Evidence supporting the use of: Citicoline
For the health condition: Thinking (cloudy)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Citicoline (also known as CDP-choline) has been studied for its potential to support cognitive function, especially in conditions characterized by "cloudy thinking" or mild cognitive impairment. Scientific research suggests that citicoline may enhance brain metabolism, increase levels of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, and support membrane phospholipid synthesis, all of which are important for optimal neuronal function and cognitive clarity. Several clinical trials have evaluated citicoline in populations with cognitive issues, including stroke, vascular dementia, and age-related cognitive decline. While results are mixed, some studies report modest improvements in attention, memory, and executive function, particularly in older adults or those with mild cognitive impairment. For example, a 2015 review in Clinical Interventions in Aging concluded that citicoline appears to be safe and may have a beneficial effect on memory and behavior in individuals with cognitive impairment. However, large-scale, high-quality studies in people with only subjective "cloudy thinking" or mild cognitive symptoms are limited, and the observed benefits are generally small to moderate. Therefore, while there is some scientific validation for citicoline's use in supporting cognitive function, the strength of evidence is moderate and not definitive for all forms of "cloudy thinking." The ingredient is not traditionally used for this purpose; its use is based on modern clinical research.
