Other
Citicoline — timing, dose & interactions
Supplies choline and cytidine, building blocks of brain cell membranes. In a 12-week trial in healthy older adults with age-related memory complaints, 500 mg/day improved episodic memory. A large trial in acute stroke found no benefit.
Also known as: CDP-choline
Timing
When to take it
Morning, with or without food.
Interactions
Citicoline with other supplements
Safety
Medications & health conditions
Citicoline: no safety data in pregnancy. Citicoline has not been studied for safety in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid unless your clinician recommends it.
Buying guide
What to look for on the label
Citicoline
- Citicoline sodium at the trial dose (500 mg/day)
FAQ
Common questions
When is the best time to take Citicoline?
On waking / Breakfast. Morning, with or without food.
Should Citicoline be taken with food?
It can be taken with or without food. Morning, with or without food.
Can you take Citicoline with Alpha-GPC?
No need to take both — they supply choline for the same purpose, and the pair hasn't been studied. Pick one. Given the stroke signal seen with alpha-GPC in a large cohort, citicoline is the more conservative choice.
Sources
References
- 01Nakazaki E et al. Citicoline and memory function in healthy older adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Nutr 2021.
- 02Dávalos A et al. Citicoline in the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke: an international, randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled study (ICTUS trial). Lancet 2012.