Alpha-GPC vs Citicoline: Choline Sources Compared
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Alpha-GPC vs citicoline: how do these choline sources differ?

Memory trials · Stroke data · Choline limits

Short answer: Both supply choline, but no trial has compared them. Citicoline improved memory scores in 100 healthy older adults over 12 weeks.1 Alpha-GPC improved scores in Alzheimer's disease over 180 days,2 but a Korean study of 12 million adults linked its use to higher 10-year stroke risk, an association rather than proof.3 Adult choline upper limit: 3,500 mg a day.4

How do alpha-GPC and citicoline compare side by side?

From the NIH choline fact sheet, randomized trials and a cohort study.
Alpha-GPCCiticoline
Other namesCholine alfoscerate, glycerophosphocholine3CDP-choline5
Memory trial261 people with Alzheimer's: 400 mg three times a day for 180 days improved scores vs placebo2100 healthy adults 50 to 85: 500 mg a day for 12 weeks improved episodic and overall memory1
ReviewNone in the sources checkedCochrane: some benefit on memory and behavior in older adults, none on attention5
StrokeLinked to higher 10-year stroke risk in a Korean cohort (adjusted HR 1.43 after matching)3No better than placebo for recovery after acute stroke (ICTUS, 2,298 patients)6
Choline limits (adults)Adequate intake 550 mg men, 425 mg women; upper limit 3,500 mg4Same limits for total choline4

Reviewed . Half-life figures are shown only where the value Dose Track uses agrees with the cited source.

What has each been studied for?

Alpha-GPC: in a 180-day trial of 261 people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, thinking scores improved on 400 mg three times a day and worsened on placebo.2 A study of about 12 million South Korean adults aged 50 and over found people prescribed alpha-GPC had a higher 10-year risk of stroke, rising with more use. The authors point to TMAO, a gut-bacteria product of choline, as one possible reason, and call for more research.3

Citicoline: in 100 healthy adults aged 50 to 85 with age-related memory complaints, 500 mg a day for 12 weeks improved episodic and composite memory more than placebo.1 A Cochrane review of 14 trials in older adults found some evidence of benefit for memory and behavior, none for attention.5 In acute stroke, the ICTUS trial was stopped for futility.6

These are study protocols, not personalized advice; confirm any dosing with your prescriber.

What about choline safety?

NIH says very high choline intakes are linked to fishy body odor, vomiting, sweating, low blood pressure and liver toxicity, and sets an adult upper limit of 3,500 mg a day from food and supplements combined.4

Neither is approved by FDA before sale in the US.7 More detail: Lion's mane vs bacopa: which has better memory evidence?, and the Alpha-GPC (Choline Alfoscerate) and Citicoline (CDP-Choline) guides.

This page summarizes labels and published studies. It is not personalized medical advice; confirm any dose or change with your prescriber.
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Frequently asked questions

Is alpha-GPC or citicoline better for memory?+
No trial compared them. Citicoline was tested in healthy older adults; alpha-GPC mainly in Alzheimer's disease.12
Does alpha-GPC raise stroke risk?+
A Korean cohort found an association with higher 10-year stroke risk that rose with use. It shows a link, not cause.3
Does citicoline help after a stroke?+
In the ICTUS trial of 2,298 patients, it did no better than placebo for recovery at 90 days.6
How much choline is too much?+
NIH lists an adult upper limit of 3,500 mg a day from food and supplements.4
Can I track these in Dose Track?+
Yes. Log each with milligrams and reminders.

Sources

  1. Nakazaki E, et al. Citicoline and memory function in healthy older adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Nutr. 2021;151(8):2153-2160.
  2. De Jesus Moreno Moreno M. 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. Clin Ther. 2003;25(1):178-193.
  3. Lee G, et al. Association of L-α glycerylphosphorylcholine with subsequent stroke risk after 10 years. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(11):e2136008.
  4. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Choline fact sheet for health professionals (updated June 2, 2022).
  5. Fioravanti M, Yanagi M. Cytidinediphosphocholine (CDP-choline) for cognitive and behavioural disturbances associated with chronic cerebral disorders in the elderly. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005;(2):CD000269.
  6. Dávalos A, et al. Citicoline in the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke: an international, randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled study (ICTUS trial). Lancet. 2012;380(9839):349-357.
  7. FDA. Questions and answers on dietary supplements.

All compound comparisons · Alpha-GPC (Choline Alfoscerate) guide · Citicoline (CDP-Choline) guide · All compound guides · Peptide tracking in Dose Track