What is it?
Citicoline is an important naturally occurring compound involved in brain health and cognitive function. It is also known as cytidine diphosphocholine (CDP-choline). It is essential for the production of neurotransmitters like acetylcholine which is necessary for learning and memory.
What does it do?
Citicoline may be effective for:
Memory loss in those over 50
Glaucoma; may improve visual function
Brain metabolism due to its support in the synthesis of cell membranes
Neuroprotection. It may contribute to protection from damage caused by lack of oxygen during brain injury
Stroke; it used to be thought that is helped with recovery from stroke but clinical trials show no evidence for this.
Mental health; there are some studies that show the citicoline may help with treatment for depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia
May improve cerebral blood flow
Mood stabilization
It is a participant in the making of phosphatidylcholine. This is a component of acetylcholine, necessary for memory and learning
What it doesn’t do
There are no studies that show that citicoline can prevent dementia, stroke or brain injury-related impairment.
Multiple studies are in the works,especially in neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive rehabilitation. Some studies have shown that while Citicoline can improve memory and speed of processing in low performers it also showed that there was a decline in performance of high performers;
How do I know if I need it?
You might want to consider adding citicoline if you are experiencing memory decline such as forgetfulness or looking for the right word when speaking. If you have Glaucoma, citicoline may help to slow the progression of the disease but please speak with your healthcare provider first if you have this issue. Your provider may already have you on medication with this component. You don’t want to overdo it.
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What are the side effects?
As always, consult with your health care provider before starting this or any other supplements. This is especially important if you have underlying health conditions or take medications.
Mild headaches
Nausea
Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Insomnia
Dizziness
Mood swings
Children, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take this supplement. In addition if you suffer from hypertonia please do not take citicoline.
How much do I take?
Dosage recommendations are dependent on the reason for taking Citicoline. For improved cognition the daily dose range is 250 – 1000 mg in divided doses. Usually 3 x a day. For stroke recovery, up to 2000 mg in divided dose daily. The dose is higher for stroke recovery to support neuron repair. For memory support, 500 – 1000mg daily.. Start low, go slow.
Where do I get it?
If you follow my blog then you know that I recommend pharmaceutical grade vitamins and supplements. If you are new to Supplement Scribbles I recommend these products because you will get what you pay for. If you run out to the drug or other stores that sell vitamins and supplements you don’t know what you are getting. Vitamins and supplements are not regulated by the FDA. They may contain all kinds of things that are not necessary or can even harm you. They may also not contain enough or the right part of the compound you need.
My favorite pharmaceutical grade company is Xymogen. They are made right here in the USA and I have visited the factory and met the founders. They are family owned and their products are certified to have in them what they say they do. You can only purchase them from a health care provider. I will place a link at the bottom of this page for your convenience.
For any questions or comments you may contact me at
SupplementsScribblesmz@outlook.com
To purchase or browse supplements or vitamins from Xymogen
http://www.wholescripts.com/register/healthrenew2-thomas
I may receive a small commission if you purchase from the above site.
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