Alpha-gpc
Alpha-gpc

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.
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.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
  • Alzheimer disease. Taking alpha-GPC by mouth seems to help improve memory and thinking skills in people with Alzheimer disease.
There is interest in using alpha-GPC for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions

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 01/05/2024 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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