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evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Compound

Choline

aka Choline bitartrate · Citicoline (CDP-choline)

Essential nutrient for cell membranes, methylation, and acetylcholine synthesis.

Brain & CognitiveLiver HealthFertility

Overview

Essential nutrient for cell membranes, methylation, and acetylcholine synthesis.

Natural sources
  • Egg yolk
  • Liver
  • Beef
  • Soy
Common forms
  • Choline bitartrate
  • Citicoline
  • Alpha-GPC
  • Phosphatidylcholine

Mechanism of action

Precursor to acetylcholine, phosphatidylcholine, and methyl donor (via betaine).

Pathways
  • · Acetylcholine synthesis
  • · Phospholipid synthesis
  • · Methylation
Neurotransmitters
  • · Acetylcholine

Effects on the body

Supports
Acetylcholine synthesis
Supports
Liver triglyceride export

Organ system effects

Brain & CNS

Citicoline improves attention post-stroke.

Liver

Deficiency causes NAFLD.

Evidence-based benefits

Citicoline improves post-stroke cognition

Moderate evidence

Adequate intake reduces NAFLD risk

Moderate evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Fishy odor at high doses (bitartrate)
Rare
  • · Hypotension
Serious

    Drug interactions

    No notable interactions reported.

    Supplement interactions

    Pairs well with

    None listed.

    Avoid combining with

    No specific avoidances listed.

    Dosing & bioavailability

    Typical dose
    550 mg male / 425 mg female (AI); 250–500 mg citicoline

    Where to buy

    Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

    Compound
    Choline
    Amazon
    Wide selection · fast shipping
    Compound
    Choline
    iHerb
    Global delivery · curated brands
    Compound
    Choline
    Thorne
    Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

    Scientific evidence (9)

    Systematic reviewExamine.com Supplement Database · 2023

    Choline: pharmacology, clinical evidence, and safety — narrative review

    Examine.com Research Team

    Curated narrative review of human and preclinical evidence for Choline, including mechanism, typical dosing, and safety considerations.

    Key findings

    Best-supported outcome: Citicoline improves post-stroke cognition (evidence: moderate). Additional outcomes and limitations summarized in the full profile.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Choline — Citicoline improves post-stroke cognition

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Choline Citicoline improves post-stroke cognition" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Choline and "Citicoline improves post-stroke cognition". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Choline — Adequate intake reduces NAFLD risk

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Choline Adequate intake reduces NAFLD risk" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Choline and "Adequate intake reduces NAFLD risk". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Choline — randomized controlled trial

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Choline randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Choline and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Choline — meta-analysis

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Choline meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Choline and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Choline — pharmacokinetics

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Choline pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Choline and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Choline — safety adverse events

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Choline safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Choline and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Choline — dose response

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Choline dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Choline and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

    Google Scholar: Choline — clinical evidence

    Live Scholar search

    Cross-database citation index for Choline as it relates to "clinical evidence".

    Key findings

    Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

    Open study
    Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.