The citicoline it is becoming a new generation supplement increasingly appreciated by a vast target of people who need an extra boost in terms of focus, attention, mental clarity in making decisions, memory and spirit of initiative.

Citicicoline: characteristics

molecola di citicolina

The citicoline is an element that provides interesting properties involved in the increase of neurotransmitters that allow:

  • greater mental vivacity,
  • brain well-being.

Until recently, little was known about citicoline. It was known only in neurological medical practice as a common essential nutrient that we get from certain foods and that is found in every cell of our body, particularly the brain and liver. Citicoline ( cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine ) is now sold in over 70 countries in the form of various nomenclatures as a nootropic supplement with a particular neurological anti - aging imprint .

The most common form of citicoline on the market is CDP-Choline , but we also find it under other very valid trade names such as Cognizin® , a version patented by the Japanese multinational Kyowa which presents a form of citicoline with very high bioavailability and which boasts several scientific studies on man.

Origin of citicoline: choline

Part of citicoline can be synthesized from choline which we find abundantly in:

  • eggs,
  • beef,
  • seafood,
  • peanuts,
  • cauliflower,
  • broccoli.

It is defined as an "essential" nutrient because we cannot form it alone. However, even by consuming foods rich in choline it is difficult to reach the useful contributions to activate the benefits of citicoline on the body. The choline is a "brick" valuable that participates in the construction of the phospholipids used for cell membranes and is especially important its role in the brain, where it is fundamental portions of neurons and other cells. A key role of choline lies in the synthesis of acetylcholine , our primary excitatory neurotransmitter.

Acetylcholine

brain connections in a girl's brain

L ' acetylcholine :

  • operates communications between neurons,
  • stimulates the activity of the hippocampus,
  • it acts on the cerebral cortex allowing for higher executive functions, such as problem solving and reflection.

Acetylcholine is used for all brain functions ranging from information processing, to exposure capacity, to muscle contraction, to greater efficiency on learning and memory. Think that to pass information and memories from the short term to the long term you need acolinacetyl, as well as to support the formation of another neurotransmitter, dopamine , a substance that increases focus, initiative, productivity.

Low dopamine levels have a noticeable influence on mood , making us more depressed and less proactive. Citicoline, in this case, can be a natural way to increase dopamine and receptors in the brain, providing more desire and propensity to take initiative. Our entire peripheral nervous system could not perform many of its functions without the presence of this fundamental neurotransmitter which serves to:

  • transmit signals between our brain and cardiovascular muscles;
  • bridge between brain, nerves, muscles and bones = promotes movement;
  • at the cardiovascular level, it acts as a vasodilator, rebalancing the heart rate;
  • at the gastrointestinal level, it promotes peristalsis;
  • in the urinary tract is the basis of the voluntary urge to urinate.

Finally, it should be emphasized that acetylcholine participates in another very important process that guarantees our survival: the perception of pain .

Benefits of citicoline for the brain

Our brain needs a lot of energy to carry out its many functions. About 20% of the calories we consume every day are consumed by the brain, as well as a high level of the oxygen we breathe. But this organ cannot store energy and therefore needs constant replenishment. Generally, energy comes in the form of glucose from the local bloodstream.

  • These two functions ( glucose metabolism and cerebral circulation ) are supported by citicoline which, for these reasons, has an excellent consideration and application in the medical field, especially in Europe.
  • Another way in which citicoline assists the increase in brain energy is through the support action of the brain's mitochondria . Citicoline raises the energy produced by our small cellular Energy plants, particularly in the frontal cortex, which is responsible for language, thinking, decisions and planning.
  • Since its launch on the market, citicoline has always been considered a "nootropic substance" , a term that indicates its use as a support for attention, learning and memory . Its neuroprotective effect has been highlighted by research that is continuing to investigate its potential fields of application. All this, without experiencing particular side effects.
  • Each brain cell has a semipermeable membrane, a "filter" that lets nutrients, water and oxygen circulate in the cells, leaving potentially harmful substances such as metabolic wastes, heavy metals, toxins, pathogens, etc. outside. Citicoline plays a protective role on the integrity of the cell membrane in the brain .
  • Citicoline also helps with regard to cellular aging of the brain . We know that two of the most obvious causes are damage from free radicals and inflammation. The same products of oxidative stress are in turn the drivers of inflammation which does nothing but accelerate the processes of cellular aging. The ' brain inflammation and contributes to a variety of disorders such as:
  1. Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases;
  2. anxiety and depression;
  3. "brain fog";
  4. memory loss;
  5. stroke.

The frenzy of contemporary life involves phases in which we have a more tired and less performing brain, with the result of a decrease in the performance of cognitive activities in terms of attention, concentration or memory, not only among the elderly but also among the youngest. Citicoline contained in its most bioavailable version (OTPIGEN®) has become more and more commonly used by professionals from various sectors, athletes and students who need particularly brilliant mental performance and focus, without causing any stimulation at the heart level.

Dosage and side effects

The recommended dosages are from 250 to 1000 mg per day , even in double intake spaced from 8/12 hours. At these dosages, side effects reported are rare, mostly involving headaches or cramps. However, citicoline remains the safest natural nootropic substance for young and old alike. However, it is important to inform the attending physician about the use of drugs, for example L-dopa.

 

References

  • The role of citicoline in neuroprotection and neurorepair in ischemic stroke. Alvarez-Sabín J, Román GC. 2013. Brain Sci. 2013 Sep 23; 3(3): 1395-414.
  • Cook S. The unique benefits of Citicoline. An emerging nootropic and brain-health nutrient. Natural medicine journal research guide. Impact health media inc. 2018.
  • Garcia-Cobos R., Frank-Garcia A., Gutierrez-Fernandez M., Diez-Tejedor E. 2010, Citicoline, use in cognitive decline: Vascular and degenerative. Of Neur. Science, 299 (vol. 1-2) pp. 188-192.
  • McGlade E. et al., 2012. Improvement attentional performance following citicoline administration in healthy adult women. Food and Nutrition Science. 3, pp. 769-773.
  • Yungelun-Todd D et al. The effect of citicoline supplementation on motor speed and attention in adolescent males. Jornal of Attention Disorders. 2015; 1557-1246
  • Alvarez XA, Laredo M, Corzo D et al. Citicoline improves memory performance in elderly subjects. Methods Find Exp. Clin. Pharmacology. 1997;19(3).