{"id":7687,"date":"2025-07-15T15:53:07","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T13:53:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kompetenz-statt-demenz.dsgip.de\/prevention-treatment\/nutrition\/citicolin\/"},"modified":"2025-07-15T16:08:18","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T14:08:18","slug":"citicolin","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/kompetenz-statt-demenz.dsgip.de\/en\/prevention-treatment\/nutrition\/citicolin\/","title":{"rendered":"Citicoline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Citicoline is a physiological substance that occurs naturally in the human body and plays a central role in the formation of cell membranes and important messenger substances in the brain. The so-called nucleotide derivative consists of two building blocks: <\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Choline<\/span><\/b> – a vitamin-like nutrient, important for the brain and nervous system.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Cytidine<\/span><\/b> – a component of RNA, i.e. a basic building block of our genetic information.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The two components are linked by a so-called diphosphate bridge. This is why citicoline is also known as CDP-choline, which stands for “cytidine-5′-diphosphocholine”. <\/span><\/p>\n

    The human body produces citicoline as an intermediate in the so-called Kennedy metabolic pathway. Citicoline is an important intermediate building block for the production of phosphatidylcholine, a main component of cell membranes (see Image 2). These membranes surround all cells in the body and ensure their stability, flexibility and smooth functioning, especially for the cells in the brain and nervous system. <\/span><\/p>\n

    When citicoline is taken as a dietary supplement, it first enters the stomach and then the small intestine. There it is broken down into its two components, choline and cytidine, by the body’s own enzymes. These two substances then enter the bloodstream and are distributed throughout the body. Among other things, both choline and cytidine can cross the blood-brain barrier – a natural protective barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances. In the brain, choline and cytidine are reassembled to form citicoline, where they serve as building blocks for various vital processes. Research shows that some of these mechanisms can have a positive influence on disturbed processes in dementia by inhibiting or even partially reversing pathological changes <\/span> [13]. <\/span><\/p>\n

    While citicoline is classified as a drug in the USA, it is considered a freely available dietary supplement in the European Union, including Germany and Austria <\/span>[11]. <\/span><\/p>\n

    Possible mechanisms of action of citicoline<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

    \"Metabolism<\/p>\n

    Image 2 <\/span><\/p>\n

    In particular, preclinical studies in animal models and in vitro studies are dedicated to researching the exact mechanisms of action of citicoline in dementia. The focus here is primarily on two approaches: the promotion of phospholipid biosynthesis and the support of neurotransmitter function. <\/span><\/p>\n

    Promotes phospholipid<\/span><\/i>biosynthesis<\/span><\/i><\/h4>\n

    In the brain, choline and cytidine are converted back into CDP-choline, which is then assembled into phosphatidylcholine (PC). PC is the main component of neuronal cell membranes and is essential for the integrity, fluidity and repair of neuronal cell membranes. Supplementation with citicoline can therefore increase phospholipid biosynthesis and thus contribute to the regeneration and stabilization of damaged nerve cell membranes and improve neuronal signal transmission. In addition, phosphatidylcholine provides essential building blocks for myelin synthesis and thus supports the maintenance and repair of the protective myelin layer that surrounds and insulates the nerve fibers [9,12]. <\/span><\/p>\n

    Promotes neurotransmitter release<\/span><\/i><\/h4>\n
    Acetylcholine<\/span><\/i><\/h5>\n

    The choline provided by citicoline serves as a starting material in the brain for the production of acetylcholine – an important neurotransmitter involved in memory, learning and attention. In Alzheimer’s disease, certain nerve cells, known as cholinergic neurons, are lost. As a result, less choline is processed and the production of acetylcholine decreases. This deficiency can lead to cognitive problems such as forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating. If more choline is available as a building material thanks to citicoline, more acetylcholine can be produced again. This improves signal transmission between the nerve cells and can therefore support mental abilities such as memory and attention [9,17]. <\/span><\/p>\n

    Dopamine and noradrenaline<\/span><\/i><\/h5>\n

    Clinical studies and reviews show that citicoline can increase the levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain by supporting their formation and release. This effect is particularly relevant as an increase in dopamine levels can have a positive effect on cognitive performance and memory in Alzheimer’s patients [6,9]. <\/span><\/p>\n

    Study situation for citicoline in Alzheimer’s patients<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

    In addition to animal and in-vitro studies, numerous human studies also indicate that citicoline can be useful for both the prevention and adjunctive treatment of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) [1]<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n

    As early as 2005, the Cochrane review by Fioravanti & Yanagi included 14 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human trials of citicoline with approximately 1000 older, cognitively impaired people. The analysis showed that citicoline has clear indications of a positive effect on memory function, particularly in the short and medium term in mild and moderate impairment. In contrast, citicoline has no significant effect on attention, but there is a clear positive trend in the global clinical assessment. The tolerability of citicoline was also very good, no noticeable side effects were observed [7]. <\/span><\/p>\n

    In the following years, the therapeutic effect of citicoline was primarily investigated as an add-on to existing dementia therapies.<\/span><\/p>\n