Citicoline (CDP-choline) is a dietary supplement that helps support healthy neurological functions such as memory and focus and mental sharpness.
Benefits
Citicoline was originally developed in Japan as a drug for use in stroke patients. It was later introduced to Europe, where it began to be prescribed for the treatment of cognitive problems related to poor circulation in the brain. In the U.S., it is available as a dietary supplement.
It is believed that citicoline works by providing the building blocks for the synthesis of two biological compounds: phosphatidylcholine and acetylcholine. Phosphatidylcholine is a phospholipid molecule used in the creation, rejuvenation and stabilization of brain cell membranes; acetylcholine is a compound that functions as a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) used in memory recall (1).
Citicoline has far reaching benefits. In addition to improving memory (found in some nootoprics), it is believed to be beneficial for the treatment of mild vascular cognitive impairment, Parkinson’s disease, attention deficit-hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and glaucoma.
Citicoline may improve memory decline in older people. In one study, 16 healthy men and women were given an oral dose of either 500 mg or 2000 mg Cognizin Citicoline for six weeks. At the end of the treatment period, the researchers noted significant increases in phosphocreatine, beta-nucleoside triphosphates, the ratio of phosphocreatine to inorganic phosphate and significant changes in membrane phospholipids.
In a nutshell, this translates to the researcher’s confidence that citicoline supplementation can lessen age-related cognitive declines by increasing energy reserves and the amount of phospholipids — a class of lipids essential for the creation and maintenance of brain cell membranes (2).
The results of another study evaluating the effects of citicoline on memory in elderly participants, were equally as promising. A group of elderly men and women (without dementia) were given an oral dose of 500 mg citicoline, 1000 mg citicoline, placebo or a combination of citicoline and nimodipine (a calcium channel blocker that widens blood vessels and improves brain blood flow) for four weeks.
Results indicated that when compared to placebo, citicoline showed significant improvement in free recall tasks, word recall, immediate object recall and delayed object recall.
Citicoline shows promise in keeping the minds of women sharp. In a recent double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 60 healthy women between the ages of 40 and 60 were given either a daily oral dose of 250 mg citicoline, 500 mg citicoline or placebo for 28 days. Researchers observed that the participants who were administered either the 250 mg or the 500 mg citicoline dose showed significant improvement in cognitive performance and sharpened mental focus (3).
Researchers are hopeful that this supplement may help to improve attentional deficits in middle-aged women associated with central nervous system disorders.
Citicoline may be help treat glaucoma. Glaucoma is a type of neurodegenerative disease that damages the eye’s optic nerve, and is a leading cause of blindness in those over the age of 60 (4).
In a study published in the peer-reviewed medical journal, CNS Drugs, glaucoma patients with moderate visual defects had improved retinal function and neural conduction when treated with citicoline. When treatment was continued for two to eight years, their glaucoma significantly slowed, stabilized or even improved (5).
Citicoline may improve mild vascular cognitive impairment. An Italian study performed on 349 participants determined that oral citicoline taken for up to 9 months was effective and well tolerated in patients with mild vascular cognitive impairment (MCI). According to the Mayo Clinic, MCI is the stage between the expected cognitive decline of normal aging and the more-serious decline of dementia. It can involve problems with memory, language, thinking and judgment that are greater than normal age-related changes (6).
Some of the notable improvements witnessed at the end of the study include, increased brain metabolism as well as norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the central nervous system. Norepinephrine and dopamine are critical neurotransmitters that play essential roles in attention and thinking.
Treatment also provided neuroprotective effects during hypoxia (lack of oxygen in the tissues of the body) and ischemia (inadequate blood supply).
Citicoline shows promise in the treatment of addictive disorders. In recent years, researchers have grown interested in learning more about the role of citicoline in treating addiction. They stress that while there is little research on its efficacy for treating addictive disorders, the available literature (mainly on cocaine use) suggests that it has the potential to have an effect on craving, withdrawal symptoms and cognitive functioning. It may also have the ability to diminish the neurotoxic effects of drug use (7).
Limited data suggests citicoline may also hold promise for the treatment of alcohol and cannabis dependence and in reducing food consumption. More studies are needed, but researchers are hopeful.
Side Effects
According to the Journal of Neuroscience Research, citicoline is non-toxic and well-tolerated (X) and is considered safe when taken orally for up to 90 days. Most people who take citicoline do not experience side effects. Those who do experience side effects report trouble sleeping, headache, diarrhea, low or high blood pressure, nausea, blurred vision and chest pain (8).
The safety of long-term use is not known, but researchers theorize that based on results of some of the studies, long-term use may prove safe and beneficial in improving neurological functions and neurodegenerative diseases.
Recommended dosage
Standard dosing of citicoline is to take 500-2,000 mg a day, divided in two doses (of 250-1,000 mg) usually separated by 8-12 hours. A single daily dose is also sometimes used depending on the condition being treated. (9).
Dosing for improving mental focus and attention has been shown to be most effective at 250 mg (10).
As with any dietary supplement, always consult with your physician regarding use and proper dosage.
Recap
Citicoline (CDP-choline) is a dietary supplement taken for memory enhancement and to help protect against cognitive decline. Several human studies have been performed and the results are promising for improving age-related memory decline, cognitive performance and treating certain neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma and mild vascular cognitive impairment.
Researchers are interested in learning more about the neuroprotective properties of citicoline. Clinical trials are ongoing and researchers are optimistic that citicoline can play an important role in supporting healthy neurological function.
Citicoline is non-toxic and generally well-tolerated when taken orally for a short period of time (up to 90 days).
https://bodynutrition.org/citicoline/
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