Citicoline, also known as CDP choline, is an essential intermediate in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, a major phospholipid of cell membranes. It is known for its ability to increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters and enhance the health and function of neuronal membranes.
Why is it considered a nootropic? Citicoline is classified as a nootropic due to its positive impact on cognitive function, especially memory, attention and learning ability. It works by providing support to the health of neurons and increasing the availability of essential neurotransmitters.
Mechanism of action: After ingestion, Citicoline decomposes into choline and cytidine. Once inside the brain cells, these molecules are reassembled to once again form CDP choline, which contributes to the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine and the increase in levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for cognitive processes.
Benefits:
-
Cognitive improvement: It can enhance memory, concentration and learning ability.
-
Neuroprotection: Helps in neuronal recovery and protection after damage, such as strokes.
-
Prevention of cognitive decline: It may offer benefits in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
-
Increased brain energy: Improves brain metabolism, which can result in greater alertness and mental clarity.
-
Mood Enhancement: Some studies suggest it may have a positive impact on mood by reducing symptoms of depression.
Absorption: Citicoline is efficiently absorbed when consumed orally, presenting high bioavailability. It can be taken with or without food, but its absorption is not significantly affected by the presence of food.
Possible adverse effects:
-
Digestive: In some people, it may cause nausea or diarrhea.
-
Insomnia: If taken late in the day, it may interfere with sleep.
Contraindications:
-
Drug interactions: Before starting consumption, it is important to verify with a health professional about possible interactions with other medications.
-
Specific medical conditions: People with known medical conditions, especially neurological or psychiatric disorders, should consult a doctor before taking Citicoline.
In conclusion, Citicoline is a powerful nootropic with a wide range of cognitive and neuroprotective benefits. However, it is recommended that users consult with health professionals before incorporating this supplement into their daily regimen.
More information about Citicoline and its dosage: https://nootropicsexpert.com/cdp-choline/
References on studies:
[Yo] Petkov VD, Stancheva SL, Tocuschieva L., Petkov VV “Changes in brain biogenic monoamines induced by the nootropic drugs adafenoxate and meclofenoxate and by citicholine (experiments on rats).” General Pharmacology 1990;21(1):71-5. ( source )
[ii] Agut J., Coviella IL, Wurtman RJ “Cytidine (5') diphosphocholine enhances the ability of haloperidol to increase dopamine metabolites in the striatum of the rat and to diminish stereotyped behavior induced by apomorphine.” Neuropharmacology 1984 Dec;23(12A):1403-6. ( source )
[iii] Rao AM, Hatcher JF, Dempsey RJ “CDP-choline: neuroprotection in transient forebrain ischemia of gerbils .” Journal of Neuroscience Research 1999 Dec 1;58(5):697-705. ( source )
[iv] Adibhatla RM, Hatcher JF, Dempsey RJ “Citicoline: neuroprotective mechanisms in cerebral ischemia.” Journal of Neurochemistry 2002 Jan;80(1):12-23 ( source )
[v] Wurtman RJ “Choline metabolism as a basis for the selective vulnerability of cholinergic neurons.” Trends in Neuroscience 1992 Apr;15(4):117-22. ( source )
[saw] Wang L., Pooler AM, Albrecht MA, Wurtman RJ “Dietary uridine-5'-monophosphate supplementation increases potassium-evoked dopamine release and promotes neurite outgrowth in aged rats.” Journal of Molecular Neuroscience 2005;27(1):137-45. ( source )
[vii] Cohen BM, Renshaw PF, Stoll AL, Wurtman RJ, Yurgelun-Todd D., Babb SM “Decreased brain choline uptake in older adults. “An in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.” JAMA 1995 Sep 20;274(11):902-7. ( source )
[viii] De Bruin NMWJ, Kiliaan AJ, De Wilde MC, Broersen LM “Combined uridine and choline administration improves cognitive deficits in spontaneously hypertensive rats” Neurobiology of Learning and Memory Volume 80, Issue 1, July 2003, Pages 63–79 ( source )
[ix] Hurtado O. et. To “Neuroprotection afforded by prior citicoline administration in experimental brain ischemia: effects on glutamate transport.” Neurobiology of Disease 2005 Mar;18(2):336-45. ( source )
[x] Adibhatla RM, Hatcher JF, Dempsey RJ “Citicoline: neuroprotective mechanisms in cerebral ischemia.” Journal of Neurochemistry 2002 Jan;80(1):12-23. ( source )
[xi] Watanabe S., Kono S., Nakashima Y., Mitsunobu K., Otsuki S. “Effects of various cerebral metabolic activators on glucose metabolism of brain.” Folia Psychiatr Neurol Jpn. 1975;29(1):67-76. ( source )
[xii] Clark WM “Efficacy of citicoline as an acute stroke treatment.” Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy . 2009 Apr;10(5):839-46. ( source )
[xiii] De Bruin NM, Kiliaan AJ, De Wilde MC, Broersen LM “Combined uridine and choline administration improves cognitive deficits in spontaneously hypertensive rats.” Neurobiology of Learning and Memory. 2003 Jul;80(1):63-79. ( source )
[xiv] Silveri MM et. Al. “Citicoline enhances frontal lobe bioenergetics as measured by phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy.” NMR in Biomedicine 2008 Nov;21(10):1066-75. ( source )
[xv] McGlade E., Agoston AM, DiMuzio J., Kizaki M., Nakazaki E., Kamiya T., Yurgelun-Todd D. “The Effect of Citicoline Supplementation on Motor Speed and Attention in Adolescent Males.” Journal of Attention Disorders 2015 Jul 15. pii: 1087054715593633. ( source )
[xvi] Silveri MM et. to the. “Cognizin ® Citicoline Increases Brain Energy (ATP) by 14% and Speeds up Formation of Brain Membranes by 26% in Healthy Adults” Society for Neuroscience San Diego, CA ( source )