Citicoline is a naturally occurring compound that plays a crucial role in brain function and health.

That being said, it’snever too earlyto be proactive aboutprotecting your brainand optimizingcognitive longevity.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to nourish your noggin, fromprioritizing sleepto eating anantioxidant-rich diet.

Kirsten Nunez, M.S.

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What is citicoline?

So, it’s no surprise thathealthy choline levelsare associated with overall cognitive function and performance.

(This is where the supplement citicoline comes in.)

Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN

According to Mushtaq, citicoline is the ingredient form of cytidine-diphosphocholine (CDP-choline).

Both citicoline and CDP-choline consist of choline; in fact, they’re chemically identical.

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The only difference?

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Citicoline is a supplement, while CDP-choline naturally occurs in humans, explains Mushtaq.

Giving your body more citicoline helps it make more phospholipid membrane components, as proven byclinical research.

Phospholipid turnover helps to support the structural integrity of neurons, which then support how they function."

This includes critical brain functions such asyou guessed itmemory.

Citicoline can help enhance those phospholipid levels, ultimatelysupporting memoryand brain health over time.

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The memory benefits of citicoline have been frequently observed in research.

  • In anotherstudy4, citicoline enhanced verbal memory in older adults.

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Citicoline alsosupports the health of mitochondria, the energy-producing centers of the cell.

  • This effect was attributed to the citicoline-induced rise in phospholipids.

Citicoline enhances cognitive performance

Citicoline benefits also extend to overall cognitive performance.

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But take note: Citicoline as Cognizin isn’t just a performance ingredient, says Todd.

That said, there are no reports of seriousside effects related to citicoline.

If side effects do occur, they’re mild and resolve without intervention.

(Examples include a transient headache and a slight tingling sensation.)

The takeaway

Citicoline is a potent brain nutrient that’s found in supplement form.

In the body, it metabolizes into choline, which maintains important neurotransmitters and protects cell membranes.

This translates into a plethora of brain benefitsincluding memory support, mental clarity, and improved cognitive performance.

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Together, this advanced neuroprotective formula makes it easy to flex your brain spantodayanddown the road!

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