Complete clinical monograph for CDP-Choline (Citicoline) — the dual-action cholinergic compound for sustained cognitive support and neuronal membrane synthesis
The thinking person’s choline. CDP-Choline (cytidine 5’-diphosphocholine, also called citicoline) is a naturally occurring intermediate in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine — the primary phospholipid of neuronal membranes. Unlike simple choline salts, CDP-Choline delivers two synergistic molecules: choline for acetylcholine synthesis and membrane construction, and cytidine which converts to uridine for additional neuroplastic benefits. This dual-action compound has been studied in over 11,000 patients across clinical trials, demonstrating benefits for memory, attention, and neuroprotection. As the daily baseline cholinergic in NTRPX Boost and Sustain, SynaptiQ CDP-Choline provides the foundation upon which acute stacks (Sprint’s Alpha-GPC + Huperzine A) can build.
Mechanism of Action
CDP-Choline works through two parallel pathways — cholinergic enhancement and membrane phospholipid synthesis:
Key Insight: Oral CDP-Choline bypasses the rate-limiting CCT step by providing pre-formed CDP-Choline that converts to both choline AND cytidine (→ uridine → UTP → CTP), supplying substrates from multiple angles.
SynaptiQ Specification: NTRPX sources pharmaceutical-grade CDP-Choline meeting or exceeding Cognizin® standards. Each batch undergoes third-party testing for identity, purity, heavy metals, and microbial contamination. The 250mg dose in Boost and Sustain provides clinically-relevant choline and cytidine support for daily cognitive function.
NTRPX Synergy Philosophy: CDP-Choline serves as the daily cholinergic foundation across Boost and Sustain. It establishes baseline acetylcholine levels and membrane support that acute stacks (Sprint) can amplify. This “baseline + acute” model is central to NTRPX’s approach — sustainable daily support with on-demand enhancement.
McGlade E et al. Improved attentional performance following citicoline administration. Food Nutr Sci. 2012;3(6):769-73.
Bruce SE et al. Improvements in concentration, working memory and sustained attention following consumption of a natural citicoline-caffeine beverage. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2014;65(8):1003-7. PubMed
Age-Related Decline:
Spiers PA et al. Citicoline improves verbal memory in aging. Arch Neurol. 1996;53(5):441-8. PubMed
Fioravanti M, Yanagi M. Cytidinediphosphocholine (CDP-choline) for cognitive and behavioural disturbances. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005;(2):CD000269. PubMed
Stroke:
Davalos A et al. Citicoline in the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke. Lancet. 2012;380(9839):349-57. PubMed
Mechanism:
Wurtman RJ et al. Effect of oral CDP-choline on plasma choline and uridine levels in humans. Biochem Pharmacol. 2000;60(7):989-92. PubMed
Secades JJ, Lorenzo JL. Citicoline: pharmacological and clinical review. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol. 2006;28(Suppl B):1-56. PubMed
Tier Rationale: Tier 1 (Foundation) classification. CDP-Choline is one of the most extensively researched nootropic compounds with over 11,000 patients across 50+ clinical trials. Its dual mechanism (choline + cytidine/uridine) provides both cholinergic support and membrane synthesis benefits. Effect sizes are moderate but consistent. Safety profile is excellent with GRAS status and decades of human use. As the daily cholinergic foundation in NTRPX Boost and Sustain, CDP-Choline establishes the baseline upon which acute performance stacks can build.
The fatty acid composition of PC matters — DHA-enriched PC is particularly important for neural function:This is why CDP-Choline + DHA (Wurtman stack) is so powerful — CDP-Choline provides the choline and cytidine, while DHA provides the optimal fatty acid for neural PC.
Q: How is this different from eating eggs?
A: Eggs provide choline (primarily as phosphatidylcholine), but CDP-Choline provides choline PLUS cytidine for uridine benefits. CDP-Choline also bypasses digestion of phospholipids.Q: Can I take CDP-Choline and Alpha-GPC together?
A: Yes, but use CDP-Choline daily and Alpha-GPC acutely (Sprint days). Daily high-dose Alpha-GPC may increase TMAO.Q: Will CDP-Choline keep me awake?
A: It’s mildly activating. Take in morning/afternoon, not evening.Q: How long until I notice effects?
A: Subtle effects may be noticed within days; full benefits develop over 2-4 weeks of consistent use.Q: Is it safe long-term?
A: Yes. CDP-Choline has been used chronically in clinical trials and medical practice for decades with excellent safety.
SynaptiQ Summary: CDP-Choline (250mg in Boost and Sustain) is the daily cholinergic foundation of the NTRPX system. Unlike simple choline salts, it delivers dual benefits: choline for acetylcholine synthesis and membrane construction, plus cytidine that converts to uridine for neuroplastic support. With over 11,000 patients studied across 50+ clinical trials, CDP-Choline provides well-validated cognitive support with an excellent safety profile. Use daily as baseline; amplify with Sprint (Alpha-GPC + Huperzine A) for acute demands.
