Citicoline Uses, Effects and How to Take

Citicoline (CDP Choline, cytidine diphosphate-choline) is one of the most popular Choline supplements available, known to both be highly effective and safe.

It can improve both cognitive function and general brain health by keeping the brain better equipped with an important neurotransmitter.

Citicoline on its own can serve to enhance several different mental processes related to memory, learning, logical reasoning and focus.

Additionally, it is an excellent supplement that can increase the effectiveness of other Nootropics when taken in a stack.

Citicoline is popular in nootropic stacks and is also used by elderly individuals with cognitive decline and stroke survivors.

Its appeal is quickly growing among more casual users as well who want to be able to remember more and perform better at work or school.

What exactly is Citicoline and how does it work? This article will introduce the benefits, mechanism of action and side effects of Citicoline along with the proper way to use this natural supplement.

Citicoline

Cholinergic Supplement

Memory

Focus

Brain Health

How It Works:

• Supports memory, focus & mental clarity
• Increases levels of acetylcholine neurotransmitter
• Promotes brain cell health & communication

Dosage:

Between 250 - 2,000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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>What Is Citicoline?

Citicoline is a nutrient actually found in the body in addition to being a nutritional supplement.

It is a water soluble compound that is an essential intermediary in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, which is a major component of grey matter brain tissue.

It also helps to create a number of other types of phospholipids, which are essential components in cell membranes. This supplement was first developed in Japan, and was used to help people who had suffered a specific type of stroke to better recover.

It was also noted that this supplement has shown promise for helping patients who are suffering from glaucoma. It appears capable of nourishing nerves as well as improving blood circulation within the brain.

How Citicoline Works

The primary mechanism of action for Citicoline is as a source of Choline. Choline is a nutrient similar to the B Vitamins that is necessary for the brain to be able to make the Acetylcholine neurotransmitter.

However, the vast majority of the population does not get the recommended amount of choline form their diet which can lead to mental impairment even with minor deficiencies. Citicoline can help to supplement the amount of choline in your bloodstream which them promotes greater Acetylcholine production.

What is most interesting about Citicoline is that it has proven more effective at increasing brainpower than taking equivalent amounts of choline supplements. This is because Citicoline is actually more bioavailable and a closer precursor to Acetylcholine.

After taking a Citicoline dosage, this compound is absorbed into the bloodstream fairly quickly and then crosses the blood-brain barrier, reaching the brain. The two main components of the supplement, cytidine and choline, are broken down and then widely distributed. As it becomes incorporated into phospholipids it helps to activate their continued biosynthesis.

A number of different neurotransmitters and brain chemicals are also affected by Citicoline. It acts as a precursor to Acetylcholine and helps to influence a number of cognitive processes through this action.

Dopamine and Norepinephrine levels are also increased throughout the central nervous system. This may also be why many users report their overall stress levels decrease and a feeling of general well-being to be improved while using this supplement.

Citicoline may also help to protect the brain. This includes the possible activation of a number of antioxidants. This helps to rid the brain of a number of poisons and toxins, improving overall health.

The increase in phospholipid metabolism is also thought to help aid in this brain protection effect, keep the individual cell membranes better able to communicate with one another.

Citicoline Benefits

One of the main benefits of Citicoline is that it increases the level of Acetylcholine within the brain. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter used to communicate between your neurons that plays a vital role in the development and formation of memory and a number of other cognitive processes.

With elevated Aceytlcholine levels the speed of memory recall is thought to be improved, as well as synaptic plasticity and therefore learning. When taking Citicoline supplements, many users also find that overall brain metabolism is enhanced. Blood circulation improves, which helps to increase oxygen uptake and glucose metabolism.

Many users also note an improved level of mental energy. This often leads to an increase in attention span, focus, and concentration, as well as greater amounts of motivation and vitality

There are also a number of clinical uses and benefits. Citicoline has been used as a treatment for cerebral vascular disease, head trauma, and a number of different cognitive disorders including dementia and age related cognitive decline.

There is some evidence to suggest that Citicoline might be helpful at protecting neurons from damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption and traumatic brain injury. There is some evidence that Somazina Citicoline may be particularly beneficial for sufferers of ischemic strokes, possibly repairing some of the damage done to the neurons and potentially lessening the risk of future strokes.

There have also been studies looking at giving Citicoline dosages to Alzheimer’s patients to limit symptoms of memory loss.

Research on Citicoline is very promising, however more research, especially large-scale human trials, still needs to be done. At this time, Citicoline is available as  a health supplement only, and the FDA has not approved Citicoline as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

Citicoline Side Effects

There have been a few side effects of Citicoline reported, although these are generally mild. Some of these include headaches, diarrhea, nausea, insomnia, and other intestinal issues.

Most of these side effects do occur only when the dosage is quite high. Most users who stick to the 500 to 2000 mg daily range with Citicoline tablets or powder should not have any trouble.

Many users also take this supplement in combination with other Nootropics in an effort to help combat headaches due to the brain’s increased demand for Acetylcholine.

Using Citicoline Supplements

There are a number of ways to take this supplement. Many users like to divide their daily dose into several equal administrations.

It may be helpful to cycle Citicoline with another choline supplement such as Alpha GPC, though many people use this substance on a daily basis with no issues.

For the best results Citicoline should be taken in combination with other Nootropic supplements in a Nootropic Stack. Citicoline works particularly well with members of the Racetam family, since it may potentiate their effectiveness (as well as reduce the potential for negative side effects associated with low choline levels).

You can either buy generic Citicoline in a bulk powder format or you can purchase one of the brand name supplements such as CerAxon pills, Cognizin Citicoline, or NeuroAxon Citicoline. These brand name Citioline tablets all tend to give you 500 mg pills which can be convenient for traveling and taking with you during the day.

However due to the high marketing and packaging costs, buying Citicoline capsules can actually be up to 5x more expensive than purchasing the supplement in powdered form. Bulk Citicoline powder is definitely the cheapest way to buy this Nootropic and you can easily mix it into a water bottle with other nootropics to take it.

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