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Jarrow Formulas Alpha GPC Review – Is it Effective?

By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc

Reviewed by Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir

Last Updated:

Evidence Based | Overview | Ingredients | Health Benefits | Cautions | Cost | How To Take | Does it Work

Alpha GPC is a cholinergic and nootropic which is supposed to support neuronal health and your ability to learn. Bottles of 60 capsules are sold by Jarrow Formulas, a successful supplement company created in 1977. They encourage scientific study, both within the company and in outside establishments. Jarrow says they have strong relationships with researchers and academic institutions, sometimes funding new studies on the potential of new ingredients for dietary supplements.

Overview

1) Quick Overview

Each capsule contains 300 mg of Alpha GPC (L-alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine, also known as choline alfoscerate). Alpha-GPC is a natural compound found in the brain and some foods, thought to be an essential nutrient by some. It’s used to promote healthy cognitive function and increase athletic performance (this is still undergoing human study and may be similarly effective as arginine). It might also support cellular membranes, and aid in preventing mental decline. Studies show that Alpha GPC has a notable effect on cognitive decline and symptoms of Alzheimer’s. It can increase power output and growth hormone among athletes as well; a pilot study found Alpha GPC increasing power by 14%, which would be more effective than a typical daily dose of caffeine.

Alpha-GPC is a popular ingredient in nootropic blends like Alpha Brain and NooCube. It can also be purchased as a standalone supplement, such as the subject of our review, Alpha GPC.

Ingredients

2) Details on Alpha GPC Ingredients and Uses

Alpha GPC contains the following ingredients: Alpha GPC (L-alphaglycerophosphatidylcholine/choline alfoscerate), Silicon dioxide, stearic acid (vegetable source), cellulose, magnesium stearate (vegetable source) and dicalcium phosphate, capsule consists of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, contains: soy.

3) Is Alpha GPC Right for You?

The vegan friendly capsules all have 300 mg of Alpha GPC (L-alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine, also known as choline alfoscerate). This is a natural choline compound found in the brain and it’s better understood than some newer supplements like uridine. Alpha GPC delivers choline to the brain through the blood brain barrier and has potential in treating things like stroke and dementia. In Europe, Alpha GPC is used in some prescription medicines for Alzheimer’s disease. It’s also found in foods that are high in choline, but there’s some evidence to show that Alpha GPC may be superior to many other forms of choline. It’s also thought to be more pharmacologically active at higher doses. It is different though, and shouldn’t be confused with general choline.

Taking it with food is recommended but not necessary. Storage is the single biggest issue with Alpha GPC. It degrades quickly, especially when you take it every day. Vacuum sealed bags or freezing your Alpha GPC is recommended, especially if you won’t use the entire bottle within a month. Minimizing the amount of air you expose Alpha GPC to is essential to keeping it for any extended period of time. If you think you’ll take two months to consume everything, store half of the bottle in a separate container (or sealable bag) and put it in your freezer; remove when the other half of your Alpha GPC is gone.

Health Benefits

4) Alpha GPC Health Benefits

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  • One of the better dietary supplements for increasing mental function and memory. There’s also a growing body of research showing how it’s effective as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and age related cognitive decline. You might have to take 3 to 4 capsules a day if you’re over the age of 50 and doing poorly, but the benefits seem undeniable so far.

Cautions

5) What You Need to Know Before Taking Alpha GPC

  • When frequently exposed to air, capsules can degrade into a gel-like substance. If you don’t consume them within a month, you’ll have to store your excess appropriately. Sealed in a bag inside a freezer – a vacuum sealed bag if possible – seems to give the best results.
Cost

6) How Much Does Alpha GPC Cost?

The label says to take 1 to 2 capsules a day with food, and bottles have 60 capsules inside. This leads to bottles lasting around 1 to 2 months, depending on how often you take each capsule. If you take 1 capsule a day then this is an average priced supplement. Taking 2 day is a little expensive, but still in the average range, especially if you end up paying a price that’s near MSRP.

How To Take

7) How to Take Alpha GPC

It’s thought to increase levels of acetylcholine in the brain. The standard dose is 300 to 600 mg, although some people will want to take up 1200 mg. If you’re not sure how much to take, asking your doctor is generally the best course of action to take. An appropriate dose will vary depending on your age, health, and general mental condition. Side effects are rare but can include heartburn, headache, dizziness, lethargy, and confusion.

Does it Work

8) Bottom Line – Does It Really Work?

When you take Alpha GPC for memory and mood, most people seem to have good results. Since no two people have the same biochemistry, your results may vary. For some people this is amazing, and for some people it’s just okay. It’s also supposed to be a non stimulant, and some people feel increased cognitive stimulation after taking Alpha GPC. In general it looks as though this is a solid product that a lot of people could use for various benefits. It might be especially effective in adults over the age of 50, as they’re most at risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease – things Alpha GPC could treat.

3/5 - (1 vote)
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