Have you been hearing a lot about the benefits of CDP Choline and want to know what it is?
CDP Choline stands for Cytidine Diphosphate Choline, but it is actually more commonly known as Citicoline.
This Nootropic brain-enhancing supplement is an enhanced version of Choline which is a nutrient that has been tied to better brain function, memory and even higher IQ.
CDP Choline is not a lab created compound – it actually exists naturally and is produced in the human body as the most active form of Choline.
As a source of Choline, CDP Choline is able to increase acetylcholine in the brain which is the most important neurotransmitter for synaptic plasticity and learning.
This supplement is also used in the synthesis of cell membranes and it is linked to higher levels of several other neurotransmitters and brain chemicals.



- Supports memory, focus & mental clarity
- Increases levels of acetylcholine neurotransmitter
- Promotes brain cell health & communication
CDP Choline Nootropic Effects
Related Topics
- What is Citicoline?
- Cytidine Diphosphate Choline
- CDP Choline Effects
- User Reviews
- Benefits for the Brain
- Comparison to Alpha GPC
- Risk of Adverse Effects
- Safe Dosage Guidelines
- How to Take
- Stacking with Piracetam
- Buy CDP Choline
- Supplement Ratings
- Ceraxon Citicoline
- Cognizin Citicoline
- Neuroaxon Citicoline
- Somazina Citicoline
- Zynapse Citicoline
What does it mean when we say that CDP Choline is a Nootropic?
This is a classification of drugs and supplements that are able to induce cognitive changes and improvements, especially in the areas of learning, memory, reasoning, mood and focus.
They are also known as brain boosters, cognitive enhancers or smart drugs.
These supplements have actually existed as an identified class since the 1960’s and they have undergone massive amounts of research and clinical trials.
One of the important requirements for being a Nootropic is that the compound must possess very low toxicity to humans and be free of serious side effects.
CDP Choline most definitely meets this description, providing a significant increase to mental performance while being very safe to use.
How CDP Choline Works:
One of the first questions many people have about CDP Choline is simply how does it work.
While there is still a lot that is not fully understood about this supplement (as is the case with most Nootropics), there is much evidence to support that it works through several mechanisms of action.
First, this supplement actually breaks down into its individual components within the liver and is then absorbed into the bloodstream.
One of these is Choline, which acts as a precursor to the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine.
As the levels of this chemical are increased, it is thought that this results in a number of the cognitive related benefits which have been associated with CDP Choline supplementation. This is what makes it a Cholinergic supplement and why many people use it in a nootropic stack with other brain boosters.
Another method of action is by providing phospholipids which make up a large part of the cell membranes of neurons and brain tissue. In fact, the resulting substance (called phosphatidylcholine) actually makes up approximately 30 percent of all the grey matter tissue within the brain.
CDP Choline is involved in the development and creation of new tissues which are used in the cell membranes. This actually helps neurons and other brain cells to communicate better with one another, allowing all of your cognitive processes to run much more efficiently.
Furthermore, the supplement also is believed to have anti-oxidant properties, helping the brain and the body to rid itself of poisons and other types of toxins.
Using CDP Choline With Other Nootropics:
CDP Choline is one of the safest Nootropics to use, both on its own and in conjunction with other Nootropics.
In fact, many times this supplement plays a critical role in helping to reduce typical Nootropic side effects.
Normally, when the body begins receiving Nootropic supplements it needs some time to adjust to the changing levels of neurotransmitters within the brain. In a number of cases what happens is that the Acetylcholine receptors in the brain demand more of this substance, but there is no more available.
This leads to the receptor sites constantly firing and looking for more, which can wear them out and cause headaches. Taking CDP Choline actually solves this problem since the Choline is a direct precursor to Acetylcholine. This tends to stop the headaches.
There is also a lot of evidence that points to the fact of this supplement being able to potentiate the effects of other Nootropics in additional ways. This can create what is known as a synergistic effect, which makes each more effective when taken together than they would be individually.
Since CDP choline is one of the most efficient sources for Choline, it is a natural fit with Piracetam, Aniracetam, Pramiracetam and Noopept all of which demand more of this key ingredient.
Why Use CDP Choline?
The main reasons people use CDP Choline are either for off-label purposes or as a treatment for one of a number of clinical issues.
The most popular reasons are to help improve cognitive function. This includes an increase in memory, speed of recall, and even an expansion of learning capacity.
Acetylcholine is heavily involved in a number of operations related to memory, especially the conversion of data from short-term memory into long-term memory.
There is also a very significant increase in mental energy which can normally lead to an increased attention span and even a feeling of general well-being. It also may result in the ability to concentration and focus more intently and for longer periods of time.
There are also a number of clinical uses that are currently being investigated with regards to CDP Choline 500 mg Tablets. These include conditions like ADHD and even in the case of strokes and head trauma.
There is significant research supporting the theory that this supplement may play an effective role in helping to treat Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and a number of other age-related degenerative cognitive issues.
CDP Choline Dosages & Side Effects:
This is a highly safe supplement with only mild CDP Choline side effects being reported. These negative reactions can include headaches, fatigue, nervousness, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness. In extremely rare cases, there might be some lowered blood pressure.
In general, CDP Choline is safe for most people to take but it is currently not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of research.
As far as dosages go, the daily recommended range is between 500 and 1,000 mg. You want to start on the lower side, only working your way up as needed. Also, do not take it any later than the mid-afternoon, since it could result in difficulty getting to sleep (due to the intense mental energy).
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- Clark WM, Williams BJ, Selzer KA, Zweifler RM, Sabounjian LA, Gammans RE. A randomized efficacy trial of citicoline in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Stroke. 1999
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment