Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board
Alpha-GPC
MODERATE EVIDENCESupplementLast updated April 5, 2026
SCAN DOSE SUMMARY
Alpha-GPC is a choline compound that crosses the blood-brain barrier and boosts acetylcholine — the neurotransmitter critical for memory and learning. Our research, from 5 RCTs and 390 participants, shows moderate evidence for cognitive improvement (especially in dementia) and power output enhancement. However, there's a concerning signal: observational data links alpha-GPC supplementation to increased cardiovascular disease and stroke risk through TMAO production. This is still preliminary, but it's worth flagging.
EVIDENCE GRADES
Cognition (dementia patients)Moderate
B
Dementia SymptomsModerate
B
Growth HormoneModerate — small increase
B
Power OutputModerate
B
OPTIMAL DOSAGE
For cognitive decline/dementia: 1,200mg/day (400mg 3x/day)
For exercise performance: 300-600mg, 30-60 minutes before exercise
Timing: Divided doses. Pre-workout for performance.
Potential concern: May increase TMAO (trimethylamine-N-oxide), which is associated with cardiovascular disease. Observational study found dose-dependent stroke risk increase over 10 years.
Drug Interactions
Precautions
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding:Caution. Metabolized to choline (essential nutrient), so likely safe. Not specifically studied in pregnancy.
Cardiovascular disease risk: Emerging concern. Alpha-GPC promotes TMAO and may increase atherosclerosis and stroke risk. More research needed.
WADA Status
Not Prohibited.
WHO SHOULD BE CAREFUL
HOW SCAN DOSE SCORES THIS
Present at 300-1,200mg:✅ Green flag with ⚠️ CVD caveat — effective nootropic but emerging cardiovascular concerns
Underdosed (<200mg):⚠️ Yellow flag — below studied effective range
In someone with cardiovascular disease:⚠️ Yellow flag — TMAO association warrants caution