Supplement Monograph
Choline Alfoscerate
Choline alfoscerate (Alpha-GPC) — a highly bioavailable choline donor and acetylcholine precursor.
Note: Choline alfoscerate is the same compound as Alpha-GPC (L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine). See the Alpha-GPC entry for the fuller monograph.
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Where Does It Come From?
Choline alfoscerate is produced from highly purified soy lecithin. It occurs naturally in the body as a breakdown product of phospholipids and is supplied as a supplement and, in some countries, a medication.
Specific Actions:
Choline alfoscerate is a highly bioavailable choline donor that crosses the blood–brain barrier and serves as a precursor for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, supporting memory and focus.
Indications:
Choline alfoscerate has been studied as a treatment for cognitive decline, including mild to moderate Alzheimer’s dementia. It is also used more generally as a choline source to support acetylcholine synthesis.
Chemical Description:
Choline alfoscerate (L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine) is a water-soluble phospholipid metabolite that consists of choline linked to glycerophosphate.
Synergy:
Choline alfoscerate is commonly paired with racetams, supplying the choline needed for acetylcholine synthesis and complementing their cholinergic activity.
References:
- Moreno, M. D. J. M. (2003). 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. Clinical therapeutics, 25(1), 178-193.