L-Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine (L-α-GPC): A Comprehensive Review of Its Preparation Techniques and Versatile Biological Effects

L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine (L-α-GPC), commonly referred to as glycerophosphorylcholine (GPC) or choline alfoscerate, is a choline-containing compound widely found in nature, predominantly in its L configuration. Due to its high choline content (41% by weight) and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, GPC is considered one of the most utilized sources of choline. GPC, as a cholinergic compound with diverse applications across food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries, faces limitations due to its restricted natural availability. This review aims to bridge this gap by providing a comprehensive summary of the latest preparation techniques of GPC for food scientists, pharmacists, and the food and pharmaceutical industries. The review also highlights recent bioactivity evaluation results of GPC in animal models and human clinical tests, with a focus on cognitive dysfunction, cardiometabolic disorders, anti-aging, and ergogenic effects. Finally, the review identifies existing knowledge gaps and proposes new research areas to promote the development of high value-added and health-promoting products containing GPC.