Alpha-gpc
Scientific names: L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine
Alternate names: Alfa-GPC, Alpha Glycerol Phosphoryl Choline, Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline, Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphatidylcholine, Alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, Choline Alphoscerate, Glycerophosphorylcholine, Glycérophosphorylcholine, GPC, GroPCho, L-A-Glyceryl Phosphorylcholine
Background
Alpha-GPC (L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine) is a chemical made in the body from choline. It is also made in a lab and used in dietary supplements.
Alpha-GPC seems to increase the levels of a chemical in the brain called acetylcholine. This brain chemical is important for memory and learning functions.
People use alpha-GPC for Alzheimer disease, stroke, memory and thinking skills, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
In some countries in Europe, alpha-GPC is a prescription drug. In the US, alpha-GPC is only available as a dietary supplement. Don't confuse alpha-GPC with choline, lecithin, or phosphatidylcholine. These are not the same.
Alpha-GPC seems to increase the levels of a chemical in the brain called acetylcholine. This brain chemical is important for memory and learning functions.
People use alpha-GPC for Alzheimer disease, stroke, memory and thinking skills, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
In some countries in Europe, alpha-GPC is a prescription drug. In the US, alpha-GPC is only available as a dietary supplement. Don't confuse alpha-GPC with choline, lecithin, or phosphatidylcholine. These are not the same.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Alpha-GPC is possibly safe when used for up to 6 months. It's usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include diarrhea and heartburn.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if alpha-GPC is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
- Alzheimer disease. Taking alpha-GPC by mouth seems to help improve memory and thinking skills in people with Alzheimer disease.
Dosing & administration
Alpha-GPC has most often been used by adults in doses of 400 mg by mouth three times daily for up to 6 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Scopolamine (Transderm Scop)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Alpha-GPC increases a chemical in the brain called acetylcholine. Scopolamine blocks this same chemical. It is possible that alpha-GPC decreases the effects of scopolamine, but it's not clear if this actually happens.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 31/05/2023 10:00:00 and last updated on 26/08/2020 03:37:41. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
