CDP Choline: A Critical Compound for Cognitive Function

CDP choline, commonly referred to as citicoline, is a naturally occurring compound in the human body. Serving as a precursor to both the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and cell membrane phospholipids, it plays a pivotal role in maintaining cell membrane integrity and facilitating neurotransmission.¹

Research, including findings from the EFSA, has highlighted potential cognitive benefits of choline, such as¹³⁸:

• Supporting standard neurological functions;
• Enhancing cognitive abilities;
• Maintaining memory and overall brain functionality;
• Facilitating efficient nerve impulse transmission.

Delving Deeper: CDP Choline

Beyond its foundational role in neurotransmission and cellular health, CDP choline has gained recognition as a potent nootropic. While it is instrumental in supporting memory and brain function, its benefits aren’t limited to just these. Studies have evidenced its capability in enhancing attention, mental alertness, response speed, and overall cognitive clarity¹.

One of the standout attributes of CDP choline is its ability to enhance the benefits of other nootropic supplements. CDP choline complements the racetam class of nootropics, notably intensifying the advantages of memory-enhancing compounds such as piracetam and pramiracetam. Moreover, it helps offset the mild yet bothersome headaches often associated with racetam consumption.²

Mechanism of Action

Upon ingestion, CDP choline, a phospholipid, undergoes hydrolysis in the intestines and is rapidly absorbed. Within the CDP choline metabolic pathway, choline is assimilated as choline and cytidine. It is subsequently resynthesized in the liver and other tissues, then disseminated systemically, managing to cross the blood-brain barrier to access the central nervous system.⁶ Eventually, cytidine is converted into uridine, an essential nucleotide base that plays a pivotal role in the formation of neuronal membranes. This process contributes to cognitive enhancement by:

• Facilitating the repair and regeneration of neural membranes.³
• Boosting the levels of dopamine, adrenaline, and norepinephrine in the central nervous system.⁴
• Stimulating acetylcholine synthesis, often referred to as the “learning neurotransmitter”.⁵

Interactions with Racetam-Class Nootropics

Due to its cholinergic activity post-absorption, CDP choline pairs effectively with nootropics from the racetam class, such as piracetam, oxiracetam, and aniracetam. These substances derive a substantial part of their cognitive enhancement effects from choline. Being a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, choline plays an indispensable role in numerous cognitive functions, including memory formation and learning. Consequently, racetam nootropics like piracetam act as acetylcholine agonists, activating specific neurotransmitter receptor sites to facilitate the synthesis and release of acetylcholine.
When the brain has an adequate supply of choline, it enhances the generation and release of acetylcholine, leading to notable cognitive advantages. These benefits range from improved memory and heightened attention to clearer thought processes, swifter recall, and even augmented sensory perception. Conversely, a deficit in the brain’s choline reservoir reduces the effectiveness of racetam supplementation. Furthermore, the mild yet bothersome headaches often linked with racetam consumption can largely be attributed to choline insufficiency⁶.

Hence, numerous nootropic enthusiasts consider CDP choline an essential element of any stack that includes racetams. Each component, when used individually, is a potent cognitive enhancer. However, their combined efficacy significantly outperforms their individual capabilities.

Neurotransmitter Interactions with Catecholamines

Research has demonstrated that CDP choline influences the levels of three pivotal neurotransmitters categorized as catecholamines: adrenaline, norepinephrine, and dopamine⁷. Specifically, the choline component of CDP choline is known to substantially elevate adrenaline and norepinephrine levels in the bloodstream. Simultaneously, the uridine fraction is recognized to amplify dopaminergic activity.

Benefits of CDP Choline

CDP choline, a naturally occurring compound in the brain, serves as a potent nootropic. Its effects can manifest in multiple ways to enhance memory and cognitive function, whether consumed as a standalone supplement or in conjunction with other nootropics.

Enhanced Memory

CDP Choline’s capacity to bolster and preserve memory is among its most acclaimed attributes. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) posits that it can aid in sustaining memory and overall brain function while also supporting normal neurological operations⁸.

Improvement of Cognitive Capacities

Everyone, from students preparing for examinations to older adults combating cognitive deterioration, requires mental vitality. Clinical studies indicate that CDP choline exerts a positive impact on mental vigor and may contribute to the deterrence of cognitive regression⁹.

CDP choline has shown potential in promoting enhanced focus over prolonged periods. Such an effect can be pivotal in diverse scenarios, from academic study sessions to mastering a new skill, or during tasks demanding intense cognitive engagement.¹⁰

Amplifying the Benefits of Other Nootropics

For aficionados of cognitive enhancers, the synergy between CDP choline and other nootropics is noteworthy. Specifically, when paired with racetam nootropics, choline has the potential to accentuate their positive effects and simultaneously reduce racetams-associated minor headaches.¹¹

Guidance on Dosage

A daily intake of CDP choline ranging from 250–1000 mg is deemed both safe and effective. This can either be consumed in a single serving or divided into two doses with an interval of 8–12 hours.¹²
In terms of tolerance, CDP choline demonstrates a robust profile. A study from MIT revealed that there was no significant variance in effects between a 4000 mg dose and a 2000 mg one, suggesting that very high dosages may offer limited additional benefits.¹³ It’s also worth noting that CDP Choline is water-soluble, ensuring a high absorption rate of up to 95% following oral administration.

1. Alvarez, X. A., M. Laredo, D. Corzo, L. Fernández-Novoa, R. Mouzo, J. E. Perea, D. Daniele, and R. Cacabelos. 1997. “Citicoline Improves Memory Performance in Elderly Subjects.” Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology 19 (3): 201–10.

2. Bruce, Steven E., Kimberly B. Werner, Brittany F. Preston, and Laurie M. Baker. 2014. “Improvements in Concentration, Working Memory and Sustained Attention Following Consumption of a Natural Citicoline–Caffeine Beverage.” International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition 65 (8): 1003–7. https://doi.org/10.3109/09637486.2014.940286.

3. D’Orlando, Kay Jorgenson, and Bobby W. Sandage. 1995. “Citicoline (CDP-Choline): Mechanisms of Action and Effects in Ischemic Brain Injury.” Neurological Research 17 (4): 281–84. https://doi.org/10.1080/01616412.1995.11740327.

4. Secades, J. J., and G. Frontera. 1995. “CDP-Choline: Pharmacological and Clinical Review.” Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology 17 (Suppl B): 1–54.

5. Dixon, C. Edward, Xiecheng Ma, and Donald W. Marion. 1997. “Effects of CDP-Choline Treatment on Neurobehavioral Deficits after TBI and on Hippocampal and Neocortical Acetlycholine Release.” Journal of Neurotrauma 14 (3): 161–69. https://doi.org/10.1089/neu.1997.14.161.

6. Weiss, George B. 1995. “Metabolism and Actions of Cdpcholine as an Endogenous Compound and Administered Exogenously as Citicoline.” Life Sciences 56 (9): 637–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/0024-3205(94)00427-t.

7. Ilcol, Y. O., M. Cansev, M. S. Yilmaz, E. Hamurtekin, and I. H. Ulus. “Intraperitoneal Administration of CDP-Choline and Its Cholinergic and Pyrimidinergic Metabolites Induce Hyperglycemia in Rats: Involvement of the Sympathoadrenal System.” Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry 113 (4–5): 186–201. https://doi.org/10.1080/13813450701531243.

8. EFSA. 2011. “Scientific Opinion on the Substantiation of Health Claims Related to Choline and Contribution to Normal Lipid Metabolism (ID 3186), Maintenance of Normal Liver Function (ID 1501), Contribution to Normal Homocysteine Metabolism (ID 3090), Maintenance of No.” EFSA Journal 9 (4): 2056. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2011.2056.

9. Cacabelos, R., J. Caamaño, M. J. Gómez, L. Fernández-Novoa, A. Franco-Maside, and X. A. Alvarez. 1996. “Therapeutic Effects of CDP-Choline in Alzheimer’s Disease-Cognition, Brain Mapping, Cerebrovascular Hemodynamics, and Immune Factorsa.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 777 (1): 399–403. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.1996.tb34452.x.

10. Silveri, M. M., J. Dikan, A. J. Ross, J. E. Jensen, T. Kamiya, Y. Kawada, P. F. Renshaw, and D. A. Yurgelun-Todd. 2008. “Citicoline Enhances Frontal Lobe Bioenergetics as Measured by Phosphorus Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.” NMR in Biomedicine 21 (10): 1066–75. https://doi.org/10.1002/nbm.1281.

11. Cacabelos, R., A. Alvarez, L. Fenandez-Novoa, and V. R. M. Lombardi. 2000. “A Pharmacogenomic Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease.” Acta Neurologica Scandinavica 102 (s176): 12–19. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0404.2000.00302.x.

12. Kamal Patel, M. P. H. 2022. “CDP-Choline Research Analysis.” Examine.com, June. https://examine.com/supplements/cdp-choline/.

13. Wurtman, Richard J, Meredith Regan, Ismail Ulus, and Lilly Yu. 2000. “Effect of Oral CDP-Choline on Plasma Choline and Uridine Levels in Humans.” Biochemical Pharmacology 60 (7): 989–92. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0006-2952(00)00436-6.