CDP-choline

Glossary / Nootropics / CDP-choline
NOOTROPICS · GLOSSARY ENTRY

CDP-choline (Citicoline)

A choline source that breaks down into choline plus cytidine — supplies brain choline while providing additional substrate for phospholipid synthesis.

Why it matters

CDP-choline (cytidine diphosphate-choline, marketed as Citicoline) is broken down in the gut into cytidine and choline, both of which cross the blood-brain barrier and recombine intracellularly. Cytidine is converted to uridine, which has its own potential cognitive effects via phospholipid synthesis.

In practice

Clinical evidence is strongest in stroke recovery and age-related cognitive decline. Typical supplement doses are 250–500mg; clinical trials have used up to 2g daily. Side effect profile is mild.

Common confusion

CDP-choline and alpha-GPC are not interchangeable in every context — the cytidine/uridine contribution from CDP-choline is mechanistically distinct from alpha-GPC.

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    This glossary entry is editorial content reviewed against primary sources. It is not medical advice. See our Editorial Policy.

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