Outcome
    Moderate Evidence
    Effectiveness 3/5

    Citicoline (CDP-Choline) for Neuroplasticity Enhancement

    Citicoline supplies choline and cytidine for membrane phospholipid synthesis and shows modest attention benefits in trials.

    Overview

    Citicoline supplies choline and cytidine for membrane phospholipid synthesis and shows modest attention benefits in trials.

    Verdict

    Mixed evidence

    Reasonable support for attention and membrane synthesis; plasticity claims outrun the data.

    How It Works

    As a precursor to phosphatidylcholine, citicoline supports neuronal membrane repair and acetylcholine and dopamine signalling.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    250-500 mg daily
    Expected timeframe
    4-12 weeks

    Protocol

    form
    Citicoline (CDP-choline), a precursor for phosphatidylcholine in neuronal membranes
    timing
    Morning with food
    duration
    12 weeks
    titration
    500 mg/day after two weeks
    scope note
    Trials in adolescents, healthy adults and older people with memory complaints report improved attention and psychomotor speed at 250-500 mg - plasticity itself is a mechanistic claim from phospholipid synthesis, not a measured human endpoint
    measurement
    Progress on a deliberately practised skill, tracked weekly
    starting dose
    250 mg daily with food
    pair with the real driver
    Plasticity is driven by novel skill practice, aerobic exercise and sleep - the supplement is at best a substrate, and does nothing without the stimulus

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    Trials in adolescents, healthy adults and older people with memory complaints report improved attention and psychomotor speed at 250-500 mg daily over 4-12 weeks. Stroke-recovery evidence is mixed, with the large ICTUS trial null.

    Citicoline and brain phospholipid synthesis in humans: a magnetic resonance spectroscopy study

    Score: 6/10
    2008
    rct
    n=16

    Silveri MM, Dikan J, Ross AJ +3 more

    Citicoline increased brain phosphocreatine and membrane phospholipid synthesis markers

    View source

    Safety

    Caveats

    Effects are modest; not a substitute for skill practice or exercise.

    Less likely to help if

    People not engaged in any new learning or training stimulus, and well-rested healthy adults at baseline ceiling.

    Medical Disclaimer

    The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.