CDP-Choline
Also known as Citicoline, this is a naturally occurring compound that provides both choline and cytidine (which converts to uridine in the body). This dual action supports both acetylcholine synthesis and cell membrane repair, making it both a cognitive enhancer and a neuroprotectant. Prescribed in many countries for stroke recovery and cognitive decline.
Dosage
Standard: 250-500 mg daily in 1-2 doses. Clinical (stroke/cognitive decline): 500-2000 mg daily. Most nootropic users find 250-500 mg sufficient.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
56-71 hours (long elimination half-life)
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Mechanism of Action
CDP-Choline is hydrolyzed by nucleotidases and phosphatases into choline and cytidine after oral ingestion. Choline enters the acetylcholine synthesis pathway via choline acetyltransferase. Cytidine is phosphorylated to CTP and converted to uridine monophosphate (UMP), which enters the Kennedy pathway and stimulates the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine via the enzyme CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase — phosphatidylcholine is a critical component of neuronal cell membranes and synaptic vesicles. This dual mechanism simultaneously boosts neurotransmitter production and repairs membrane damage from oxidative stress or ischemia. CDP-Choline also increases dopamine D2 receptor density in the striatum and enhances dopamine release. It may modulate glutamate excitotoxicity and support mitochondrial function.
Regulatory Status
Prescription medication in Europe and Japan for stroke and cognitive decline. Dietary supplement in the US.
Risks & Safety
Common
Headache, nausea, diarrhea, insomnia.
Serious
Very safe — extensive clinical safety data.
Rare
Blurred vision, chest pain, allergic reactions.
Compare CDP-Choline With
Research Papers
10Published: December 13, 2023
AI Summary
However, the results from the animal models have not yet been studied in patients with multiple sclerosis. In this review, we summarise the beneficial effects of CDP-choline on biolipid metabolism and turnover with regard to inflammatory and regenerative processes.
Published: September 30, 1995
AI Summary
Due to these pharmacological activities, CDP-choline has a neuroprotective effect in situations of hypoxia and ischemia, as well as improved learning and memory performance in animal models of brain aging. CDP-choline has also been shown to be effective as co-therapy for Parkinson's disease.
Published: March 22, 2013
AI Summary
Regulated PtdCho turnover mediated by phospholipases or neuropathy target esterase participates in the mammalian CDP-choline cycle. Knockout mouse models define the biological functions of the CDP-choline cycle in mammalian cells and tissues.
Published: June 27, 2011
AI Summary
Despite the fact that the safety of the compound has been verified across multiple international studies, evidence for efficacy remains less clear. Although some clinical conditions do not appear to benefit from CDP-choline treatment, the majority of findings to date have suggested at least minor benefits of treatment.
Published: November 9, 2023
AI Summary
The results demonstrated that CDP-choline effectively alleviated colonic inflammation and deficiencies in choline, ACh, and PC by increasing the raw material. In addition, CDP-choline reduced intestinal ecological imbalance and increased the content of hexanoic acid in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in mice.
Published: December 31, 1994
AI Summary
Thus, considerable accumulated evidence supports use of citicoline to enhance membrane maintenance, membrane repair, and neuronal function in conditions such as ischemic and traumatic injuries. Beneficial effects of exogenous citicoline also have been postulated and/or reported in experimental models for dyskinesia, Parkinson's disease, cardiova...
Published: April 17, 2005
AI Summary
Animal studies suggest that CDP-choline may protect cell membranes by accelerating resynthesis of phospholipids. Modalities of the clinical studies, including length of observation, severity of disturbance, and methodology of evaluation of the results were also heterogeneous.
Published: September 3, 1997
AI Summary
Formation of CDP-choline by cytidylyltransferase appears to play a crucial role in the regulation of PAF produced via the cholinephosphotransferase route. Significant differences exist in the behavior of the cholinephosphotransferase activities responsible for the synthesis of PAF and phosphatidylcholine.
Published: October 17, 2000
AI Summary
Design of the clinical studies, including length of observation, severity of disease, and methodology of evaluation of the results have also varied. In spite of uncertainties about its efficacy, CDP-choline is frequently prescribed for cognitive impairment in several continental European countries, especially when the clinical picture is predomi...
Published: April 23, 2025
AI Summary
To compensate this loss, there is increased synthesis from phosphatidylethanolamine via the phospholipid methylation pathway resulting in increased generation of very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid-containing PCs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CDP-Choline used for?
Also known as Citicoline, this is a naturally occurring compound that provides both choline and cytidine (which converts to uridine in the body). This dual action supports both acetylcholine synthesis and cell membrane repair, making it both a cognitive enhancer and a neuroprotectant. Prescribed in many countries for stroke recovery and cognitive decline.
What are the side effects of CDP-Choline?
Common: Headache, nausea, diarrhea, insomnia. Serious: Very safe — extensive clinical safety data. Rare: Blurred vision, chest pain, allergic reactions.
How is CDP-Choline administered?
CDP-Choline is administered via oral (capsules, tablets). very well-absorbed with nearly 100% oral bioavailability..
What is the half-life of CDP-Choline?
The half-life of CDP-Choline is 56-71 hours (long elimination half-life).
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