OnePin Peptide Library · Cognitive & Mood
Alpha-GPC
Alpha-Glycerophosphocholine · L-Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine · GPC
Alpha-GPC (alpha-glycerophosphocholine, also called L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine or choline alfoscerate) is a highly bioavailable choline-containing compound that crosses the blood-brain barrier readily. Unlike other choline sources (choline bitartrate, lecithin, phosphatidylcholine), Alpha-GPC delivers ~40% by weight as bioavailable choline directly into systemic circulation and effectively to the brain. Originally developed as a pharmaceutical in Italy (where it remains a prescription drug for Alzheimer's and stroke recovery), Alpha-GPC is sold over-the-counter as a supplement in the US.,Alpha-GPC's primary applications are cognitive function (memory, focus, attention), age-related cognitive decline / Alzheimer's adjunct, and acute athletic performance (power output enhancement via increased growth hormone release and acetylcholine availability). The compound works as a choline donor for acetylcholine synthesis, with effects on cholinergic neurotransmission appearing within 30-60 minutes of dosing. Unlike Bacopa or Lion's Mane (which require weeks of dosing), Alpha-GPC has measurable acute effects making it useful for situational cognitive demand (presentations, exams, athletic competition).,Beyond cognitive applications, Alpha-GPC has demonstrated growth hormone secretagogue effects (significant GH spike when dosed 600-1000mg pre-exercise), making it popular in athletic performance protocols. It's also used as a lipid component for liposomal formulations and as a stable, non-allergenic choline source for those who can't tolerate phosphatidylcholine or lecithin. Standard supplemental doses range from 300-1200mg/day, with 600mg being the most-studied single-dose for acute applications.
300-600mg daily for chronic cognitive support; 600mg taken 30-60 minutes pre-exercise for acute athletic/GH effect. Take with food if GI sensitive. Best paired with Uridine + DHA for full neuronal membrane support (Mr. Happy Stack).
Start here. Every protocol below is ordered lowest-first. Begin at the smallest effective dose, hold about a week to assess tolerance, and step up only if needed.
How it works
Alpha-GPC's primary mechanism is delivery of bioavailable choline to the brain for acetylcholine synthesis. Once absorbed, Alpha-GPC is cleaved into glycerophosphate + choline; the choline crosses the blood-brain barrier via the choline transporter (CHT1) and is converted to acetylcholine by choline acetyltransferase. The increased acetylcholine availability supports cognitive functions reliant on cholinergic neurotransmission - especially memory consolidation, attention, and motor control.,Beyond simple choline donation, Alpha-GPC's glycerophosphate backbone supports phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis (CDP-choline pathway), contributing to neuronal membrane integrity and repair. This dual contribution (acetylcholine + phosphatidylcholine) distinguishes Alpha-GPC from simpler choline forms that primarily support acetylcholine without the membrane support.,The growth hormone secretagogue effect is mediated through cholinergic activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis - increased acetylcholine inhibits somatostatin (the GH-suppressing hormone) and stimulates GHRH release. Acute Alpha-GPC dosing (600-1000mg) reliably produces 3-5x baseline GH spike within 30-60 minutes, contributing to anabolic/recovery effects in athletic contexts. Additional mechanisms include direct effects on dopaminergic neurotransmission and modest reduction of age-related cholinergic neuron loss in animal models.
Alpha-GPC's primary mechanism is delivery of bioavailable choline to the brain for acetylcholine synthesis. Once absorbed, Alpha-GPC is cleaved into glycerophosphate + choline; the choline crosses the blood-brain barrier via the choline transporter (CHT1) and is converted to acetylcholine by choline acetyltransferase. The increased acetylcholine availability supports cognitive functions reliant on cholinergic neurotransmission - especially memory consolidation, attention, and motor control.,Beyond simple choline donation, Alpha-GPC's glycerophosphate backbone supports phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis (CDP-choline pathway), contributing to neuronal membrane integrity and repair. This dual contribution (acetylcholine + phosphatidylcholine) distinguishes Alpha-GPC from simpler choline forms that primarily support acetylcholine without the membrane support.,The growth hormone secretagogue effect is mediated through cholinergic activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis - increased acetylcholine inhibits somatostatin (the GH-suppressing hormone) and stimulates GHRH release. Acute Alpha-GPC dosing (600-1000mg) reliably produces 3-5x baseline GH spike within 30-60 minutes, contributing to anabolic/recovery effects in athletic contexts. Additional mechanisms include direct effects on dopaminergic neurotransmission and modest reduction of age-related cholinergic neuron loss in animal models.
What to expect
30-60 minutes: Acute cognitive effects.
Evidence
Interactions & stacking
What's safe to combine, and what belongs in a separate pin.
Safe & synergistic
Keep separate
Pharmacokinetics
Storage. Store at room temperature (20-25C) in a cool, dry place. Alpha-GPC is hygroscopic - keep tightly sealed and protected from moisture. Capsules shelf-stable for 18-24 months. Bulk powder may clump with humidity exposure.
Regulatory status
Classified as a dietary supplement in the US. Available widely over the counter. Prescription pharmaceutical in Italy and other EU countries (registered for Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, stroke recovery). Generally Recognized as Safe at typical supplement doses.
Put it to work
Calculate, log & track
Open Alpha-GPC straight into OnePin with your vial and dose pre-filled, then let it handle the syringe math and remind you before the vial runs out.
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The guide & community
The complete Alpha-GPC walkthrough, real protocol discussion and coaching live inside the BlessUp community on Skool.
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