CDP Choline: The breakthrough choline source for the brain that can unlock the unexplored potential of our brains!
CDP Choline (Citicoline) Quick Summary
Also Known As:
Helps With:
Dosing:
Half-Life
What Is CDP Choline (Citicoline)?
CDP Choline (Cytidine Diphosphate Choline) is also known as Citicoline.
It gives birth to phosphatidylcholine and is found abundantly in the cell membranes of our body.
It is of utmost relevance to the brain as increased levels of phosphatidylcholine can contribute to a lot of important functions.
From memory to cognition, and everything in between!
Let’s just say that a lot of functions depend on the concentrations of this brain chemical!
Not only does it work effectively on its own, but also synergizes with other elements to give you the ultimate nootropic experience!
How Does CDP Choline Enter The Brain?
Upon ingesting the supplement, CDP Choline will hydrolyze to Cytidine and Choline.
This process of hydrolysis is what allows these elements to enter the brain as two separate entities.
Upon making their entry, they exert their actions separately to promote CDP Choline production within the brain.
Backing Claims With Science – Proof That CDP Choline Works!
There are two forms of CDP Choline available in the market; Citicoline sodium salt is the one categorized as a psychostimulant and nootropic by the World Health Organization.
It is also considered more potent than phosphatidylcholine!
CDP Choline possesses the ability to repair neurons after they encounter a stressful event (i.e stroke) and also leads to an increase in Acetylcholine levels in the brain!
Its role as a ‘biological supplement’ is under rigorous study – this could prove to be a major breakthrough in science!
It has also demonstrated a positive result in halting the damage inflicted upon the mitochondria due to a toxic increase in mercury levels!
In another study, a group of elderly patients struggling with cerebrovascular disorders were given doses of Citicoline.
They were kept under observation for 6 weeks, after which the patients showed improvement in cognition.
However, the long-term results of CDP Choline are still under scrutiny.
The role of CDP Choline as a neuroprotector is now gaining popularity amongst scientists, with special regards to its possible mechanism of regenerating the nerve fibers!
Perhaps the only mechanism that has not been brought onto the table of discussion as of yet is that of memory improvement.
It is now time to give it a whirl!
In a randomized controlled trial conducted amongst 60 healthy volunteers, it was revealed that subjects that received the caffeinated beverage containing Citicoline performed better at performance tests and maze learning than the placebo group.
Memory impairment and the possible onset of Alzheimer’s may be circumvented with the administration of CDP Choline!
Elderly and aging patients can also enjoy the benefits of improved memory with the consumption of CDP Choline.
What Is The Proper Dosage Of CDP Choline?
Anywhere from 250-1000 mg per day is considered safe and effective.
You could divide the dosage into segments of one or two.
It is advised to take each dose with a difference of 12 hours.
Even larger doses of CDP Choline are well tolerated.
But to keep it on the safe side, try starting with the smallest possible dose and increase your way through your consumption journey.
Since CDP Choline is water-soluble, you can take it on an empty stomach as well.
Taking it in the morning is recommended so that you can perform well at memory and cognition demanding tasks.
What Are The Benefits Of Taking CDP Choline As A Nootropic?
Memory-Boosting Properties
Thanks to its ability to increase the choline levels in the brain.
Enhances Cognition And Focusing Ability
This too is linked to raised Acetylcholine levels.
This also leads to an increase in mental energy!
Acts As A Neuroprotectant
In many cerebrovascular disorders!
Works Great With Other Nootropics
More information on stacking is mentioned below!
May Play A Role In Neurogenesis
This mechanism still needs further observation and study. See our blog post on neurogenesis here
Are There Any Side Effects Of CDP Choline?
Despite being a well-tolerated and safe nootropic, Citicoline does have some minor side effects that are possible with its use.
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Stomach upset
- Constipation
- Trouble sleeping
- Chest pain
Is CDP Choline Safe? – Warnings & Interactions of Citicoline
CDP Choline is absolutely safe.
But you should still always follow dosing guidelines.
Here are a few warnings / precautionary measures you should take note of before consumption:
- Always consult your doctor prior to consumption of ANY nootropic, especially if you are on medication or have been diagnosed with a certain diseases/disorder
- Pregnant or lactating females should avoid the use of CDP Choline
- Individuals below 18 years of age should also avoid the use of CDP Choline OR consult a physician before administering this nootropic
Interactions:
There are no known interactions of CDP Choline with any drug or edible item.
However, make sure to consult your physician before consuming this nootropic.
Especially if you are on medications.
Where Can I Buy CDP Choline?
CDP is easily available online and in stores.
You can also find it on Amazon where it is sold by a wide variety of brands!
It is abundantly seen in the form of supplemental stacks and is sold individually as well!
You do not need a prescription to purchase this nootropic.
But my favorite place to buy CDP Choline
(Guaranteed High Quality!) is Here: Buy CDP Choline
Nootropic Stacking With CDP Choline For Synergy!
Stacking With Any Racetam!
If you are foreign to the robust racetam family, make sure to click here and find out more about them!
Racetams belong to a drug family that has been widely used to increase the levels of Acetylcholine whilst improving blood circulation to the brain!
Piracetam was the first drug to be coined as a nootropic!
There are many different racetams, each having a few distinct properties of their own – we have covered this extensively in our previous blog post!
Combining either one of them with CDP Choline leads to a boost in cognitive function and memory!
Find out all about racetams and how they became so popular here.
Stacking with Noopept!
Noopept is a derivative of Piracetam, and is also many folds potent than the former! Not to mention, it’s really cheap!
It also triggers the release of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)!
To find out more about Noopept, click here!
Where Do I Personally Buy Noopept?
I recommend you purchase noopept from this nootropics manufactuer here.
This is beacause they provide a real certificate of analysis (proving it’s the real deal), and has a ton of awesome reviews and feedback. It’s also my personal choice for buying noopept.
(Plus its actually super affordable!)
What Are Some Products That Include CDP Choline / Citicoline In Their Formula?
1) PureNootropics’ Citicoline (Highly Recommended!)
I have recommended this brand a lot on supermindhacker’s website.
Pure Nootropics have a very good reputation for selling individual and modern nootropic supplements.
Their CDP Choline (Citicoline) retails at a very reasonable price and you can purchase it in any form you like.
As you will see after clicking that link, they also have an amazing Choline Bundle that includes Alpha GPC among others. It’s regularly on sale too, and highly recommended.
They offer 300 mg of Citicoline which you may take 2-3 times per day.
2) Mind Lab Pro (A Bit More Expensive, but a Very Powerful All-in-One Nootopic)
This one is a premium stack and we have also reviewed in detail!
>> Click here to find out more in our detailed Mind Lab Pro Review!
Mind Lab Pro is a premium nootropic stack that has a lot to offer!
If you wish to seek amplified results of CDP Choline / Citicoline, this is the best choice because it combines the former with other synergistic elements for you to experience an amazing kick to your daily routine.
(Like CDP Choline on Steroids! – Not really! – lol Just more effective and amplified!)
CDP Choline as a Nootropic – My Final Thoughts…
CDP Choline is an amazing nootropic choice for those who wish to experience a mild boost in cognition and memory.
Combining it with other synergistic elements will not only enhance the benefit of this nootropic itself but that of others too!
This can also prove to be a great choice for academics and hard-working students since it is considered safe yet effective!
My recommendation?
I’d recommend starting out with a simple CDP Choline supplement like this one from Pure Nootropics first.
But if you want to spend a little more for a more potent pre-made stack, then I’d recommend going with Mind Lab Pro.
Either way, you won’t be disappointed with either one in my opinion!
List Of Related Nootropics
Racetams
Cognizen (Citicoline) – We Recommend “Mind”
Uridine Monophosphate
Noopept
Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Citations And References:
Grieb P. Neuroprotective properties of citicoline: facts, doubts, and unresolved issues. CNS Drugs. 2014 Mar;28(3):185-93. doi: 10.1007/s40263-014-0144-8. PMID: 24504829; PMCID: PMC3933742.
Synoradzki K, Grieb P. Citicoline: A Superior Form of Choline? Nutrients. 2019 Jul 12;11(7):1569. doi: 10.3390/nu11071569. PMID: 31336819; PMCID: PMC6683073.
Synoradzki K, Grieb P. Citicoline: A Superior Form of Choline? Nutrients. 2019 Jul 12;11(7):1569. doi: 10.3390/nu11071569. PMID: 31336819; PMCID: PMC6683073.
Arenth PM, Russell KC, Ricker JH, Zafonte RD. CDP-choline as a biological supplement during neurorecovery: a focused review. PM R. 2011 Jun;3(6 Suppl 1):S123-31. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2011.03.012. PMID: 21703569.
Buelna-Chontal M, Franco M, Hernández-Esquivel L, Pavón N, Rodríguez-Zavala JS, Correa F, Jasso R, Pichardo-Ramos G, Santamaría J, González-Pacheco H, Soto V, Díaz-Ruíz JL, Chávez E. CDP-choline circumvents mercury-induced mitochondrial damage and renal dysfunction. Cell Biol Int. 2017 Dec;41(12):1356-1366. doi: 10.1002/cbin.10871. Epub 2017 Oct 1. PMID: 28884894.
Fioravanti M, Yanagi M. Cytidinediphosphocholine (CDP choline) for cognitive and behavioural disturbances associated with chronic cerebral disorders in the elderly. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004;(2):CD000269. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD000269.pub2. Update in: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005;(2):CD000269. PMID: 15106147.
D’Orlando KJ, Sandage BW Jr. Citicoline (CDP-choline): mechanisms of action and effects in ischemic brain injury. Neurol Res. 1995 Aug;17(4):281-4. doi: 10.1080/01616412.1995.11740327. PMID: 7477743.
Iulia C, Ruxandra T, Costin LB, Liliana-Mary V. Citicoline – a neuroprotector with proven effects on glaucomatous disease. Rom J Ophthalmol. 2017 Jul-Sep;61(3):152-158. doi: 10.22336/rjo.2017.29. PMID: 29450391; PMCID: PMC5710031.
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 Sep;33(7):766-73. doi: 10.1179/1743132811Y.0000000004. PMID: 21756558.
Bruce SE, Werner KB, Preston BF, Baker LM. Improvements in concentration, working memory and sustained attention following consumption of a natural citicoline-caffeine beverage. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2014 Dec;65(8):1003-7. doi: 10.3109/09637486.2014.940286. Epub 2014 Jul 21. PMID: 25046515; PMCID: PMC4517431.
Safavi M, Hosseini-Sharifabad A, Seyed-Yousefi Y, Rabbani M. Protective Effects of Citicoline and Benfotiamine Each Alone and in Combination on Streptozotocin-induced Memory Impairment in Mice. Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci. 2020 Feb 29;18(1):81-92. doi: 10.9758/cpn.2020.18.1.81. PMID: 31958909; PMCID: PMC7006985.
McDaniel MA, Maier SF, Einstein GO. “Brain-specific” nutrients: a memory cure? Nutrition. 2003 Nov-Dec;19(11-12):957-75. doi: 10.1016/s0899-9007(03)00024-8. PMID: 14624946.
Alvarez XA, Laredo M, Corzo D, Fernández-Novoa L, Mouzo R, Perea JE, Daniele D, Cacabelos R. Citicoline improves memory performance in elderly subjects. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol. 1997 Apr;19(3):201-10. PMID: 9203170.
Spiers PA, Myers D, Hochanadel GS, Lieberman HR, Wurtman RJ. Citicoline improves verbal memory in aging. Arch Neurol. 1996 May;53(5):441-8. doi: 10.1001/archneur.1996.00550050071026. Erratum in: Arch Neurol 1996 Oct;53(10):964. PMID: 8624220.
