choline Supplements
often taken as a form of 'smart drug' or nootropic due to the role the acetylcholine (nt) plays in various cognition systems. (Choline- chemical precursor or building block of acetylcholine production)
research suggests that memory, intelligence, and mood are mediated at least in part by acetylcholine metabolism in the brain (C. POLY et al. 2011)
Alpha GPC
Overview: Naturally occurring choline intermediary that is formed when the body breaks down cell membranes for choline. As a supplement Alpha GPC is a highly bio-available form of choline that crosses the blood brain barrier and raises brain levels of choline. Inside the brain choline supports cell membrane and neurotransmitter synthesis. Of all the supplemental forms of choline, GPC is probably the most cholinergic per gram, as it’s 40% choline by weight and appears to be well absorbed.
Studied Benefits: Schettini G. et al. 1994 shows a study involving young healthy rodents showed that GPC improved learning in an active avoidance task. Active avoidance is where rodents are subjected to a small shock following a stimulus, such as a sound playing. The rats are typically presented with an escape compartment to avoid the shock. The quicker the rats are conditioned to recognize that the sound signifies an incoming shock , the better it performs (Classical Conditioning). Administration of GPC increased the number of times the rats avoided shock and also decreased the latency, i.e. the time it took them to do so demonstrating GPC's influence on brain's mental functions and learning processes. Another rodent study showed GPC was able to reduce the amnesiac effects of scopolamine, a potent anticholinergic drug. Its hypothesised GPC did so by increasing acetylcholine synthesis (Lopez CM. et al. 1991). Most users notice an increase in their memory functions and learning capabilities by enhanced concentration, focus, and clarity in attention. This also is known to improve the mood as well.
In humans two trials have shown GPC is able to reduce scopolamine induced cognitive deficits in young healthy volunteers (Canal N. et al. 1991; Scapicchio P.L. 2013). Interestingly, GPC was unable to protect against benzodiazepine induced amnesia, supporting the idea that GPC’s cognitive enhancement effects are mediated through acetylcholine synthesis and cholinergic mechanisms.
A study by Lucilla Parnetti et al. 2001 revealed that in patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia, GPC significantly improves patient conditions, as assessed by mini mental state examination (MMSE) and sandoz clinical assessment geriatric scale (SGAG).
Alpha GPC is also known to increase the secretion of growth hormones thereby assisting athletes in recovery phases and help train in higher intensity with quicker muscle building rates. One small pilot study by Tim Ziegenfuss et al. 2008, involving 7 men showed increased peak force output in the bench by 14% following ingestion of 600mg Alpha GPC. This study showed a significant elevation in growth hormone.
Mechanisms of Action: In the simplest terms, Alpha GPC overall increases the choline saturation levels in the brain thereby promoting the upkeep of cell membranes. In support, a research by Francesco Amenta et al. 1994 demonstrated that chronic treatment of GPC of 200mg was able to partially restore muscarinic receptor density to levels of youth ages in both the hippocampus and striatum. It also helps in restoring the membrane's fluidity. When these cell membranes are broken down for choline contents (auto cannibalisation), GPC supplements aid acetylcholine synthesis with their raw materials. In addition, research by Tayebati SK. et al. 2011 indicated that cholinergic transporters were significantly increased in the striatum and the cerebellum after GPC administration.
Negative Side Effects: Alpha GPC is considerably safer than any other nootropic supplements on the market today with very little side effects. A trial by Brownawell AM. et al. 2011 demonstrated that 2.4% of all patients who took GPC showed side effects consisting of nausea, heartburn, and insomnia.
Recommended Dosage: 400-1200mg per day is recommended.
References Attached
Overview: Naturally occurring choline intermediary that is formed when the body breaks down cell membranes for choline. As a supplement Alpha GPC is a highly bio-available form of choline that crosses the blood brain barrier and raises brain levels of choline. Inside the brain choline supports cell membrane and neurotransmitter synthesis. Of all the supplemental forms of choline, GPC is probably the most cholinergic per gram, as it’s 40% choline by weight and appears to be well absorbed.
Studied Benefits: Schettini G. et al. 1994 shows a study involving young healthy rodents showed that GPC improved learning in an active avoidance task. Active avoidance is where rodents are subjected to a small shock following a stimulus, such as a sound playing. The rats are typically presented with an escape compartment to avoid the shock. The quicker the rats are conditioned to recognize that the sound signifies an incoming shock , the better it performs (Classical Conditioning). Administration of GPC increased the number of times the rats avoided shock and also decreased the latency, i.e. the time it took them to do so demonstrating GPC's influence on brain's mental functions and learning processes. Another rodent study showed GPC was able to reduce the amnesiac effects of scopolamine, a potent anticholinergic drug. Its hypothesised GPC did so by increasing acetylcholine synthesis (Lopez CM. et al. 1991). Most users notice an increase in their memory functions and learning capabilities by enhanced concentration, focus, and clarity in attention. This also is known to improve the mood as well.
In humans two trials have shown GPC is able to reduce scopolamine induced cognitive deficits in young healthy volunteers (Canal N. et al. 1991; Scapicchio P.L. 2013). Interestingly, GPC was unable to protect against benzodiazepine induced amnesia, supporting the idea that GPC’s cognitive enhancement effects are mediated through acetylcholine synthesis and cholinergic mechanisms.
A study by Lucilla Parnetti et al. 2001 revealed that in patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia, GPC significantly improves patient conditions, as assessed by mini mental state examination (MMSE) and sandoz clinical assessment geriatric scale (SGAG).
Alpha GPC is also known to increase the secretion of growth hormones thereby assisting athletes in recovery phases and help train in higher intensity with quicker muscle building rates. One small pilot study by Tim Ziegenfuss et al. 2008, involving 7 men showed increased peak force output in the bench by 14% following ingestion of 600mg Alpha GPC. This study showed a significant elevation in growth hormone.
Mechanisms of Action: In the simplest terms, Alpha GPC overall increases the choline saturation levels in the brain thereby promoting the upkeep of cell membranes. In support, a research by Francesco Amenta et al. 1994 demonstrated that chronic treatment of GPC of 200mg was able to partially restore muscarinic receptor density to levels of youth ages in both the hippocampus and striatum. It also helps in restoring the membrane's fluidity. When these cell membranes are broken down for choline contents (auto cannibalisation), GPC supplements aid acetylcholine synthesis with their raw materials. In addition, research by Tayebati SK. et al. 2011 indicated that cholinergic transporters were significantly increased in the striatum and the cerebellum after GPC administration.
Negative Side Effects: Alpha GPC is considerably safer than any other nootropic supplements on the market today with very little side effects. A trial by Brownawell AM. et al. 2011 demonstrated that 2.4% of all patients who took GPC showed side effects consisting of nausea, heartburn, and insomnia.
Recommended Dosage: 400-1200mg per day is recommended.
References Attached
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CDP-Choline
Overview: Also known as citicoline, CDP-Choline is a naturally occurring chemical in the brain that is part of choline creation. It is available as a dietary supplement to boost choline production. Alpha GPC and CDP-Choline play different roles in the process of choline production and therefore have slightly different benefits to brain functioning.
Studied Benefits: In one study of sixty middle-aged women,commission and omission errors were reduced in subjects taking both 250 mg and 500 mg doses of citicoline compared to a placebo. The supplement was given for 28 days prior to testing and appeared to improve attentional focus and inhibition.
CDP-Choline has also been shown to be effective for neuroprotection by reducing the sizes of lesions following strokes. It can also be used to lessen the effects of brain aging and Alzheimer's disease by improving memory and learning abilities.
It is also used to reduce cravings in cocaine-addicted patients due to the increased dopamine associated with citicoline. Similarly, it can reduce appetite and promote satiety in the general population.
Mechanisms of Action: Similarly to Alpha GPC, citicoline increases levels of choline in the brain. This in turn promotes phosphatidylcholine and acetylcholine synthesis, which are integral to the repairing of cell membranes in the brain. Additionally, it increases cerebral blood flow and enhances communication between cells by increasing levels of acetylcholine and dopamine.
Negative Side Effects: Negative side effects are rare with citicoline, and when they appear are relatively minor. The most commonly reported side effects include stomach pain and diarrhea, though many studies see no evidence of side effects at all.
Recommended Dosage: Dosages of between 250 mg to 1,000 mg taken daily are common and sufficient to see the effects of CDP-Choline.
Overview: Also known as citicoline, CDP-Choline is a naturally occurring chemical in the brain that is part of choline creation. It is available as a dietary supplement to boost choline production. Alpha GPC and CDP-Choline play different roles in the process of choline production and therefore have slightly different benefits to brain functioning.
Studied Benefits: In one study of sixty middle-aged women,commission and omission errors were reduced in subjects taking both 250 mg and 500 mg doses of citicoline compared to a placebo. The supplement was given for 28 days prior to testing and appeared to improve attentional focus and inhibition.
CDP-Choline has also been shown to be effective for neuroprotection by reducing the sizes of lesions following strokes. It can also be used to lessen the effects of brain aging and Alzheimer's disease by improving memory and learning abilities.
It is also used to reduce cravings in cocaine-addicted patients due to the increased dopamine associated with citicoline. Similarly, it can reduce appetite and promote satiety in the general population.
Mechanisms of Action: Similarly to Alpha GPC, citicoline increases levels of choline in the brain. This in turn promotes phosphatidylcholine and acetylcholine synthesis, which are integral to the repairing of cell membranes in the brain. Additionally, it increases cerebral blood flow and enhances communication between cells by increasing levels of acetylcholine and dopamine.
Negative Side Effects: Negative side effects are rare with citicoline, and when they appear are relatively minor. The most commonly reported side effects include stomach pain and diarrhea, though many studies see no evidence of side effects at all.
Recommended Dosage: Dosages of between 250 mg to 1,000 mg taken daily are common and sufficient to see the effects of CDP-Choline.
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