Name: Optimal Choline Complex
SKU: 6031
Price: 32.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.00 (12 reviews)

Product Description

Pure Nootropics’ Optimal Choline Complex combines two products to provide superior results. The two main ingredients are CDP Choline and Alpha GPC Choline. Both CDP Choline and Alpha GPC are essential nutrients which are precursors to acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter in the parts of the brain that impact memory and learning, attention, and alertness–making it one of the most beneficial neurotransmitter compounds for overall cognitive function and brain health (1).

Optimal Choline Complex Benefits

1) CDP Choline (also known as citicoline) is an essential nutrient and precursor to creating the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (1).

Some benefits of CDP Choline include:

Supports cognitive function in the elderly (ref)*
May improve attentional performance (ref)(ref)*
May limit excitotoxicity from glutamate activity (ref)*
Promotes an increase in brain energy through improved mitochondrial functions (ref)*

2) Alpha GPC Choline, an abbreviation for Alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, is also a cholinergic compound found in the brain and a precursor to creating acetylcholine, functioning similarly to CDP Choline in acetylcholine synthesis. Alpha GPC provides some additional advantages by increasing acetylcholine in the central nervous system and seems to be the more efficient choline precursor because of its bioavailability (2).

Some benefits of Alpha GPC include:

Supports cognitive function in the elderly with high doses more significantly than CDP Choline (ref)*
May increase the production of the human growth hormone (HGH or somatropin) by working with the pituitary gland(ref)*
Promotes increases in strength outputs during resistance training workouts (ref)*
May enhance lower body muscle performance (ref)*
May provide a steadier level of choline in the body than with CDP Choline (ref)*

Optimal Choline Complex Mode of Action

Citicoline and Alpha GPC are both involved as acetylcholine precursors. Both cholinergics combine to provide superior cognitive support in Optimal Choline Complex.

Citicoline can be produced from choline already present in the body, but choline’s ability to engage in cell membrane formation (phospholipid synthesis) is incomplete without first being converted to Citicoline. This constant demand for choline conversion to citicoline can mean that supplementing with Citicoline itself provides a boost for overall cell functioning (1).

Choline supports memory and cognitive function and can possibly maintain overall wellness in the brain when faced with cognitive decline (2). CDP Choline may improve attentional performance and focus (3,4). While CDP Choline is found in dietary sources such as animal-based products, eggs, whole grains, cruciferous vegetables, nuts and seeds, most people don’t get an adequate intake of choline in their diet (1).

Being a choline, Alpha GPC is found in many of the same dietary sources that contain CDP Choline (animal-based products, eggs, whole grains, cruciferous vegetables, nuts, and seeds) and is also a nutrient that is difficult to reach an adequate level from diet alone (1).

By working directly with the pituitary gland, Alpha GPC may increase the production of the human growth hormone (2). Preliminary trials relating to Alpha GPC administered to healthy volunteers prior to resistance exercise have shown promise in possibly increasing strength output during workouts, presumably due to its influence on HGH (4).

A clinical trial of Alpha GPC demonstrated that it may enhance lower body muscle performance related to isometric exercise (5).

Being a highly available form of choline, Alpha GPC may provide a steadier level in the body than supplementation with CDP (Citicoline). Levels increase slowly but remain elevated longer than with Citicoline in clinical trials (6).

Optimal Choline Complex Dosage

Pure Nootropics’ Optimal Choline Complex capsules provide 200 mg of Citicoline and 100 mg of Alpha GPC. Suggested use of Optimal Choline Complex capsules for adults is 1 capsule by mouth up to two times per day, with or without food, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

No daily value has been established for Alpha GPC or CDP (citicoline). However, RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) of Choline ranges depending on gender and age. *

RDA for Choline for adult men over 18 is 550 mg/day (11)
RDA for Choline for adult women is 400-425 mg/day (11)

(Women who are pregnant, lactating, and children under the age of 18 should seek medical advice from a healthcare provider regarding their RDA of Choline.)

Optimal Choline Complex Side Effects and Toxicity

Side effects from short-term use of Citicoline are generally mild. Studies conducted have mostly been on a short-term basis, and as such, the safety of long-term use is not known.

Please consult your healthcare practitioner if you are taking any medications prior to beginning supplementation with Citicoline. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing.

In both preclinical toxicological studies and clinical studies, research shows that toxicity derived from Citicoline is extremely difficult to achieve (8).

As with Citicoline, the safety of long-term use of Alpha GPC is not known. It is generally well-tolerated, but as with all supplements and medications, some people may experience side effects. It is considered possibly safe and side effects from Alpha GPC are mild and could include heartburn, nausea, vomiting, insomnia or excitation, and headache (9,10).

Toxicity information for Alpha GPC has been extrapolated from animal studies and demonstrates that the “No Observed Adverse Effect Level” (NOAEL) for humans was for a dose at least 150 mg/kg over a six-and-half month timespan (12).

For further information, please see our References Tab above.

Additional Information

Weight	0.11875 lbs
Dimensions	1.95 × 1.95 × 3.95 in

The references below are not meant to imply that any of our products treat, cure, or diagnose any disease or human condition. References to clinical studies and pre-clinical studies may use varying dosages and may not represent the dosages or subsequent results of products we sell; however, the references provided are pertinent to the subject supplement itself. References provided are intended for research and informational purposes only and do not represent the entire body of knowledge available on the subject(s) referenced; nor do they represent all possible outcomes associated with the subject(s) referenced including, but not limited to, adverse effects, precautions, or chemical interactions within the human body. The Content provided on this website is not intended to be a replacement for professional medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Never ignore the advice of a medical professional or delay in attaining professional advice because of information or impressions you gather on this website. Choosing to rely on any information provided by the Content of this website is solely at your own risk. We encourage our audience to do their own research beyond the resources we have provided so your decision is as educated as possible.

• Supports cognitive function in elderly and those with age related cognitive decline*
Di Trapani, G, and M Fioravanti. “Citicoline in the Treatment of Cognitive and Behavioral Disorders in Pathologic Senile Decline.” Clin Ter, vol. 137, no. 6, 30 June 1991, pp. 403–13., www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1832612.

• May improve attentional performance*
McGlade, E, et al. “The Effect of Citicoline Supplementation on Motor Speed and Attention in Adolescent Males.” J Atten Disord, vol. 23, no. 2, Jan. 2019, pp. 121–134., doi:10.1177/1087054715593633. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26179181.

McGlade, E, et al. “Improved Attentional Performance Following Citicoline Administration in Healthy Adult Women.” Food and Nutrition Sciences, no. 3, June 2012, pp. 769–773., doi:10.4236/fns.2012.36103. https://cognizin.com/uploads/pdfs/improve-attention-cognizin.pdf.

• May limit excitotoxicity from glutamate activity*
Cook, Sarah. “The Unique Benefits of CITICOLINE An Emerging Nootropic and Brain-Health Nutrient.” Natural Medicine Journal, 2018, www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/sites/default/files/uploads/citicoline.pdf.

• Promotes an increase in brain energy through improved mitochondrial function *
Cook, Sarah. “The Unique Benefits of CITICOLINE An Emerging Nootropic and Brain-Health Nutrient.” Natural Medicine Journal, 2018, www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/sites/default/files/uploads/citicoline.pdf.

• Supports cognitive function in the elderly with age related cognitive decline more significantly
than CDP Choline*
Linder, Leah. “Alpha-GPC – An Overview.” Klaire Research and Science Healthcare Professional Article, May 2018, klaire.com/researchandscience/hcp-articles/alpha-gpc-an-overview/.

• May increase the production of the human growth hormone (HGH or somatropin) by working with
pituitary gland*
Linder, Leah. “Alpha-GPC – An Overview.” Klaire Research and Science Healthcare Professional Article, May 2018, klaire.com/researchandscience/hcp-articles/alpha-gpc-an-overview/.

• Promotes increases in strength outputs during resistance training workouts*
Ziegenfuss, Tim, et al. “Acute Supplementation with Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine Augments Growth Hormone Response to, and Peak Force Production during, Resistance Exercise.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 5, no. Suppl 1, 17 Sept. 2008, p. 15., jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1550-2783-5-S1-P15.

• May enhance lower body muscle performance*
Bellar, David et al. “The effect of 6 days of alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine on isometric strength” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition vol. 12 42. 17 Nov. 2015, doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0103-x. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4650143/.

• May provide a steadier level of choline in the body than with CDP Choline *
Gatti, G, et al. “A Comparative Study of Free Plasma Choline Levels Following Intramuscular Administration of L-Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine and Citicoline in Normal Volunteers.” Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol., vol. 30, no. 9, Sept. 1992, pp. 331–5., www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1428296?dopt=Abstract.

1. Cook, Sarah. “The Unique Benefits of CITICOLINE An Emerging Nootropic and Brain-Health Nutrient.” Natural Medicine Journal, 2018, www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/sites/default/files/uploads/citicoline.pdf.
2. Linder, Leah. “Alpha-GPC – An Overview.” Klaire Research and Science Healthcare Professional Article, May 2018, klaire.com/researchandscience/hcp-articles/alpha-gpc-an-overview/.
3. McGlade, E, et al. “The Effect of Citicoline Supplementation on Motor Speed and Attention in Adolescent Males.” J Atten Disord, vol. 23, no. 2, Jan. 2019, pp. 121–134., doi:10.1177/1087054715593633. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26179181.
McGlade, E, et al. “Improved Attentional Performance Following Citicoline Administration in Healthy Adult Women.” Food and Nutrition Sciences, no. 3, June 2012, pp. 769–773., doi:10.4236/fns.2012.36103. https://cognizin.com/uploads/pdfs/improve-attention-cognizin.pdf.
4. Ziegenfuss, Tim, et al. “Acute Supplementation with Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine Augments Growth Hormone Response to, and Peak Force Production during, Resistance Exercise.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 5, no. Suppl 1, 17 Sept. 2008, p. 15., jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1550-2783-5-S1-P15.
5. Bellar, David et al. “The effect of 6 days of alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine on isometric strength” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition vol. 12 42. 17 Nov. 2015, doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0103-x. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4650143/.
6. Gatti, G, et al. “A Comparative Study of Free Plasma Choline Levels Following Intramuscular Administration of L-Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine and Citicoline in Normal Volunteers.” Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol., vol. 30, no. 9, Sept. 1992, pp. 331–5., www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1428296?dopt=Abstract.
7. Secades, JJ, and JL Lorenzo. “Citicoline: Pharmacological and Clinical Review, 2006 Update.” Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol, vol. 28, no. Suppl B, 2006, pp. 1–56., www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17171187.
8. Grieb, Pawel. “Neuroprotective properties of citicoline: facts, doubts and unresolved issues” CNS drugs vol. 28,3 (2014): 185-93. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3933742/.
9. Barbagallo Sangiorgi, G, et al. “Alpha-Glycerophosphocholine in the Mental Recovery of Cerebral Ischemic Attacks. An Italian Multicenter Clinical Trial.” Ann N Y Acad Sci., vol. 717, 30 June 1994, pp. 253–69., www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8030842?dopt=Abstract.
10. “Alpha-GPC.” Food, Herbs & Supplements, Professional, naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=1087#safety.
11. “Choline Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.” National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Choline-HealthProfessional/#h2.
12. Brownawell, AM, et al. “Safety Assessment of AGPC as a Food Ingredient.” Food Chem Toxicol., vol. 49, no. 6, June 2011, pp. 1303–15., doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2011.03.012.
13. “Citicoline.” Foods Herbs & Supplements, Professional, https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=1090#adverseEvents.