top of page

Healthline: Acetylcholine Supplements- Benefits, Side Effects, and Types

Updated: Mar 28, 2023

Alpha GPC is a natural compound that is found in the brain and other parts of the body. It is known for its potential health benefits, which include enhancing cognitive function, improving athletic performance, and promoting healthy aging. Alpha GPC works by increasing levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in memory, learning, and attention.


10 Key Takeaways

  1. Enhancing Cognitive Function: Alpha GPC is believed to enhance cognitive function by increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in memory, learning, and attention.

  2. Improving Athletic Performance: Alpha GPC is commonly used by athletes as a pre-workout supplement because it has been shown to increase endurance, power output, and muscle strength.

  3. Increasing Growth Hormone Levels: Alpha GPC has been shown to stimulate the production of growth hormone, which can help build muscle, reduce body fat, and improve athletic performance.

  4. Promoting Healthy Aging: As we age, the levels of acetylcholine in our brains decrease, which can lead to cognitive decline and memory problems. Alpha GPC can help maintain healthy levels of acetylcholine, and has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory in older adults.

  5. Boosting Mental Alertness: Alpha GPC can help improve mental alertness, focus, and concentration. This makes it a popular supplement among students, professionals, and individuals who need to perform mental tasks that require sustained attention.

  6. Supporting Neurotransmitter Production: Alpha GPC is involved in the synthesis and release of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and dopamine, which are important for mood, motivation, and cognitive function.

  7. Reducing Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease: Alpha GPC has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, including memory loss and cognitive impairment.

  8. Improving Vision: Alpha GPC has been shown to improve visual function, particularly in individuals with age-related macular degeneration.

  9. Reducing Inflammation: Alpha GPC has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body and improve overall health.

  10. Supporting Liver Health: Alpha GPC may improve liver function and protect against liver damage caused by alcohol consumption or medication use. It has also been shown to reduce liver enzymes and inflammation in individuals with liver disease.

Precautions

Alpha GPC supplements may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea or stomach upset, and may interact with certain medications, including acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and anticholinergic drugs. Precautions when taking Alpha GPC supplements include avoiding high doses, consulting with a healthcare provider before use, and monitoring for potential side effects, especially in individuals with medical conditions or taking medications.

References:

  1. Ziegenfuss, T., Landis, J., & Hofheins, J. (2008). Acute supplementation with alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine augments growth hormone response to, and peak force production during, resistance exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 5(Suppl 1), P15. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-5-S1-P15

  2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/acetylcholine-supplement

Comments


bottom of page