CDP-Choline | Citicoline

CDP-Choline | Citicoline

Properties: CDP-choline was discovered in the middle of the 20th century and since then its properties have been extensively researched. Researchers investigated its potential to enhance the functioning of the central nervous system. There were many studies that gave us promising results. 

First of all, CDP-choline is easy to absorb – when administered orally its digestibility reaches 95%, which makes it one of the best sources of choline. Moreover, it can cross the blood-brain barrier and thus quickly and efficiently deliver the material to produce acetylcholine. Because of that, CDP-choline makes learning much easier. It also facilitates association and recollection of memorized information. Regular CDP-choline supplementation additionally increases the amount of ATP in neurons, which increases “mental energy”. 

In the brain, CDP-choline releases its two main components, choline and cytidine – another beneficial substance. Cytidine is mostly transformed into uridine, which takes part in the biosynthesis of the neuronal membranes. It also activates the nerve growth factor (NGF) that supports the generation of new neural cells, and that is crucial for efficient learning. Moreover, uridine increases the amount of available dopamine and its receptors, thereby noticeably enhancing motivation to work and the sense of satisfaction that comes from getting things done.

Occurrence: CDP-choline occurs naturally in the human organism, especially in the brain and intestines. However, it does not occur in food. Its concentration in the organism can be increased via supplementation.

Biochemistry: CDP-choline (citicoline; cytidine 5′-diphosphocholine) is an organic chemical compound from  the group of phospholipids. Upon oral administration its absorption reaches up to 95%. As it is readily water-soluble, its bioavailability is greatly improved. It is one of the three phospholipids that contain choline, the other two being Alpha-GPC and phosphatidylcholine. Similarly to Alpha-GPC, CDP-choline efficiently crosses the blood-brain barrier. Due to its choline component it is also a precursor of an excitatory neurotransmitter acetylcholine and an indirect compound in production of phosphatidylcholine – a phospholipid involved in the biosynthesis of cellular membranes. Citicoline contains cytidine, a precursor of uridine, a compound that additionally strengthens cellular membranes.

Fun fact: Citicoline is intended for regular supplementation, however, administered ad hoc is less effective relative to Alpha-GPC. This is due to the lower concentration of pure choline per molecule – i.e. 18.5% for CDP-choline and 40% for Alpha-GPC.