Citicoline, also known as CDP-choline (cytidine diphosphate-choline), is an organic molecule that is naturally produced within the body and can be found in all living cells. It plays several important roles in cellular function, cellular stability, and neurotransmission.

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How Does Citicoline Work?

Citicoline plays a vital role in maintaining cellular stability, supporting neurotransmission for enhanced communication between nerve cells, and promoting metabolic function for optimal brain function.

Cellular Stability 

Citicoline plays an important role in creating phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylethanolamine. These substances are known as phospholipids and are essential building blocks for cell membranes. Cell membranes play a crucial role in protecting cells from their surroundings. 

Since cell membranes are being replaced constantly, the ongoing creation of phospholipids is essential for maintaining cellular integrity and structure. By providing greater availability of phosphatidylcholine, citicoline helps to support the repair and replacement of damaged cell membranes — specifically of neurons in the brain

Neurotransmission

Citicoline provides the brain with choline, an important building block for neurotransmitters. One of the key neurotransmitters that citicoline helps produce is called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine plays a vital role in communication between nerve cells. In other words, citicoline helps support communication between neurons in the brain.  

By ensuring that the brain has enough choline, citicoline helps to generate more acetylcholine, which leads to improved communication between cells. This enhanced neurotransmission supports focus, attention, and memory, ultimately supporting overall brain function.

Metabolic Function

Citicoline plays a pivotal role in the production of the primary source of energy for cells known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). By bolstering ATP production, citicoline helps provide a steady and sufficient energy supply to brain cells, enabling them to perform vital functions such as neurotransmission and cell membrane synthesis. In simple terms, citicoline assists brain cells in obtaining the energy and nutrients necessary for optimal cognitive function.

Still wondering, “How does citicoline work?” Learn more from key citicoline studies. 

Cognizin® Citicoline: A Clinically Studied Nootropic 

For nearly 20 years, the science of citicoline has revolved around research conducted using Cognizin® — a patented form of citicoline. It has been the focus of several key studies that have explored the benefits of citicoline as a supplement and have helped gain a better understanding of this nutrient and how it supports cognitive health and performance. Cognizin is the only citicoline studied in healthy adults and adolescents.

You can experience the cognitive benefits of citicoline with a daily dose of Cognizin®. This premium nootropic has been clinically tested for efficacy and has been shown to support focus, attention, and memory. Cognizin® promotes cognitive health by supplementing the brain's metabolic function as well as synthesizing phospholipids to protect brain cells and bolster communication between neurotransmitters.