Nootropic profile
Citicoline (CDP-Choline)
Citicoline (CDP-Choline) is a naturally occurring brain compound that enhances acetylcholine and phospholipid synthesis, supporting focus, memory, and overall cognitive function. It is one of the most well-researched and effective choline sources for brain health.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is Citicoline (CDP-Choline)?
Citicoline, also known as cytidine-diphosphocholine (CDP-Choline), is a naturally occurring compound found in every cell of the body. When taken as a supplement, it is hydrolysed in the gut into choline and cytidine, the latter of which converts to uridine in the body.
What it does for you
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How to take it
- Typical dose: 250-500 mg per day for general cognitive support.
- Clinical dose: 500-2,000 mg per day, often in divided doses (morning and afternoon).
- Forms: Capsules and tablets (sodium salt or free-base forms). Cognizin is a well-known branded form.
- Timing: Best taken in the morning or early afternoon. Can be split into two doses. Avoid late evening dosing as it may interfere with sleep.
- Upper limit: Doses up to 2,000 mg per day have been used safely in clinical trials for up to 12 months.
Watch out for
- Side effects: Very well tolerated. Rare, mild side effects may include stomach pain, diarrhoea, headache, or insomnia.
- Drug interactions: May enhance the effects of levodopa (used in Parkinson's disease). Generally safe to combine with other nootropics.
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding: Insufficient evidence for safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
- Toxicity: Very low toxicity profile in both animal and human studies. No serious adverse events reported in clinical trials.
The science, if you're curious.
- Provides choline, the direct precursor to acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter essential for learning, memory, and attention.
- Activates the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine and other structural phospholipids in neuronal membranes, maintaining cell integrity and signalling...
- Increases levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and adrenaline in the central nervous system, supporting motivation, focus, and alertness.
- Increases brain ATP levels by up to 14% and phosphocreatine by 7%, providing more cellular energy for cognitive processes.
Where to find it
- Natural occurrence: Citicoline occurs naturally in every living cell but is not obtained in significant amounts from food. Small amounts of its components (choline and cytidine) are found in organ meats, eggs, and soybeans.
- Supplement forms: Available as capsules, tablets, and powder. Cognizin (branded citicoline) is a widely used patented form.
The research
Citicoline: pharmacological and clinical review, 2010 update
Secades JJ - Reviews in Neurological Diseases
Citicoline consistently improved memory, attention, and executive function across diverse populations with excellent safety.
Citicoline enhances frontal lobe bioenergetics as measured by phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Silveri MM, Dikan J, Ross AJ, Jensen JE, Kamiya T, Kawada Y, Renshaw PF, Yurgelun-Todd DA - NMR in Biomedicine
Citicoline supplementation increases brain ATP levels and energy metabolism in the frontal cortex.
Frequently asked
Citicoline (CDP-Choline) is a naturally occurring brain compound that enhances acetylcholine and phospholipid synthesis, supporting focus, memory, and overall cognitive function. It is one of the most well-researched and effective choline sources for brain health.
The main benefits people report from Citicoline (CDP-Choline) are: Cognitive Enhancement, Creativity, Energy, Focus, Longevity, Memory, Mood, Motivation.
Typical dose: 250-500 mg per day for general cognitive support.Clinical dose: 500-2,000 mg per day, often in divided doses (morning and afternoon).Forms: Capsules and tablets (sodium salt or free-base forms). Cognizin is a well-known branded form.Timing: Best taken in the morning or early afternoon....
Side effects: Very well tolerated. Rare, mild side effects may include stomach pain, diarrhoea, headache, or insomnia.Drug interactions: May enhance the effects of levodopa (used in Parkinson's disease). Generally safe to combine with other nootropics.Pregnancy/breastfeeding: Insufficient evide...
Provides choline, the direct precursor to acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter essential for learning, memory, and attention.Activates the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine and other structural phospholipids in neuronal membranes, maintaining cell integrity and signalling...Increases levels of dopa...
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