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evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Compound

Citicoline (CDP-Choline)

Phospholipid precursor with cytidine bonus — supports membranes and dopamine.

Brain & CognitivePost-Drug Use Recovery

Overview

Phospholipid precursor with cytidine bonus — supports membranes and dopamine.

Natural sources
    Common forms

      Forms & variants of Citicoline (CDP-Choline)

      Different chemical forms of Citicoline (CDP-Choline) behave differently. Browse each form's mechanism, bioavailability, and best-use context.

      Cognitive dose
      Citicoline (Cognition)

      Intermediate in phosphatidylcholine synthesis; boosts focus.

      Mechanism of action

      Splits to choline + cytidine (→ uridine in humans); supports phosphatidylcholine synthesis.

      Pathways
      • · Membrane phospholipid synthesis
      • · Dopamine receptor density

      Effects on the body

      Organ system effects

      Evidence-based benefits

      Improves attention and memory in older adults

      Moderate evidence

      Adjunct in cocaine use disorder (limited)

      Limited evidence

      Potential side effects

      Common
        Rare
          Serious

            Drug interactions

            No notable interactions reported.

            Safety & non-supplemental interactions

            Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.

            Other notes
            • ·Discuss with a clinician if you have active liver disease or take hepatotoxic medications.

            Supplement interactions

            Pairs well with

            None listed.

            Avoid combining with

            No specific avoidances listed.

            Dosing & bioavailability

            Typical dose
            250–500 mg
            Study range
            500–2000 mg
            With food?
            Optional

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

            Scientific evidence (9)

            RCTArch Neurol · 1996

            Citicoline for cognitive function in older adults

            Spiers PA, et al.

            RCT of citicoline in age-related memory decline.

            Key findings

            Improved word recall vs placebo.

            Open study
            Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

            PubMed: Citicoline (CDP-Choline) — Improves attention and memory in older adults

            Live PubMed search

            Live results for "Citicoline (CDP-Choline) Improves attention and memory in older adults" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

            Key findings

            Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Citicoline (CDP-Choline) and "Improves attention and memory in older adults". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

            Open study
            Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

            PubMed: Citicoline (CDP-Choline) — Adjunct in cocaine use disorder

            Live PubMed search

            Live results for "Citicoline (CDP-Choline) Adjunct in cocaine use disorder" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

            Key findings

            Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Citicoline (CDP-Choline) and "Adjunct in cocaine use disorder". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

            Open study
            Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

            PubMed: Citicoline (CDP-Choline) — randomized controlled trial

            Live PubMed search

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

            Key findings

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

            Open study
            Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

            PubMed: Citicoline (CDP-Choline) — meta-analysis

            Live PubMed search

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

            Key findings

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

            Open study
            Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

            PubMed: Citicoline (CDP-Choline) — pharmacokinetics

            Live PubMed search

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

            Key findings

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

            Open study
            Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

            PubMed: Citicoline (CDP-Choline) — safety adverse events

            Live PubMed search

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

            Key findings

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

            Open study
            Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

            PubMed: Citicoline (CDP-Choline) — dose response

            Live PubMed search

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

            Key findings

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

            Open study
            Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

            Google Scholar: Citicoline (CDP-Choline) — clinical evidence

            Live Scholar search

            Cross-database citation index for Citicoline (CDP-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.