This Supplement Protects Heart from Intense Exercise Risks

Scientists have examined the effects of Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha GPC) on blood dynamics and heart rate variability. This was done in women who were overweight or obese, following a sprint interval exercise.

While its overall health benefits are well known, intense exercise can have unwanted side effects on vulnerable people. In particular, without preventive measures, overweight people can experience high blood pressure responses and acute cardiac events after intense exercise. Therefore, it is important to find way to reduce the cardiac risks of exercise.

Alpha GPC, a food supplement for healthy individuals, is thought to have favorable effects on the central nervous system and possible protective influences on cardiovascular functions. After ingestion, the supplement converts to active forms of choline, an essential nutrient that has many confirmed beneficial effects.

However, the influence of Alpha GPC supplements on cardiac functions after strenuous exercise among adults with obesity is not clearly established. Therefore, the scientists conducted a study to validate the hypothesis that Alpha GPC supplements could play a protective role on cardiac autonomic and blood pressure in people with obesity after a sprint interval exercise.

Twelve overweight or obese women participated in the study. The participants were between 20 and 40 years old with a high body mass index. Also, the participants had no diagnosed chronic diseases or health conditions, and didn’t use dietary supplements or medications that could affect the results of the study.

The participants underwent several sessions, during which they first consumed either 1000 mg of Alpha GPC or a placebo. Then they performed sprint interval exercises following the standard Wingate test protocol.

Relevant cardiac and blood related parameters such as systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure, were measured before and after the ingestion of the supplement or placebo. They were also measured before and after the Wingate test.

The measurements were followed by statistical analysis of the data. Throughout the study, the scientists strived to ensure the statistical validity of the data. For example, the Wingate tests were performed at the same time of day.

The results of the study are published in Nutrients.

The scientists found that Alpha GPC supplements before sprint interval exercise can attenuate the changes in heart rate variability and blood dynamics variables that typically occur during and after intense exercise and recovery. In particular, recovery after strenuous exercise in overweight and obese women is faster. Therefore, the scientists suggest that Alpha GPC may be a useful strategy to reduce the risk associated with intense exercise in individuals who are overweight or obese.

The scientists also found indications that Alpha GPC supplements could lead to better exercise performance by increasing power and reducing fatigue. And the scientists recommend more studies to determine the effects of Alpha GPC supplements in more detail.

Thrivous develops Alpha Neuroprotector to enhance brain and nerve function for better aging. Each serving provides a clinical dose of Alpha GPC, as well as complementary nutrients. As indicated by this study, Thrivous Alpha may protect the heart from the risks of intense exercise, and improve exercise performance. Alpha Neuroprotector is available online at the Thrivous website.