Citicoline (CDP-choline)

About Citicoline (CDP-choline)

A naturally occurring intermediate in the synthesis of membrane phospholipids, supplying both choline and cytidine. It is a prescription medicine for stroke and vascular cognitive impairment in several countries and a supplement in others.

Citicoline is the best-studied of the choline-based nootropics and the results are mixed in an informative way. Its largest test was in acute ischaemic stroke: after promising earlier data, the international ICTUS trial in more than 2,000 patients found no benefit, effectively ending its stroke indication in evidence terms. In vascular cognitive impairment and age-related memory complaints the trial base is more favourable but consists of smaller studies, many from Spanish and Japanese groups with manufacturer involvement. In healthy adults, the handful of short trials reporting attention benefits are small and industry-funded.

Sold as

Capsule, Tablet, Oral solution, Injection (prescription, some countries), Branded Cognizin

Also known as

CDP-choline, Cytidine diphosphate-choline, Cognizin

Regulation: A prescription drug in Japan, Spain, Italy and several other countries for stroke and cognitive indications; a dietary supplement in the US following new dietary ingredient notification. No Tolerable Upper Intake Level exists; the choline upper limit of 3,500 mg/day is the nearest reference point.

What the research used

The amounts, forms and durations published trials of Citicoline (CDP-choline) actually administered.

When it was taken

Each window says whether a trial compared it against an alternative, or whether it is convention and pharmacology. Most timing advice is the second kind.