Choline Alfoscerate is L-a-glyceryl phosphorylcholine (GPC),a key brain cell membrane phospholipid
and cholinergic precursor. It is a source of choline for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine,
with a greater ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier than conventional choline sources. More
importantly, Choline alfoscerate has been experimentally demonstrated to reduce or reverse age-related
structural changes in the frontal cortex and hippocampus and induced functional deficiencies of the
cholinergic system. Research supports choline alfoscerates ability to support healthy brain function
and the release of somatotrophin (hGH).
The aging brain's cholinergic function is impaired at several points, all of which affect mental
performance:
• The ability of the brain to take in necessary raw materials.
• The loss of balance in key cholinergic enzymes.
• The loss of choinergic neurons.
Choline alfoscerate (al-FOSS-er-ate), or alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine (GPC), is a phospholipid - a
complex fatty substance containing phosphorus, like phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine - and
is an important building block in the construction of nerve cell membranes. After completing an analysis
of thirteen published clinical trials, involving over 4000 patients, a group of Italian scientists concluded
that "The stated therapeutic usefulness of Choline Alfoscerate in the relief of cognitive symptoms, such
as memory and attention impairment, differentiates [it] from cholinergic precursors used in former clinical
trials", such as choline, lecithin, or phosphatidylcholine. The reason, as evidence now suggests, is that
the effects of this versatile nutrient extend well beyond its role as a mere choline source: choline
alfoscerate supports the restoration of a whole spectrum of youthful cholinergic functions.
Weak Link 1: Decreased Choline UptakeCholine alfoscerate is a rapidly absorbed source of choline,
which easily enters the brain. GPC raises free plasma choline more rapidly than other uncharged choline precursors. Because it is a phospholipid - the same sort of material of which the brain and Blood-Brain
Barrier (BBB) are made - Choline Alfoscerate does not carry the electrical charge of regular choline, and
so freely crosses the blood-brain barrier. The choline from Choline Alfoscerate is incorporated into brain phospholipids within 24 hours of absorption.
Weak Link 2: Enzyme ImbalancesThe brain makes acetylcholine using an enzyme known as choline acetyltransferase. As we get older, ChAT activity goes down, while the activity of enzymes that break
down chat goes up. As a result, aging brains make less acetylcholine from the choline available to them
, while they tear acetylcholine down more quickly. Animal studies suggest that Choline Alfoscerate may
also improve the levels of ChAT.
Weak Link 3: Brain DrainThis is perhaps the most serious issue facing the aging brain: the cholinergic
neurons of the brain simply wither away with age. The number of neurons declines, and those neurons
that remain literally shrink, becoming less well-connected to the rest of the brain. This decay is made all
the worse by the fact that the ability of the surviving cholinergic neurons to release and respond to ACh
is also impaired with age!
There are two main reasons for this loss of function. First, the composition of the nerve cell membrane
is altered with age, becoming less flexible and responsive. This makes it harder for the neuron which
is sending the signal to release the ACh messenger, and harder for the receiving neuron to pick it up.
Choline Alfoscerate restores membrane and fluidity responsiveness, both because having more Choline Alfoscerate in the membrane directly makes the membrane more fluid, and perhaps because Choline
Alfoscerate inhibits an enzyme (lysophospholipase) that breaks down some brain phospholipids.
Second, some of the receptors to which ACh is designed to bind - the "mailbox" to which they are
addressed - also decline with age. This is especially true of the muscarinic-type-1 (M1) receptors - the
ones involved in higher mental function. While most other cholinergic receptors remain plentiful
throughout life. Fortunately, Choline Alfoscerate selectively restores the number of memory-specific
cholinergic receptors.
Even more incredibly, animal studies show that Choline Alfoscerate actually increases the number
of cholinergic neurons as well. In addition, Choline Alfoscerate may reverse the atrophy of existing
cholinergic neurons, since studies show that Choline Alfoscerate increases the number of receptor
for nerve growth factor (NGF). Supplying NGF to old monkeys clearly reverses cholinergic neuron
atrophy, restoring the number and size of these neurons to more youthful levels.
Controlled Trials: It Works
In one controlled trial in victims of vascular dementia, greater improvements on several measures
of cognitive function were seen amongst those patients treated with Choline Alfoscerate than in
those given another choline precursor. The differences were statistically significant, and both patients
and physicians rated the results with GPC more satisfactory.
Another controlled trial in Alzheimer's disease compared Choline Alfoscerate to acetyl-L-carnitine
(ALCAR), a nutrient already proven to slow the progression of AD in younger patients.
Most behavioral and mental function test results showed improvement in the Choline Alfoscerate
group - and the improvements were greater than those seen in the ALCAR group.
Yet another trial monitored the progress of 2044 patients who were being treated with Choline
Alfoscerate after recent strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs - sometimes called "mini-strokes").
Statistically significant improvements were seen on several scales of cognitive performance, such
that the Mini Mental State (MMS) score was found to be within the normal range, Chrichton
Rating Scale (CRS) decreased by a significant 4.3 points, and the Global Deterioration
Scale scores indicated "no cognitive decline" or "forgetfulness" rather than clinical mental
impairment.
There is also a hint that Choline Alfoscerate may prove of use in Parkinson's disease (PD). PD
is characterized by reductions in the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine in an area of
the brain called the substantia nigra. This leads to a loss of motor control, typically manifesting in
facial ticks or tremors, dry mouth, and a "masklike" facial expression. In laboratory animals,
measures of dopaminergic activity were enhanced by GPC treatment.
60 Vegi-Caps 100% Vegetarian
______________________________________________
SUPPLEMENT FACTS:
Serving Size: 1 Capsule %DRI
L-a-glyceryl phosphorylcholine ............. 250 mg *
______________________________________________
*Dietary Reference Intake not established.
Other ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose. Capsule: hypromellose, sorbitol, silicon dioxide, water.
AOR guarantees that no ingredients not listed on the label have been added to the product.
Contains no wheat, gluten, corn, nuts, dairy, eggs, fish or shellfish.
Suggested Use
Take two to four capsules daily, or as directed by a qualified health care practitioner.
Main Applications
As reported by literature:
Support in Alzheimer's disease
Cognitive support
Infant brain development
Source
Purified from lecithin.
Pregnancy / Nursing
Safe at 1-2 capsules per day.
Cautions
None known.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product
is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Item Number: AOR08207
Manufacturer: Advanced Orthomolecular Research
Manufacturer Part #: 624917082074
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