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GlyceroPhosphoCholine (GPC) Review – Is it Effective?

By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc

Reviewed by Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir

Last Updated:

Evidence Based | Summary | Nutrition Info | Health Benefits | Precautions | Cost | How To Use | Final Thoughts

GlyceroPhosphoCholine (GPC) is based on the substance with the same name – Glycerophosphocholine. The manufacturer, Designs for Health, manufactures the formula to benefit the brain, kidneys, muscles, testes and other organs. Particularly, the formula will positively influence memory and attention span, cognitive function, mental and physical performance in healthy individuals, coordination, strength and endurance during workouts, liver function and human growth hormone secretion. The active ingredient (GPC) is particularly important to neurotransmitter secretion, and it is through this property that it helps prevent cognitive dysfunctions.

The manufacturing company was founded in 1989 and currently offers nutritional products exclusively to health care professionals and their patients through referral. The company operates FDA inspected facilities, hence ensuring their products comply with existing standards and regulations. They’re also behind the dopamine supplement DopaBoost.

Whereas not explicitly mentioned, the formula is recommended for adults who wish to boost their cognitive capacities in terms of memory, alertness and focus or for people who wish to protect their brain from future cognitive imbalances associated to disease or old age. GlyceroPhosphoCholine (GPC) is also suited for vegetarians.

Summary

1) What is GlyceroPhosphoCholine (GPC)?

GlyceroPhosphoCholine (GPC) is a single ingredient formula. It does not contain wheat, yeast, eggs, dairy, corn, animal products, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.

GlyceroPhosphoCholine (GPC) is a pro-phospholipid found in human cells and in the mother’s milk. Scientists define it as an “activated” form of Choline, as it has an additional phosphate and glycerol group.The substance has a great number of health benefits. It supports metabolic efficiency, during a process in which enzymes combine GPC specifically with the omega-3 fatty acid DHA to create phospholipids (essential components to cell membranes). It is also a highly bio-available source for Choline and hence important for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine, both related to memory and optimum cognitive function.

GPC is able to easily cross the blood-brain barrier. It has been shown to have numerous benefits on the brain, for young healthy adults, middle aged patients and elderly people affected by some sort of cognitive decline. For instance, a study of advanced Alzheimer’s patients revealed that GPC may help fight cognitive decline which leads to Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia. GPC seems to be safe when used appropriately. However, it can cause side effects in some people such as heartburn, dizziness, headache, insomnia, skin rash and confusion.

Nutrition Info

2) Ingredients of GlyceroPhosphoCholine (GPC)

GlyceroPhosphoCholine (GPC) includes the following ingredients: Glycerophosphocholine 300 mg, microcrystalline, cellulose, Dicalcium phosphate, Silicon dioxide, and Magnesium Stearate.

3) Does GlyceroPhosphoCholine (GPC) Work?

This product features a single active ingredient, GPC or Glycerophosphocholine, a pro-phospholipid that can be found in human cells and mother’s milk in significant quantities. This chemical can be artificially obtained from a highly purified soy lecithin and can be manufactured in a laboratory; it is often used in nootropic dietary supplements like this one. This substance has the amazing benefit of rapidly crossing the blood-brain barrier and thus effectively delivering choline to the brain. In Europe, this ingredient is frequently used as a prescription medication that aims to help with symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. The use of this chemical has been found to help with some other conditions, such as stroke, dementia and can impaired memory, learning, and thinking skills. If used appropriately the substance is considered safe, but there have been reports of side effects like insomnia, dizziness, headache, heartburn, and confusion.

The suggested use for this product is one capsule per day that is to be taken with a meal.

There are online testimonials about GlyceroPhosphoCholine. What is being said includes: Ever since reading the book “Superlearning” some years ago, I have supplemented with GPC to maintain optimal brain activity./ The supplement has improved my memory significantly/ I no longer worry that I might lose my short term memory forever as my mother and grandmother did. What a gift!

Health Benefits

4) GlyceroPhosphoCholine (GPC) Health Benefits

  • The formula is available in the form of vegetarian capsules
  • The formula is free of wheat, yeast, eggs, dairy, corn, animal products, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives
  • Extensive research and promising evidence exists on the main ingredient
Precautions

5) Precautions of GlyceroPhosphoCholine (GPC) Use

  • No side effects are mentioned by the manufacturer although in some cases the main ingredient may cause side effects
  • Designs for Health GlyceroPhosphoCholine is distributed exclusively through physicians and healthcare providers or with a doctor’s referral
  • There is a small number of consumer reviews
Cost

6) How Much Does GlyceroPhosphoCholine (GPC) Cost?

This product can be ordered directly from the manufacturer’s website or a number of online retailers. Physical retailers also hold this product as well. The manufacturer’s website requires a health care practitioner referral code to have access to the exact price and shipping details. This product comes in a container that holds 60 vegetarian capsules, a quantity which can last two months should the suggested use of one capsule per day not be exceeded. The manufacturer’s website does not appear to offer a free trial or money back guarantee. The price of this formula is quite high.

How To Use

7) How to Use GlyceroPhosphoCholine (GPC)

Consumer reviews are scarce, however those that are publicly available report increased effectiveness of the formula. No side effects are mentioned by the manufacturer. The manufacturer recommends taking 1 or more capsules daily.

Final Thoughts

8) Final Thoughts on GlyceroPhosphoCholine (GPC)

GlyceroPhosphoCholine (GPC) is the branded product for the generic GPC, a substance on which many studies have been conducted so far. Scientific studies and clinical trials worldwide validate its wide spectrum of benefits and its ability to assist people of all ages with various health conditions.

The formula’s effectiveness is also supported by consumer reviews, which, although limited in number, praise its ability to assist with memory and attention problems. It is therefore our conclusion that the formula will work and achieve its purpose for some customers.Side effects reported are mild and rare. Still, it is our strong advice you seek the advice of a specialist prior to use.

4/5 - (1 vote)
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Josefina

This formula is perfect for me because I was searching for both a physical as well as a mental aid. I suffered an accident that left me with some problems, after I finished my therapy so I started searching for a natural way of dealing with my problems and found this formula, which was recommended by my brother. The first three weeks I could just feel the effect regarding brain health, my memory and focus were getting better, but no physical effect manifested. After a month’s use I felt some improvements in energy as well and my physical strength got better.