Alpha-GPC (L-Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine, choline alfoscerate) is a nootropic -- a compound that enhances memory and other cognitive functions, known in the business as a "smart drug." In technical terms, alpha-GPC is an acetylcholine precursor, which is being studied to determine its effectiveness as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease, dementia and stroke.
In addition to its nootropic benefits, there are several otheradvantages associated with increasing consumption of cholinergic compounds, such as improved liver function, heart health, and even enhanced exercise performance when take pre-workout.
Relevent terms
It's likely that the technical terms associated with alpha-GPC are foreign to you. So let's review some relevant terminology.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Choline | Choline is anessential nutrient that is generally lumped in with B-vitamins. It is a precursor for acetylcholine. |
| Acetylcholine | Acetylcholine is a crucial neurotransmitter in the area of the brain responsible for memory andmuscle control. |
| Cholinergiccompounds | Cholinergiccompounds increase levels of acetylcholine in the brain. |
There are three mechanisms in place that lead to the increase of brain acetylcholine levels by cholinergic compounds:
- An acetylcholine precursor, they raise choline levels in the brain and give the body a greater substrate from which to produce acetylcholine.
- Produces the enzyme that forms acetylcholine (choline acetyltransferase).
- Inhibits the enzyme that breaks downacetylcholine (acetylcholinesterase).
The supplement functions via the first of these mechanisms and elevates plasma choline levels faster and more effectively than other forms of the compound, such as citicholine.[1]
Benefits
Nootropics are known as smart drugs
Taking a nootropic supplement in the morning can aidin focus throughout the workday. Alpha-GPC also increases the potency of muscle contractions due to itseffects on the peripheral nervous system.[3]
Recommended dosage
Begin supplementingat the recommended dose of 300mg once daily, and then move up to thetwice-daily recommendation, as stated on the label.
Be mindful of other forms of choline in your daily supplementregimen (choline, citicholine, and soy lecithin, specifically). Limit yourdoses of alpha-GPC if you're consuming high doses of other cholinergiccompounds.
Suggestion
NOW Foods Alpha-GPC
You'll want to research a reliable product. A great example would be NOW Foods, a solid, no-frills and affordable source for many single-ingredient dietary supplements.
Natural food sources
You can consume cholineand alpha-GPC via natural food sources. Soy, dairy, eggs, liver, and green vegetables, specifically, typically containsignificant quantities of choline.
Aswith any supplement, you should consult with your doctor before beginning a new dietary supplement plan.
Side effects
If your dose is too high, cholinergic compounds cancause headaches due to their vasodilatory effects on blood vessels in the brain.[4] Imagine the vascularity you get after a high volume workout when you're taking a strongpump product. Now imagine that chemical reaction in your brain. Doesn't sound fun, doesit?
For this reason, you should make sureto follow label instructions. Beyond headaches, alpha-GPC is generally well-tolerated in humans,however every individual is different and if you experience any side effects, you should cease consumptionimmediately. If side effects persisttalk to your doctor.
Where to buy
Be mindful of other forms of choline in your supplement regimen and limit doses of alpha-GPC if you're consuming other cholinergic compounds.
Alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine isa relatively obscure nootropic, and you will have trouble finding it adequately dosed, and at reasonable prices, if you're looking in brick-and-mortar stores. On this page you can compare prices from a variety of manufacturers and distributers. We'll point out the cheapest alpha-GPC supplements on the market.
References
- Gatti G., et. al.; International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, Therapy, and Toxicology; " A comparative study of free plasma choline levels following intramuscular administration of L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine and citicoline in normal volunteers;" September 1992
- Klinkenberg I., et. al.; Behavioural Brain Research; "Acetylcholine and attention;" August 2012
- Tim Ziegenfuss, Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition; "Acute supplementation with alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine augments growth hormone response to, and peak force production during, resistance exercise;" 2008
- Wei EP, Kontos HA; Hypertension, Journal of the American Heart Association; "H2O2 and endothelium-dependent cerebral arteriolar dilation. Implications for the identity of endothelium-derived relaxing factor generated by acetylcholine;" 1990
Alpha-GPC News on PricePlow
-
Mar 22, 2023 ![]()
YouTube Video
KLOUT KARMA VS MAMBA - Which Pre-Workout is for YOU? -
Mar 20, 2023 ![]()
YouTube Video
LFG! Best Preworkout from Bucked Up -
Mar 10, 2023 ![]()
YouTube Video
New Pre-Kaged Elite Flavors: Orange Mango and Caribbean Sunrise -
Mar 08, 2023 ![]()
YouTube Video
CASTLE BRAVO Pre-Workout | 450mg Caffeine from Merica Labz -
Mar 02, 2023 ![]()
YouTube Video
Morphogen AlphaGen Pre-Workout: A Monster Dose of Tyrosine -
Jan 31, 2023 ![]()
YouTube Video
Kaged MINDSET w/ Brian Rand & Team Kaged | Episode 081 -
Jan 19, 2023 ![]()
YouTube Video
Kaged Mindset Unboxing: Find your FLOW -
Dec 24, 2022 ![]()
YouTube Video
NEW CORE FURY V2 | Core Nutritionals Pre-Workout -
Dec 19, 2022 ![]()
YouTube Video
DO IT FOR 'MERICA! The New Merica Labz F-BOMB (Fruit Cocktail!) -
Nov 01, 2022 ![]()
YouTube Video
STRAWBERRY COLADA Pumps! CORE PUMP & Colada Etymology -
Oct 31, 2022 ![]()
YouTube Video
Arms Race CLARITY: Upgraded Nootropic Energy (137.5mg Caffeine) -
Oct 24, 2022 ![]()
Product News
EVLution Nutrition Alpha GPC was created.
Category: Alpha-GPC -
Apr 22, 2021 ![]()
Blog Post
5% Nutrition Core Line Goes Beyond Single-Ingredient Supplements
The 5% Nutrition Core Supplement Line has many classic supplements, but with twists! No single-ingredient formulas here, just like Rich Piana would want! -
Jan 26, 2021 ![]()
YouTube Video
Low-Caffeine Pre Workout for All Your Needs | Get RAW Nutrition Pre -
Sep 05, 2020 ![]()
YouTube Video
Facelift for ANIMAL? | ANIMAL PUMP PRO Review -
Sep 02, 2020 ![]()
YouTube Video
Ben Can't Handle The Sour! Ghost Energy Drink WARHEADS SOUR WATERMELON -
Sep 01, 2020 ![]()
YouTube Video
ENERGY DRINK GAME CHANGER | Ghost Energy Tropical Mango Review -
Dec 30, 2019 ![]()
Blog Post
NutraBio Knocks Out the Decade with New York Punch Alpha EAA!
NutraBio closes the decade in style, taking the best new supplement of the year and adding the best new flavor of the year: New York Punch Alpha EAA! -
Aug 27, 2019 ![]()
YouTube Video
Nootropics for a Competitor: Brandon DaCruz Focuses While Dieting -
Aug 19, 2019 ![]()
YouTube Video
CEO Level Nootropic | Cutler Cognition Review -
Jun 07, 2019 ![]()
Blog Post
NutraBio Alpha EAA Now in Grape Berry Crush
The best-feeling intra workout supplement on the market, NutraBio Alpha EAA, is now available in the instant-legendary flavor, Grape Berry Crush! -
Mar 23, 2019 ![]()
YouTube Video
NutraBio Alpha EAA Strawberry Lemon BOMB! -
Feb 15, 2019 ![]()
YouTube Video
NutraBio Alpha EAA: Essential Amino Acids + Nootropics! -
Feb 15, 2019 ![]()
Blog Post
NutraBio Alpha EAA: Nootropic-Powered Amino Workout Supplement
NutraBio Alpha EAA is an intra workout essential amino acid supplement with added nootropics and adaptogens for a performance and cognitive boost! -
Jan 31, 2019 ![]()
Blog Post
NutraBio Alpha-GPC Puts Focus and Strength in One Capsule
NutraBio Alpha-GPC contains 300mg ACTIVE Alpha-GPC in each capsule for increased strength and nootropic focus. It uses calcium phosphate as a carrier. -
Mar 14, 2018 ![]()
YouTube Video
Sparta Nutrition CogniKeto Review: Nootropic for Keto Dieters! -
Oct 15, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post
Keto Connect Podcast with Mike: Supplements for Keto | Episode #004
Need guidance about supplements for keto dieters? Check out Mike's 2017 Keto Connect podcast interview on "Keto for Normies" with Matt & Megha! -
Oct 09, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post
Optimizing Brain Performance with Shawn Wells | Episode #002
PricePlow's second podcast was one of the best we'll have, where Shawn Wells (ZoneHalo) discussed optimizing brain performance, including nootropics -
Oct 09, 2017 ![]()
YouTube Video
Optimizing Brain Performance with Shawn Wells | Podcast #2 -
Sep 29, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post
Choline Supplements: What’s the Best Form for Focus?
Choline is an essential nutrient that provides the backbone of the learning neurotransmitter acetylcholine; learn which form is best for your needs. -
Feb 07, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post
Blackstone Labs Hype Extreme: Long-Lasting Pumps & Focus
Hype Extreme is a brand new stimulant free pre workout from Blackstone labs that significantly enhances pumps and focus. -
Sep 06, 2016 ![]()
Blog Post
Northbound Nutrition BLEND – Cognitive Energy & Endurance
Blend from Northbound Nutrition is a clinically dosed cognition enhancing supplement perfect for work or working out. Maybe even a gaming supplement! -
Jan 06, 2016 ![]()
Blog Post
Alpha GPC for Strength CONFIRMED: 600mg/day for Legs!
Alpha-GPC for strength CONFIRMED! A new study found that 600mg daily of Alpha GPC significantly improves leg strength, and possibly more! -
Nov 04, 2015 ![]()
Blog Post
Best Sleep Aid Guide: Supplements, Ingredients, & Herbs
What's the Best Sleep Aid? It depends if you want a full-blown sleep aid supplement, or just a single-ingredient herb or compound. We cover it all! -
Mar 31, 2015 ![]()
Blog Post
Altius Pre-Workout by Jacked Factory: Go Strong All Day Long
The Altius Pre Workout by Jacked Factory is an Amazon product that is absolutely LOADED and has tons of great reviews. We analyze the ingredients.
Sign up for future Alpha-GPC news!
Click the button below to sign up for future Alpha-GPC news, deals, coupons, and reviews!
Alpha-GPC Reviews & Videos
-
Mar 22, 2023KLOUT KARMA VS MAMBA - Which Pre-Workout is for YOU?
![KLOUT KARMA VS MAMBA - Which Pre-Workout is for YOU?]()
-
Mar 20, 2023LFG! Best Preworkout from Bucked Up
![LFG! Best Preworkout from Bucked Up]()
-
Mar 10, 2023New Pre-Kaged Elite Flavors: Orange Mango and Caribbean Sunrise
![New Pre-Kaged Elite Flavors: Orange Mango and Caribbean Sunrise]()
-
Mar 08, 2023CASTLE BRAVO Pre-Workout | 450mg Caffeine from Merica Labz
![CASTLE BRAVO Pre-Workout | 450mg Caffeine from Merica Labz]()
-
Mar 02, 2023Morphogen AlphaGen Pre-Workout: A Monster Dose of Tyrosine
![Morphogen AlphaGen Pre-Workout: A Monster Dose of Tyrosine]()
-
Jan 31, 2023Kaged MINDSET w/ Brian Rand & Team Kaged | Episode 081
![Kaged MINDSET w/ Brian Rand & Team Kaged | Episode 081]()
-
Jan 19, 2023Kaged Mindset Unboxing: Find your FLOW
![Kaged Mindset Unboxing: Find your FLOW]()
-
Dec 24, 2022NEW CORE FURY V2 | Core Nutritionals Pre-Workout
![NEW CORE FURY V2 | Core Nutritionals Pre-Workout]()
-
Dec 19, 2022DO IT FOR 'MERICA! The New Merica Labz F-BOMB (Fruit Cocktail!)
![DO IT FOR 'MERICA! The New Merica Labz F-BOMB (Fruit Cocktail!)]()
-
Nov 01, 2022STRAWBERRY COLADA Pumps! CORE PUMP & Colada Etymology
![STRAWBERRY COLADA Pumps! CORE PUMP & Colada Etymology]()
-
Oct 31, 2022Arms Race CLARITY: Upgraded Nootropic Energy (137.5mg Caffeine)
![Arms Race CLARITY: Upgraded Nootropic Energy (137.5mg Caffeine)]()
-
Jan 26, 2021Low-Caffeine Pre Workout for All Your Needs | Get RAW Nutrition Pre
![Low-Caffeine Pre Workout for All Your Needs | Get RAW Nutrition Pre]()
-
Sep 05, 2020Facelift for ANIMAL? | ANIMAL PUMP PRO Review
![Facelift for ANIMAL? | ANIMAL PUMP PRO Review]()
-
Sep 02, 2020Ben Can't Handle The Sour! Ghost Energy Drink WARHEADS SOUR WATERMELON
![Ben Can't Handle The Sour! Ghost Energy Drink WARHEADS SOUR WATERMELON]()
-
Sep 01, 2020ENERGY DRINK GAME CHANGER | Ghost Energy Tropical Mango Review
![ENERGY DRINK GAME CHANGER | Ghost Energy Tropical Mango Review]()
-
Aug 27, 2019Nootropics for a Competitor: Brandon DaCruz Focuses While Dieting
![Nootropics for a Competitor: Brandon DaCruz Focuses While Dieting]()
-
Aug 19, 2019CEO Level Nootropic | Cutler Cognition Review
![CEO Level Nootropic | Cutler Cognition Review]()
-
Mar 23, 2019NutraBio Alpha EAA Strawberry Lemon BOMB!
![NutraBio Alpha EAA Strawberry Lemon BOMB!]()
-
Feb 15, 2019NutraBio Alpha EAA: Essential Amino Acids + Nootropics!
![NutraBio Alpha EAA: Essential Amino Acids + Nootropics!]()
-
Mar 14, 2018Sparta Nutrition CogniKeto Review: Nootropic for Keto Dieters!
![Sparta Nutrition CogniKeto Review: Nootropic for Keto Dieters!]()
-
Oct 09, 2017Optimizing Brain Performance with Shawn Wells | Podcast #2
![Optimizing Brain Performance with Shawn Wells | Podcast #2]()
Subscribe for more Alpha-GPC news and alerts!
Subscribe to PricePlow on YouTube, follow PricePlow on Instagram or click the button below to sign up for our latest Alpha-GPC news and reviews!
