Alpha-GPC · Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine
Choline donor with European dementia trials behind it. Decent cognition data; a 2021 cohort linked long-term use to stroke risk.
Short answer
Real drug in Europe for cognitive decline; unproven for healthy brains. The stroke signal argues against casual decade-long use.
Product and dose overview
Alpha-GPC (Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine) is a cognitive with evidence grade C, meaning it is backed by mixed or small human trials. We track 0 products containing Alpha-GPC. The top-ranked product scores 0 out of 10 on our composite scale (dose, evidence, price, testing, transparency). Prices range up to $0.00 per month.
What it is
A choline compound that crosses into the brain and feeds acetylcholine production — the neurotransmitter most tied to memory.
Why people take it
European trials from the 1990s-2000s showed alpha-GPC improved cognition in dementia patients enough that it is a registered drug (Delecit) in Italy and elsewhere. Evidence in healthy people is thin. A 2021 Korean cohort study linked long-term use to higher stroke incidence — observational, but worth knowing.
Our verdict
Real drug in Europe for cognitive decline; unproven for healthy brains. The stroke signal argues against casual decade-long use.
Structure & class
L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine, ~40% choline by weight, precursor to acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine.
Mechanism & clinical data
Parnetti et al. meta-analysis of dementia trials found consistent cognitive benefit vs placebo (SCAG and MMSE scales). A 2024 RCT (choline alphoscerate, amnestic MCI) reported cognitive improvement. Lee et al. 2021 (Sci Rep) Korean national cohort (n>12M) found long-term alpha-GPC users had ~46% higher stroke incidence — observational, confounding possible (users often already cognitively impaired).
Pharmacokinetics
Choline levels peak within hours; acetylcholine effects short-lived per dose.
Dose & forms
What to watch out for
Labels often list 'Alpha-GPC 50%' — a 600 mg capsule then delivers only 300 mg actual Alpha-GPC. The 2021 stroke association is unresolved; intermittent use is a common harm-reduction choice.
Where this dose comes from
The trial dose above is our editorial pick from the published human trials for this ingredient. We choose the dose that the best-available studies used on the endpoint most relevant to longevity. The range shows the lowest and highest doses tested in published trials. The landmark studies below are the papers we read to set it. You can click through and check our work.
When new trials publish, our automated sweeps flag them. If a new study materially changes the dose, we update it through editorial review and record the old dose, new dose, and the triggering study in every affected product's recommendation history. The dose is never changed automatically.
Regulatory status
Timeline
Regulatory events, evidence grade changes, and key research milestones for Alpha-GPC, most recent first. Studies link to the paper; regulatory entries name and link the responsible authority.
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EU Court sharpens the bar for botanical health claimsA Court of Justice of the European Union ruling in April 2025 further tightened the requirements for how botanical ingredients (herbs, plant extracts) can be marketed with health claims in the EU, effectively removing much of the flexibility of the on-hold list.
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EU report identifies 117 supplement substances as potential health risksThe HoA Working Group on Food Supplements (26 European countries) published its first report evaluating 117 substances used in food supplements. Of these, 65 were assessed as likely novel foods, 6 were already regulated, 34 had insufficient data, and 12 were prioritized for Article 8 restriction under Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006. The 12 priority substances include ashwagandha, curcumin, melatonin, piperine, St. John's wort, coumarin, p-synephrine, maca, holy basil, Melaleuca, black cohosh, and L-tryptophan. The report drew on 1,500 RASFF alerts reviewed between 2017 and mid-2022.
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EU Health Claims Regulation adoptedRegulation (EC) No 1924/2006 laid down harmonised rules for nutrition and health claims made on foods, including supplements. Only claims listed in the EU Register of authorised claims can be used. Rejected botanical claims are held in a separate on-hold list.
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EU introduces the Novel Food RegulationRegulation (EC) No 258/97 required any food or food ingredient without a history of consumption in the EU before 15 May 1997 to be authorised before being placed on the market. This is the framework that captures NMN, spermidine as a supplement ingredient, urolithin A, and many other longevity actives.
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Choline alphoscerate RCT (amnestic impairment)Randomized trial in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment: alpha-GPC improved cognitive test scores vs comparator.
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Alpha-GPC in adult-onset cognitive dysfunction (review)Review of alpha-GPC trials in adult-onset cognitive disorders: consistent symptomatic benefit in dementia populations; healthy-adult data sparse.
Landmark studies
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Choline alphoscerate RCT (amnestic impairment)
Randomized trial in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment: alpha-GPC improved cognitive test scores vs comparator.
Read study → -
Alpha-GPC in adult-onset cognitive dysfunction (review)
Review of alpha-GPC trials in adult-onset cognitive disorders: consistent symptomatic benefit in dementia populations; healthy-adult data sparse.
Read study →
Found in these products
All products in our catalog that contain Alpha-GPC, ranked by our overall score. Ranking is editorial, never paid.
No products in our catalog contain this yet.
Buying guides and comparisons
Related ingredients
See all in Cognitive →Molecules in the same class, plus the actives most often formulated alongside Alpha-GPC in our catalogue.
See Alpha-GPC in context: the mechanism it acts through, the biomarker it moves, the products that dose it, and the trials that tested it.
View Alpha-GPC on the Longevity Map →Frequently asked questions
What is Alpha-GPC?
A choline compound that crosses into the brain and feeds acetylcholine production — the neurotransmitter most tied to memory.
What dose of Alpha-GPC should I take?
The trial dose in published human studies is 600 mg per day, with a range of 300 to 1200 mg per day. Always consult a qualified clinician before starting any supplement.
Is Alpha-GPC safe?
Labels often list 'Alpha-GPC 50%' — a 600 mg capsule then delivers only 300 mg actual Alpha-GPC. The 2021 stroke association is unresolved; intermittent use is a common harm-reduction choice.
What is the best Alpha-GPC supplement?
We track 0 products containing Alpha-GPC. The top-ranked product scores 0 out of 10 on our composite scale, which evaluates dose, evidence, price, third-party testing, and transparency. See the comparison table above. Scores are editorial judgments, not a scientific standard.
What is the evidence grade for Alpha-GPC?
Alpha-GPC has evidence grade C, meaning it is backed by mixed or small human trials. Grade A means replicated human RCTs with hard endpoints. Grade B means human RCTs with biomarker outcomes. Grade C means mixed or small human trials. See our evidence grading methodology.
Data verification
Evidence grades are reviewed when new human RCTs are published. Product counts update automatically as new products are added. Dose ranges reflect published trial data, not brand recommendations. Read how we verify.