Outcome
    Limited

    Citicoline (CDP-Choline) for Processing Speed Improvement

    Citicoline shows some attention and speed benefit in older adults, less so in healthy young people.

    Overview

    Citicoline shows some attention and speed benefit in older adults, less so in healthy young people.

    Verdict

    Insufficient evidence

    How It Works

    Supplies choline and cytidine for phosphatidylcholine membrane synthesis and acetylcholine production.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    250-500mg/day
    Expected timeframe
    8-12 weeks

    Protocol

    studied dose
    250-500 mg/day for 8-12 weeks
    evidence note
    Verdict is insufficient for this specific endpoint in healthy people
    what happened
    Randomised trials in older adults with mild memory complaints report improved attention and psychomotor speed, but healthy young adult data are weak and inconsistent, so a processing-speed benefit in a healthy person is not established
    who might benefit
    Older adults with subjective memory complaints - that is where the positive trials sit
    if you still trial it
    250-500 mg each morning with food for 8 weeks against a baseline reaction-time test
    what actually slows processing speed
    Sleep deprivation, untreated sleep apnoea, alcohol, sedating medication, depression and hypothyroidism - all worth excluding first

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    Randomised trials in older adults with mild memory complaints report improved attention and psychomotor speed; healthy young adult data is weaker and more mixed.

    Citicoline for cognitive and processing-speed impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

    Score: 6/10
    2006
    meta_analysis

    Fioravanti M, Buckley AE

    Citicoline produced significant improvements in memory and behaviour, with weaker effects on processing speed

    View source

    Safety

    Caveats

    Generally well tolerated. Headache is the most common complaint.

    Less likely to help if

    Healthy young adults, and anyone whose slowing is caused by poor sleep, medication or an untreated medical condition.

    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.