Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha GPC) is a choline-containing supplement that has gained attention for its various potential benefits and some associated risks.

Benefits of Alpha GPC

1. Cognitive Enhancement:

   • Alpha GPC is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for cognitive functions like memory and learning¹. Studies show it can improve cognitive symptoms in older adults with mild to moderate dementia².
   • Evidence from animal studies suggests that Alpha GPC can enhance learning and memory, though such effects have not been broadly confirmed in healthy humans³.

2. Motivation and Mood:

   • Alpha GPC supplementation has been observed to increase motivation without affecting anxiety⁴.
   • It potentially affects dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, influencing feelings and emotions⁴.

3. Physical Performance:

   • Athletes might benefit from Alpha GPC, which can enhance vertical jump power, bench press force, and improve endurance when used with other supplements like L-citrulline⁵⁶.
   • It also helps prevent exercise-induced reductions in choline levels⁵.

Risks of Alpha GPC

1. Atherosclerosis and Stroke:

   • A recent study indicates that Alpha GPC can promote atherosclerosis in mice and may increase incident stroke risk in humans⁷.
   • The supplement's metabolism can lead to the production of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a compound linked to atherosclerosis⁷.

2. Gut Microbiota Alterations:

   • Alpha GPC supplementation has been shown to alter gut microbiota, increasing the abundance of certain bacteria linked to pro-atherogenic effects⁷.

Summary

Alpha GPC appears to offer benefits in cognitive function, motivation, and physical performance, especially in specific populations like older adults or athletes. However, potential risks like promoting atherosclerosis and increasing stroke risk necessitate cautious use. Further research is needed to fully understand its long-term safety profile and optimal usage parameters.

Footnotes

1. Traini, Enea. "Choline alphoscerate (alpha-glyceryl-phosphoryl-choline) an old choline-containing phospholipid with a still interesting profile as cognition enhancing agent." PubMed, 2024. ↩

2. Wiedeman, AM, et al. "Choline supplements: An update." Nutrients, 2023. ↩

3. Examine.com. "What are alpha-GPC’s main benefits?" 2023. ↩

4. Tamura, Yasuhisa. "Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine Increases Motivation in Healthy Volunteers." Nutrients, 2021. ↩ ↩²

5. Parker, Adam G. "The effects of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, caffeine or placebo on markers of mood, cognitive function, power, speed, and agility." 2021. ↩ ↩²

6. Bell, David. "The effect of 6 days of alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine on isometric strength." J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 2015. ↩

7. Wang, Zeneng. "The Nutritional Supplement L-Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine Promotes Atherosclerosis." PubMed, 2021. ↩ ↩² ↩³