Alpha-GPC, also known as L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, is a choline-containing phospholipid. It serves as a precursor for acetylcholine synthesis and phospholipid synthesis in the brain¹. This supplement is primarily of interest for its potential cognitive enhancement benefits, although there is limited research supporting general cognitive improvement in healthy humans². However, it has shown benefits in older adults with mild to moderate dementia by improving memory and attention impairment². Alpha-GPC may also help improve cognitive symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease³.

In addition to cognitive benefits, Alpha-GPC is used by athletes for its potential to enhance physical performance. It has been shown to increase vertical jump power and peak force in some athletic activities⁴. There is also evidence suggesting that Alpha-GPC supplementation can improve peak power and time to fatigue in trained cyclists when combined with L-citrulline⁴.

Though its benefits in healthy individuals remain uncertain, Alpha-GPC's role in supporting acetylcholine production makes it potentially useful for treating neurological conditions, particularly those involving impaired cholinergic neurotransmission¹².

Footnotes

1. Examine.com ↩ ↩²

2. Examine.com ↩ ↩² ↩³

3. PubMed ↩

4. Examine.com ↩ ↩²