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January 20, 2022 By David Tomen 172 Comments

Alpha GPC

Alpha GPC
Alpha GPC has been shown to reverse age-related cognitive decline, improve memory and learning, and boost athletic workouts.

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.

Table of Contents

  • Overview
  • Alpha GPC vs. CDP-Choline vs. Choline Bitartrate: What’s the Difference?
  • How does Alpha GPC Work in the Brain?
  • How things go bad
  • Alpha GPC benefits
  • How does Alpha GPC feel?
  • Alpha GPC Clinical Research
    • Alpha GPC Increases the Release of Dopamine
    • Alpha GPC Facilitates Learning and Memory
    • Alpha GPC Relieves Cognitive Impairment in Alzheimer’s
  • Alpha GPC Recommended Dosage
  • Alpha GPC Side Effects
  • Type of Alpha GPC to buy
  • Nootropics Expert Recommendation

Overview

Alpha-GPC
Alpha GPC

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]

Alpha GPC and athletic performance

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.

Alpha GPC more choline by weightCholine 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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]

Alpha GPC increases neuron signalling

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 for all ages

Alpha GPC benefits

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 boosts energy

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

Alpha GPC boosts memoryAn 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 Impairment in Alzheimer’s

Thirteen published clinical trials, involving a total of 4,054 Alzheimer’s patients consistently showed Alpha GPC:[xv]

  • Boosted 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

Alpha GPC Recommended 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 400 – 1,200 mg per day.
  • Athletic training suggested dosage of Alpha GPC is 400 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). 

Type of Alpha GPC 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® is a patented form 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. They have cGMP certified manufacturing facilities in Italy and Brazil. 

Alpha GPC is made from soy or sunflower lecithin. So if you’re trying to avoid soy in your diet look for A-GPC “no soy” or labeled as derived from sunflower lecithin.

Nootropics Expert Recommendation

Alpha GPC 400 – 1,200 mg per day

Nootropics Expert Tested and ApprovedI recommend using Alpha GPC as a nootropic 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 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.

We 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.

Use Alpha GPC at a ratio of 1:4. For example, 400 mg of Alpha GPC to 1,600 mg of a racetam like Piracetam.

Age-related cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s may want to up the dose to 1,200 mg per day.

REFERENCES

[i] Ziegenfuss T., Landis J. Hofheins J. “Acute supplementation with alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine augments growth hormone response to, and peak force production during, resistance exercise” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 20085(Suppl 1):P15 (source)

[ii] Canal N., Franceschi M., Alberoni M., Castiglioni C., De Moliner P., Longoni A. “Effect of L-alpha-glyceryl-phosphorylcholine on amnesia caused by scopolamine.” International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, Therapy, Toxicology. 1991 Mar;29(3):103-7. (source)

[iii] Kidd P.M. “Neurodegeneration from mitochondrial insufficiency: nutrients, stem cells, growth factors, and prospects for brain rebuilding using integrative management.” Alternative Medicine Review 2005 Dec;10(4):268-93. (source)

[iv] De Jesus Moreno Moreno M. “Cognitive improvement in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s dementia after treatment with the acetylcholine precursor choline alfoscerate: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.” Clinical Therapeutics 2003 Jan;25(1):178-93. (source)

[v] Cohen B.M., Renshaw P.F., Stoll A.L., Wurtman R.J., Yurgelun-Todd D., Babb S.M. “Decreased brain choline uptake in older adults. An in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.” JAMA 1995 Sep 20;274(11):902-7. (source)

[vi] Drago F., Mauceri F., Nardo L., Valerio C., Lauria N., Rampello L., Guidi G. “Behavioral effects of L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine: influence on cognitive mechanisms in the rat.” Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior 1992 Feb;41(2):445-8. (source)

[vii] Bronzetti E., Felici L., Amenta F. “Effect of ipsilateral lesioning of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis and of L-alpha-glyceryl phosphorylcholine treatment on choline acetyltransferase and acetylcholinesterase in the rat fronto-parietal cortex.” Neuroscience Letters 1993 Dec 24;164(1-2):47-50 (source)

[viii] Vega J.A., Cavallotti C., del Valle M.E., Mancini M., Amenta F. “Nerve growth factor receptor immunoreactivity in the cerebellar cortex of aged rats: effect of choline alfoscerate treatment.” Mechanisms of Ageing and Development 1993 Jun;69(1-2):119-27. (source)

[ix] Ceda G.P., Ceresini G., Denti L., Marzani G., Piovani E., Banchini A., Tarditi E., Valenti G. “alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine administration increases the GH responses to GHRH of young and elderly subjects.”Hormone and Metabolic Research 1992 Mar;24(3):119-21 (source)

[x] Parnetti L., Abate G., Bartorelli L., Cucinotta D., Cuzzupoli M., Maggioni M., Villardita C., Senin U. “Multicentre study of l-alpha-glyceryl-phosphorylcholine vs ST200 among patients with probable senile dementia of Alzheimer’s type.” Drugs Aging 1993 Mar-Apr;3(2):159-64 (source)

[xi] Ceda G.P., Ceresini G., Denti L., Magnani D., Marchini L, Valenti G., Hoffman A.R. “Effects of cytidine 5′-diphosphocholine administration on basal and growth hormone-releasing hormone-induced growth hormone secretion in elderly subjects.” Acta Endocrinologica (Copenhagen).1991;124(5):516-20. (source)

[xii] Trabucchi M., Govoni S., Battaini F.  “Changes in the interaction between CNS cholinergic and dopaminergic neurons induced by L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, a cholinomimetic drug.” Farmaco Sci.1986 Apr;41(4):325-34. (source)

[xiii] Traini E., Bramanti V., Amenta F. “Choline alphoscerate (alpha-glyceryl-phosphoryl-choline) an old choline- containing phospholipid with a still interesting profile as cognition enhancing agent.” Current Alzheimer’s Research 2013 Dec;10(10):1070-9. (source)

[xiv] Florio T., Bajetto A., Thellung S., Arena S., Corsaro A., Bonavia R., Merlino M., Schettini G. “Prolonged treatment with α-glycerylphosphorylethanolamine facilitates the acquisition of an active avoidance behavior and selectively increases neuronal signal transduction in rats” Aging Clinical and Experimental Research October 1999, Volume 11, Issue 5, pp 335-342 (source)

[xv] Parnetti L., Amenta F., Gallai V. “Choline alphoscerate in cognitive decline and in acute cerebrovascular disease: an analysis of published clinical data.” Mechanisms of Ageing and Development 2001 Nov;122(16):2041-55. (source)

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About David Tomen

David has been researching nootropics and brain optimization for over 10 years. When he's not writing about nootropics, he's travelling the world (45 countries so far), sailing, diving, studying neuroscience or sitting under an umbrella on Miami Beach. More...

Comments

  1. Aleksander says

    March 29, 2022 at 4:13 am

    Hi David! What Is your total daily Alpha GPC and CDP Choline Dosage?

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      March 29, 2022 at 2:22 pm

      Aleksander, Alpha GPC 300 mg 3-times per day or CDP-Choline 300 mg twice per day.

      Reply
  2. Justin Butterfield says

    February 13, 2022 at 10:06 am

    Hi there, i absolutely love all your info you have provided through your website. So i wanted start by saying thanks.
    Im currently taking alpha-gpc daily as it is doing wonders for my mental state, wich make me think i may have choline deficiency. My question is being our bodies naturally need around 500mg of choline per day and its so essential to the body would this mean i could continue supplementing this daily with no risk of tolerance assuming i didnt go crazy with the dosages?
    I read so many mixed reports on weather or not this should be cycled to avoid tolerance. So im just not sure.
    Also im curious as to why 200 mg makes me feel so at peace inside but when i eat 4 eggs woch have twice the choline i dont notice this.

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      February 14, 2022 at 6:09 pm

      Justin, because there is no way to tell how much choline is in an egg unless you send it to the lab and get it tested.

      You cannot grow tolerant to Alpha GPC. It has a short half-life and is gone from your body in 5 – 6 hours. The only thing according to a clinical study published last November is you should avoid using Alpha GPC long-term. Because a long-term clinical study with about 12 million people showed those using Alpha GPC daily for 10 years had a 46% increased chance of stroke.

      Better to use 300 mg CDP-Choline twice per day if you need to increase acetylcholine. And use it long-term.

      Reply
  3. Will says

    February 7, 2022 at 3:36 pm

    Hi David, does alpha GPC have to be cycled?

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      February 9, 2022 at 10:56 am

      No

      Reply
  4. Benjamin says

    February 1, 2022 at 1:38 am

    Will this be enough for acetylcholine alone or do I need more stuff to make it could you please tell me all the supplements I need to make good levels of acetylcholine.

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      February 2, 2022 at 6:27 pm

      Benjamin, you also need ALCAR and thiamine to synthesize acetylcholine.

      Reply
  5. Aaron says

    January 30, 2022 at 3:36 pm

    Hey David,

    I am already using MindLab Pro as my primary nootropic. Currently, I take two pills of MindLab. The question I have is that does it make sense for me to take Alpha GPC in addition to MindLab pro? Are there any side effects of taking Alpha GPC with other nootropics?

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      January 31, 2022 at 4:09 pm

      Aaron, you can certainly use Alpha GPC with Mind Lab Pro although MLP does contain enough Citicoline for one dose.

      But please read the last paragraph under this section above before choosing Alpha GPC “Alpha GPC Side Effects“.

      Reply
  6. Maxwell Austin van Lack says

    January 24, 2022 at 2:17 am

    David: I am a 77 year old male and have been taking 300 mg of Citicholine for the past 2 years, as per your recommendation. When I recently heard about Phosphatidylserine I decided to add it to my stack. I found a complex that combined 400 mg of it with 300 mg of Alpha GPC and 200 mcg of Huperzine-A in a 2-capsule daily dose, and stopped the Citicholine.

    Then I received your email about the connection between Alpha GPC and an increased risk of stroke. Which would you recommend? (1) Reduce my intake of the complex to 150 mg of GPC per day, (2) Discontinue the complex and go back to Citicholine, (3) Find an alternate complex without the GPC but with Citicholine?

    The label of the complex says to take with a meal but you advise taking with water in the AM. Does it matter?

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      January 24, 2022 at 6:47 pm

      Maxwell, with what I know now I would use separate Citicoline and Phosphatidylserine supplements unless you can find them combined.

      As for discontinuing the complex that you currently have I would finish it and then get separate supplements unless you find a combo. Unless you have a 10 year supply of that complex I wouldn’t worry about it.

      Reply
  7. Ruslan says

    January 12, 2022 at 10:30 am

    Hello David!
    Thank you for all these articles, researches and comments. I’m from Russia and find your website the most useful source about nootropics.

    Our government banned A-GPC from iherb, but there is no problem to buy it on Amazon.
    Could you tell me please, which brands of A-GPC are trusted and 100% not counterfeit?
    I found two items which are seems reliable:

    Gold Health – Alpha GPC + Uridine

    Dr. Maxwell – Alpha GPC + Uridine

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      January 12, 2022 at 5:54 pm

      Either one looks OK but Dr. Maxwell has more positive reviews. The one I use and recommend is this one: https://amzn.to/3tlOBQo

      Reply
  8. Jesse says

    December 31, 2021 at 1:59 am

    how do you increase n-acetylaspartate cant find any supplements for it?

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      December 31, 2021 at 3:51 pm

      Jesse, according to this report by the BBC from several years ago (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6440979.stm) they did it in kids by improving their diet and supplementing with EPA (Omega-3).

      Reply
  9. Joshua says

    September 28, 2021 at 12:21 pm

    Greetings!

    Thanks for creating and maintaining such an important resource of relevant information, I refer to this website frequently and trust your advice.

    Regarding the dosage recommendation for Alpha GPC (400 – 1,200 mg per day) does that recommendation apply to the 100% or 50% version?

    Thanks again and keep up the great work!

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      September 28, 2021 at 3:26 pm

      Joshua, relevant question and it applies to both. Increasing acetylcholine is not an exact science when it comes to dosing precursors like Alpha GPC.

      Most Alpha GPC supplements are the 50% version because this powder tends to liquify in storage easily if it’s not cut with a filler. Be suspicious of any Alpha GPC supplement claiming to be 100% Alpha GPC. Because they are likely lying if they make that claim.

      You’ll need to experiment with the amount you use depending on your body chemistry, circumstances and other supplements you are using. For example, I use 600 mg Alpha GPC (50%) 3-times per day. And sometimes another 600 mg if I get a headache. It’s what works for me. You may need more or less.

      Reply
  10. Jenny says

    September 12, 2021 at 12:13 pm

    David Tomen…. thank you for help me and so many people to have hope!!
    I would like to know please just some questions

    Do you think consuming milk as a source of calcium is a bad idea and if so, why do you think so?
    is yogurt also just as bad?

    is Phytomenadione a Good form of Vitamin K1? (I already consume Vitamin K2 in form of MK-4 and MK-7)

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      September 13, 2021 at 5:31 pm

      Jenny, Phytomenadione is vitamin K1.

      And it’s calcium in supplement form that is the problem because unless Vitamin K and Vitamin D is present it cannot be delivered into bones but instead floats around in your bloodstream causing problems. I’ve never seen this as a problem from consuming milk or yogurt.

      Reply
  11. Catalina Mihaela Tempeanu says

    August 10, 2021 at 2:50 pm

    How to take Alpha gcp and not have a headache? I remember taking it a long time ago and having headaches.
    I had beriberi and massive headcahes. These have gone due to megadoses of thiamine, remag, pico potassium and a bunch of other supplements. I’m currently taking CDP Choline.
    I want to try alpha gcp and I’m just worried that i’ll have headaches again. Is this happening due to the dose? So taking a smaller dose will be the solution?
    Or is ther any other co-factor that needs to be taken? I don’t want to use Uridine because increases the insuline resistance.
    Is there anything else that alpha gcp needs to be taken with?

    I’m hoping that the ReMag and Pico Potassium will save me from any potential headaches. I also have COMT++ wich means I metabolise dopamine, estrogen and other hormones slower so need to be careful to not have a buildup of dopamine as that might also cause a headache I think.

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      August 10, 2021 at 4:44 pm

      Catalina, you need thiamine and Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) as cofactors with Alpha GPC to make acetylcholine.

      Reply
      • Catalina Mihaela Tempeanu says

        August 12, 2021 at 6:30 am

        Thank you! I already take them. Awesome 🙂

        Reply
  12. John Paul says

    July 22, 2021 at 1:00 am

    Hi David, I have CFS/POTS Syndrome, and if I take 300/600mg with breakfast, I feel my mind becomes super snappy, and my energy is back with 600mg. Only thing is my sleep will be ultra terrible even with just a 300mg capsule. Is there anyway I mitigate this issue?

    I find that alpha-gpc, coq10, coconut oil or caffeine does this to me even in small amounts.

    Appreciate your thoughts and thanks for the great YouTube videos that are really helpful!

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      July 22, 2021 at 5:04 pm

      John Paul, Alpha GPC taken at breakfast should not have any effect on sleep 1 – 12 hrs. later because it has a half-life of around 4 hrs. So all of it is gone from your system 8 – 10 hrs. later.

      Reply
    • Catalina Mihaela Tempeanu says

      August 10, 2021 at 2:17 pm

      Have a look at thiamine deficiency! I’m using 1500mg of thiamine ttdf, Remag and Pico Potassium,Remyte,CDP Choline, Acethyl Glutathione, B2 (400mg), Niacin flush 400mg (trying to build up to megadose), p5p, Folinic, Adenosyl-Hydroxy B12, TMG, SAM-e (low dose as I don’t tolerate methyls but mega dose niacin wipes the methyls). Fatigue is greatly improved and headaches gone. There are a lot of co-factors and micronutrients that need to be used together. Check Eliott Overton on utube and dr Lonsdale (wrote a book on Thiamine). Also check the True Story of Niacin by Hoffer.

      Reply
      • David Tomen says

        August 10, 2021 at 4:41 pm

        Catalina, thanks for contributing to this and good suggestions. One thing you may consider is changing to Sulbutiamine instead of Thiamine because Thiamine does not cross the blood-brain barrier easily. It’s why Sulbutiamine was developed in the first place.

        Reply
        • Catalina Mihaela Tempeanu says

          August 12, 2021 at 6:39 am

          The thiamine ttdf croses the BBB, but other types such as thiamine hcl or benfothiamine don’t.
          I’ll defently have a look at Sulbuthiamine as this is a new thing.
          I’m doing great with ttdf and since I started to take Alpha-GPC yesterday the hypersomnolence is gone without a trace!! so that was the missing piece of the puzzle in my case.

          Today I started to take Acethyl L cartnitine as these 2 together are recomended for CFS. I was worried that the acethyl group might give me headaches but no, that’s not the case. The thiamine ttdf and Remag and Pico Potassium really helped and I can say 100% that headaches and encephalopathy are hsitory!

          Anyway I’m constantly researching same as you! So thank you for your suggestion.

          Reply
          • David Tomen says

            August 12, 2021 at 4:42 pm

            Catalina, I stand corrected. Thiamine tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide (TTFD) is one I missed likely because I stopped looking once I tried Sulbutiamine and it worked so well.

            Thanks for the update and happy you are having success with these supplements!

  13. Aivo Rannik says

    July 18, 2021 at 3:15 pm

    Hello David!
    Reading the article, I get the feeling that Alpha GPC is more suitable for older people? I’m 37 and have ADD. Could Alpha GPC potentially help me?

    Thank you!
    Aivo

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      July 21, 2021 at 2:16 pm

      Aivo, Alpha GPC is naturally made in your brain which means it can be used by anyone no matter their age.

      Reply
  14. Rob says

    June 23, 2021 at 4:12 pm

    Hi David i was hoping you could help me out I’m a little worried. My wife this morning took Curcumin, Vitamin C, NAC, Trans-Resveratrol, Lions Mane, NONI Extract, Urdine Monophosphate, Alpha GPC, NALT, Hupperzine A and is extremely nauseous with a terrible headache. Could something have interacted that caused this?

    Reply
    • Rob says

      June 23, 2021 at 4:14 pm

      I forgot to also add in Taurine

      Reply
    • David Tomen says

      June 24, 2021 at 5:21 pm

      Rob, has she used any of these supplements before?

      None of these supplements are contraindicated with anything on this list. But if she took these all at once without testing each one first there is no way to tell which one caused the side effects.

      The only one I am unfamiliar with and have not done the research for is NONI extract. I have no idea how it works in the human brain.

      Reply
  15. David says

    June 21, 2021 at 7:53 pm

    Hi David, I went to HR Supplements to get some Noopept per your suggestion and thought I would pick up some Alpha-GPC to take with it. What I got was Choline Complex plus DMAE (not sure why I did that?). This has Alpha-GPC 150mg, Citicoline 125mg, and DMAE L-Bitartrate 125mg. Is taking one of these with 30mg of Noopept going to do the job? Same with some Aniracetam 1000mg I have? Thank you for everything!!!

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      June 22, 2021 at 2:06 pm

      David, it should work but you may need to double your dose of this choline complex. Especially if you are using Aniracetam as well.

      Alpha GPC and CDP-Choline compliment each other. But DMAE does not provide much value to what you are trying to do with either of those nootropics.

      Reply
  16. Satya says

    June 9, 2021 at 2:37 am

    Hi David/Is it True that Alphasize Brand of Alpha GPC being the Best Choice? I use it together with L-Citrulline.

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      June 9, 2021 at 4:07 pm

      Satya, AlphaSize® is a patented form 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. They have cGMP certified manufacturing facilities in Italy and Brazil. So you can be sure that this form of Alpha GPC is pure as long as the end manufacturer does not include toxic “other ingredients” in their capsules.

      Reply
    • Yuki says

      January 25, 2022 at 9:30 pm

      Do you know the price of Alphasize?

      Reply
      • David Tomen says

        January 26, 2022 at 3:49 pm

        Yuki, Doctor’s Best has a supplement using AlphaSize® for $21.44 here: https://amzn.to/3o04Pe

        Reply
  17. Simon says

    May 27, 2021 at 2:47 am

    I came across a paper showing how recent studies have shown a mechanistic link between intestinal microbial metabolism of the choline moiety in dietary phosphatidylcholine (lecithin) and coronary artery disease through the production of a proatherosclerotic metabolite, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO). Have you read anything like this before?
    The link is https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4919531/#:~:text=In%20mice%2C%20higher%20dietary%20phosphatidylcholine,eventually%20promoted%20atherosclerosis%20(1).&text=In%20our%20recent%20analyses%2C%20dietary,3%20US%20populations%20(4).

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      May 27, 2021 at 3:57 pm

      Simon, they make a pretty convincing argument that “high intake of phosphatidylcholine, which could lead to a higher production of TMAO, was significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause and CVD-specific mortality, in particular among diabetic patients”

      That is news to me but good information. Especially if you are diabetic.

      Reply
  18. Michelle says

    May 22, 2021 at 5:29 am

    Hi
    Is it best to take Alpha GPC on an empty stomach or after eating?

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      May 22, 2021 at 5:28 pm

      Michelle, Alpha GPC is water soluble so it does not matter when you take it. It will get absorbed and used by your brain empty stomach or not.

      Reply
  19. Jose Cardoso says

    May 10, 2021 at 2:56 pm

    Hi David
    I would like to know your opinion about the composition of British Supplements products

    Thanks

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      May 12, 2021 at 3:32 pm

      Jose, they claim that they offer “pure” supplements with no fillers or “other ingredients”. But can they prove it? I do not see a link to a testing program of any kind on their website.

      Reply
      • Jose Cardoso says

        May 20, 2021 at 2:26 pm

        Ok David I understood
        And what is the Alpha GPC you use?

        Thanks

        Reply
        • David Tomen says

          May 20, 2021 at 4:58 pm

          Jose, I use the Alpha GPC produced by Zazzee because it’s about as pure as I can find: https://amzn.to/3u6ycMD

          Reply
          • Jose Cardoso says

            May 24, 2021 at 4:19 pm

            Many thanks for your help David.

  20. Georgia says

    May 10, 2021 at 7:41 am

    Hey David,
    thank you for this information.
    I am curious, so if i already take 500mg of Choline a day (sunflower lecitine) for overall cognitive function, then would I take Alpha GPC on top or would that be too much choline ?
    Thank you for your help,
    Georgia

    Reply
    • David Tomen says

      May 10, 2021 at 4:14 pm

      Georgia, if you are sure your are positively getting 500 mg of Choline in your sunflower lecithin supplement (i.e. it is stated on the label) then you may not need Alpha GPC. But it depends on your system and how much choline you need.

      I personally get Citicoline from Mind Lab Pro but also use a separate Alpha GPC supplement 3-times per day and it works great for me. That may or may not be true for you too.

      Reply
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