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evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Nootropic

Alpha-GPC

aka L-alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine · Choline alfoscerate

Bioavailable choline source studied for cognition and acute power output.

Brain & CognitiveAthletic PerformanceMuscle Growth

Overview

Phospholipid choline precursor that crosses the BBB efficiently.

Natural sources
  • Synthesized; traces in milk
Common forms
  • Alpha-GPC 50%
  • Alpha-GPC 99%

Mechanism of action

Provides choline for acetylcholine synthesis and membrane phosphatidylcholine.

Pathways
  • · Acetylcholine synthesis
Neurotransmitters
  • · Acetylcholine

Effects on the body

Increases
Acetylcholine availability
Increases
Power output (acute)

Organ system effects

Brain & CNS

Improves cognition in vascular dementia and post-stroke.

Evidence-based benefits

Improves cognition in vascular dementia

Moderate evidence

Acutely increases power output

Limited evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Headache (often from too much choline)
Rare
  • · Fishy body odor
  • · Heartburn
Serious

    Drug interactions

    Anticholinergics
    Antagonistic effects.
    minor

    Safety & non-supplemental interactions

    Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.

    Avoid if you are
    • ·Pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
    • ·Children under 18 (unless directed by a clinician)

    Supplement interactions

    Pairs well with
    • Caffeine
      Choline supports neurotransmission during stimulant use.
    Avoid combining with

    No specific avoidances listed.

    Dosing & bioavailability

    Typical dose
    300–600 mg
    Study range
    300–1200 mg
    Timing
    Morning or pre-workout

    Where to buy

    Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

    Nootropic
    Alpha-GPC
    Amazon
    Wide selection · fast shipping
    Nootropic
    Alpha-GPC
    iHerb
    Global delivery · curated brands
    Nootropic
    Alpha-GPC
    Thorne
    Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

    Scientific evidence (9)

    Systematic reviewMech Ageing Dev · 2007

    Alpha-GPC in cognitive disorders

    Parnetti L, et al.

    Review of clinical trials in dementia.

    Key findings

    Consistent modest improvements in cognitive scores at 1200 mg/d.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Alpha-GPC — Improves cognition in vascular dementia

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Alpha-GPC Improves cognition in vascular dementia" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Alpha-GPC and "Improves cognition in vascular dementia". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Alpha-GPC — Acutely increases power output

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Alpha-GPC Acutely increases power output" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Alpha-GPC and "Acutely increases power output". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Alpha-GPC — randomized controlled trial

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Alpha-GPC randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Alpha-GPC and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Alpha-GPC — meta-analysis

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Alpha-GPC meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Alpha-GPC and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Alpha-GPC — pharmacokinetics

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Alpha-GPC pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Alpha-GPC and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Alpha-GPC — safety adverse events

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Alpha-GPC safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Alpha-GPC and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Alpha-GPC — dose response

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Alpha-GPC dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Alpha-GPC and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

    Google Scholar: Alpha-GPC — clinical evidence

    Live Scholar search

    Cross-database citation index for Alpha-GPC as it relates to "clinical evidence".

    Key findings

    Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

    Open study
    Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.