Alpha GPC Quick Summary
Also Known As:
Helps With:
Dosing:
Half-Life
What Is Alpha GPC?
Let’s de-abbreviate it first: L-Alpha glyceryl phosphorylcholine.
The good news is that our body naturally makes Alpha GPC.
The bad news is that its production declines with age and toxic lifestyles.
Alpha GPC enhances the levels of Acetylcholine, which is perhaps the most crucial neurotransmitter of the brain (forgive me for such controversial claims, LOL).
Alpha GPC is the direct precursor of Acetylcholine and Phosphatidylcholine, thus contributing to a choline-rich reserve in the brain.
It plays a pivotal role in enhancing cognitive function and also maintaining balanced neurochemical levels in the brain.
And is hence used for the treatment of memory-disabling diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Dementia.
We can gain benefits of this nootropic by including beef, eggs, soy, green vegetables (especially broccoli), and cauliflower in our diets.
Unfortunately, our dietary habits do not cater well for that purpose.
This is why science has now intervened to give us Alpha GPC in supplemental forms with the help of purified soy and sunflowers!
Backing Claims With Scientific Knowledge – Proof That Alpha GPC Actually Works!
In a study conducted amongst lab rats, it was found that Alpha GPC has neuroprotective properties as well as neurogenetic potential!
In this experiment, mice were given an injection of Pilocarpine – this was to induce a seizure amongst them.
Seizures can cause neuronal damage and deterioration.
Even though no evident neuronal healing or nerve formation was witnessed in the first week of Alpha GPC administration, the third week popped out some great results in its favor!
Another study conducted amongst 48 young males proved the ergogenic capacity of Alpha GPC!
An ergogenic aid is any substance that promotes energy and boosts physical performance and is mostly relevant to athletes.
Alpha GPC has more in store than just performance-boosting benefits, in recent years it has also shown its capability to act as an anti-diabetic agent!
This study, however, is limited to mice only as of yet.
Alpha GPC may also act as a shield for neurons against harmful radiations!
This is particularly of importance when it comes to the treatments of various forms of cancer via ionizing radiation therapy.
And of course, its cognition lengthening properties come off as no surprise, thanks to its ability to increase Acetylcholine efficiently.
In 2013, scientists and researchers suggested to re-include the use of Alpha GPC as an effective treatment for dementia.
This could be done when Alpha GPC is combined with drugs that block the enzymes contributing to the breakdown of Acetylcholine (i.e cholinesterase).
Alpha GPC may lead to superior performance in tasks that involve the use of fine motor skills, power, and energy!
What Is The Proper Dosage Of Alpha GPC?
According to a study, the recommended and effective dosage of Alpha GPC is 1200 mg per day.
You should divide it into three parts of 400 mg each, and take them after regular intervals during the day.
1200 mg is the upper limit of Alpha GPC.
If you stay within the safe limits, Alpha GOC will prove to be fruitful and safe for you!
No accounts of overdosage have been reported either.
Also, it is best to start with low doses and familiarize your body gradually – this principle applies to almost all nootropics.
What Are The Benefits Of Taking Alpha GPC As A Nootropic?
Boosts Cognitive Function
Thanks to the raised Acetylcholine levels!
Enhanced Physical Strength And Enlarged Mental Capacity
The ergogenic properties of Alpha GPC and increased choline in the brain make an excellent duo of motivation and power!
Neuroprotective And Possibly Neurogenetic
Here’s to hoping that further studies of Alpha GPC prove this role!
How Does Alpha GPC work?
Each molecule of Alpha GPC is loaded with choline, approximately 40%!
Once this crosses the blood-brain barrier, your brain is replenished with the ultimate choline pool.
Alpha GPC may also lead to an increase in other neurotransmitters such as Serotonin and Dopamine.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Alpha GPC?
Despite being a well-tolerated and safe nootropic, Alpha GPC does have some associated adverse effects.
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Lowered blood pressure
Is Alpha GPC Considered Safe? – Warnings & Interactions
Alpha GPC is considered safe when consumed within physiological limits.
Here are a set of precautionary measures you should be taking before consumption:
- Always consult your doctor before consumption of ANY nootropic, especially if you are on medication or have been diagnosed with a certain diseases/disorder
- Pregnant or lactating females should avoid the use of Alpha GPC
- Individuals below 18 years of age should also avoid the use of Alpha GPC, OR consult a physician before administering this nootropic
Interactions:
The only interaction associated with Alpha GPC is that of Scopolamine – the drug commonly used for motion sickness.
The reason behind this is that where Alpha GPC works to increase the levels of Acetylcholine – Scopolamine acts to block the release of Acetylcholine.
Little evidence is available to confirm whether Alpha GPC reduces the effectiveness of Scopolamine or not.
Where Can I Buy Alpha-GPC?
Thankfully, Alpha GPC is readily available in stores and online.
It is abundantly seen in the form of supplemental stacks and is sold individually as well!
You do not need a prescription to purchase this nootropic and you can find it being sold by many brands on Amazon!
But my favorite place to buy Alpha GPC (guaranteed high quality) is Here: Buy Alpha GPC
Nootropic Stacking With Alpha GPC For Synergy!
Stacking With Any Racetam!
If you are foreign to the robust racetam family, make sure to click here and find out more about them!
Racetams once paired with Alpha GPC make an excellent cognitive duo!
You get energy, power, and concentration all at once!
Alpha GPC also neutralizes the adverse effects of racetams!
Stacking with Noopept!
Noopept is a derivative of Piracetam, and is also many folds potent than the former!
It too boosts Acetylcholine levels whilst exerting its anti-oxidant powers in the brain!
Along with the release of the primary neurotransmitter Ach, it also triggers the release of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)!
Coupling it with Alpha GPC will make a synergistic blend of power and amplified senses!
Sharper the mind – sharper the performance!
P.s: to find out more about Noopept, click here!
Where Do I Personally Buy Noopept?
I recommend you purchase noopept from this nootropics manufactuer here.
This is beacause they provide a real certificate of analysis (proving it’s the real deal), and has a ton of awesome reviews and feedback. It’s also my personal choice for buying noopept.
(Plus its actually super affordable!)
Stack Alpha GPC With Uridine!
Uridine is a nucleoside and makes up the DNA or RNA.
Every bit of information or trait that you possess is stored in these nucleic acids!
It upregulates the memory pools by offering its storage drive!
Something like a mini-USB!
Combining it with Alpha GPC can give a jam-packed memory boost!
What Are Some Products That Contain Alpha GPC In Their Formula?
1) PureNootropics’ Alpha GPC (Highly Recommended!)
I have recommended this brand a lot on supermindhacker’s website.
Pure Nootropics have a very good reputation for selling individual and modern nootropic supplements.
Their Alpha-GPC retails at a very reasonable price and you can purchase it in any form you like.
Powder or capsule form – it’s your call!
They offer a 250 mg serving per capsule, which you can take 3-4 times daily.
2) Qualia Mind (A Bit Expensive, but a Very Powerful “All-in-One” Nootropic)
This one is a premium stack and we have also reviewed in detail!
>> Click here to find out more in our detailed Qualia Mind Review!
Qualia Mind is a very comprehensive nootropic stack that is equipped with Alpha GPC.
And also other ingredients that stack very well with it!
It contains 200 mg of Alpha GPC with the power of Uridine Monophosphate, Lion’s Mane Mushroom, and Cognizen for a stellar cognitive experience.
Despite its hefty price tag, we proudly recommend this potent stack to anyone looking for a noticeable boost cognitively.
LINK: You can Only Purchase Real Qualia Mind Here (Be Careful of Counterfeits!)
WAIT! Use Our Qualia Mind Discount Code!
*NOTE: We have secured a custom discount code for all readers of Super Mind Hacker!
Simply Use Coupon Code: SUPERMINDHACKER at Checkout for an Exclusive Discount on Qualia Mind!
The FAQ Section! Alpha GPC Frequently Asked Questions!
How Is Alpha GPC made?
By soy or sunflower lecithin.
OR
Phosphatidylcholine is subjected to a deacylation process.
This is then purified via chromatography.
Does Alpha GPC keep you awake?
Alpha GPC does refresh your mind but if you’re referring to a ‘caffeine-like’ boost, then the answer is no!
Does Alpha GPC increase testosterone?
Some studies showed its involvement in the release of growth hormone, but there is no account of its relationship with testosterone levels.
What is Alpha-Sized GPC?
Just a patented version of Alpha GPC!
Is Alpha GPC the same as Choline?
Alpha-GPC is a choline-rich compound and also a precursor of Acetylcholine.
Alpha GPC as a Nootropic – My Final Thoughts…
Alpha GPC is an AMAZING nootropic.
This is also the reason why it has been a popular choice for nootropic stacks like Qualia Mind.
After having gone through so many clinical trials and being subjected to research for eons (I’m exaggerating LOL), it is now deemed safe for regular usage.
This can also prove to be a great starter nootropic for those who are trying smart pills for the first time!
If that is the case, I recommend starting with this standalone Alpha GPC Supplement first!
List Of Related Nootropics
Racetams
Cognizen (Citicoline) – We Recommend “Mind”
Uridine Monophosphate
Noopept
Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Citations And References:
Lee SH, Choi BY, Kim JH, Kho AR, Sohn M, Song HK, Choi HC, Suh SW. Late treatment with choline alfoscerate (l-alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine, α-GPC) increases hippocampal neurogenesis and provides protection against seizure-induced neuronal death and cognitive impairment. Brain Res. 2017 Jan 1;1654(Pt A):66-76. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.10.011. Epub 2016 Oct 17. PMID: 27765578.
Marcus L, Soileau J, Judge LW, Bellar D. Evaluation of the effects of two doses of alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine on physical and psychomotor performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017 Oct 5;14:39. doi: 10.1186/s12970-017-0196-5. PMID: 29042830; PMCID: PMC5629791.
Izu H, Okuda M, Shibata S, Fujii T, Matsubara K. Anti-diabetic effect of S-adenosylmethionine and α-glycerophosphocholine in KK-Ay mice. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2019 Apr;83(4):747-750. doi: 10.1080/09168451.2018.1559721. Epub 2018 Dec 22. PMID: 30582404.
Plangár I, Szabó ER, Tőkés T, Mán I, Brinyiczki K, Fekete G, Németh I, Ghyczy M, Boros M, Hideghéty K. Radio-neuroprotective effect of L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine (GPC) in an experimental rat model. J Neurooncol. 2014 Sep;119(2):253-61. doi: 10.1007/s11060-014-1489-z. Epub 2014 Jun 1. PMID: 24880750.
Kim J, Song Y, Lee SJ, Lee JE, Chung MY, Kim IH, Kim BH. Enzymatic preparation of food-grade l-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine from soy phosphatidylcholine or fractionated soy lecithin. Biotechnol Prog. 2020 Jan;36(1):e2910. doi: 10.1002/btpr.2910. Epub 2019 Oct 10. PMID: 31513729.
Scapicchio PL. Revisiting choline alphoscerate profile: a new, perspective, role in dementia? Int J Neurosci. 2013 Jul;123(7):444-9. doi: 10.3109/00207454.2013.765870. Epub 2013 Feb 19. PMID: 23387341.
Parker, A. G., Byars, A., Purpura, M., & Jäger, R. (2015). The effects of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, caffeine or placebo on markers of mood, cognitive function, power, speed, and agility. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12(Suppl 1), P41.
Alpha GPC, wikipedia
Alpha GPC: Uses, interactions, warnings, dosage
De Jesus Moreno Moreno M. Cognitive improvement in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s dementia after treatment with the acetylcholine precursor choline alfoscerate: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Clin Ther. 2003 Jan;25(1):178-93. doi: 10.1016/s0149-2918(03)90023-3. PMID: 12637119.
