Citicoline supplement for mental enhancement by Ray Sahelian, M.D. - Also known as Cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine or CDP-choline

Citicoline is a nutrient found in the body and also a available as a supplement over the counter, most often called CDP-choline. It often comes in 250 mg and 500 mg capsules. You can find more information on CDP-choline here or purchase this supplement by clicking the link below.

CDP-Choline, 250 mg, 60 Capsules

Stabilized citicoline (cytidine 5'diphosphocholine) is a naturally occurring, water soluble, biological compound that is an essential intermediate for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, a major constituent of the grey matter of brain tissue (30%). Citicoline is metabolized to yield the free nucleotide cytidine and choline. Scientific research demonstrates that citicoline consumption promotes brain metabolism by enhancing the synthesis of acetylcholine, restoring phospholipid content in the brain, and regulation of neuronal membrane excitability.

 

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Supplement Facts:
CDP Choline  250 mg (from stabilized cytidine 5'diphosphocholine)

Suggested Use: One citicilone capsule before breakfast or lunch.

Why buy all the individual herbs and nutrients separately -- at great expense -- when you can buy this excellent combination? The herbs in Mind Power Rx include: Ashwagandha, Bacopa, Fo-Ti, Ginkgo biloba,  Ginseng, Gotu kola, Mucuna pruriens, Reishi, and Rhodiola.  The nutrients and vitamins in Mind Power Rx include Acetyl-l-carnitine, Carnitine, Carnosine, Choline, DMAE, Inositol, Methylcobalamin, Pantothenic acid, Trimethylglycine, Tyrosine, and Vinpocetine.

Citicoline function in the body
Citicoline in an important intermediate in the making of phospholipids in cell membranes, particularly phosphatidylcholine. When a citicoline supplement is taken by mouth, its two main components, cytidine and choline, are fully absorbed into the bloodstream. Once absorbed, citicoline is widely distributed throughout the body and is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and reaches the central nervous system (CNS), where it is incorporated into phospholipids. Citicoline activates the biosynthesis of structural phospholipids of neuronal membranes, increases brain metabolism, and influences levels of different neurotransmitters. Citicoline has been shown to increase acetylcholine, norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the central nervous system.

Citicoline benefit
Citicoline has been proposed to protect nerve cells in conditions where there is low oxygen availability. In animal studies,, citicoline has been found to improves learning and memory. Citicoline may be used as a treatment for cerebral vascular disease, after head trauma of varying severity, and cognitive disorders of different causes. Citicoline helps recovery from post-traumatic coma and neurological deficits and in those who have had an ischemic cerebral vascular disease such as stroke. Additional uses of citicoline include age related cognitive decline and degenerative neurological diseases such as Alzheimer disease. More research is needed to determine whether citicoline has any benefit in Parkinson's disease, drug addictions, and alcoholism, as well as in amblyopia and glaucoma.

Citicoline and sexual enhancement
My personal experience indicates that citicoline can lead to better erections and improved visual acuity. Within an hour of taking a 250 pill citicoline pill on an empty stomach, I notice being more alert and motivated. The effects last a few hours. In addition, colors seem brighter and sharper and occasionally I have noticed libido enhancement. Because of the alertness it produces, I have difficulty sleeping if I take this nutrient in late afternoon or early evening.

Citicoline side effects
Citicoline has a low side effect profile. Some citicoline side effects include elevated body temperature, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping if the supplement is taken in the evening.

Food source
Citicoline is found in foods but only in very small amounts. Higher amounts are found in liver and brain tissue.

Citicoline supplement questions
Q. Is citicoline a drug? I have come across citicoline somazine.
   A. I would not say citicoline is a drug, it is a natural supplement.

Is Kyowa Hakko Bio Co. brand of citicoline known as Cognizin a good, reliable brand?
   As far as as I know, Kyowa Hakko is a reliable company and Cognizin is a good brand.

I was wondering if you can tell me if citicoline can be found in syrup version.
    It may be but I am not familiar with such a product.

I am a family nurse practitioner working in a geriatric setting in southern California. The family of one of my dementia patients brought me information from Italy about the use of citicoline injectable. Apparently another family member in Italy also with dementia has been receiving monthly injections and has shown improved cognitive response. The family is asking if this would be worth a trial on their mom as well. Can you give me any evidenced based direction, and any experience you have had with this? Also is there a significant difference in the oral vs injected formulas? I thought there was good absorption when given po. I would appreciate any information or resources that you might share with me.
    I have only used this product in the oral form and find it be be absorbed easily and to be quite effective in capsule form.