Citicoline sodium is a brain supplement that has received a lot of attention recently.
More and more individuals are interested in using natural compounds to help improve their memory and cognitive power.
While this might have seemed too good to be true in the past, modern neuroscience has proven that supplements like Citicoline sodium may have a significant benefit to brain function and memory formation.
Citicoline is a Nootropic which is the scientific name for a class of substances that boost mental powers and promote brain health.
This compound has been observed in research studies to give you better short term and long term memory, increase the rate at which your brain forms new connections, raise energy levels and even help you concentrate.
What are some of the specific effects of Citicoline sodium and how may it help you to develop better memory and brainpower?
Memory
Focus
Brain Health- Supports memory, focus & mental clarity
- Increases levels of acetylcholine neurotransmitter
- Promotes brain cell health & communication
How Citicoline Sodium Works
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
Citicoline Sodium supplements have two major components, Cytidine and Choline.
Once it is ingested, both of these components are absorbed into the bloodstream with a high degree of bioavailability.
These natural chemicals, particularly the Choline, easily cross the blood-brain barrier and reach their intended targets in the brain within a relatively short period of time.
Within the central nervous system one of the primary functions of Citicoline is to help the development of phospholipids. These are what make up crucial components within cell membranes.
By ensuring the health and viability of these structures, overall intercellular communication and health is improved and maintained. Within the brain, these substances are especially important, since they influence how well receptors function and communicate with one another.
Citicoline Sodium is also known to affect the levels of various neurotransmitters. Some of these in question are Dopamine, Norepinephrine, and Acetylcholine.
While all are involved in functions which help to influence mood and movement, the most pronounced effects are related to overall cognitive functions.
Another interesting fact is that Choline is an essential precursor to the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine, which has been known to play a crucial role in a number of key cognitive processes.
In fact, even if you do not take Citicoline supplements there is usually trace amounts of this compound that your body makes naturally to eventually convert into Acetylcholine.
There are many different acetylcholine supplements sought out by nootropic used to increase cognition, but Citicoline is considered to be one of the most effective sources for this nutrient.
Higher amounts of Acetylcholine are linked to better memory function and greater synaptic plasticity. You might have heard about the concept of neuroplasticity mentioned recently, but what exactly does this mean?
Neuroplasticity is a description of how well your brain is able to make and maintain new connections between neurons. There is significant research showing that memories are actually formed in the brain when two neurons develop a new connection called a synapse.
The more Acetylcholine you have in your neurons, the easier it is for these new connections to be formed and the better you are at remembering information. This is most important during the phase of memory consolidation where short-term memories are either forgotten or recruited for long-term storage in the brain by the hippocampus.
As such, Choline supplements like Citicoline may effectively increase the memory capacity of your brain.
Top Citicoline Supplements
Benefits Of Citicoline Sodium
There are a number of benefits which have been associated with Citicoline Sodium. Surprisingly, some of these even relate to areas as disparate as eye and sexual health.
For example, a 2013 Italian study has shown promising results of Citicoline to slow down the progress of glaucoma. Apparently, this supplement may have some type of eye protection benefit related to lessening the build-up of pressure on the veins in your eyes.
Additionally, many users report that the supplement may lead to improved erections, possibly again by way of the vasodilation effect.
Another major benefit of Citicoline is that it acts to protect nerve and brain cells. This is especially true in conditions where there is a low oxygen level known as oxidative stress.
It has also been shown to help cerebral vascular disease and certain types of cognitive disorders. Sensory perception may also be enhanced.
Some of the most often reported benefits in this area include improved visual acuity. Colors may seem brighter and sharper, with everything becoming clearer. In other cases, it may even enhance libido.
Some of the cognitive benefits include improved memory and learning capacity. Some people also experience a faster speed of recall. You might feel like you have greater access to your stored memories and that the right answer comes to you even without thinking about it. Of course, these effects may present differently from person to person, with some noticing more subtle effects than others.
Mental energy is also increased in individuals who purchase Citicoline Sodium. This may lead to an increased attention span and improved powers of concentration and focus. One of the most positive nootropic effects of Citicoline is heightened motivation, confidence, and drive.
Many people say that Citicoline – especially when used in a stack – makes them impervious to procrastination and actually causes them to get more done during the typical day.
The research on Citicoline sodium is very promising, however more research still needs to be done, especially more large-scale human trials. At this time, Citicoline is available as a health supplement only, and the FDA has not approved Citicoline sodium as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.
- Sharpens focus and mental acuity
- Boosts memory and learning
- Helps to protect brain cells
Citicoline Sodium Side Effects
There are very few side effects associated with Citicoline Sodium.
The supplement is generally well-tolerated and there are no known drug interactions. It is a natural compound after all that occurs in the body on its own.
However, due to the possibility of significantly increased energy levels, it is not advisable to take this supplement in the late afternoon or evening.
Some users may notice a bit of nerves or restlessness, elevated body temperature, and possibly some gastro-intestinal discomfort. If any of these side effects occur simply reduce the dosage or take a few days off (and then return by taking a lower initial dosage).
Citicoline Sodium Dosage
Personal dosage is dependent on many different factors and it it always recommended that you speak with your doctor to help determine the best dosage for you needs. The below dosage recommendations are general guidelines only, and your personal dosage may be different.
The recommended dosage range is between 250 and 500 mg per day. The best time to take this supplement is probably in the morning, before breakfast. With lunch is also acceptable, but try to avoid taking it later in the day due to its stimulating effect which can lead to increased energy levels.
As with any new supplement, it is always advisable to start with a lower dose and only increase once you are familiar with the effects. This is especially important advice when dealing with Nootropics in general since they may affect each person slightly differently.
Clearly the human brain is the new frontier for nutritional science. Being able to create supplements like Citicoline Sodium that are able to effectively increase our cognitive power and overall brain health is already a reality and we can expect the usage for Nootropics to explode in the coming years.
- Spiers PA, Myers D, Hochanadel GS, Lieberman HR, Wurtman RJ. Citicoline improves verbal memory in aging. Arch Neurol. 1996
- Ottobelli L, Manni GL, Centofanti M, Iester M, Allevena F, Rossetti L. Citicoline oral solution in glaucoma: is there a role in slowing disease progression? Ophthalmologica. 2013
- Wignall ND, Brown ES. Citicoline in addictive disorders: a review of the literature. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2014
- Tayebati SK, Tomassoni D, Nwankwo IE, Di Stefano A, Sozio P, Cerasa LS, Amenta F. Modulation of monoaminergic transporters by choline-containing phospholipids in rat brain. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. 2013
- Secades JJ. Probably role of citicoline in stroke rehabilitation: review of the literature. Rev Neurol. 2012
- Tayebati SK, Tomassoni D, Di Stefano A, Sozio P, Cerasa LS, Amenta F. Effect of choline-containing phospholipids on brain cholinergic transporters in the rat. J Neurol Sci. 2011
- Aslan E, Kocaeli H, Bekar A, Tolunay S, Ulus IH. CDP-choline and its endogenous metabolites, cytidine and choline, promote the nerve regeneration and improve the functional recovery of injured rat sciatic nerves. Neurol Res. 2011
