Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Citicoline (also known as CDP-choline) is a compound that serves as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine, a major phospholipid in cell membranes. It is also a source of choline, a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. There is substantial scientific evidence supporting the use of citicoline to support the acetylcholine system, especially in the context of cognitive function and neurological health. Citicoline supplementation increases plasma choline levels, which can then be used for acetylcholine synthesis in neurons. Clinical studies have shown that citicoline administration can improve cognitive performance, attention, and memory, particularly in populations with cognitive impairment or stroke. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that citicoline enhances acetylcholine release and protects cholinergic neurons. While more research is needed to clarify its benefits in healthy populations, the scientific literature supports citicoline's role in supporting the acetylcholine system, especially in the context of neurological health and disease. The level of evidence is moderate to strong (rating 4), with consistent findings in both preclinical and clinical studies, though not all results are uniformly positive or conclusive for all populations.

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