What is Essential for a Sharp Mind?
CDP-Choline is a more active form of choline, an essential nutrient used by the brain to stimulate cognitive processes by helping to form phosphatidylcholine. Also called Citicoline, it is a precursor to acetylcholine and is normally found in abundant supply in normal healthy functioning brains. As we age, levels of choline drop and can cause symptoms like memory loss and confusion resulting in a diagnosis of Age-Associated Memory Impairment.
Age Associated Memory Impairment is Not Inevitable
Although Age-Associated Memory Impairment or AAMI is considered by many to be a normal part of growing older, studies have shown that the forgetfulness associated with growing older is the result of lower levels of two important nutrients that have been shown to be necessary for proper brain functioning. The phospholipid phosphatidylcholine and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine have been found to be two very important nutrients in the efficient working of the human brain and are found in prevalent supply in youthful brains. CDP-Choline is essential in the formation of phosphatidylcholine, other phospholipids and acetylcholine.
The Role of Phosphatidylcholine
Phosphatidylcholine is necessary for proper cell signaling, and preliminary studies have suggested the possibility of it having a role in the slowdown of cell aging. Phosphatidylcholine is also used by the body to make acetylcholine. Normally, phosphatidylcholine is found in abundant supply within a healthy functioning brain. Phosphatidylcholine and other phospholipids are naturally synthesized in the body, but certain circumstances can cause a reduction in the amount of phosphatidylcholine created, and the body normally makes less of it with age.
Studies have shown regular CDP-Choline supplementation can help cognitive function and improve the symptoms of cognitive lapse by increasing the body’s ability to synthesize phospholipids, thereby restoring the amount of phosphatidylcholine found in the brain.
The Role of Acetylcholine
Acetylcholine is necessary for brain neurons to communicate in the human body. It enables the recall and storage of memory. Acetylcholine is normally synthesized from choline, but age tends to decrease this ability. If the acetylcholine-producing or cholinergic system is working properly there will be an adequate amount of acetylcholine, but certain common environmental toxins can damage the cholinergic system. When the cholinergic system is damaged, a reduction in the amount of acetylcholine that is synthesized can result and cause memory loss like that associated with Alzheimer’s. A daily supplement of CDP-Choline can restore levels of acetylcholine in the body.
Side Effects of CDP-Choline
According to preliminary toxicology studies CDP-Choline is safe when administered daily in doses up to 500 mg. CDP-Choline has not yet been studied long term, so long term effects are not known conclusively.
Benefits of CDP-Choline
– Lessens undesirable age-related changes in the brain
– Improves mental performance and memory
– Enables the synthesis of phospholipids and acetylcholine
– Restores the optimum amount of phosphatidylcholine and acetylcholine in the body systems
– May help reduce brain damage after a stroke
– May reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease
Suggested Supplementation: 250 mg to 500 mg of CDP-Choline taken once per day, directly before breakfast or lunch.