Citicoline
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Citicoline (CDP-Choline (Cytidine Diphosphocholine)) is a dietary supplement with 9 published peer-reviewed studies involving 100 participants, researched for Memory Enhancement, Cognitive Function, Neuroprotection.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Memory Enhancement
StrongCognitive Function
WeakNeuroprotection
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Memory Enhancement
To investigate the effect of citicoline on memory and cognition in healthy older adults with age-associated memory impairment
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effect of citicoline on memory and cognition in healthy older adults with age-associated memory impairment
Dose
500 mg/day citicoline
Participants
100 healthy older adults (aged 50-85) with AAMI
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Citicoline improved overall memory performance, especially episodic memory, in healthy older males and females with age-associated memory impairment.
How They Measured It
Memory battery, episodic memory tasks
Citicoline-Amantadine Trial in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Prospective Randomized Study
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
Citicoline-Amantadine Trial in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Prospective Randomized Study
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
Use of Citicoline in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Pilot Study
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
Use of Citicoline in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Pilot Study
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
'Citicoline' and support of the memory function: Evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
'Citicoline' and support of the memory function: Evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
SCARLET (Supplemental Citicoline Administration to Reduce Lung injury Efficacy Trial): study protocol for a single-site, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, and randomized Phase 1/2 trial of i.v. citicoline (CDP-choline) in hospitalized SARS CoV-2-infected patients with hypoxemic acute respiratory failure
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
SCARLET (Supplemental Citicoline Administration to Reduce Lung injury Efficacy Trial): study protocol for a single-site, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, and randomized Phase 1/2 trial of i.v. citicoline (CDP-choline) in hospitalized SARS CoV-2-infected patients with hypoxemic acute respiratory failure
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
Thromboelastographic evaluation of the effectiveness of choline or CDP-choline treatment on endotoxin-induced hemostatic alterations in dogs
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
Thromboelastographic evaluation of the effectiveness of choline or CDP-choline treatment on endotoxin-induced hemostatic alterations in dogs
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
Citicoline on the Barthel Index: Severe and moderate brain injury
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
Citicoline on the Barthel Index: Severe and moderate brain injury
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
Cognitive Function
To evaluate effects of citicoline on cognitive functions in various conditions including mild cognitive impairment and dementia
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To evaluate effects of citicoline on cognitive functions in various conditions including mild cognitive impairment and dementia
Dose
500 mg-1200 mg/day
Participants
Meta-analysis of multiple RCTs
Duration
Various (8-12 weeks typical)
Results
Systematic review of 7 studies in MCI/Alzheimer's showed positive effect of citicoline on cognitive functions. All studies showed positive effects on cognition.
How They Measured It
Meta-analysis of RCT data, cognitive batteries
Neuroprotection
To review CDP-choline pharmacology and clinical effects on neurological conditions
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To review CDP-choline pharmacology and clinical effects on neurological conditions
Dose
Various (500-1200 mg/day typical)
Participants
Various patient populations
Duration
Various
Results
CDP-choline demonstrates neuroprotective effects and improves cognitive function in elderly patients and those with neurological decline.
How They Measured It
Literature review and synthesis
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Citicoline research
There are currently 9 peer-reviewed studies on Citicoline (CDP-Choline (Cytidine Diphosphocholine)), involving 100 total participants. Research covers Cognitive function, Memory, Brain health. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (7 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Citicoline has been researched for: Cognitive function, Memory, Brain health. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 7 out of 9 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
Similar Supplements
Other supplements researched for similar health goals
