Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine (known by most as Alpha GPC) is often considered the most effective nootropic choline supplement available today.
Many users have made this or some version of Choline the base of their Nootropic supplementation routine.
The choline that is found in Alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine has the highest bioavailability and the best uptake in your brain, making it much more potent than other source of choline such as Citicoline or Choline Bitartrate.
This supplement can give you enhanced mental performance, especially in the areas of memory formation, retention, recall, reasoning, focus and mood.
Taking Alpha GPC is also considered to be an excellent method of supporting cognitive health and it is hypothesized that it may help prevent signs of aging like memory loss.
Not only is Alpha GPC Choline great by itself, but it is also known to potentiate or improve the effectiveness of a number of other nootropics. It can intensify the benefits of supplements in the Racetam class as well as most other Cholinergic brain boosters. Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine and Piracetam tablets are often taken together in a nootropic stack.
It has also been known to moderate some of the side effects associated with other Nootropic agents, especially headaches which result from an increased need for Choline. This is the main reason why many use it as a necessary component of nootropic stacks or regimens.
You can buy L-Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine on its own to make your own stack, or you can buy a pre-designed supplement combination such as Alpha Brain which contains this compound.



- Choline source to support memory function
- Increases attention, focus & energy
- Neuroprotective for brain cell health
What is Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine?
Related Topics
- Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine
- What is Choline?
- Alpha GPC Choline Content
- Health Benefits
- Dosages to Take
- User Reviews
- Side Effects
- Uses for Memory
- Effects on the Brain
- Increasing Growth Hormone
- Using Alpha GPC Powder
- Where to Buy Online
- Best Supplement Sources
- Comparison to CDP Choline
- Choline Alfoscerate
- Stacking with Piracetam
Alpha GPC is a supplemental version of the natural Choline compound that is naturally found in the brain, breast milk, and liver.
Useful as a nutritional supplement to enhance memory and cognitive function, this substance is a precursor in the biosynthesis of cell phospholipids and the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine.
The proper functioning of this neurotransmitter is essential to cognitive abilities and synaptic plasticity.
An interesting fact to note is that disruptions in either the function of Acetylcholine or the synthesis of those phospholipids has been associated with a number of brain issues. These include memory impairments (even those related to old age and Alzheimer’s) and a general decline in thinking, learning, and reasoning.
Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine is an extract from soy lecithin and is able to elevate levels of Acetylcholine within the brain as well as facilitating cell membrane fluidity and increasing the availability of neurotransmitter precursors.
Of all of the different sources of choline available on the market, GPC Choline is regarded as the most concentrated, and it has been observed to lead to the greatest increase in Acetylcholine levels.
This Acetylcholine precursor plays an important part in many different brain functions. It is used to help build, develop, and even repair the cell membranes of new neurons, as well as those cells which are no longer functioning properly.
This ensures that the neurons function properly and allows for the efficient transmission and transportation of chemical messengers. Brain cells are also better maintained when taking Alpha GPC and signs of aging or damage may be reduced or even reversed.
Enhances Memory Function
Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine contributes to better formation of connections between neurons as well as better access to stored memories. It is known for boosting short term memory, or working memory capacity, which is a function that is highly connected to our concept of fluid intelligence.
This is primarily due to the increased levels of Acetylcholine which can make it feel like your brain it working more efficiently and connecting the dots at a faster rate. Many users also report an enhanced feeling of mental energy which can also lead to an increased attention span, improved concentration and focus levels.
Several studies have confirmed that this supplement may be helpful in treating conditions of memory loss. These can range from conditions such as short-term amnesia to age related cognitive decline and even Alzheimer’s disease.
The studies show that supplementation can lead to improvements in attention, memory related tasks, lessening of distortion, irritability, and even help to improve emotional control in many patients.
Research on Alpha GPC Choline use for cognitive improvement has been very promising so far, however, more research is still needed, especially large-scale human trials. At this time, Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine is available as a health supplement only, and the FDA has not approved Alpha GPC Choline as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.
Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine Dosage
Finding the right dosage of Alpha GPC may require a bit of experimentation on your part to see what works for you. Proper dosage depends on many factors including age, weight, and the purpose for taking the supplement.
The following dosage recommendations are general guidelines only, and your personal dosage may differ. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor to help determine the best dosage for your needs.
The generally accepted effective dosage range is between 300 and 1200 milligrams per day. This can be taken all at once (preferably in the morning), but it is most effective when spread throughout the day in several equal administrations. However it is recommended not to take Alpha GPC too late in the day, as it can be stimulating and may interfere with your ability to fall and stay asleep.
Keep in mind that Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine is considered to be a safe supplement at recommended dosages without significant side effects and it is very well-tolerated. However, at high doses you may experience headaches or brain fog which can often be remedied simply by reducing your dosing.
You should always start out with the lowest effective dose and work your way up from there only after becoming familiar with its effects.
Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine Side Effects
Although there are not any significant or dangerous side effects associated with this supplement, you should be aware of a few possibilities.
The most common of these would be having a slight fishy smell to your body odor, sweat, and possibly urine. This is simply due to the process of Choline break down and elimination from the body. This is usually the result of taking too much at once and is very temporary.
You may also experience increased sweating and salivation, nausea and stomach issues, and a decreased appetite. Once again, the proper course of action in these cases is often to reduce the dose.
Overall, Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine is considered generally safe with many positive benefits and low risk of negative reactions.
- Gatti G, Barzaghi N, Acuto G, Abbiati G, Fossati T, Perucca E. A comparative study of free plasma choline levels following intramuscular administration of L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine and citicoline in normal volunteers. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol. 1992
- Muccioli G, Raso GM, Ghé C, Di Carlo R. Effect of L-alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine on muscarinic receptors and membrane microviscosity of aged rat brain. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 1996
- Di Perri R, Coppola G, Ambrosio LA, Grasso A, Puca FM, Rizzo M. A multicentre trial to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine versus cytosine diphosphocholine in patients with vascular dementia. J Int Med Res. 1991
- Vaizova OE, Zautner NA, Alifirova VM, Vengerovski? AI. [Influence of neuroprotectors with choline-positive action on the level of brain-injury markers during acute ischemic stroke]. Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2012
- Bronzetti E, Felici L, Zaccheo D, Amenta F. Age-related anatomical changes in the rat hippocampus: retardation by choline alfoscerate treatment. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 1991
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
2 Comments
I get stomach issues when taking Alpha GPC. Is it possible to take it sublingually or will the will the body not respond to it?
Hi Patient,
I have read reports of individuals using the liquid form of Alpha GPC sublingually, however there hasn’t been any research into this that I could find.
Have you tried administering a liquid Alpha GPC supplement?