How Choline Citrate Works and Where to Buy it?

When researching Choline sources, some people may wonder, what is Choline Citrate?

Choline Citrate is a combination of Choline and a derivative of citric acid. It is used as an affordable and readily available source of choline in Nootropic stacks.

Choline is a vitamin-like essential nutrient necessary for good health as well as proper brain function related to memory, reasoning, computational abilities and learning. Choline is similar to the B vitamin family, although it is not technically a vitamin.

We get small amounts of Choline from our diets, but it has been long established that the vast majority of individuals are deficient in this nutrient.

Using a supplement like Choline Citrate is especially important when taking brain supplements or cognitive enhancers due to increased needs for this compound.

While Choline Citrate is less effective than other comparable supplements like Citicoline and Alpha GPC, it can be used if you are on a tight budget.

Choline

Cholinergic Supplement

Memory

Brain Health

Cognition

How It Works:

• Supports memory and synaptic plasticity
• Raises acetylcholine levels
• Promotes brain health and focus

Dosage:

Between 250 - 1,000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Choline Citrate Effects

Perhaps the most important method of action for Choline is that it functions as a direct precursor to the powerful neurotransmitter Acetylcholine.

Choline is stored in the cell walls of your neurons and then retrieved when needed to produce Acetylcholine.

Without enough of this chemical available in the brain and central nervous system, mental performance can seriously decline rather quickly.

If you are using nootropics like Piracetam or Aniracetam that work to increase Acetylcholine activity, this can sometimes be experienced as a headache. For this reason, it is important to use Choline Citrate or a similar Acetylcholine precursor supplement when taking many nootropics.

Another main method of action is related the actual structure of Choline itself. Since this is a simple fatty acid, this structure is very similar to that of cell membranes especially for neurons and other brain cells.

Therefore, Choline helps to repair old and worn out or damaged neuronal cell membranes and increases the fluidity of the membrane walls. This can improve the nutrient supply to the cells and make it easier for toxins to be removed. It is also thought to help in the development of new cell membranes and can further lead to the promotion of enhanced overall brain plasticity.

Another benefit to these processes is that the supplement also helps to improve the efficiency of transfers between the cells themselves, allowing the brain to communicate faster along with a number of other enhanced cognitive functions.

What is Choline Citrate Used For?

As a direct precursor to Acetylcholine, Choline Citrate supplements can have a major role in the development of a number of brain chemicals and their benefits.

For example, higher levels of circulating Acetylcholine within the brain can lead to enhanced memory formation, learning capacity, and even faster speeds of memory recall.

In a number of users, the benefits included an increases attention span, focus, concentration, and in some cases deepened and enhanced sensory perceptions. As you get older, your levels of Acetylcholine start to naturally decline which may lead to memory loss or senile dementia.

It is hypothesized that taking Choline Citrate or any other Choline supplement may help prevent this decline in Acetylcholine levels and keep your mental faculties sharp.

Choline is also an effective supplement in terms of creating and maintaining healthy cellular membranes. The nutrient is used within the liver for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine which is an important player in cellular and nuclear membranes.

Choline also serves to improve the efficiency of communications between nerve and neuronal cells since the membranes act as a control or barrier between fluids and materials within and outside the cells (control what is allowed to enter and leave).

Another interesting benefit of this supplement is the transport of fats between organs and sections of the body. Since fats or lipids are primarily produced within the liver, this is where Choline Citrate starts the process. In fact, this transport of lipids can help to avoid fatty liver disease.

There is even evidence to suggest that due to this transport of fat cells, Choline may be an effective weight loss supplement. As well, there are a number of athletes who use Choline Citrate supplements for energizing and cellular health promoting benefits.

People who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome may also see some amount of relief due to the fact that it can improve the absorption and use of minerals like magnesium and calcium. The same thing may also be said for the serious and painful condition known as fibromyalgia.

While research on the benefits of supplemental Choline are promising, more research is still needed. At this time, Choline Citrate is available as a health supplement only, and the FDA has not approved Choline Citrate as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

Choline Citrate Dosage

An appropriate dosage is dependent on many factors including age, personal physiology, as well as the reason for taking the supplement. It is always recommended that you speak with your doctor to help determine the best dosage for your needs. The below dosage recommendations are general guidelines only, and your personal dosage may be different.

The adequate daily intake for Choline is 425 mg for adult women, and 550 mg for adult men. Higher dosages are often taken when Choline is used as a nootropic. The typical dosage for Choline Citrate is between 500 and 3,000 mg on a daily basis. Because Choline Citrate is a weaker and less bioavailable form of this nutrient, you will need to take much more of it than you would take of a more concentrated Choline source like Alpha GPC Choline or Citicoline powder.

Choline Citrate Side Effects

Choline Citrate supplements are considered to be both safe and well-tolerated.

In fact, it is on the FDA list of supplements which may be safely consumed by any healthy adult.

Despite this, there are still some side effects associated with Choline Citrate. These include headaches, muscle pain, stomach issues, nausea, and heartburn.

If you experience any of these unpleasant effects, you may want to discontinue taking it for a few days or try using a small dosage.

There are even a number of often beneficial side effects like the increased absorption of magnesium, calcium, and other minerals that may be an issue for some people.

Choline Citrate Review

Choline is one of the most beneficial supplements for both brain and whole body health. Not only can it improve the basic functions of your brain cells, it also has the ability to enhance mental performance especially related to memory and learning.

Whether you decide to buy Choline Citrate or some other form of Choline supplement, Choline is an excellent addition to any type of supplementation program.

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