There are many benefits of Choline Complex that go beyond acetylcholine synthesis. While the two main ingredients, CDP choline and alpha GPC choline, provide adequate acetylcholine support, there are other advantages of using these prodrugs. CDP choline (aka citicholine) is known to improve focus and attention in students with learning disabilities or ADD. CDP choline and alpha GPC choline both prevent memory impairment and neurological degradation common in Alzheimer’s patients and those with senile dementia.
CDP choline can improve cerebral blood flow to the brain and can decrease the accumulation of lactate and glutamate, which are both implicated in neuro degeneration. CDP choline is also unique in that it aids the reconstruction of membrane phospholipid stores, which are often depleted. CDP choline also creates uridine in the body, which is a neuro protective agent similar to choline.
Alpha GPC works on many of the same mechanisms as citicholine, but has additional advantages. Studies show 14% power output in strength athletes as well as higher human growth hormone secretion. More importantly, alpha GPC can potentiate the effects of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and promotes long-term potentiation.
Dosage
The dosage is dependent upon the individual, but the Choline Complex dosage is 300 to 600mg of powder. This includes 200mg of CDP choline and 100mg of alpha GPC choline per 300mg. Take this dosage in the morning and at night for optimal results. One can take more than a single 300mg dose at one time, but it may not provide optimal results. Test the efficacy of dosages for your own needs.
Mode of Action
Both citicholine and alpha GPC choline provide the body with choline, which is required to create the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is involved with many functions including memory formation and retention. The Choline Complex utilizes the separate modes of action from both of these sources to provide the most significant cognitive effects.
Toxicity
The toxicity studies on both citicholine and alpha GPC choline show they are relatively safe supplements for human consumption. Both are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the United States Food & Drug Administration for branded versions of the particular compounds. Studies of alpha GPC show that the LD50 is 10,000mg/kg in rats/mice. A standardized label of “no observed adverse effect level” (NOAEL) was given to the dose of 1,000mg/kg, which equates to around 1640mg for a 150 lb. individual.
