CDP Choline in capsules or powder
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CDP-Choline

David Tomen
Author:
David Tomen
11 minute read
CDP-Choline is known to increase cognition and brain function, improve focus and motivation, and reduce fatigue
In a hurry – click here to learn more about getting an effective dose of CDP-Choline (Citicoline) in: Mind Lab Pro®

CDP-Choline (Cytidine Diphosphate Choline or cytidine 5′-diphosphocholine) is also known as Citicoline. This naturally occurring choline source is present in every cell in your body.

CDP-Choline is unique as a choline source. Once it’s digested it separates into cytidine and choline. When it gets to your brain it converts back to CDP-Choline.

This choline is needed to synthesize the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). ACh is a primary neurotransmitter released by neurons. This electrical signaling between neurons is involved in memory, learning, cognition and recall.

Cytidine is a component of Ribonucleic acid (RNA). This molecule is involved in coding, decoding, regulation and the expression of genes. But once it gets into the brain, it converts to uridine.

The signaling going on between neurons tends to grab choline molecules from cell membranes when choline is in short supply. This is where uridine steps in. It repairs those same cell membranes. To maintain neuron integrity.

CDP-Choline helps:

  • Brain Optimization: CDP-Choline provides uridine once it enters in the brain. Uridine repairs, rebuilds and re-supplies the components needed for neuron repair. To keep signaling between neurons optimized for memory, learning, cognition and recall.
  • Neurotransmitters: CDP-Choline enhances the release of norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine in the brain.[i] [ii]
  • Brain Energy: CDP-Choline increases Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in brain cells. ATP is produced in your mitochondria and your main source of cellular energy.

Overview

CDP-Choline is a type of choline that is present in every cell in your body. You can also get it from eating organ meats like liver.

CDP-Choline
CDP-Choline

Choline is considered an essential nutrient because your body uses it faster than it can produce it. So you need to supplement choline either from food or a supplement.

You need choline for the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. And to form phosphatidylcholine (PC), used in building cell membranes.

In fact, choline is so vital to cognition and nerve function that, without it, we couldn’t move, think, sleep or remember anything.

CDP-Choline has the unique ability to convert to cytidine and choline once it passes through your digestive system. After it crosses the blood-brain barrier, it converts back to CDP-Choline.

The left-over cytidine in your blood can convert into uridine in your brain. Uridine is necessary for repairing cell membranes.

CDP-Choline is involved in memory and cognitive functions. And provides energy for the brain to conduct sustained mental effort.

CDP-Choline provides mental energy

CDP-Choline vs. Alpha GPC vs. Choline Bitartrate: What’s the Difference?

Choline is a water-soluble nutrient similar in composition to B-vitamins. CDP-Choline, Alpha GPC, Choline Citrate and Choline Bitartrate are all sources of choline.

CDP-Choline (cytidine 5′-diphosphocholine): Is about 18% choline by weight and easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. Your body naturally synthesizes choline into CDP-Choline (Citicoline) in your brain.

Taken as a supplement, it’s then converted to cytidine and choline in your gut. Once it crosses the blood-brain barrier it’s converted back to CDP-Choline. The choline then assists cell membranes, and helps create acetylcholine.

CDP-Choline vs. Alpha GPCThe added benefit of CDP-Choline is with cytidine. Cytidine can convert into uridine which is critical in the brain. Uridine is needed to synthesize the phosphatidylcholine (PC) in neuron membranes. It helps repair neurons.

Choline Bitartrate: An economical form of choline, and about 40% choline by weight. So 1 gram of Choline Bitartrate offers 400 mg of actual choline. It does not easily cross the blood-brain barrier. So you won’t experience the same level of nootropic benefits as with Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline.

Alpha GPC: About 40% choline by weight and easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. Alpha GPC naturally occurs in your brain as a byproduct of phosphatidylcholine (PC). When your brain needs more choline, and the choline floating around in your brain is running low, it breaks down PC from cell membranes. And turns it into Alpha GPC.

Your body and brain loves it when you use Alpha GPC. Because it doesn’t have to cannibalize its own cells to get more choline.

How does CDP-Choline Work in the Brain?

CDP-Choline boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.

  1. CDP-Choline is metabolized in the gut wall and liver to form choline and cytidine. Once choline and cytidine cross the blood-barrier they re-synthesize back into CDP-Choline (Citicoline).[iii]

In the brain choline aids in the synthesis of acetylcholine. And the release of dopamine.[iv] Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter associated with memory and learning.

  1. CDP-Choline helps repair neural membranes. Choline is a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) in your brain. ACh carries nerve impulses across synapses. And then is broken down by enzymes.

ACh is then reassembled for reuse. But this breakdown/reassembly process isn’t foolproof. Some ACh gets lost in the process. So your brain goes looking for more choline to make ACh.

If there isn’t enough choline in your blood, it gets it from the phosphatidylcholine (PC) that makes up the outside of the cell membrane of your neurons. The PC in the cell membrane releases choline to help make acetylcholine.

When your neurons lose too much choline, they lose integrity. Nerve impulses break down, and cognitive abilities decline.[v]

CDP-Choline prevents cognitive declineScientists in the lab at MIT showed that this is where uridine steps in. The cytidine in CDP-Choline converts to uridine in your body. And it works as a bridge between choline and neuron membrane synthesis.

Uridine is needed to synthesize the PC in neuron membranes. It is first converted to CDP-Choline. Which is then synthesized into new PC. This new PC can then repair damaged neuron membranes. Membranes that were raided to make acetylcholine.[vi]

How things go bad

As we get older, our brain chemistry and energy metabolism changes. This can happen at any age once we enter our adult years.

↓ Brain cell membranes degenerate

↓ Recall, reaction time and mood diminish

↓ Acetylcholine levels decline[vii]

All of these changes can happen at any age. And our bodies are influenced by the food we eat, what we drink, lifestyle habits, the air we breathe and more.

So CDP-Choline can help for age-related cognitive decline, as well as a student looking to do better in school. By boosting acetylcholine and dopamine. And rebuilding neurons in the brain.

CDP Choline restores brain health

CDP-Choline benefits

Research from hundreds of studies have shown that CDP-Choline will:

  • Boost cognition[viii]
  • Increase brain energy and speed up formation of brain membranes[ix]
  • Boost production of acetylcholine[x]
  • Increase blood flow to the brain[xi]
  • Offset the harmful effects of stroke[xii]
  • Improve memory and learning ability[xiii]
  • Boost cognitive performance and memory in Alzheimer’s patients[xiv]

CDP-Choline is water-soluble and quickly enters your brain after you take it. In fact, studies show it has nearly 100% bioavailability in your body. Take it orally or intravenously and your body absorbs the same amount.

Once in your brain it boosts signal transmission, and repairs neurons. CDP-Choline improves your brain function and memory by directly increasing levels of acetylcholine and dopamine. And repairs neurons at the same time.

How does CDP-Choline feel?

The most profound indication of the power of this supplement is with those who have suffered a stroke.

Stroke survivors report that after continued usage of CDP-Choline, most of the noticeable effects of the stroke are gone. Including muscle paralysis and weakness.

CDP Choline helps memory and focusNeurohackers report they are better able to concentrate and focus. And experience a significant boost in cognition.

You can feel more mentally alert. And you may even ease the fatigue associated with clinical depression by using CDP-Choline.

Some use CDP-Choline as an alternative to the stimulants prescribed for ADHD.

CDP-Choline Clinical Research

In a study at the University of Utah, 75 healthy males were given 250 mg, 500 mg of CDP-Choline, or a placebo. Tests were recorded after 28 days of supplementation.

The adolescent males receiving 250 or 500 mg of CDP-Choline showed improved attention and psychomotor speed. And reduced impulsivity compared to adolescent males who received placebo.

This study indicates CDP-Choline is effective even in younger age groups. And can be particularly helpful to those dealing with ADHD.[xv]

CDP-Choline Enhances Cognition

A study published in Food and Nutrition Sciences assessed the potential cognitive-enhancing effects of Citicoline (CDP-Choline) in healthy, adult women.

This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial worked with 60 healthy women from 40 – 60 years old. Each volunteer was given a daily dose of 250 mg or 500 mg of Citicoline, or a placebo for 28 days.

The women who took either dose of Citicoline for 28 days showed a significant improvement in cognition.

The researchers suggested that Citicoline may improve attentional performance in middle-aged women. And it might eliminate the attention deficits associated with central nervous system disorders (i.e. ADHD).

CDP-Choline Improves Memory

Researchers in Japan studied 16 men and women who were given either 500 mg or 2000 mg of Citicoline for 6 weeks. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to study the brains of the participants at the end of the study.

The research team found ATP in the neurons of those in the study increased by over 14%. And membrane phospholipids were boosted by over 32%. These finding were in specific areas of the brain associated with cognition. And the effect was even more pronounced in the group that received the lower dose of Citicoline.

The researchers concluded that Citicoline supplementation could help prevent cognitive decline associated with aging. Along with an increase in brain energy reserves and utilization. And an increase in the components needed to synthesize and maintain cell membranes.

CDP-Choline Recommended Dosage

Recommended CDP-Choline dosage is 250 – 500 mg per day. Taken no more than twice per day. Two daily doses would be one CDP-Choline dose in the morning, and one in the early afternoon.

If you’re adding CPD-Choline to your stack with a racetam, a typical ratio would be 250 mg of Citicoline to 1 gram of Aniracetam or 4 grams of Piracetam.

CDP-Choline Side Effects

Recommended dosages even for extended periods are considered well-tolerated and safe. While CDP-Choline is considered non-toxic, it is possible to experience toxicity with too much choline in your body.

If you experience trouble sleeping, headache, diarrhea, low or high blood pressure, nausea, blurred vision or chest pain – you should stop using CDP-Choline.

Type of CDP-Choline to Buy

CDP Choline in capsules or powderCDP-Choline is sold in capsule and powder form. Capsules are usually 250 – 500 mg each. 500 mg of CDP-Choline in powder form is equivalent to 2-level 1/8 tsp scoops.

Cognizin® is a patented, allergen-free, and water-soluble form of CDP-Choline shown in clinical trials to boost brain cell membrane formation by 26%. And increase brain energy by 13.6%.[xvi]

CDP-Choline is often found in pre-formulated nootropic stacks. But as Cognizin® is only offered in premium stacks.

For example, Mind Lab Pro® includes effective doses of 11 brain enhancing nootropic compounds including 250 mg of Citicoline. And Performance Lab® Mind also includes 250 mg of Citicoline.

I recommend Mind Lab Pro® because it addresses all aspects of anxiety, memory and cognitive enhancement, stabilizes mood, brain repair, and maintenance. See my full Mind Lab Pro review for more.

A great alternative is the Performance Lab® Mind supplement which is made to be used with the Performance Lab® NutriGenesis Multi. Which supplies the core essential vitamins and minerals for overall brain and body health.

Nootropics Expert Recommendation

Nootropics Expert Tested and ApprovedCDP-Choline 250 twice per day

I recommend using CDP-Choline as a nootropic supplement.

CDP-Choline is brain food. And is a natural substance found in every cell in your body.

You can get choline from some of the food you eat. But adequate levels of CDP-Choline are only found in organ meats like liver. So to get its benefits you must take it as a supplement.

CDP-Choline is vital to maintaining optimal brain health. And has been shown to increase cognitive energy, boost brain function, enhance communication between neurons, and protect neural membranes from free radical damage.

Cognizin® is a patented, allergen-free, and water-soluble form of CDP-Choline available in premium nootropic stacks. Performance Lab® Mind and  Mind Lab Pro®  both contain 250 mg Citicoline.

I suggest supplementing 250 – 300 mg twice per day. And CDP-Choline is a great compliment to a stack including any nootropic from the racetam-family. Anything that causes an increase in uptake of acetylcholine in your brain.

You need to provide your brain with the CDP-Choline it is demanding. Or it starts cannibalizing your own brain cells to make more acetylcholine. Signs that you’re lacking adequate choline are headaches.

When using CDP-Choline with one of the racetams start with a ratio of 1:4. For example, 250 mg of CDP-Choline to 1,000 mg of Aniracetam.

Stroke survivors may want to up the dose to 2,000 mg per day.

 

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may also contain other affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

[i] Petkov V.D., Stancheva S.L., Tocuschieva L., Petkov V.V. “Changes in brain biogenic monoamines induced by the nootropic drugs adafenoxate and meclofenoxate and by citicholine (experiments on rats).” General Pharmacology 1990;21(1):71-5. (source)

[ii] Agut J., Coviella I.L., Wurtman R.J. “Cytidine (5’) diphosphocholine enhances the ability of haloperidol to increase dopamine metabolites in the striatum of the rat and to diminish stereotyped behavior induced by apomorphine.” Neuropharmacology 1984 Dec;23(12A):1403-6. (source)

[iii] Rao A.M., Hatcher J.F., Dempsey R.J. “CDP-choline: neuroprotection in transient forebrain ischemia of gerbils.” Journal of Neuroscience Research 1999 Dec 1;58(5):697-705. (source)

[iv] Adibhatla R.M., Hatcher J.F., Dempsey R.J. “Citicoline: neuroprotective mechanisms in cerebral ischemia.” Journal of Neurochemistry 2002 Jan;80(1):12-23 (source)

[v] Wurtman R.J. “Choline metabolism as a basis for the selective vulnerability of cholinergic neurons.” Trends in Neuroscience 1992 Apr;15(4):117-22. (source)

[vi] Wang L., Pooler A.M., Albrecht M.A., Wurtman R.J. “Dietary uridine-5′-monophosphate supplementation increases potassium-evoked dopamine release and promotes neurite outgrowth in aged rats.” Journal of Molecular Neuroscience 2005;27(1):137-45. (source)

[vii] Cohen B.M., Renshaw P.F., Stoll A.L., Wurtman R.J., Yurgelun-Todd D., Babb S.M. “Decreased brain choline uptake in older adults. An in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.” JAMA 1995 Sep 20;274(11):902-7. (source)

[viii] De Bruin N.M.W.J., Kiliaan A.J., De Wilde M.C., Broersen L.M. “Combined uridine and choline administration improves cognitive deficits in spontaneously hypertensive rats” Neurobiology of Learning and Memory Volume 80, Issue 1, July 2003, Pages 63–79 (source)

[ix] Hurtado O. et. Al “Neuroprotection afforded by prior citicoline administration in experimental brain ischemia: effects on glutamate transport.” Neurobiology of Disease 2005 Mar;18(2):336-45. (source)

[x] Adibhatla R.M., Hatcher J.F., Dempsey R.J. “Citicoline: neuroprotective mechanisms in cerebral ischemia.” Journal of Neurochemistry 2002 Jan;80(1):12-23. (source)

[xi] Watanabe S., Kono S., Nakashima Y., Mitsunobu K., Otsuki S. “Effects of various cerebral metabolic activators on glucose metabolism of brain.” Folia Psychiatr Neurol Jpn. 1975;29(1):67-76. (source)

[xii] Clark W.M. “Efficacy of citicoline as an acute stroke treatment.” Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy. 2009 Apr;10(5):839-46. (source)

[xiii] De Bruin N.M., Kiliaan A.J., De Wilde M.C., Broersen L.M. “Combined uridine and choline administration improves cognitive deficits in spontaneously hypertensive rats.” Neurobiology of Learning and Memory. 2003 Jul;80(1):63-79. (source)

[xiv] Silveri M.M. et. Al. “ Citicoline enhances frontal lobe bioenergetics as measured by phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy.” NMR in Biomedicine 2008 Nov;21(10):1066-75. (source)

[xv] McGlade E., Agoston A.M., DiMuzio J., Kizaki M., Nakazaki E., Kamiya T., Yurgelun-Todd D. “The Effect of Citicoline Supplementation on Motor Speed and Attention in Adolescent Males.” Journal of Attention Disorders 2015 Jul 15. pii: 1087054715593633. (source)

[xvi] Silveri M.M. et. al. “Cognizin® Citicoline Increases Brain Energy (ATP) by 14% and Speeds up Formation of Brain Membranes by 26% in Healthy Adults” Society for Neuroscience San Diego, CA (source)

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Join The Discussion - 271 comments

Nori
October 25, 2023

After reading several articles, I understand that CDP-choline in the body is converted into cytidine and choline, and then in the brain it will have to be converted into CDP-choline again, i.e. cytidine will have to be converted into uridine, and then together with choline they are converted into CDP-choline?
And I wonder what is spent on such a conversion or if there are any additional benefits of such conversions, such as the formation of some other substances that I missed, etc.?

Reply

    David Tomen
    October 26, 2023

    Nori, the only reason to use CDP-Choline is if you need to increase acetylcholine. But it cannot do it on its own. It needs the cofactors ALCAR, thiamin, Vitamin B5, magnesium and Vitamin D to work. If you are lacking in any of those other nutrients CDP-Choline will not increase acetylcholine.

    Reply

      Terry
      November 1, 2023

      If the only reason to use CDP-Choline, as you say, is if you need to increase acetylcholine, don’t you think that would have been important information to include in the article?

      Reply

        David Tomen
        November 4, 2023

        Terry, did you even bother to read the article? The 3rd sentence from the top is the first time I mentioned it.

        Reply

Debbie
August 14, 2023

Hi David, Thank you for your good work. Since I have found you and ‘Head First’ I believe my brain and sleep have improved. However, last week was incredibly stressful for me and I feel it has affected my short term memory and word recall. Is there anything you would suggest that I could take during stressful times and after to prevent short term memory deterioration and difficulty with word recall? The nootropics I am currently taking are:
CDP-Choline, Alpha Lipoic acid, Subutiamine, PS, PC, DHA, Vitamin D, Multi vitamins and minerals (which has high B vitamins), DLPA.
For sleep: Magnesium, L-Tryptophan, Lemon Balm & Valeriam.

Reply

    David Tomen
    August 15, 2023

    Debbie, try using Lemon Balm during the day when you are feeling stressed. You may need to lower your dose so experiment and see if that works. If not report back and we can try something else.

    Reply

      Debbie
      August 21, 2023

      Hi David, I have tried Lemon Balm during the day when experiencing stress and I think it is helping – thank you. I am concerned that because of chronic stress my brain has been permanently altered/damaged because I seem to drop into a sympathetic response at the drop of a hat! Is there an adaptogen I could add to my stack that could undo any damage to my brain?
      Many thanks.

      Reply

        David Tomen
        August 21, 2023

        Debbie, see my article on PTSD because it explains what happens to the brain with chronic stress. (https://nootropicsexpert.com/treating-post-hurricane-ptsd-with-nootropic-supplements/) And some supplement suggestions on how to reverse this damage. It is possible but it takes time as long as you are using the right supplements.

        Reply

        Debbie
        August 24, 2023

        Thanks David, I have read the article on PTSD – very interesting. I am thinking of adding Ashwagandha to my stack but will that be OK with Lemon balm as they both seem to affect the thyroid?

        Reply

        David Tomen
        September 13, 2023

        Debbie, is your thyroid healthy? If you are on thyroid meds then you need to be careful.

        Reply

Ricki
July 27, 2023

Is One Supplement a Day Enough to Support Optimum Choline for the Brain? How long do the effects last after taking?

Reply

    David Tomen
    July 31, 2023

    Ricki, the standard adult dosage of CDP-Choline is 300 mg twice per day for all day benefits.

    Reply

Dan
July 2, 2023

Would taking uridine + eg lecithin or alpha GPC pc provide the same benefits as cdp-choline?

Reply

    David Tomen
    July 2, 2023

    Dan, it would not. Better to use an Omega-3 high in DHA and CDP-Choline. I do not recommend lecithin ever unless you know exactly the mg of PS it contains.

    Reply

Yama Karimi
May 29, 2023

Hey David,

Someone told me that cdp-choline can mess up your heart or give you stroke. that true? I’m trying to take it for focus and concentration

Reply

    David Tomen
    June 5, 2023

    Yama, that person does not know what they are talking about and should not be giving anyone advice about nootropics. The study (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8613599/) done in South Korea showed a 47% increase chance in stroke from those using Alpha GPC. Not CDP-Choline.

    Reply

Daniel
May 27, 2023

Can CDP-Choline be converted to uridine or to Uridine Monophosphate?
Uridine and Uridine Monophosphate have different effects on the body.

Reply

    David Tomen
    May 28, 2023

    Daniel, CDP-Choline is converted to uridine. But it is converted back to CDP-Choline once it enters your brain. From which a choline molecule is used in the production of acetylcholine.

    But as nootropic supplement, we need to use a phosphorylated form of uridine because it is more stable, can make it through your digestive system, and can cross the blood-brain barrier. Supplementing with plain uridine wouldn’t work because it would never make it past your digestive system.

    Reply

Pam Cartwright
April 24, 2023

Is it safe to use CDP-Choline if taking blood thinners?

Reply

    David Tomen
    April 26, 2023

    Pam, CDP-Choline may affect blood pressure and how your meds work. Is it safe? Probably if you keep a close watch on how your meds are working. But if you cannot do that then I would avoid using CDP-Choline.

    Reply

Irisi
April 10, 2023

Hi, are you able to link me to your newsletter on cdp-choline regarding the paper where you had concerns about Alzheimers and or dementia?

Reply

    David Tomen
    April 18, 2023

    Irisi, I’ve never done a newsletter on Alzheimer’s or dementia. So no sure what you are talking about.

    Reply

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