Citicoline supplements have become a popular player in the brain health field. According to market research firm Fact.MR, the citicoline market was worth more than $530 million in 2018 and expected to top $550 million the following year.1
One of the reasons for this massive growth is the increase in the aged population. As the report states:
“The growth in the geriatric population around the world is expected to continue with the Population Reference Bureau (PRB) estimating the number of people aged over 65 to account for 16 percent of the world population by 2050. Citicoline finds widespread usage in the production of supplements for enhancing cognition in the elderly.2 (emphasis added)
Indeed, there is solid scientific evidence indicating that citicoline may indeed help improve memory, focus, and support brain health in general.
What is Citicoline?
Citicoline, also known as cytidine diphosphate-choline (CDP-Choline), is a compound that provides both choline and uridine to the body. Specifically, citicoline splits into choline and cytidine upon ingestion. The cytidine is then converted into uridine. Both choline and uridine are vital for healthy cognitive function.
Choline is an essential nutrient required for your body to make the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, as well as several compounds essential for the creation and support of all cell membranes.3 (A neurotransmitter is a chemical compound that sends signals between nerve cells.)
One of the main jobs of acetylcholine is to support healthy brain functioning, including the ability for:
- Planning
- Attention
- Memory
- Focus
- Mental speed
- Creativity
- Decision-making
- Impulse control
As your body does not produce a sufficient amount of choline to meet your body’s needs, you must get this nutrient through your diet or through supplementation. Despite the fact that a wide variety of foods contain choline -- e.g. eggs, fish, meat, nuts -- more than 90% of the US population does not meet the recommended daily intake of 425-550 mg.4 And what about choline supplements? Turns out, choline supplements are not as easily absorbed as the choline in citicoline supplements. The result is often a deficiency of choline leading to a deficiency of acetylcholine, which negatively affects your cognitive health.
Uridine, the other nutrient in citicoline, is a component of RNA with powerful neuroprotective properties. Studies show that uridine may help increase neural plasticity and aid synapse formation. This can further support and enhance learning and memory, even in Alzheimer’s patients.5
The Brain Health Benefit of Citicoline Supplements
Research suggests that citicoline may improve healthy brain function. Spefifically, studies indicate citicoline supplementation may:
- Strengthen memory6
- Slow age-related cognitive decline7
- Attention8
And much more.
Cognizin Citicoline
But not all citicoline supplements are created equal. The most bioavailable branded form of citicoline is Cognizin©.
Cognizin© has been the subject of several clinical research studies and found to provide nutrition that helps fuel boost mental processes, focus, and memory. A recent study showed that Cognizin©, increased brain energy by 14% and sped up the formation of brain membranes by 26% in healthy adults! 9
Vitaaetm with Cognizin©
Vitaae is the only nutrient formulation to boost brain function and improve mood due to the action of patented Cognizin™ Citicoline that’s proven to support brain cellular synthesis, brain energy, and focus. Say goodbye to brain fog, lack of focus, memory issues. Say “hello” to a clear sharp mind. Click here to learn more about Vitaae and to place your order before supplies run out!
References
2- Fact.MR. Citicoline Sales Driven by Supplement Demand from Geriatric Population and eSports Players: Fact.MR Study. GlobalNewswire. Apr 5, 2019.
3- Zeisel SH, da Costa KA. Choline: an essential nutrient for public health. Nutr Rev. 2009;67(11):615-623. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00246.x
4- National Institutes of Health. Choline Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH. Updated: Jul 10, 2020. Accessed Nov 27, 2020.
5- Wurtman RJ, Cansev M, Ulus IH. Synapse formation is enhanced by oral administration of uridine and DHA, the circulating precursors of brain phosphatides. J Nutr Health Aging. 2009 Mar;13(3):189-97. doi: 10.1007/s12603-009-0056-3. PMID: 19262950.
6- Alvarez XA, Laredo M, Corzo D, Fernández-Novoa L, Mouzo R, Perea JE, Daniele D, Cacabelos R. Citicoline improves memory performance in elderly subjects. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol. 1997 Apr;19(3):201-10. PMID: 9203170.
7- Alvarez XA, Laredo M, Corzo D, Fernández-Novoa L, Mouzo R, Perea JE, Daniele D, Cacabelos R. Citicoline improves memory performance in elderly subjects. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol. 1997 Apr;19(3):201-10. PMID: 9203170.
8- McGlade E, Locatelli A, Hardy J, Kamiya T, Morita M, Morishita K, Sugimura Y, Yurgelun-Todd D. Improved Attentional Performance Following Citicoline Administration in Healthy Adult Women. Food and Nutrition Sciences. Vol.3 No.6, June 2012.
9- Silveri MM, Dikan J, Ross AJ, Jensen JE, Kamiya T, Kawada Y, Renshaw PF, Yurgelun-Todd DA. Cognizin® Citicoline Increases Brain Energy (ATP) by 14% and Speeds up Formation of Brain Membranes by 26% in Healthy Adults. Society for Neuroscience, San Diego California.
