human brain anatomyCiticoline is a substance that is important for the production of cell membranes. It is found naturally in the body and is sometimes used as a nutritional supplement. It is necessary for the production of gray matter in the brain. Earlier research has shown it to be useful for helping protect the brain from damage due to a stroke; it seems to help protect the nerve cells when they are deprived of oxygen.

A recent study appearing in NMR in Biomedicine (2008; 21(10): 1066-75) looked at the role citicoline has in mental function. The subjects of the study were 16 men and women with no health problems. They were supplemented with either 500 mg/day or 2000 mg/day of citicoline for a period of six weeks. The researchers found that the supplementation improved brain chemistry in the subjects (improvements in phospholipid turnover in the brain increase in phosphocreatine, and increased ATP [for energy production] in the brain). The benefits were observed via sophisticated brain imaging techniques. The study demonstrated that healthy middle-aged adults (mean age 47) had increased energy and electrical activity in the frontal lobe of the brain – the portion of the brain that controls higher thought, decision making and focus.  It was actually found that the lower dose of the supplement worked better than the higher dose. The authors concluded that citicoline supplementation may help with cognitive decline associated with aging.