What Are The Potential Effects for Innovative Ingredient - L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine(GPC)?

It is a source of both phospholipids and choline, with a high choline content, 41% of which is choline. It is rapidly absorbed and easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, and is used in the brain for phosphatidylcholine (PC) biosynthesis and the production of acetylcholine, a chemical that allows brain cells to communicate with each other.

It is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the surrounding air. For this reason, the supplement needs to be stored in airtight containers and should not be exposed to air for long periods of time.

Overseas Application

Globally, L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine is widely used as a dietary supplement or food ingredient and has been approved and recognized in many countries. In 2009, Japan was the first to include L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine in the "List of Ingredients (Raw Materials) Not Considered as Drugs Unless the Efficacy is Labeled". Currently, L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine is a new type of food raw material in Japan and is often used in the development of functional foods.

Since then, countries such as the United States, Canada and Switzerland have approved or allowed its use in food. In the United States, L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine is managed as a "generally recognized as safe substance (GRAS)"; in Canada, L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine is approved for use as a natural health product.

The European Union classifies L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine as a food supplement, while in Australia it is classified as a complementary medicine.

Current Status of Consumption

Higher dietary total choline or L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine intake levels have a significant improvement effect on the overall cognitive function scores of middle-aged and elderly people (especially ≥65 years old). However, at present, the intake of L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine by humans is generally insufficient. Data show that the average dietary L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine  intake of adult residents in 2018 was 16 mg/d;  more than 90% of the population cannot reach the appropriate intake of dietary L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine. At present, L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine as a drug or health product can improve cognitive impairment caused by adult dementia.

L-α-glycerophosphorylcholine easily penetrates the blood-brain barrier and has potential benefits in enhancing memory, improving thinking, relieving anxiety, stabilizing mood, and increasing muscle strength and endurance.

According to Grand View Research market data, the brain health supplement market size was $7.68 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.3% from 2022 to 2030. This shows how fast the market is developing.

With the extension of people's average life expectancy and the intensification of the global aging process, aging has brought greater pressure and challenges to society. At the same time, the health needs and opportunities brought about by it have gradually become prominent.

L-α-glycerylphosphatidylcholine is similar to PS and is a potential anti-aging ingredient for brain health. Studies have shown that L-α-glycerylphosphatidylcholine helps increase acetylcholine in the brain because it is quickly absorbed and easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. A study involving 57 participants aged between 65 and 85 found that supplementing with L-α-glycerylphosphatidylcholine was able to significantly improve word recognition scores over 11 months. The control group that did not receive L-α-glycerylphosphatidylcholine had poorer word recognition scores. In addition, there were few side effects reported in the group that used L-α-glycerylphosphatidylcholine during the study.

The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (memory, cognitive impairment, etc.) is closely related to the lack of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. If the level of acetylcholine in the brain is increased, the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can be significantly improved. Human trials have shown that L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine supports the memory, learning, mood and social abilities of the elderly. L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine quickly crosses the blood-brain barrier, protects neurons and improves brain function and learning processes.

In particular, through its mechanism of action, L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine directly increases the synthesis and secretion of acetylcholine, superior to any other choline-related compound, affecting choline concentrations throughout the system and brain.

L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine can improve stroke recovery.

Italian researchers found that L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine can improve cognitive recovery in patients with acute stroke or mini-stroke. After the stroke, patients received 1,000 mg of L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine injections for 28 days, followed by 400 mg orally three times a day for the next five months. 71% of patients showed no cognitive decline or forgetfulness, and the drug was well tolerated.

In addition, supplementation with L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine may help improve athletic performance and strength

Male college students took either 600 mg of L-α-glycylphosphocholine or a placebo daily for 6 days. They were tested on mid-thigh pull strength before dosing and 1 week after the 6-day dosing period. Studies have shown that L-α-glycylphosphocholine can increase mid-thigh pull strength. Another study showed that supplementing with L-α-glycylphosphocholine before exercise may help increase the speed at which subjects can lift weights, and supplementing with L-α-glycylphosphocholine may help reduce exercise-related fatigue. Because L-α-glycylphosphocholine is associated with muscle strength and endurance, many studies have shown that it can provide explosive power output, strength, and agility.

In addition,L-α-glycylphosphocholine can increase the level of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, thereby increasing the secretion of human growth hormone (HGH).

For children, HGH is responsible for increasing height by promoting the growth of bones and cartilage. For adults, HGH can help promote bone health by increasing bone density. In addition to alleviating cognitive dysfunction caused by the disease, studies have shown that L-α-choline also has a variety of pharmacological effects, such as anti-ischemic/oxygen damage to multiple tissues, anti-ionizing radiation, endocrine regulation, and anti-epilepsy-induced nerve damage.

In summary, The consumption of L-α-glycerophosphorylcholine increased from 411.60 tons in 2015 to 425.72 tons in 2021. It is predicted that the consumption of L-α-glycerophosphorylcholine will continue to grow and is expected to reach 691.78 tons in 2028.