in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia patients due to its activity of boosting acetylcholine levels. In fact, participants in these studies showed a marked improvement in cognitive functions, including memory and clarity of thought, behavior, and personality.

Alpha Glyceryl Phosphorylcholine is a natural biological component produced within the human body. Yet, as we age, the level of this important phospholipid drops, leading to a reduction in levels of the essential cognitive neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. Studies have shown that people with cognitive impairment related to age, including those with vascular dementia, showed significant improvement in their cognitive abilities after regular supplementation with Alpha GPC. BrainPower has included this powerful ingredient to help boost natural acetylcholine levels in those who take the supplement - supporting the reduction of brain fog and providing mental clarity.

Cautions and Contraindications

Check with your physician before taking alpha Glyceryl Phosphorylcholine to make sure that it is safe for you to use and does not interact with or contraindicate any medications or medical treatments you are currently prescribed.

Alpha GPC is considered a safe supplement with relatively few side effects reported. However, if you have a history of hypertension, check with your physician to make sure that this supplement is safe to decrease your risk for a cerebrovascular event. High doses of this supplement can cause a decreased appetite, heartburn, stomach problems, sweating, salivation, and confusion. Minor side effects include:

• Heartburn
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Skin rash
• Gastrointestinal distress

Alpha-GPC may interact with the medication Scopolamine which is prescribed to block acetylcholine (the neurotransmitter that Alpha GPC increases).

There is no supporting evidence that this supplement is safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid using either and check with your physician to see if it is safe.

References

Lee, G., et., al. (2021). Association of L-α Glyceryl Phosphorylcholine with subsequent stroke risk after 10 years. JAMA Network Open: Neurology, 4(11), e2136008. Retrieved from JAMA Network Open: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2786547

 Lopez, C.M., et., al. (1991). Effect of a new cognition enhancer, alpha-Glyceryl Phosphorylcholine, on scopolamine-induced amnesia and brain acetylcholine. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 39(4), 835-840. Retrieved from ScienceDirect: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0091305791900409

Parnetti L., Amenta F., Gallai V. (2001). Choline alphoscerate in cognitive decline and in acute cerebrovascular disease: an analysis of published clinical data. Mechanisms of  Ageing and Development, 122(16), 2041-2055 Retrieved from PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11589921/

Trabucchi M., Govoni S., Battaini F. (1986). Changes in the interaction between CNS cholinergic and dopaminergic neurons induced by L-alpha-Glyceryl Phosphorylcholine, a cholinomimetic drug. Il Farmaco Scientifica, 41(4), 325-334. Retrieved from PubMed:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3709792/