Citicoline (CDP-Choline)
Commonly used for
FocusHealthy Aging
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What is it? / Overview
Citicoline breaks down into choline and cytidine -- choline feeds acetylcholine and membrane phospholipid synthesis, while cytidine converts to uridine, supporting synapse formation. It also stabilizes cell membranes and reduces glutamate excitotoxicity. A randomized trial found 500 mg/day over 12 weeks improved episodic and composite memory in older adults with age-associated memory complaints.
How is it used? / Administration
Form: Citicoline (cytidine-5'-diphosphocholine, branded Cognizin) -- pharmacokinetically distinct from plain choline/Alpha-GPC, so kept as its own entry
Typical dose studied: 500 mg/day
Timing: Daily, with or without food; benefit assessed over ~12 weeks
Distinct from the existing Alpha-GPC entry (see that separate entry) -- both are choline sources, but citicoline additionally delivers cytidine/uridine and has its own separate trial evidence base.
How well does it work? / Evidence
~ Moderate evidence
Who should avoid it?
Already taking it? Favorable safety and tolerability profile -- reasonable to continue. Note that a positive 500 mg RCT exists for age-associated memory, but EFSA rejected a formal memory health claim because higher-dose and dementia trials were negative, so keep expectations modest.
Research & references
Nakazaki E et al. (2021). Citicoline and Memory Function in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. The Journal of Nutrition. Świątkiewicz M, Grieb P (2023). Citicoline for Supporting Memory in Aging Humans. Aging and Disease. Turck D et al. (2024). 'Citicoline' and Support of the Memory Function: Evaluation of a Health Claim. EFSA Journal.
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