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
Rifat Al-chadirji
March 29, 2020
Hi David,
Is Alpha GPC supposed to be taken every day? Or is it taken as needed?
David Tomen
March 29, 2020
Rifat, it depends on how much extra acetylcholine your brain needs. I find myself dosing Alpha GPC 3 or 4 times per day. And another capsule if for some reason I experience a headache which is rare.
Certainly daily dosage is common. But you’ll need to figure out how many times during the day you need it.
Rifat Al-chadirji
April 9, 2020
Hi David,
Do you think the Alpha GPC from nootropics depot is good? From which company do you recommend me buying it?
Thank you
David Tomen
April 23, 2020
Rifat, it’s likely OK. I prefer getting my Alpha GPC from a company who will back up the contents of their capsules. Like HR Supplements who will provide a Certificate of Analysis just by scanning the QR Code the bottle label. You can get that here: https://www.hrsupplements.com/alpha-gpc-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine-capsules-300mg-60-count/?afmc=NOOTROPICS
James
March 9, 2020
I have the doublewood brand. so if i take 600mg..I am only getting 240mg because it is 40% choline by weight?
David Tomen
March 9, 2020
James, you are correct but it’s not how Alpha GPC is measured. Because that capsule is likely only 50% Alpha GPC and the rest filler. Pure Alpha GPC tends to liquefy.
“How much” choline is kinda’ a red herring because we’re looking for results when using supplements to boost acetylcholine. The exact amount of choline a supplement provides is secondary and not particularly relevant.
James
March 9, 2020
Oh ok thank you. I was worried that the choline amount was too low.
Taha Jawadi
February 19, 2020
Thank you for the information
But, I would like to tell you that I have headache from using Alpha GPC 400 mg alone.
To be honest, I did not use Piracetam until today.
I saw many mentioning that you have to use 2.4g of Piracetam and above than you mentioned, Sir.
Should I decrease the dose of alpha from 400 mg to 200 mg or should increase my Piracetam intake.
Thank you in advance.
David Tomen
February 20, 2020
Taha, you can try increasing your Piracetam dose first. If that doesn’t work the try decreasing your Alpha GPC dose.
The key to making nootropics work for you is trial and error. This more of an ‘art’ once you understand the ‘science’. Experiment (carefully) until you feel better.
Anthony
December 12, 2019
Hi David.
I want to stack Alpha-GPC, Pramiracetam and i use Coconut oil. I want to know if i could stack these nootropics with 50mg Serdep(Sertraline)
Does sertraline effect acetylcholine? Can acetylcholine cause serotonin syndrome?
Thanks
David Tomen
December 12, 2019
Anthony, excess serotonin causes Serotonin Syndrome.
As far as I can tell from the documentation sertraline does not affect acetylcholine or its receptors.
And Pramiracetam has been shown in the lab to not directly influence GABA, dopamine, norepinephrine, or serotonin in the brain.
But I cannot advise you one way or the other because I’m not qualified to offer advice on prescription medication. Looks to me like it would not be a problem but please do your research and verify its safety. And of course I need to advise you to “check with your doctor” too.
Anthony
December 13, 2019
Thanks David
Sounds good and i will try it. I will start low and see.
I know my doctor will tell me to not use nootropics cause he does not understand them but i don’t like anti-depressants and told him i want to get off Serdep but he keeps telling me i need them for my anxiety and mood.
Also, i am struggling to get off Serdep and will try again next year and then just use nootropics cause i don’t think my problem is serotonin.
Ash
November 23, 2019
Please share the Alpha GPC supplement brand you are using. I am getting side effects with the one I use. Double Wood Supplements Alpha GPC.
David Tomen
November 24, 2019
Ash, I’ve used Double Wood for a couple of years because they’re are one of the only manufacturers making and selling individual nootropics like Alpha GPC with minimal “other ingredients”. In this case their only other ingredient is Silicon Dioxide. Which I hate but when I can’t find one with zero ‘other ingredients’ I use that one.
What kind of side effects are you experiencing? Because in this case it’s likely that you have enough acetylcholine and you don’t need to be using Alpha GPC.
Mark Painter
October 18, 2019
David, I notice that 600mg is specified as a single dosage by the Alpha GPC product I’ve purchased. I tried 1/2 dose (300mg) with no discernible benefit. I did notice some possible increase in brain fog later in the day which could have been accounted for by food sensitivities. I’m considering trying the 600mg “dose” specified by the label, but am wondering if there are any likely risks of too much choline other than some ephemeral brain fog. I’d like to find the dose that confers some benefit for me and increasing the doses seems the reasonable approach.
David Tomen
October 21, 2019
Mark, too much acetylcholine will cause side effects. But they’re not lasting nor dangerous at the dosages we’re talking about. So I suggest trying 600 mg and see what happens. If it backfires or you don’t get any benefit then clearly Alpha GPC is not for you.
If you absolutely must increase acetylcholine you can try CDP-Choline or Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR).
Robert
June 29, 2019
Why if one has eggs and dairy everyday would hey need Alpha GPC?
It appears everyone uses this like a coffee replacement, so how could this help on Dopamine release or Sleep?
I do believe I heard coffee releases Dopamine – but I think many are confused where we understand Dopamine = Pleasure, not anxiety or jittery.
David Tomen
June 29, 2019
Robert, Alpha GPC stimulates dopamine release: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3709792?dopt=Abstract. As does caffeine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22019894.
Excess dopamine turns into norepinephrine (NE) and too much NE can cause anxiety or jitteriness.
George Gichuhi
April 4, 2019
Doctor David Tormen, what is your professional advise on the new smart drug called Alpha Brain? Kindly write a review on it.
David Tomen
April 6, 2019
George, first I’m not a doctor. Don’t even play one on TV! But I will be doing a full review on Alpha Brain in the next couple of months.
George Gichuhi
April 9, 2019
Thanks alot David. i will be waiting for your review on Alpha Brain.
From the list of its ingredients, i see it contains alot of compounds such as Bacoopa moneri, lions claw, Huperzeine, Alpha GPC and others. some people who have used daily reported headaches, lucid dreams and high blood pressure
David Tomen
April 9, 2019
George, I’ll get to an Alpha Brain review as soon as I can. A couple of things I don’t like is their use of “Proprietary Blends” because I don’t know how much of each nootropic ingredient I’m getting. And it’s narrow focus of benefits. I truly believe that Mind Lab Pro is a better choice.
Mind Lab Pro helps and optimizes the entire brain. Not just focus and memory. You know exactly how much of each ingredient your getting. And it’s less expensive than Alpha Brain.