CDP CHOLINE: WHAT IS CDP CHOLINE (CITICHOLINE)?
CDP choline is a nootropic and natural compound that is mostly employed during ischemia, neurological disorders and head trauma (Jambou, El-Assaad, Combes & Grau, 2009). Moreover, CDP choline is also renowned for possessing certain cognitive and anti-addictive effects. It is recognized as an authentic treatment option for patients who suffer from cerebrovascular memory disorders. CDP choline is also proposed to have positive effects in Parkinson’s disease and vascular dementia. This remarkable supplement is aimed to prevent or treat impairments in memory linked with aging. It does so by stabilizing cell membranes and diminishing free radicals’ presence (Fioravanti & Buckley, 2006). This is because after its intake into the body, CDP choline dissociates into two molecules, i.e. Choline and Uridine that have neuro protective effects and help in the enhancement of learning. It is also known for playing an effective part to increase phosphatidylcholine synthesis in the brain. Citicoline also acts as a stimulant for the brain while discharging dopamine neurotransmitters (Fioravanti & Buckley, 2006). It is significant to mention that “Citicoline is the only drug that in a number of different clinical strokes trials continuously had some neuro protective benefit” (Overgaard, 2014).
HOW DOES CITICHOLINE WORK?
When this compound is administrated exogenously, both cytidine and choline are provided by CDP-choline. After accessing the brain, these released substances play their roles as substrates to synthesize phosphatidylcholine (a major component of neuronal membrane). Citicoline is also helpful in the enhancement of synthesis of brain acetylcholine. Through this process, citicoline repairs and regenerates membranes that are essential to recover patients who suffer ischemic strokes (D’Orlando & Sandage, 1995). Moreover, CDP choline is also effective for the restoration of phospholipid’s levels that become worn-out in due course. As these exhausted phospholipid’s levels may lead to declined cognition, citicoline is used as a helpful treatment option. Phospholipids’ restoration also enhances the neuro protective effects of citicoline. It does so by protecting the brain from oxidative stresses and injuries (Adibhatla, Hatcher & Dempsey, 2001).
SHORT TERM /LONG TERM EFFECTS & SIDE EFFECTS
As far as its effects are concerned, citicoline is known for enhancing performance of brain and improving cognitive abilities in individuals. It not only improves mental functioning in people but also protects brain cells and the neurons. Endogenous plasticity of the brain is furthermore enhanced and repaired with the administration of citicoline (Overgaard, 2014).
Most individuals can tolerate citicoline in a very well manner. Within the body, it dissociates as a natural compound due to its low toxicity level. It does not demonstrate any toxicity on liver. However, some people may experience gastrointestinal problems after drug intake. If combined with racetams, CDP Choline may lead people to suffer mild side effects. On its own, the compound does not cause any headaches. On the other hand, headaches may occur if it is combined with additional nootropic drugs. In rare cases, patients suffered rash and insomnia (sleeplessness) after taking high dosages of Citicholine (Lockwood & Rapport, 2007). However, citicoline itself has no life-threatening side effects.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON CDP CHOLINE (CITICHOLINE)
CDP Choline, or Citicoline, is a choline source that has been shown to help improve the memory and cognitive functions of its users. CDP Choline is suggested to cause an increase in dopamine receptor’s densities, and is plausible in the use of treating or aiding in Attention Deficit Disorder.
CDP Choline is a source of Acetylcholine and a water-soluble nootropic of the Choline chemical class. CDP Choline is widely used to help and to treat Alzheimer’s and as a Nootropic supplement to help improve and increase memory and cognition. CDP Choline has been shown to counteract neural degeneration and reduce the number of apoptotic cells present. CDP Choline also helps improve visual function in persons suffering from Glaucoma, and Amblyopia. CDP Choline is known to help increase the glucose metabolism in the brain as well as cerebral blood flow.
In one study, CDP Choline was shown to help slow down the advancement of Alzheimer’s as well as be a plausible supplement in strengthening and increasing memory and cognitive abilities. This study also showed that in cases of hypoxia and ischemia, CDP Choline acted as a neuro protective supplement as well as an effective treatment in Parkinson’s disease. CDP-choline: pharmacological and clinical review. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol. 1995 Oct; 17 Suppl B:1-54.
CDP Choline being highly bio-available and having potential benefits in regard to neuro-repair and increasing acetylcholine levels in the central and peripheral nervous system, CDP Choline has been used in many documented studies to be used in aiding several conditions ranging from Stroke, brain injury, and Alzheimer’s. It has been shown to have beneficial effects in many of these situations regarding neuro-recovery. CDP-choline as a biological supplement during neuro recovery: a focused review. PM R. 2011 Jun; 3(6 Suppl 1):S123-31. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2011.03.012
CDP CHOLINE DOSAGE
The recommended CDP Choline dosage ranges from 500 to 2000mg. Since CDP Choline is water soluble, it should be taken with a drink at lunch and again with dinner. Dosing ranges due to a variety of reasons such as Age, health and other reasons.
DOES CDP CHOLINE WORK?
CDP Choline is hydrolyzed into Choline and cytidine in the intestines, after crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier it is reformed back into CDP Choline where is used and absorbed through the Acetylcholine receptors which are implicated in thought and memory formation. The neuro protective benefit caused by CDP Choline is potentially caused through the preservation of both Cardiolipin and Sphingomyelin. Another suggested mechanism of action is the stimulation of glutathione synthesis. CDP Choline also helps enhance the signaling of many receptors such as the acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
There are still many variables though that have to be looked at with improving cognitive abilities. As a result, it is very hard to determine just how effective CDP Choline would be for a specific person. It all comes down to their own needs and current cognitive ability as well as lifestyle choices.