Alpha-GPC: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Mis à jour le 8 November 2025

Alpha-GPC, or alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, is a cholinergic compound naturally produced in the body from choline. More precisely, it is a phospholipid containing choline that plays an important role in supporting cell membranes and enhancing cognitive functions, as an essential precursor to acetylcholine. Note that acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter involved in various functions, such as memory, learning, attention, sleep, mood regulation, and muscle function. When ingested, Alpha-GPC is rapidly absorbed and easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. Once metabolized, it breaks down into choline and glycerol-1-phosphate, essential components for the proper functioning of the nervous system and for maintaining cellular integrity. In Europe and the United States, Alpha-GPC is primarily marketed as a dietary supplement. It is highly valued for its nootropic properties, enhancing cognitive abilities such as memory and attention. Although research in healthy humans is limited, Alpha-GPC has shown significant benefits in older adults suffering from mild to moderate dementia. In addition to its effects on cognition, Alpha-GPC has drawn attention in the sports field for its potential to increase muscular power. It is also considered an effective adjunct to increase the efficacy of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, often used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. When added to this standard treatment, Alpha-GPC could improve patients' behavioral and cognitive symptoms.

Family or group:

Pseudovitamins

Indications

Scoring methodology

EFSA approval.

Several randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials (> 2), including a significant number of patients (>100), with consistently positive conclusions for the indication.

Several randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials (> 2), including a significant number of patients (>100), with positive conclusions for the indication.

One or more randomized studies, or several cohorts or epidemiological studies, with positive conclusions for the indication.

Clinical studies exist but are uncontrolled, with conclusions that may be positive or conflicting.

No clinical studies to date that can demonstrate the indication.

Alzheimer's disease
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The efficacy of Alpha-GPC in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease is promising. A meta-analysis of three medium-sized clinical trials shows that a daily dose of 1200 mg of Alpha-GPC for six months improves cognitive functions, assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), compared with placebo. Moreover, the combination of Alpha-GPC with donepezil (a drug primarily used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease) over two years demonstrated an improvement in cognitive functions, a reduction in behavioral symptoms, and an improvement in functional abilities, compared with treatment with donepezil alone.

Posologie

Oral administration

1200 mg

6 months

Activity of Choline Alphoscerate on Adult-Onset Cognitive Dysfunctions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
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

Properties

Neurological

Alpha-GPC is known for its beneficial effects on dementia and for improving memory and learning. This compound increases plasma choline levels, thereby promoting the production of acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine, which are essential for proper neuronal function. As a precursor of membrane phospholipids and glycerolipids, Alpha-GPC can improve the fluidity of neuronal membranes, thereby optimizing the function of nerve cells. Its cholinergic effects are also recognized for counteracting memory and attention deficits induced by anticholinergic drugs such as scopolamine.

Usages associés

Alzheimer's disease

Effect of L-alpha-glyceryl-phosphorylcholine on amnesia caused by scopolamine
A multicenter trial to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine versus cytosine diphosphocholine in patients with vascular dementia
Effect of choline-containing phospholipids on brain cholinergic transporters in the rat

Safe dosage

Adult: 1200 mg

Alpha-GPC is most often used at a dose of 400 mg three times a day for a period of up to 6 months.

Interactions

Médicaments

Scopolamine: moderate interaction

Alpha-GPC may partially limit scopolamine's effects on memory and attention impairment.

Conseil scientifique