Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Alpha GPC (L-Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine) is a choline source derived from soy or sunflower lecithin and is naturally present in the body.
- It is highly bioavailable and can easily cross the blood-brain barrier, making it a preferred choline source for brain benefits in nootropic users.
- As a precursor to acetylcholine, it enhances brain energy, mood, mental clarity, and memory.
- Alpha GPC supports brain health by boosting acetylcholine levels, aiding brain cell membrane development, and increasing dopamine release.
- Recommended dosage for cognitive benefits ranges from 300 to 1,200 mg per day, and while generally safe, potential side effects include fatigue, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues.
Alpha GPC (L-Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine, choline alfoscerate) is a choline source derived from soy or sunflower lecithin. It is also naturally present in small amounts in your body.
Alpha GPC is more bioavailable than other sources of choline for brain benefits. Unlike choline citrate or choline bitartrate, it easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. This makes Alpha GPC a preferred choline source with experienced nootropic users.
Alpha GPC is a precursor to the essential neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Alpha GPC helps:
- Brain Energy. Alpha GPC improves mood, and boosts mental energy. The extra choline can increase alertness and clarity of thought.
- Neurotransmitters. Alpha GPC is prized for its ability to improve memory. Its high bioavailability makes it a great source of choline for producing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
- Brain Optimization. Alpha GPC boosts the development of new brain cells. And enhances your brain’s ability to repair damaged cell membranes.
Overview
Alpha GPC is a type of choline that’s produced in small amounts in your body. You can also get it from eating organ meats, dairy and wheat germ.
Choline is considered an essential nutrient because when your body uses it faster than it can produce it, you need supplemental choline either from food or a supplement.
You need choline for the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. And to form phosphatidylcholine (PC), used in building cell membranes.
In fact, choline is so vital to cognition and nerve function that, without it, we couldn’t move, think, sleep or remember anything.
Alpha GPC is used throughout your body. It even helps the production of human growth hormone. Athletes use it for peak performance, and to help build lean muscle mass. It provides more energy for a workout and quicker recovery.[i]
Here we’re talking about how Alpha GPC affects your brain health and chemistry.
Alpha GPC vs. CDP-Choline vs. Choline Bitartrate: What’s the Difference?
Choline is a water-soluble nutrient and its composition is similar to B-vitamins. Alpha GPC, CDP-Choline, Choline Citrate and Choline Bitartrate are all sources of choline.
CDP-Choline (cytidine 5′-diphosphocholine): Is only about 18% choline by weight. Your body naturally synthesizes choline into CDP-Choline (Citicoline). It’s then converted to phosphatidylcholine (PC) which assists cell membranes, and helps create acetylcholine.
Choline Bitartrate: An economical form of choline, and about 40% choline by weight. So 1 gram of Choline Bitartrate offers 400 mg of actual choline. It does not easily cross the blood-brain barrier. So you won’t experience the same level of nootropic benefits as with Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline.
Alpha GPC: About 40% choline by weight and easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. Alpha GPC naturally occurs in your brain as a byproduct of phosphatidylcholine (PC). When your brain needs more choline, and the choline floating around in your brain is running low, it breaks down PC from cell membranes. And turns it into Alpha GPC.
Your body and brain loves it when you use Alpha GPC. Because it doesn’t have to cannibalize its own cells to get more choline.
How does Alpha GPC Work in the Brain?
Alpha GPC boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Alpha GPC boosts acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter tied to memory and overall brain function. Alpha GPC is a precursor to acetylcholine. Improving the efficiency of communications between neurons in your brain. This increase in neural signaling boosts memory, learning, cognitive processing and mental clarity.
In one study, 32 healthy volunteers received either Alpha GPC or a placebo as a pretreatment. Ten days later they were injected with scopolamine to induce amnesia. The researchers found Alpha GPC was able to prevent the impairment of attention and memory normally caused by scopolamine.[ii]
These researchers showed that memory function in young healthy people could be racked up a notch. Simply by taking Alpha GPC as a supplement.
- Alpha GPC directly impacts development of cell membranes in the cerebral cortex. This outer layer of neural tissues or “gray matter” is the information processing center of your brain. It controls intelligence, motor function, organization, personality, planning and touch.[iii]
Published in Clinical Therapeutics, researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s patients. 400 mg capsules were administered 3- times per day for 180 days. The conclusion of this trial showed consistent improvement in dementia patients given Alpha GPC.[iv]
How things go bad
As we get older, our brain chemistry and energy metabolism changes.
↓ Recall, reaction time and mood diminish
↓ Brain cell membranes degenerate
↓ Acetylcholine levels decline[v]
↓ Nerve growth factor in the brain declines
All of these age-related changes are contributing factors to the neurodegenerative diseases of aging, including Alzheimer’s and dementia.
But even if you’re not concerned with the effects of aging, Alpha GPC can help.
Alpha GPC benefits
There are many benefits of Alpha GPC. Research from hundreds of studies have shown that Alpha GPC will:
- Improve memory and learning ability[vi]
- Restore the bioavailability of acetylcholine[vii]
- Restore and boost nerve growth factor receptors in the brain[viii]
- Increase growth hormones in all age groups[ix]
- Boost cognitive performance and memory in Alzheimer’s patients[x]
Alpha GPC is water-soluble and quickly enters your brain after you take it. Once in your brain, it boosts signal transmission, and protects neurons.
Alpha GPC improves your brain function and learning processes by directly increasing synthesis and secretion of acetylcholine. As your body calls for it.
This form of choline is not a precursor to phosphatidylcholine (PC), but is a metabolite of PC. This means once PC is metabolized and stripped of its fatty acids – all that remains is Alpha GPC.
Instead of scavenging your brain’s own membranes for Alpha GPC, you give it exactly the type of choline its looking for.
How does Alpha GPC feel?
If you have trouble getting started in the morning, try coffee and 400 mg of Alpha GPC. Instead of your usual high sugar, high carbohydrate breakfast.
Alpha GPC can be a great way to boost your energy. Take it 45 minutes before you work out.
Alpha GPC helps with memory, mood, mental performance and energy. Its brain support and ability to fuel the acetylcholine in your brain cells should boost cognition in all age and gender groups.
Alpha GPC Clinical Research
In one study, researchers showed that Alpha GPC had positive effects for increasing human growth hormone.[xi]
Alpha GPC Increases the Release of Dopamine
Another trial demonstrated the increase in the release of dopamine.[xii] This is particularly significant in showing Alpha GPC can help those suffering from dopamine deficiencies. And alleviating the symptoms of diseases like depressive disorders and Parkinson’s Disease.
Alpha GPC Facilitates Learning and Memory
An ongoing trial demonstrates Alpha GPC improving memory and attention. This research shows Alpha GPC increasing the effectiveness of pairing it with donepezil (acetylcholinesterase inhibitor). Far better than using donepezil on its own.
And in rats, Alpha GPC boosted learning and memory. It increased brain energy mechanisms and decreased age-related structural changes in the brain.[xiii][xiv]
Alpha GPC Relieves Cognitive Decline and Impairment in Alzheimer’s
Thirteen published clinical trials, involving a total of 4,054 Alzheimer’s patients consistently showed Alpha GPC:[xv]
- Improved cognitive function, memory, and attention
- Promoted recovery in stroke patients
- Reversed the symptoms of acute cerebrovascular disease
- Is far more effective than using choline or lecithin in treating disease
Recommended Alpha GPC Dosage
Alpha GPC is about 40% choline by weight. So 1,000 mg of Alpha GPC provides approximately 400 mg of choline.
- Alpha GPC suggested dosage for cognitive benefits is 300 – 1,200 mg per day.
- Athletic training suggested dosage of Alpha GPC is 300 mg first thing in the morning, and another 400 mg dose 15 – 30 minutes before working out.
- Clinical treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia and other cognitive disorders dosage of up to 1,200 mg per day.
For higher dosages, split the daily Alpha GPC total into 2 or 3 doses per day. For example, 1,200 mg would be taken 400 mg at a time.
Alpha GPC Side Effects
Alpha GPC is produced naturally in your body. So is considered well-tolerated and safe.
Side effects are rare but can include fatigue, headaches, nervousness, nausea, diarrhea and gastrointestinal issues. This is often an indication you have too much choline in your body.
Because Alpha GPC causes an energy boost in many neurohackers, avoid dosing in the evening. Or you may have difficulty getting to sleep.
A very recent study published in 2021 including more than 12 million individuals aged 50 years or older who used Alpha GPC for at least 10 years had a 46% increased chance of stroke. So for short-term use Alpha GPC is safe. But if you need a choline supplement for long-term use you may want to consider switching to CDP-Choline (Citicoline) like I did once I read that study.
Type of Alpha GPC Supplement to buy
Because Alpha GPC tends to liquefy at 99-100%, many suppliers offer 50% Alpha GPC powder combined with 50% of a filler like silicon dioxide. Adjust your dosage accordingly.
AlphaSize® and CholineAid® are a Kosher Certified, Halal Certified, USP grade, NDI, GRAS-affirmed, patented forms of Alpha GPC manufactured by Chemi Nutra. Which is the U.S. business unit of parent company Chemi S.p.A., a privately held pharmaceutical and nutraceutical company based in Milan, Italy. The company has cGMP certified manufacturing facilities in Italy and Brazil.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Alpha GPC 300 – 1,200 mg per day
I recommend using Alpha GPC as a nootropic dietary supplement.
Your body does make some Alpha GPC on its own. And from the food you eat. But studies have shown we don’t get an adequate supply of dietary choline from food sources in our modern diet.
Alpha GPC is especially helpful for those suffering from age-related cognitive decline. Studies show it helps stop or reverse brain degeneration like Alzheimer’s Disease, and other cognitive disorders. Particularly in the early to mid-stages of the disease.
I suggest starting with a dose of 400 mg daily. And Alpha GPC is a great compliment to a stack including any nootropic from the racetam-family. Anything that causes an increase in uptake of acetylcholine in your brain.
You need to provide your brain with the choline it is demanding. Or it starts cannibalizing your own brain cells for more acetylcholine. Signs that you’re lacking adequate choline are headaches.
Take Alpha GPC at a ratio of 1:4. For example, 400 mg of Alpha GPC dose to 1,600 mg of a racetam like Piracetam.
How much Alpha GPC you should take will depend on your situation.
Age-related cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s may want to up the dose to 1,200 mg of Alpha GPC per day.
Join The Discussion - 218 comments
Jeff D
September 9, 2018
Would taking CDP-Choline together with Alpha GPC on the same day be a good idea? Like 250mg CDP choline at the same time as 400mg Alpha GPC, or better to split them by taking one in the morning and the other in the afternoon , or is it even better to alternate by taking one of them one day and the other the next day (and keep alternating like that)
David Tomen
September 9, 2018
Jeff, it depends … I use both and my brain loves it. I suggest trying them together then separated by a few hours and see if you notice any difference.
Sarah Cloud
August 16, 2018
Sorry for so many questions!! I think what I’m reading is… I can take Alpha GPC and this will suffice for a choline supplement since it contains choline. Is this correct?
David Tomen
August 17, 2018
Maybe. There are several different sources of choline available. And some work better for some people than others. Please see this post: https://nootropicsexpert.com/advanced-guide-to-choline-in-nootropic-stacks/ and this post: https://nootropicsexpert.com/advanced-guide-to-acetylcholine-supplements-in-nootropic-stacks/
Marffa
August 1, 2018
Hey David.
What brand do you take for both of yours Alpha GPC & CDP-Choline?
And if I will take 1 or the other, or both do I still need to take Phosphatidylcholine as a supplement and if so, which brand?
David Tomen
August 2, 2018
Marffa, I’m currently using Alpha GPC produced by Lyfetrition. And the CDP-Choline is the Cognizin in Mind Lab Pro.
It would be helpful to use both Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and Phosphatidylserine (PS) although I can’t recommend a particular brand at this point. Go with a reputable manufacturer and then check the user reviews.
All four of these nootropics work together if you investigate their mechanism of action. If your budget only allows so much then I would stay with Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline. Depending on which one works best for you. If you can add PC and PS as well you should notice a difference and how you feel and how your brain works.
Marffa
August 3, 2018
Thank you for the answer, it was very detailed.
I am new to this stuff and I still wonder, they all say CHOLINE somewhere in the word. I can’t afford having all 4, so could I instead of taking either ALPHA GPC or CDP Choline with my DMAE just take Phosphatidylcholine (since, as I understand, it is also a source of Choline) and stack it with Phosphatidylserine since they go together well?
Thanks.
David Tomen
August 3, 2018
Marffa, I realize this can be confusing so stay with me here …
Your body naturally synthesizes choline (from your diet) into CDP-Choline (Citicoline). It’s then converted to phosphatidylcholine (PC) which assists cell membranes, and helps create acetylcholine.
Alpha GPC naturally occurs in your brain as a byproduct of phosphatidylcholine (PC). When your brain needs more choline, and the choline floating around in your brain is running low, it breaks down phosphatidylcholine from cell membranes. And turns it into Alpha GPC.
Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is in the outer layer of brain cell membranes, and Phosphatidylserine (PS) is part of the inner layer.
This is very simplified version of how this works. Each of these provides various benefits to your body and brain. And all are needed for you to survive.
The problem arises when one or more of these functions does not work as designed. And it’s different in each one of us.
You may only need to support one out of four. Or maybe more. The only way to figure this out is to try each one and see how you feel. If you don’t feel any better in any way then that means your body has already taken care of it. And you don’t need to supplement with that particular nootropic. All four are required but you may not need to use all four. Testing, testing, testing is the key to success with nootropics.
Shane
July 29, 2018
Hi David, how are ya. Thank you so much for all the invaluable information you provide on nootropics; it is profusely appreciated. I have been consistently taking ALPHA GPC for 3 months now. The recommended dosage on the bottle is 2 capsules a day with food (not to exceed 8 capsules daily) however, I have been taking 12 capsules daily (300mg per capsule) for 3 months and the results have been extraordinary. My memory has definitely improved but the truly marked difference has been in my muscular development and strength. It has been remarkable. People have asked me if I am on steroids.
I take a lot of supplements, about 95 a day. And when I take the Alpha GPC I take all 12 capsules at the same time along with maybe 30 other capsules from various supplements and vitamins.
I have 4 questions David. Is this a risk to my health?
Are there any side effects to taking this many Alpha GPC? Is it okay to take all 12 capsules at the same time along with other vitamins and supplements? And lastly, is it okay if I keep up this unusually high dosage for as long as I want to?
Again, the physical and strength results have been nothing short ofunbelievable. Thank you so much David, I truly appreciate your time. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Gratefully Yours,
Shane
David Tomen
July 30, 2018
Shane, Alpha GPC is considered non-toxic. So higher dosages for extended periods shouldn’t be a problem. It sounds like your body is desperate for choline and acetylcholine. So listen to your body. If you begin feeling fatigue, headaches, nervousness, or nausea then you’ll know to cut back.
I’m not sure what the half-life is for Alpha GPC. Most of us split our dosage into 3-times per day to maintain consistent levels of Alpha GPC in our body. But you want to avoid taking it too late in the day. Otherwise the boost in energy could interfere with sleep.
John P Morgan
June 6, 2018
Fat or water soluble,
Great Information Thanks Mr. David Tomen
David Tomen
June 6, 2018
John, choline supplements are usually ‘water-soluble’.
Sparsh
March 25, 2018
Confused about the ratio of Alpha-gpc vs Piracetam. In one of your other articles, you said that one should take 1:8 ratio or 1:4 ration of Piracetam and CDP-choline. Given that alpha-gpc is more bioavailable, and more concentrated, the dosage should be less than that of CDP-choline.
So, what dose of Alpha-GPC do you use with with a total of 4.8g piracetam per day. Would 600mg alpha-gpc suffice?
David Tomen
March 26, 2018
Sparsh, I realize it can be confusing because there is no solid ratio. It really depends on two things; how your body reacts, and the type of Alpha GPC you are using. Most Alpha GPC supplements are only 50% and the other half filler. Because Alpha GPC tends to liquefy when pure.
You will not do any damage by doubling your dose of Alpha GPC. The most that will happen is you’ll get sleepy from too much choline. Start with 600 mg and see how it works. Preferably split into two doses of 300 mg each time you dose Piracetam.
David
February 23, 2018
I’m looking to use a stack of noopept and alpha gpc. I am starting with 10mg of noopept and 400mg of alpha gpc 50% (meaning 200mg of a-gpc). Am I correct in thinking, since it is 50% a-gpc, that I am getting the correct ratio of 20:1?
David Tomen
February 23, 2018
David, it’s not an exact science. Try 10 mg of Noopept with 400 mg of the Alpha GPC you have and see how you feel. If you notice any fatigue then the dose of Alpha GPC is too high.
Mike Gold
January 31, 2018
I started taking 400mg Alpha GPC and 1600mg Piracetam a few days ago. I am also taking Lion’s mane and B complex. I am 5’3″ 115 lbs. Almost every day I feel sick. Two days ago I was dealing with mild depression, and yesterday I felt like I was sick all day with a headache, low energy, bad mood, and achy joints. I am almost positive it is from the nootropics, as I feel great in the morning or later in the day when I believe . Do you think the dosage is too high for my body?
David Tomen
January 31, 2018
Mike, it sounds like your body is not responding well to either Alpha GPC or Piracetam or both. Try eliminating Alpha GPC with the rest of your stack and see how you feel. If that solves the problem then you may want to try CPD-Choline instead. If both choline supplements cause problems it means your body already has plenty of choline.
If eliminating Alpha GPC doesn’t change anything then I would try using your stack without Piracetam. But the description of your symptoms sounds like too much choline or acetylcholine.
I’ve found it takes a lot of trial and error with nootropics to see what my body and brain best respond to.
Trevor
April 26, 2018
Well Mike… I am trying something similar and along with the coline and others, I am trying GOOD pro-biotics and the sickness and stomach problems have all but gone after just a few days. Worth a try??? Also as a point of note, with the new approach, I am completely changed and I am a completely new person. I was driven insane by the medication given to me by the GP and Psychiatrist and the very day I gave up the medication, the panic went and I refuse to take any medication prescribed since except Lyrica, which I believe is a wonder drug, for me anyway, and I am on a new approach of dealing with it naturally and I can honestly say that I am 90% cured from panic, anxiety, depression, headaches and mental disorders. So if you can, stick with it and if it’s giving you problems, tinker about with it to find the exact formula that works for you!! All the best, Trevor.
laurent23
August 10, 2019
hello David, I m bipolar type II treated by lamictal and little dose of lithium. Since 6 months and a episode of hypomania under ssri I have many brain fog difficulty to focus and less speech ability (maybe attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity). I have seen that A-Gpc is effective for my sickness but I don t know the dosage for bipolar. I currently take 2x500mg per day since 20 days. The improvement is real but not enough unfortunately. I think about ritalin but I m little bit scared about the long term use and high anxiety. It s very controled substance in my country (france). I wanted to know your expert advise about the dosage of a-gpc for my condition and your opinion about ritalin and risk of mania under this kind of stimulant. Thank you
David Tomen
August 10, 2019
Laurent, the top limit on suggested dosage for Alpha GPC is 1,200 mg per day. Divided into 2 or 3 doses.
Ritalin in my opinion is a great solution for someone who is clinically Adult ADD. But its not for everybody. It is possible to control ADD symptoms with just nootropics which I did for one year using this nootropic stack: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/