Alpha-GPC and CDP-Choline are part of the choline ‘cycle’. One is a precursor to phosphatidylcholine, while the other is a by-product. Both of them have a direct influence on choline availability in the brain. But there are comparisons between the two compounds, though few studies have been done only in this regard. The conducted clinical studies have used intravenous injections rather than oral ingestion.
A study shows that absorption by the oral route is virtually complete, and bioavailability by the oral route is therefore approximately the same as by the intravenous route.[12]
Alpha-GPC may be a more effective supplement for increasing brain choline levels.
Another study comparing the two concludes by saying that after the administration of CTC, plasma choline levels showed a similar time course but were considerably lower than those observed after the administration of alpha-GPC.[13]
Some other studies which are available online show that Alpha-GPC is more efficient at increasing free choline levels in the blood. But only a few studies are not, actually, enough to prove that one compound is ‘better’ than the other. Many researches are needed in this field to come to a definitive decision about it.
Besides improving cognitive function, Alpha-GPC and CDP-Choline both have outlying benefits beyond conferring choline that make the choice between them even more difficult. But when we go into these benefits, then CDP-Choline seems to be advanced in this area.
Both Alpha-GPC and CDP-Choline are broken down into choline and another substance in the body. They contribute to higher levels of phospholipids, thereby ensuring healthy dendrite (nerve cell) growth and maintenance.
Increasing neurotransmitter availability is definitely important, but ensuring that your brain has an abundant supply of phospholipids to rebuild itself is something very fundamental that you want to get right. And Alpha-GPC does this via conversion straight into phosphatidylserine, while CDP-Choline does this by first converting into phosphatidylcholine. But the significant thing is that they both do it.
Again, Uridine’s potential benefits may be one of those incredibly potent, holistic, and lasting nootropic substances that eventually find their way onto the ingredient list of every reputable stack on the market. Uridine appears to work synergistically with DHA, making its effects more evident and, potentially, longer-lasting. A study concludes by saying that it is possible that giving uridine plus DHA triggers a neuronal program that, by accelerating phosphatide and synaptic protein synthesis, controls synaptogenesis.[14] That means although DHA is believed to contribute to the maintenance of neural tissue, stacking DHA with Uridine turns this support into a full-blown program of reconstruction.
Over again, optimizing dopamine levels can have a profound effect on mood, motivation, and concentration. These are all huge nootropic benefits, and CDP-Choline seems better placed to ensure healthy dopamine and norepinephrine than Alpha-GPC.
Are you thinking now that CDP-Choline might be the better of the two cholinergics? Actually, nootropics are very person-dependent and what is right for one person may not necessarily be right for another. It’s up to you to decide which one of these two compounds you need in your stack.
When ingested orally, both CDP-Choline and Alpha-GPC operate in very similar ways. They are both involved in the biosynthesis of acetylcholine and cell membrane forming phospholipids. However, there are some tiny differences between them and they mean that one may be more suitable to your needs than another. So, research first, then decide the right stack for you.
Alpha-GPC is perhaps the cholinergic for you if you want something that is going to give you the biggest influx of choline in the shortest possible span of time. On the other hand, CDP-Choline might be the way to go for you if you want something that isn’t as fast acting, but has very similar results, and with arguably more potent outlying benefits. And, everything depends on you – what you actually want, and how you react to each substance.
Once more, the side effects that are often associated with Alpha-GPC are not usually associated with sensible CDP-supplementation. And it’s also that CDP-Choline is usually cheaper than Alpha-GPC.