cholinergicnootropiccognitive enhancer

Alpha-GPC

C₈H₂₀NO₆P

Also known as: L-Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine, Choline Alfoscerate, α-GPC

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.

Molecular Profile

Alpha-GPC molecular structure
Molecular Formula

C₈H₂₀NO₆P

Molecular Weight

257.22 g/mol

IUPAC Name

[(2R)-2,3-Dihydroxypropyl] 2-(trimethylazaniumyl)ethyl phosphate

CAS Number

28319-77-9

Elemental Composition
C37.4%(8)
H7.8%(20)
N5.5%(1)
O37.3%(6)
P12.0%(1)

Overview

Alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha-GPC) is a natural choline compound found in the brain and in small amounts in foods like soy lecithin, organ meats, and dairy products. As a phospholipid-derived choline source, it is considered one of the most bioavailable forms of choline available as a supplement. Alpha-GPC efficiently crosses the blood-brain barrier and serves as a precursor to acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter most associated with learning, memory, and muscle contraction. It also contributes to phosphatidylcholine synthesis, supporting cell membrane integrity. In Europe, Alpha-GPC is available as a prescription medication (Gliatilin, Delecit) for cognitive disorders, while in the United States it is marketed as a dietary supplement.

Mechanism of Action

Alpha-GPC is rapidly absorbed and metabolized to release free choline and glycerophosphate. The choline component is transported across the blood-brain barrier via choline transporters, where it serves as a substrate for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) to synthesize acetylcholine. The glycerophosphate portion contributes to phosphatidylcholine synthesis, supporting neuronal membrane structure and fluidity. By increasing acetylcholine availability, Alpha-GPC supports cholinergic neurotransmission involved in memory encoding, attention, and cognitive processing. Additionally, it may stimulate growth hormone release, which has implications for both cognitive and physical performance.

Benefits & Evidence

🧠

Memory & Learning Enhancement

Alpha-GPC supports memory formation and recall by increasing acetylcholine availability in the hippocampus and cortex. Clinical studies in cognitive impairment populations have shown improvements in memory and attention measures.

Moderate Evidence
12
🧠

Acetylcholine Support

As the most bioavailable supplemental choline source, Alpha-GPC efficiently raises brain choline and acetylcholine levels, supporting overall cholinergic function essential for cognitive processing.

Strong Evidence
2
💪

Physical Performance & Power Output

Research suggests Alpha-GPC may enhance power output and growth hormone secretion, potentially benefiting explosive athletic performance and body composition.

Moderate Evidence
34
🧬

Neuroprotection

Alpha-GPC may support neuronal health through its role in phosphatidylcholine synthesis and membrane repair. Research in age-related cognitive decline populations suggests possible neuroprotective effects.

Preliminary Evidence
1

Dosage & Timing

Standard Dose

300-600mg

Frequency

1-2x daily

Optimal Timing

Morning with or without food; 30-60 minutes before cognitive tasks

Dose Range

300mg — 1200mg

Note: Higher doses (1200mg/day divided into 3 doses) have been used in clinical studies for cognitive impairment. For nootropic use in healthy adults, 300-600mg daily is typical. Can be stacked with racetams and other nootropics that increase acetylcholine demand.

Safety Profile

Side Effects

  • Headache
  • Heartburn or GI discomfort
  • Dizziness
  • Skin rash (rare)
  • Fishy body odor at high doses (from trimethylamine)

Interactions

  • Anticholinergic drugs (may reduce Alpha-GPC's effectiveness)
  • Scopolamine (Alpha-GPC may partially counteract effects)
  • Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (may have additive cholinergic effects)

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
  • Allergy to soy (if soy-derived)
  • Active peptic ulcer (may increase gastric acid via cholinergic stimulation)

References & Sources

1

Cognitive improvement in mild to moderate Alzheimer's dementia after treatment with the acetylcholine precursor choline alfoscerate

De Jesus Moreno M

Clinical Therapeutics (2003)

180-day RCT showing Alpha-GPC 1200mg/day significantly improved cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients versus placebo.

DOI: 10.1016/S0149-2918(03)80003-9 ↗
2

Choline alphoscerate (alpha-glyceryl-phosphoryl-choline) an old choline-containing phospholipid with a still interesting profile as cognition enhancing agent

Traini E, Bramanti V, Amenta F

Current Alzheimer Research (2013)

Review confirming Alpha-GPC's cholinergic enhancement properties and its superiority to other choline sources in raising brain acetylcholine levels.

DOI: 10.2174/15672050113109990141 ↗
3

The effect of 6 days of alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine on isometric strength

Bellar D, LeBlanc NR, Campbell B

Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2015)

Alpha-GPC 600mg/day for 6 days significantly increased isometric mid-thigh pull force compared to placebo.

DOI: 10.1186/s12970-015-0103-x ↗
4

Acute supplementation with alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine augments growth hormone response to, and peak force production during, resistance exercise

Ziegenfuss T, Landis J, Hofheins J

Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2008)

Alpha-GPC 600mg augmented peak growth hormone response and peak bench press force during exercise.

DOI: 10.1186/1550-2783-5-S1-P15 ↗
5

The effects of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, caffeine or placebo on markers of mood, cognitive function, power, speed, and agility

Parker AG, Byars A, Purpura M, Jäger R

Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2015)

Alpha-GPC showed trends toward improvement in various cognitive and physical performance markers versus placebo.

DOI: 10.1186/1550-2783-12-S1-P41 ↗