Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha-GPC
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha-GPC) is sometimes marketed as an athletic and exercise aid, with claims that it may enhance physical performance, particularly by increasing growth hormone secretion and supporting cognitive function during exercise. The scientific evidence for these claims is limited but not entirely absent. A few small clinical studies and pilot trials have investigated the effects of Alpha-GPC supplementation on physical performance. For example, a 2008 study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that a single dose of Alpha-GPC (600 mg) increased post-exercise serum growth hormone levels and modestly improved lower body force production in healthy young males. Another small study suggested possible improvements in power output. However, these studies had small sample sizes, short duration, and used surrogate endpoints rather than direct measures of athletic performance such as endurance or strength over time.
Systematic reviews and larger trials are lacking, and overall, the evidence supporting Alpha-GPC’s use as an exercise or athletic aid is preliminary. While there is a plausible mechanism—choline’s role in neurotransmitter synthesis and growth hormone modulation—the data are insufficient to draw firm conclusions about its efficacy for improving athletic performance. The current body of evidence rates as low to moderate in quality and quantity, justifying a score of 2 out of 5.
Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids
7-Keto-DHEAacetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-taurine
l-tyrosine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
watermelon
whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
yerba mate
algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Bovine Protein
Bulbine natalensis
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Casein
Cardarine
Capsinoids
Citrate malate
Capsiate
Creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
Elk antler
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
glucose
Isoleucine
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by Alpha-GPC
Aging (prevention)Alzheimer's Disease
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Body Building
Circulation (to the brain)
Concentration (poor)
Dementia
Fatigue
Memory and Brain Function
Parkinson's Disease