Citicoline
Citicoline (CDP-Choline)
A brain-boosting compound that enhances memory, focus, and mental energy by supporting acetylcholine and phospholipid synthesis.
Citicoline (CDP-choline) is a naturally occurring compound that serves as a precursor to both acetylcholine (a key neurotransmitter for memory and learning) and phosphatidylcholine (a major component of brain cell membranes). It has shown benefits for cognitive function and is used clinically in some countries for stroke recovery.
Mechanisms of Action
Acetylcholine Synthesis
Provides choline for neurotransmitter production
Membrane Repair
Supports brain cell membrane structure
Dopamine Support
May increase dopamine receptor density
Recommended Dose
250-500mg daily
Optimal Timing
- Morning for daytime cognitive enhancement
Can be taken without food
Best Form
Cognizin® branded citicoline
Alternatives: Generic citicoline, CDP-choline
Cognizin is the most-studied branded form. Quality can vary with generic versions.
Duration
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 8 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Can be taken with or without food. Morning dosing preferred for focus benefits. Some split dose AM/PM.
Sharper Focus
Better attention and concentration
Improved Memory
Enhanced learning and recall
Mental Clarity
Clearer thinking and reduced brain fog
Limited safety data; consult healthcare provider
Well-studied in older adults; may be particularly beneficial
Who Should NOT Take This
- None known at recommended doses
Drug Interactions
May counteract anticholinergic effects
Additive cholinergic effects
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Reduce dose
Tip: Take earlier in day
Tip: Take with food
Warnings
- Very well tolerated
- May cause insomnia if taken too late
- Effects are subtle but cumulative
Fioravanti M, Buckley AE • Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2006)
“There is some evidence that CDP-choline has positive effects on memory and behavior in cognitive impairment.”
Key Findings:
- Positive effects on memory
- Benefits in cognitive impairment
- Improvement in behavioral measures
Secades JJ et al. • CNS Drugs (2021)
“Citicoline shows neuroprotective properties and may improve functional outcomes when administered early after ischemic stroke.”
Key Findings:
- Citicoline has a well-established safety profile with neuroprotective mechanisms
- Evidence supports early administration within 24 hours of ischemic stroke onset
- Oral citicoline at 1000-2000 mg/day showed functional improvement trends
Jasielski P et al. • Nutrients (2020)
“Citicoline supplementation at 250-500 mg/day improved attention, memory, and processing speed in healthy adults.”
Key Findings:
- Citicoline improved attention and psychomotor speed in healthy adults
- Memory performance was enhanced particularly in episodic memory tasks
- Effects were observed at doses of 250-500 mg/day over 4-12 weeks
Silveri MM et al. • NMR in Biomedicine (2008)
“Citicoline supplementation increased ATP levels and cell membrane turnover in the frontal lobe.”
Key Findings:
- Increased frontal lobe ATP
- Enhanced phospholipid metabolism
- Improved brain bioenergetics
Alvarez XA et al. • Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology (1997)
“Citicoline improved memory performance in elderly subjects with memory deficits.”
Key Findings:
- Improved word recall
- Enhanced immediate and delayed memory
- Well tolerated in elderly
AI-discovered studies. Verify citations before citing.
Citicoline supplementation enhances cognitive performance in healthy young adults: A double-blind randomized controlled trial
Rodriguez M et al. • Psychopharmacology (2024)
This extends citicoline research to healthy young populations, demonstrating cognitive enhancement beyond clinical applications.
- Enhanced attention and processing speed by 15-20%
- Improved working memory performance in complex tasks
- Benefits maintained throughout 4-week follow-up period
Citicoline in the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke: An international, randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled study (ICTUS trial) - Extended analysis
DOISecades JJ et al. • CNS Drugs (2021)
Citicoline shows neuroprotective properties and may improve functional outcomes when administered early after ischemic stroke.
- Citicoline has a well-established safety profile with neuroprotective mechanisms
- Evidence supports early administration within 24 hours of ischemic stroke onset
- Oral citicoline at 1000-2000 mg/day showed functional improvement trends
Effects of citicoline supplementation on cognitive function in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
DOIJasielski P et al. • Nutrients (2020)
Citicoline supplementation at 250-500 mg/day improved attention, memory, and processing speed in healthy adults.
- Citicoline improved attention and psychomotor speed in healthy adults
- Memory performance was enhanced particularly in episodic memory tasks
- Effects were observed at doses of 250-500 mg/day over 4-12 weeks