Alpha-gpc
OTHER NAME(S): alpha-GPC (a-GPC), choline alphoscerate, L-alpha-GPC, L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine (L-alpha-GPC)
Overview
Alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine (alpha-GPC), which is also known as choline alphoscerate, is a chemical that contains large amounts of choline. It is used for dementia and to improve memory or thinking skills, but its benefits are not well defined. Common side effects may include constipation, nausea, or an upset stomach. Taking alpha-GPC for a long time may increase the risk of stroke in some people. Before taking alpha-GPC, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is alpha-GPC used for?
Alpha-GPC is commonly used for dementia and to improve memory and thinking skills, but its benefits are not well defined.
Note: The FDA has not reviewed alpha-GPC for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does alpha-GPC work (mechanism of action)?
Alpha-GPC is a chemical that contains large amounts of the nutrient choline. In fact, 100 mg of alpha-GPC contains about 40 mg of choline. Although alpha-GPC is naturally found in some foods, most alpha-GPC found in dietary supplements is made in a lab. Some product labels may refer to alpha-GPC as choline alphoscerate. This is the same substance.
When you take alpha-GPC by mouth, it can enter your brain and increase the levels of choline and an important brain chemical called acetylcholine. Higher levels of acetylcholine can increase a type of communication in the brain, called cholinergic activity. Some studies show that taking alpha-GPC may improve the symptoms of some types of dementia by a small amount. But it is not clear if these changes are clinically meaningful.
There is also interest in taking alpha-GPC to improve memory and thinking skills, both in healthy adults and in older adults with mild thinking problems. But it is not clear if alpha-GPC can improve memory or thinking skills. There is also some concern that taking alpha-GPC regularly for a long time may increase the risk of stroke.
How should I store alpha-GPC?
You should store alpha-GPC as directed on the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of alpha-GPC?
The most common side effects of alpha-GPC are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Upset stomach or stomach pain
There may be other side effects of alpha-GPC that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of alpha-GPC?
While less common, the most serious side effects of alpha-GPC are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions.Alpha-GPC may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking alpha-GPC and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives, which can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Stroke.Some research has found that taking alpha-GPC for a long time may increase your risk of having a stroke. If you have had a stroke or strokes run in your family, speak to your health care provider before taking alpha-GPC. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a stroke.
- Sudden weakness on one side of your body
- Sudden and severe headache
- Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech
Precautions
Who should not use alpha-GPC?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take alpha-GPC.
- Alpha-GPC (a-GPC)
- Choline alphoscerate
- L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine (L-alpha-GPC)
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific alpha-GPC products they stock.
What should I know about alpha-GPC before using it?
Alpha-GPC is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep alpha-GPC out of the reach of children.
The FDA has not tested alpha-GPC products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using alpha-GPC?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if alpha-GPC is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Asthma
- Heart attack or stroke
- Other heart problems, including changes in your blood pressure or heart rate
- Parkinson’s disease
- Problems emptying your bladder
- Stomach ulcers or other stomach problems
- Thyroid problems
Other Medicines and Supplements.Alpha-GPC may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking alpha-GPC, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how alpha-GPC could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Alpha-GPC contains choline, which passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does alpha-GPC interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between alpha-GPC and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect alpha-GPC.
Does alpha-GPC interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking alpha-GPC.
- A type of medicine called a cholinergic, such as bethanechol, carbachol (Miostat), or pilocarpine (Salagen and others), which may be used if you are unable to empty your bladder (urinary retention) or have dry mouth, dry eyes, or glaucoma
- An anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems
The interactions between alpha-GPC and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with alpha-GPC is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking alpha-GPC with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much alpha-GPC?
If you or someone else has used too much alpha-GPC, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to take alpha-GPC safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- BMC Geriatrics: “Efficacy and safety of choline alphoscerate for amnestic mild cognitive impairment: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.”
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences: “Choline—an essential nutrient with health benefits and a signaling molecule.”
- JAMA Network Open: “Association of L-α glycerylphosphorylcholine with subsequent stroke risk after 10 years.”
- Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease: “Activity of choline alphoscerate on adult-onset cognitive dysfunctions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.”
- Journal of Clinical Medicine: “Choline-containing phospholipids in stroke treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.”
- Journal of Food Science: “L-Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine (L-α-GPC): a comprehensive review of its preparation techniques and versatile biological effects.”