Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha-GPC
For the health condition: Body Building
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha-GPC) is a cholinergic compound often used for its potential cognitive-enhancing properties. Its use in bodybuilding or athletic performance is based on some scientific evidence, though the quality and extent of this evidence remain limited. Several small human studies have explored Alpha-GPC’s impact on physical performance, particularly related to power output. For example, a 2015 double-blind, placebo-controlled study by Ziegenfuss et al. found that a single dose of 600 mg Alpha-GPC increased lower body force production in healthy young men. Another study indicated potential benefits for growth hormone secretion, which is sometimes cited as a mechanism for muscle growth, though these effects were modest and acute.
Despite these findings, the overall body of evidence is not robust. Most studies have small sample sizes, short durations, and focus on acute rather than chronic supplementation. There is a lack of large-scale, long-term trials confirming significant benefits for muscle hypertrophy, strength, or fat loss. Thus, while the scientific rationale for Alpha-GPC in bodybuilding exists—primarily through its potential to increase acetylcholine availability and possibly stimulate growth hormone—the evidence is preliminary. It is not a traditional remedy for bodybuilding, but its use is supported by emerging, albeit limited, scientific data.
Other ingredients used for Body Building
7-Keto-DHEAacetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
anchovies
ashwagandha
aspartic acid
beta-alanine
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coleus forskohlii
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
gelatin
ginseng
greens blend (proprietary)
hydroxycitric acid
l-isoleucine
iron
l-cysteine
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-methionine
l-ornithine
l-valine
magnesium
maltodextrin
milk
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
protein
almond fruit
vitamin D
whey protein
zinc
wheat germ
algae
chickpea protein
brown rice protein
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
19-NorAndrost-4ene-3b-ol,17-one
17a-di methyl-bol
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
2a,3a-epithio-17a-methyl-5a-androstan-17b-ol
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-1-ene-3-one
2a, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-3-one
4-DHEA
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Anti-aromatase
Animal protein
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
beta-lactoglobulin
Ba Ji Tian
banana
Chia seed
Casein
Cardarine
Citrus
Capsaicin
Capsiate
Chicken
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Dextrose
Eurycomanone
Egg
Eurycoma Longifolia
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Egg protein
Fadogia agrestis
Forskolin
glucose
Isoleucine
Milk Protein
yohimbine
Zucchini
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