2024-05-31
L-alpha glycerophosphocholine approved as a new food ingredient
Recently, the National Health Commission issued a notice on "Three New Foods", L- α- Glycerol phosphate choline has been approved as a new food ingredient. This means that from now on, L- α- Glycerol phosphate choline can be added to regular foods, L- α- The glycerophosphate choline industry has ushered in a broader development space.
According to the approval and usage of various countries, L- α- The consumption history of glycerophosphate choline has exceeded 10 years. In 2009, Japan was the first to introduce L- α- Glycerophosphate choline is included in the list of ingredients (raw materials) that are not classified as drugs unless their efficacy is indicated. Subsequently, countries such as the United States, Canada, and Switzerland successively approved or allowed its addition to food. In the United States, L- α- Glycerol phosphate choline is managed as a substance generally considered safe (GRAS); In Canada, L- α- Glycerol phosphate choline is approved for use as a natural health product.
Based on the approved use in other countries and international organizations, and in accordance with the provisions of the Food Safety Law of the People's Republic of China and the Management Measures for Safety Review of New Food Raw Materials, the National Health Commission entrusts the evaluation agency to organize experts to review L in accordance with legal procedures- α- The safety assessment materials for glycerophosphate choline have been reviewed and a relevant announcement has been issued recently, confirming L- α- Glycerol phosphate choline is safe and can be used as a new food ingredient.
L- α- Approval information for choline glycinate
As an endogenous substance in the human body, L- α- Glycerophosphate choline can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and has extremely high bioavailability, making it a crucial high-quality nutrient for the human body. "The blood-brain barrier is a dense, 'wall' like structure located between the cerebral capillary plexus."- α- Glycerophosphate choline easily penetrates the blood-brain barrier and has potential benefits in enhancing memory, improving thinking, alleviating anxiety, stabilizing emotions, and increasing muscle strength and endurance Industry experts introduce that L- α- The clear nutritional effects of glycerophosphate choline are mainly reflected in five aspects.
One is to enhance brain function. The more neurons in the brain, the stronger their vitality, and the faster they transmit neural signals, resulting in a stronger processing ability of the brain. L-alpha glycerophosphocholine can comprehensively enhance brain function by enhancing the vitality of nerve cells and the ability to transmit neural signals. In enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission, signal transmission between nerve cells relies on the transmission of neurotransmitters, and acetylcholine is a key chemical messenger and neurotransmitter that ensures active thinking and maintains coordination between the brain and the whole body. L-alpha glycerophosphocholine can be broken down into glycerol 3-phosphate and choline in the brain, making it the most efficient acetylcholine supply bank. It can enhance memory and improve thinking by promoting the synthesis and release of acetylcholine in the brain. In terms of enhancing the stability and fluidity of cell membranes, L-alpha glycerophosphocholine can promote the synthesis of phosphoinositol, thereby enhancing the stability and fluidity of cell membranes, while structurally intact neurons can better transmit information and improve the body's cognitive agility.
The second is nutrition and nerve protection. The growth factor of neural tissue, also known as neurotrophic factor, can regulate stem cell differentiation and promote the formation of new neural connections, L-alpha glycerophosphocholine can promote the secretion of various neurotrophic factors and activate signaling pathways related to cell survival, thereby exerting neuroprotective effects and improving the cognitive level of the body. Meanwhile, L-alpha glycerophosphocholine can also promote the secretion of growth hormone, maintaining body health by increasing the level of growth hormone in the body.
The third is antioxidant. Oxidation and inflammation are the main causes of brain cell aging and death, L-alpha glycerophosphocholine can clear free radicals in the body, combat oxidative stress, and reduce the release of inflammatory factors such as nuclear factor NF - κ B, tumor necrosis factor TNF - α, and interleukin IL-6. It can counteract brain inflammation, significantly reverse cognitive decline, and prevent the occurrence and development of neurodegenerative diseases. The related effects were supported by clinical efficacy. In the study on the effect of L-alpha glycerophosphocholine on age-related memory impairment, 4 subjects were given a placebo, while the other 5 subjects were given L-alpha glycerophosphocholine (1200 mg/day). After continuous oral administration for 3 months, 16 electrodes were used to record brain waves for 5 minutes while the subjects were awake and resting. The results indicate that compared to placebo, L-alpha glycerophosphocholine can significantly increase the proportion of the fastest EEG waves while showing a tendency to decrease the slowest frequency. That is, it can enhance the brain vitality of middle-aged people and delay the aging of the body.
The fourth is to regulate emotions. Dopamine can make people feel happy, while serotonin and gamma aminobutyric acid can regulate the body's emotions. L-alpha glycerophosphocholine can promote the release of dopamine, upregulate the expression of dopamine transporters, enhance dopamine neurotransmission in the brain, and increase the levels of serotonin in the striatum and prefrontal cortex; It can also significantly promote the release of endogenous cortical tissue gamma aminobutyric acid, alleviate insomnia, and thus play its role in antidepressant, anxiety relief, and emotional stability.
The fifth is to improve sports performance. During exercise, L-alpha glycerophosphocholine can also increase muscle mass and improve overall metabolic activity by increasing the production and power output of acute growth hormone, thereby improving body composition. In addition, L-alpha glycerophosphocholine can also accelerate neurotransmitter transmission, improve the efficiency of neuromuscular connections, increase the contraction and endurance of skeletal muscles, thereby enhancing the body's exercise intensity, anti fatigue, and having a positive impact on muscle growth.
So, where can people take in this nutrient with many potential benefits? In fact, breast milk (118 mg/L) and various foods such as eggs, chicken, and rainbow trout all contain L-alpha glycerophosphocholine, but the content is generally low. According to the USDA Database for the Choline Content of Common Foods Release Two, published by the US Department of Agriculture, the content of L-alpha glycerophosphocholine in 630 foods from 22 categories was determined, and the range of L-alpha glycerophosphocholine content per 100 grams of food was 0-190 milligrams. So, in order to meet the needs of human growth, development, and metabolism, additional supplements can be added appropriately.
Industry experts have introduced that chemical synthesis is one of the main production methods for L-alpha glycerophosphocholine. Using polyphosphate, choline chloride R-3-chloro-1,2-propanediol, sodium hydroxide, and water are used as raw materials. After condensation and esterification reactions, L-alpha glycerophosphocholine is produced through processes such as decolorization, impurity removal, concentration, refinement, and drying. It can be added to soft drinks, sports drinks, coffee, gummies, oat energy bars, etc., and can play a targeted nutritional role to meet the diverse nutritional and health needs of consumers.
In countries such as the United States, Japan, and Canada, L-alpha glycerophosphocholine has been widely used in food, and related products cover multiple categories such as dietary supplements, beverages, gummies, etc. Each product has clear functional effects, recommended dosage, and recommended audience. For example, in the United States, there are over 300 dietary supplements for L-alpha glycerophosphocholine alone, claiming their benefits include improving memory and cognitive function, enhancing motor function, etc., with a daily dosage of 300-1200 milligrams.
As you can imagine, After L-alpha glycerophosphocholine is approved as a new food ingredient in China, its consumption and related products will significantly increase. It should be noted that according to the relevant announcements of "Three New Foods", The production and use of L-alpha glycerophosphocholine should comply with the content of the announcement and relevant food safety regulations, with a recommended consumption amount of ≤ 600 mg/day (on a dry basis). In addition, considering the insufficient information on the safety of L-alpha glycerophosphocholine in infants, pregnant women, and lactating women, and considering the principle of risk prevention, the above population should not be consumed, and the label and instructions should indicate the unsuitable population.
Source: China Food News (March 27, 2024, 3rd edition)
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