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
-
Oct 22, 2018 ![]()
YouTube Video:
SNS Focus XT Nootropic | CANDY CORN Flavored Supplement Review! -
Oct 16, 2018 ![]()
Blog Post:
SNS Focus XT: The Go-To Energy Nootropic Supplement Base.. Now in Candy Corn!
SNS Focus XT is the leading nootropic supplement that works as the ultimate productivity aid or focus-based pre workout. But now it's in CANDY CORN?! -
Aug 14, 2018 ![]()
YouTube Video:
Best Nootropic Stack for Beginners: Expert Shawn Wells Weighs In -
Aug 13, 2018 ![]()
Blog Post:
The Best Nootropic Stack for Beginners (Expert Shawn Wells)
What's the best nootropic stack for beginners? According to expert formulator Shawn Wells, there's four stimulant-free nootropics you can start with! -
Jul 23, 2018 ![]()
Blog Post:
Magnum’s MANE BRAIN Nootropic Brings the King of Extracts -
May 30, 2018 ![]()
Blog Post:
QUANTUMiND: An Energy Nootropic for a Quantum State of Mind
QUANTUMiND is an energy-based nootropic that hits all angles: mood-boosting, neuroprotection, anxiolytics, and energy! Prepare for cognitive clarity! -
Apr 29, 2018 ![]()
Blog Post:
Cellucor C4 ULTIMATE On the Go Pre Workout Cans Revealed!
Cellucor C4 Ultimate on the Go has been revealed, and this can is quite a doozy. With full doses of citrulline malate, beta alanine, 300mg caffeine... -
Mar 14, 2018 ![]()
YouTube Video:
Sparta Nutrition CogniKeto Review: Nootropic for Keto Dieters! -
Mar 07, 2018 ![]()
Blog Post:
Genius Consciousness: TEN Ingredient Nootropic Takes Living to the Next Level
The Genius Consciousness nootropic stimulant powder helps you achieve a higher state of being! Finally, The Genius Brand has a nootropic supplement! -
Jan 31, 2018 ![]()
Blog Post:
Sparta Nutrition Keto Pre Extreme: Ketogenic Pre Workout Fuel
Sparta Nutrition Keto Pre Extreme is the ideal pre workout for keto endurance athletes looking to push harder and longer than ever, BHB salt included! -
Jan 25, 2018 ![]()
Blog Post:
NTel Pharma Lipo-H4ck: Hack Your Way to Fat-Loss
NTel Nutra Lipo-H4ck is the high-powered, feel good fat burner that replaces Clenadrol X. Lipo H4ack's loaded with PEA, including lotus leaf extract -
Jan 19, 2018 ![]()
Blog Post:
Controlled Labs Orange Brainwash – Supreme Cognitive Booster
Controlled Labs explodes back on the scene with a powerhouse nootropic supplement titled Orange Brain Wash, and it has nearly EVERY nootropic we love! -
Jan 17, 2018 ![]()
Blog Post:
NTel Pharma AREZ Mega-Update: When Two Gods Collide!
NTel Pharma looks to dominate the pre workout market in 2018 with the release of Mega-AREZ, the pre workout that smashes TWO Gods of the Gym in one. -
Jan 16, 2018 ![]()
Blog Post:
CogniKeto: The Ketogenic Nootropic by Sparta Nutrition
CogniKeto is a new ketogenic nootropic brain boosting supplement from Sparta Nutrition to help brain function with BHB salts and powerful nootropics -
Jan 15, 2018 ![]()
Blog Post:
NooWave’s High Performer Nootropic: Unlock Your Mind!
NooWave Supplements has reformulated their productivity nootropic supplement The High Performer to make it even better than before, and now in a powder! -
Nov 30, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
Jacked Factory PumpSurge: Pumps & Focus from the ALTIUS Crew
Want pumps and focus while training without the stims? Try the nootropic nitric oxide fueled stim-free pre workout from Jacked Factory -- PumpSurge. -
Nov 09, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
EVL ENGN Shred: The Pre Workout For Dieters
EVL Nutrition ENGN Shred is a "weight loss pre workout" supplement that brings focus, energy, & increased metabolism by adding fat burning ingredients -
Nov 03, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
Anastasis Konnect — The Professional’s Nootropic
WHOA - Check out the super nootropic supplement from Anastasis Nutraceuticals. Konnect will ignite your productivity and focus with 1200mg Alpha-GPC! -
Oct 15, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
Keto Connect Podcast with Mike from PricePlow: Supplements for Keto | #4
Need guidance about supplements for keto dieters? Check out Mike's 2017 Keto Connect podcast interview on "Keto for Normies" with Matt & Megha! -
Oct 11, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
Performax Labs VasoMax: Rethinking the Pump Formula
Performax Labs continues their re-branding effort by opening up the formula for VasoMax and including an industry-first ingredient in GlycerPump -
Oct 09, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
Optimizing Brain Performance with Shawn Wells | PricePlow Podcast #2
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 -
Oct 09, 2017 ![]()
Product News:
Wholesale Health Connection Alpha GPC 50% Powder was created.
Category: Alpha-GPC -
Oct 03, 2017 ![]()
YouTube Video:
Brain Boosting Smart Drug ?!? | AZOTH NOOTROPIC V2 -
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. -
Sep 27, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
EVL ENGN: Start Your Workout Engine at $0.80/workout!
EVL ENGN is the brand's headlining pre workout that's all about the pumps, focus, and performance. -
Sep 23, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
Ambrosia Mental Jewels: Daily Herbal-Driven Neuro Enhancer
Ambrosia Mental Jewels is a low stim, brain boosting nootropic supplement featuring Bacognize Bacopa Monnieri and Cordyceps, coming from Marc Lobliner -
Aug 18, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
AZOTH: A Fully Loaded Caffeine-Free Nootropic
AZOTH is a fully-loaded nootropic supplement developed to increase your motivation, focus, energy, and productivity. -
Aug 05, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
Lumonol Nootropic: A Popular Memory Supplement But…
Lumonol is a popular nootropic supplement that may be great for memory, but can we build a better one for cheaper? We analyze the Lumonol Ingredients. -
Jul 20, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
NTel Pharma Clenadrol X: Powerful All-in-One Fat Burner
Clenadol X is a true powerhouse fat burner from NTel Pharma that's packing DMHA AND Ephedra alongside thyroid boosters! Well rounded fat burner! -
Jul 14, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
MAN Sports Brain Bridge: Powdered Brain Power!
Brain Bridge is powerful nootropic supplement from MAN Sports to enhance cognition, focus, and productivity. -
Jun 24, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
Onnit Alpha Brain – Overrated Cognitive Booster for Beginners?
Onnit Alpha Brain is an incredibly popular nootropic touted by celebrities around the world, but is it really just an over-hyped, overpriced product? -
May 05, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
MPA Supps CelluVOL – Matt Porter’s Personal Pre Workout!
MPA Supplements CelluVOL is the clinically dosed stimulant free pre workout developed by Matt Porter. -
Mar 08, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
Genius PRE Workout: Train Smarter AND Harder
Genius Pre is a clinically dosed, stimulant free pre workout that enhances focus but won't leave you feeling bottomed out from a rush of caffeine. -
Feb 23, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
Ghost Legend – A Pre Workout Fit for Legends
Ghost has reformulated their headlining pre workout Ghost LEGEND -- it's now 100% transparent and significantly more powerful. -
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. -
Jan 20, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
ATP Nutrition Perform Kinetics: The Perfect Surprise Pre Workout
ATP Nutrition has crafted the ultimate performance enhancing pre workout in Perform Kinetics, and we LOVE it! Why? High-dose TeaCrine! -
Jan 12, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
Primeval Labs Gray Matter – Serious Brain Gains
Primeval Labs Gray Matter is the first nootropic supplement for serious brain gains. The doses look good, but it will come down to caffeine:theanine! -
Jan 04, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post:
HAKNutrition PreHAK – The Ultimate Workout Hack!
HAKNutrition is a new supplement company with PreHAK, an incredibly well dosed pre workout supplement that makes the perfect "hack" for your workout! -
Dec 14, 2016 ![]()
Blog Post:
Controlled Labs GAMER UP – Leveling Up Made Easy!
Controlled Labs GAMER UP is a new gaming supplement that brings a serious dose of focus agents, but not too much caffeine. No more gaming jitters! -
Dec 13, 2016 ![]()
Blog Post:
C4 Ultimate: Cellucor’s Pinnacle Pre Workout!
Cellucor C4 Ultimate is the *ultimate* pre workout experience from Cellucor that features a mostly transparent label and well-dosed pump ingredients. -
Nov 26, 2016 ![]()
Blog Post:
Jim Stoppani Sued AGAIN. New Class Action Lawsuit
Jim Stoppani has been sued AGAIN. This time, a class action lawsuit was filed in California regarding the ingredient-based claims made by Stoppani. -
Nov 12, 2016 ![]()
Blog Post:
Best Gaming Supplement Buyer’s Guide: 2018’s Top 10
What's the best gaming supplement... for YOU?! PricePlow's latest guide steps you through shopping for gaming supplements. Look out for that MOD! -
Oct 12, 2016 ![]()
Blog Post:
RedCon1 Mental Trigger Brings the BRAIN Gains
RedCon1 Mental Trigger: Gamers and "spreadsheet athletes" listen up, the ultimate BRAIN gains supplement is here, and it's your new Mental Trigger. -
Oct 07, 2016 ![]()
Blog Post:
Blue Star Elevate: Maximum Mental Muscle Potential!
Blue Star Elevate is an incredibly well crafted nootropic-based supplement that enhanced focus, mood, cognition, and drive. -
Oct 04, 2016 ![]()
Blog Post:
Meet the Man Who REALLY Formulated Pre-JYM
Jim Stoppani claims that he formulated Pre-JYM. But do the latest court documents in the lawsuit against them corroborate that? Find out at PricePlow. -
Sep 21, 2016 ![]()
Blog Post:
Divided Labs PREVIDE: Serious Pre-Workout.. but at 2 Scoops
Divided Labs PREVIDE is a fantastic-looking pre workout supplement... but at two scoops. The question is, will that be worth it then? PricePlow digs. -
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! -
Aug 25, 2016 ![]()
Blog Post:
MOD Gaming Supplement – Amp up your Gaming Focus!
The MOD Gaming Supplement is a very well-dosed, focus-based supplement for eSports gamers that provides some energy, but more smooth, controlled focus -
Aug 09, 2016 ![]()
Blog Post:
Northbound Nutrition PINNACLE: The Pinnacle of Pre Workouts?
The Pinnacle Pre Workout from Northbound Nutrition is a premium pre workout supplement that combines clinical and transparently dosed ingredients! -
Aug 08, 2016 ![]()
Blog Post:
RedCon1 Big Noise: Focused Bunker Busting Pump-Bombs!
RedCon1 Big Noise is a stimulant-free pre workout supplement that will keep you FOCUSED even without the stimulants: The highest level of readiness! -
Jul 22, 2016 ![]()
Blog Post:
First Finisher Champion Performance Powder: Gains for Miles
First Finisher is a new supplement company whose mission is to create CHAMPIONS. Their stim-free pre workout Champion Performance Powder will do just that! -
Mar 28, 2016 ![]()
Blog Post:
Olympus Labs ELIX1R of the Gods & Goddesses
Olympus Labs ELIX1R is a focus and energy supplement that's great for everyone from the gym to the gamers. Everything we could ask for all in one! -
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! -
Dec 29, 2015 ![]()
Blog Post:
Olympus Labs TR1UMPH: Next-Gen Muscle Builder
Olympus Labs TR1UMPH is an all new formulation muscle-builder that's retooled to be all natural for gains and recovery, based on phosphatidic acid! -
Dec 02, 2015 ![]()
Blog Post:
Conqu3r Unleashed by Olympus Labs: Balanced Perfection
Olympus Labs Conqu3r Unleashed has hit the market! Get the full scoop on just what's inside this super balanced high-powered pre workout supplement -
Nov 23, 2015 ![]()
Blog Post:
Rich Piana’s MENTALITY – Cognitive Booster Leaves *Nothing* Out
Rich Piana's Mentality is a cognition boosting supplement that contains virtually every nootropic and amino acid to elevate memory and mental function. -
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! -
Nov 02, 2015 ![]()
Blog Post:
Olympus Labs Conqu3r Unleashed Stim-Free: Loaded to the Gills!
Conqu3r Unleashed Stim-Free is the Olympus Labs caffeine-free pre workout unveiled with 5 patented ingredients all clinically dosed. -
Oct 21, 2015 ![]()
Blog Post:
C4 Neuro – Cellucor’s C4 with FOCUS
C4 Neuro is the latest incarnation of Cellucor's pre workout that packs a lot of the things you love about the standard plus of a potent nootropic blend. -
Oct 01, 2015 ![]()
Blog Post:
Carbon PREP – Layne Norton’s Pre Workout DOA
Carbon Prep is Layne Norton's debut nearly-stim-free pre workout for his brand new supplement line, Carbon. Let's see what's in store (it's LOADED!) -
Apr 30, 2015 ![]()
Blog Post:
Altius Pre Workout Review (Jacked Factory)
ALTISU PricePlow is back with a full in-depth review of Jacked Factory's fantastic pre-workout, Altius. -
Apr 29, 2015 ![]()
Blog Post:
Controlled Labs White Rapids – Feel the Rush!
Controlled Labs White Rapids is a new pre workout supplement meant to replace the White Flood franchise. The ingredient label is open and looks great! -
Mar 31, 2015 ![]()
Blog Post:
Altius Pre-Workout by Jacked Factory: The G.O.A.T?!
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. -
Feb 12, 2015 ![]()
Blog Post:
SAN MegaTron – Stim-Free Supplement as Good as its Name
SAN MegaTron is a stimulant-free pre workout supplement that has exciting doses of both nitric oxide boosters AND focus enhancers. And what a name!
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 & YouTube Videos
-
Oct 22, 2018: SNS Focus XT Nootropic | CANDY CORN Flavored Supplement Review!
-
Aug 14, 2018: Best Nootropic Stack for Beginners: Expert Shawn Wells Weighs In
-
Mar 14, 2018: Sparta Nutrition CogniKeto Review: Nootropic for Keto Dieters!
-
Oct 09, 2017: Optimizing Brain Performance with Shawn Wells | Podcast #2
-
Oct 03, 2017: Brain Boosting Smart Drug ?!? | AZOTH NOOTROPIC V2
Subscribe for more Alpha-GPC news and alerts!
Subscribe to PricePlow on YouTube or click the button below to sign up for our latest Alpha-GPC news and reviews!
Alpha-GPC Topics in the PricePlow Forum
- Aug 14, 2018: The Best Nootropic Stack for Beginners (Expert Shawn Wells)
- Mar 14, 2018: Sparta Nutrition Cogni Keto Review
- Nov 03, 2017: Anastasis Konnect -- The Professional's Nootropic
- Sep 29, 2017: Choline Supplements: What's the Best Form for Focus?
