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Alpha-GPC
(L-alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine, Choline alfoscerate)
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| Introduction |
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| Although Alpha-GPC is a chemical compound that occurs naturally in the body, it has been studied recently for its potential use as a supplement that may support a variety of neurological functions. Alpha-GPC's most important role is in the production of choline, a water soluble B vitamin that is important for the brain and nervous system. Alpha-GPC has also been studied for its role in the production of certain hormones and neurotransmitters—such as acetylcholine and human growth hormone—that support brain and nervous system function.(1, 2, 3) |
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| Reported Uses |
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Alpha-GPC's brain-boosting qualities have been studied for their ability to enhance overall brain function.(4, 5) In young patients, for instance, Alpha-GPC may improve memory and the ability to pay attention.(6)
There may be more targeted uses for Alpha-GPC as well. The treatment of Alzheimer's disease is one such case and studies suggest that Alpha-GPC may indeed improve neurological function in these patients.(7, 8) There is also research which suggests that Alpha-GPC may support brain health and function in elderly people suffering with various forms of dementia and senility.(9, 10) Meanwhile, other studies suggest that Alpha-GPC may have promise in the support of patients recovering from stroke.(11)
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| Dosage Info |
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| Dosage Range |
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Most Common Dosage |
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Dosage Forms |
| 200 mg to 1,500 mg daily. |
400 mg, 3 times daily. |
Tablets, capsules, powder, and intravenous. |
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| Toxicities & Precautions |
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| Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects.
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General
This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines. |
Side Effects
Side effects are possible with any dietary supplement. In approximately 1 percent of patients, this dietary supplement may cause heartburn, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, restlessness, and headache.(12) These problems are almost always considered mild and are usually resolved by lowering the dosage or discontinuing use. Tell your doctor if these side effects become severe or do not go away. |
Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects related to fetal development during pregnancy or to infants who are breast-fed. Yet little is known about the use of this dietary supplement while pregnant or breast-feeding. Therefore, it is recommended that you inform your healthcare practitioner of any dietary supplements you are using while pregnant or breast-feeding. |
Age Limitations
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician. |
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| Footnotes |
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1 Sigala S, Imperato A, Rizzonelli P, et al. L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine antagonizes scopolamine-induced amnesia and enhances hippocampal cholinergic transmission in the rat. Eur J Pharmacol. Feb1992;211(3):351-8.
View Abstract
2 Ceda GP, Ceresini G, Denti L, et al. alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine administration increases the GH responses to GHRH of young and elderly subjects. Horm Metab Res. Mar1992;24(3):119-21.
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3 Ceda GP, et al. GH responses to GHRH in old subjects and in patients with senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type:the effects of an acetylcholine precursor. Advances in the Biosciences. 1993;87:425-428.
4 Parnetti L. Choline alphoscerate in cognitive decline and in acute cerebrovascular disease: an analysis of published clinical data. Mech Ageing Dev. 2001 Nov;122(16):2041-55.
View Abstract
5 Amenta F. The cholinergic approach for the treatment of vascular dementia: evidence from pre-clinical and clinical studies. Clin Exp Hypertens. 2002 Oct-Nov;24(7-8):697-713.
View Abstract
6 Canal N, Franceschi M, Alberoni M, et al. Effect of L-alpha-glyceryl-phosphorylcholine on amnesia caused by scopolamine. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol. Mar1991;29(3):103-7.
View Abstract
7 Parnetti L, Abate G, Bartorelli L, Cucinotta D, et al. Multicentre study of l-alpha-glyceryl-phosphorylcholine vs ST200 among patients with probable senile dementia of Alzheimer's type. Drugs & Aging. Mar1993;3(2):159-64.
View Abstract
8 De Jesus Moreno Moreno M. 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. Clin Ther. 2003 Jan;25(1):178-93.
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9 Abbati C, et al. Nootropic therapy of cerebral aging. Advances in Therapy. 1991;8(6):268-276.
10 Paciaroni E, Tomassini PF. Controlled clinical trial of the efficacy and safety of choline alphoscerate (alpha-GPC) versus oxiracetam in patients with mild cognitive deficit of vascular origin. Giornal Italiano di Ricerche Cliniche e Terepeutiche. 1993;14(2):29-34.
11 Barbagallo Sangiorgi G, Barbagallo M, Giordano M, et al. alpha-Glycerophosphocholine in the mental recovery of cerebral ischemic attacks. An Italian multicenter clinical trial. Ann N Y Acad Sci.
Jun1994;30;717:253-69.
View Abstract
12 Barbagallo Sangiorgi G, Barbagallo M, Giordano M, et al. alpha-Glycerophosphocholine in the mental recovery of cerebral ischemic attacks. An Italian multicenter clinical trial. Ann N Y Acad Sci. Jun1994;717:253-69.
View Abstract
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