Alpha GPC is a natural form Choline able to easily cross the blood brain barrier—with its unique chemical structure allowing it to then easily enter neural cells. Alpha GPC supplements are popular to take with other Nootropic compounds and may help sustain acetylcholine levels during neurologically-intense periods. Alpha GPC is also one of the few supplements shown to boost HGH naturally, and is favored by many focused on physical performance as well.

Alpha GPC Benefits

Alpha GPC is one of only a handful of phospholipids that is able to be effectively supplemented through oral use, some others being CDP Choline and Phosphatidylcholine. Alpha GPC has shown potential in offering many health benefits, and has a fair amount of research conducted within recent years. Alpha GPC has been shown to help improve the cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s who were given 400mg doses 3 times a day for 180 days ¹.  In one study, researchers found that Alpha GPC is able to help the liver handle fats, as well as increase overall strength. Alpha GPC is generalized as a cognitive-enhancing compound that offers all of the benefits of Choline compounds, though is more easily-absorbed and able to be utilized by the brain. Alpha GPC has shown potential to increase learning ability and the formation of new memories, although it remains categorized by many as a choline accompaniment to other Nootropic compounds.

Alpha GPC is able to help the liver handle fats, as well as increase overall strength

Choline compounds such as Alpha GPC and CDP Choline are commonly used synergistically (stacked) with other Nootropic compounds, especially those which increase acetylcholine uptake such as Aniracetam, Piracetam, or other Racetams. One study that investigated the action of Alpha GPC, along with several other compounds, found that Alpha GPC was able to help to maintain reaction times, reduce overall stress, and maintain visual and auditory alertness in college students undergoing intense study sessions ². GABA and Acetylcholine have both been intimately connected to sexual arousal, and it stands to reason that since Alpha GPC has been shown to increase levels of both GABA and Acetylcholine, that it may likely serve as libido-enhancing compound as well.

Recommended Alpha GPC Supplements

Alpha GPC Dosage

There are no recommended daily allowance (RDA) figures issued by the FDA for guidance on how much Alpha GPC should be considered an adequate dose. Some of the more notable studies which have found Alpha GPC to be effective in increasing Growth Hormone levels and strength have used 600mg doses. Alpha GPC is a little less than half Choline by weight, and therefore a 600mg dose of Alpha GPC would be the rough equivalent to a 240mg dose of Choline. This should only be regarded as a rough estimate, as the absorption rates of these two compounds differ both in action and in efficiency.

Alpha GPC Side Effects

As with many dietary supplements, specifically with Nootropics and Growth Hormone stimulating supplements, there is little clinical data to describe the types of side effects one might experience with Alpha GPC. Typically speaking however, Alpha GPC is considered to be a very safe supplement and is well tolerated a levels below 1g. In higher doses, anecdotal evidence suggests that some common side effects might include dizziness, headache, and low blood pressure. Alpha GPC, along with other Choline compounds are also known to cause sluggishness in higher doses, although without increasing desire to sleep. As with all supplements, it’s advisable to begin with lower doses and work up to higher levels to accurately gauge the effects and response to new compounds.

CDP Choline vs Alpha GPC

Alpha GPC has demonstrated the ability to increase overall dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain ³, which was shown to not be possible with a comparable dose of CDP Choline. CDP Choline is regarded as generally being as effective as Alpha GPC at benefiting brain health through the regulation of acetylcholine levels, but has limited clinical data to suggest it is capable of stimulating growth hormone levels like Alpha GPC. Alpha GPC is insanely water-soluble, and is often sold as a 50-50 blend with a silicon dioxide, or other ‘inactive’ ingredient. CDP Choline is generally available at lower prices than Alpha GPC as well.

Alpha GPC Supplements

Alpha GPC supplements can be found in some supplements stores such as the Vitamin Shoppe. They are typically in the brain health/mental health section, though sometimes can be found stored alongside other more fitness-focused supplements like L-Arginine and Creatine. Alpha GPC can be found in some designer supplements, such as the Alpha Brain by Onnit. These types of modern synergistic supplements are becoming more common with the surge in acknowledgement for their robust effects. Pure Encapsulations and Douglas Laboratories both offer a highly pure and potent Alpha GPC supplement which is recommended for first time users looking to establish their baseline experience. Once you’ve become familiar with what to expect from Alpha GPC, there is a fairly-decent version offered by Jarrow Formulas which is considerably cheaper.

Final Considerations

Alpha GPC is a natural form of Choline found to more easily cross the blood brain barrier, potentially allowing it to exhibit powerful Nootropic effects on the brain. Many regard it as being an effective learning compound, and have noted it as providing increased amounts of focus. Choline is an essential nutrient and plays a vital role in maintaining cellular health in the human body. Some natural sources of choline such as fish, eggs, and nuts may help provide mental support, but if you are looking to self-optimize your mental performance Alpha GPC supplements are often the most effective means. When taking supplements it’s always important to pay close attention to which brands you are purchasing from, and avoid shady and less-reputable brands. Pure Encapsulations and Douglas Laboratories both offer excellent Alpha GPC products which are known to be pure and potent isolations of the Alpha GPC compound.