Citicoline

Besides being a nutritional supplement, citicoline is a natural compound found in every cell in our body. It’s also very crucial for the normal functioning of the brain. Experts say that citicoline helps in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine and other important phospholipids that are essential components of brain tissue and cell membrane. Although it’s naturally present in the body, it’s believed that a large chunk of the general population suffers from citicoline deficiency.

Citicoline is found in very small quantity in the food we eat. The best sources of citicoline are eggs, meat, fish, liver, peanuts, and dairy foods.

First developed in Japan, citicoline helps in stroke recovery and improves the condition of glaucoma patients. It helps glaucoma and stroke patients by improving blood circulation and nourishing nerve cells.

The name of the supplement is a dead giveaway. Citicoline is one of the best choline supplements, which is essential for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Our body needs choline for acetylcholine, and the neurotransmitter is indispensable to a healthy brain. We need choline for normal functioning and to gain cognitive benefits of citicoline we can’t depend on natural food sources; we need to add them as dietary supplements. The only option left is to take choline supplements. There are quite a few, but citicoline is one of the top two choline supplements.

How is citicoline better than other choline supplements? Citicoline is a precursor to acetylcholine and has a higher level of bioavailability than most other choline supplements.

Citicoline and Other Neurotransmitters: Apart from promoting acetylcholine, the citicoline supplement increases the production of other neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine. The nootropic’s action on these two neurotransmitters reduces stress and improves the feeling of well-being.

Citicoline as Neuroprotective Agent: Along with the other parts of our body, the brain too experiences wear and tear as we age. As the efficiency of neurons decreases, we develop various cognitive disorders such as memory loss, dementia, Alzheimer’s, etc. Citicoline protects the brain in three ways; the supplement activates several anti-oxidants, increases neurotransmitters that promote cognitive health, and removes harmful toxins from the brain.

Citicoline Supplies Energy to the Brain: The brain needs the lion’s share of the energy our body produces. It’s estimated that nearly 20% of the calories we consume and oxygen we breathe is used by the brain. Since the brain cannot store the energy for later use; the supply must be steady and regular. The citicoline supplement helps by increasing the supply of glucose-rich and oxygen-rich blood to the brain.

Dosage: 250 – 2500 mg per day