Boosting Brain Health with CDP Choline

Trade Names & Aliases Include: Citicoline/Cognizin

The dosage I recommend is 250 mg citicoline capsule 1-2 caps, twice daily. I believe the higher dosage has the best chance at improving brain function. 

CDP choline, also known as citicoline, is a naturally occurring compound found in the brain. It is involved in several biological processes, including the synthesis of cell membranes, the formation of neurotransmitters, and the regulation of brain energy. CDP choline is also a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in learning, memory, and mood.

Several studies have investigated the potential benefits of CDP choline for anxiety. In a 2015 study, researchers found that CDP choline supplementation significantly reduced anxiety symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. A comprehensive research overview found that CDP-choline raises dopamine and noradrenaline, both improving mood. This suggests that CDP choline may be a promising natural treatment for anxiety and depression!

Even more promisingly, several studies have shown that CDP choline can improve cognitive function, particularly in older adults. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 60 healthy older adults were given either CDP choline or a placebo for six weeks. 

The group that received CDP choline showed significant improvements in attention, visual memory, and reaction time compared to the placebo group. Another study found that CDP choline can improve verbal memory in healthy older adults.

CDP choline has also been shown repeatedly to have neuroprotective effects, particularly in cases of brain damage. In a study on patients with traumatic brain injury, CDP choline was found to significantly improve cognitive function compared to a placebo group. Another study found that CDP choline can reduce the size of brain damage caused by stroke.

There is also evidence to suggest that CDP choline may be beneficial for individuals with Alzheimer's disease. A study on patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease found that CDP choline improved cognitive function and daily living activities. Another study found that CDP choline can improve memory in individuals with early-stage Alzheimer's disease.

CDP choline clearly has numerous beneficial effects on brain health and cognitive function. The latest scientific research provides strong evidence that CDP choline can improve memory, attention, and reaction time in healthy older adults. It has also been shown to have neuroprotective effects in cases of brain damage and may be beneficial for individuals with Alzheimer's disease. 

Incorporating CDP choline into a daily supplement regimen is a valuable addition for individuals looking to improve their brain health and cognitive function!

References:

1. Knott, V., de la Salle, S., Choueiry, J., Impey, D., Smith, D., Smith, M., Beaudry, E., Saghir, S., Ilivitsky, V., & Labelle, A. (2015). Neurocognitive effects of acute choline supplementation in low, medium and high performer healthy volunteers. Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior, 131, 119–129
2. Secades, J. J., & Lorenzo, J. L. (2006). Citicoline: pharmacological and clinical review, 2006 update. Methods and findings in experimental and clinical pharmacology, 28 Suppl B, 1–56.Silveri MM, Dikan J, Ross AJ, et al. Citicoline enhances frontal lobe bioenergetics as measured by phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy. NMR Biomed. 2008;21(10):1066-1075.
3. Spiers PA, Myers D, Hochanadel GS, Lieberman HR, Wurtman RJ. Citicoline improves verbal memory in aging. Arch Neurol. 1996;53(5):441-448.
4. Zafonte RD, Bagiella E, Ansel BM, et al. Effect of citicoline on functional and cognitive status among patients with traumatic brain injury: Citicoline Brain Injury Treatment Trial (COBRIT). JAMA. 2012;308(19):1993-2000.
5. Alvarez-Sabín J, Ortega G, Jacas C, et al. Long-term treatment with citicoline may improve poststroke vascular cognitive impairment. Cerebrovasc Dis. 2013;35(2):146-154.
6. Alvarez XA, Cacabelos R, Sampedro C, et al. Citicoline improves memory performance in elderly subjects. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol. 1997;19(3):201-210.
7. Adibhatla RM, Hatcher JF. Citicoline mechanisms and clinical efficacy in cerebral ischemia. J Neurosci Res. 2002;70(2)