citicoline

# Introduction **Citicoline**, also known as CDP-choline, is a naturally occurring compound that supports nerve cell function. It serves as a key precursor for **phospholipids** — essential components of cell membranes — and boosts levels of important neurotransmitters in the brain. In the visual system, citicoline has drawn attention as a possible neuroprotective agent for retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) affected by glaucoma and other optic neuropathies ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6120106/#:~:text=In%20rodent%20retinal%20cultures%20and,models%2C%20Citicoline%20induces%20antiapoptotic%20effects)) ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8003774/#:~:text=neurodegenerative%20diseases%2C%20including%20glaucoma%2C%20anterior,outcomes%20following%20its%20use%20in)). Likewise, in the aging brain, citicoline’s membrane-repair and neurochemical effects have been investigated for preserving memory and cognition with age ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6120106/#:~:text=Moreover%2C%20Citicoline%20contributes%20to%20the,as%20a%20component%20in%20the)) ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9866349/#:~:text=studies%20showed%20a%20positive%20effect,PubMed%20and%20the%20Cochrane%20Library)). This article reviews clinical and experimental evidence that citicoline can improve RGC function (often measured by visual fields and electrophysiologic tests) and explores how its cellular mechanisms (membrane repair and dopaminergic modulation) may also benefit age-related cognitive decline. We also consider practical issues of dosing, safety, adherence, and how long any benefits last once treatment stops. ## How Citicoline Works in Nerve Cells Citicoline (cytidine-5′-diphosphocholine) is metabolized into **cytidine** and **choline** in the body. Choline feeds into the synthesis of **phosphatidylcholine**, a major membrane lipid, and of the neurotransmitter **acetylcholine** ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7146438/#:~:text=%28cytidine%205%E2%80%B2,Citicoline%20has%20shown%20efficacy%20in)). By supplying these building blocks, citicoline helps repair and maintain cell membranes. It can prevent loss of **cardiolipin** (a key membrane lipid in mitochondria) and accelerate membrane phospholipid resynthesis ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6120106/#:~:text=with%20CTP%20to%20form%20Citicoline,while%20the%20orally%20lethal%20dose)) ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7146438/#:~:text=%28cytidine%205%E2%80%B2,Citicoline%20has%20shown%20efficacy%20in)). These actions support overall cell integrity and energy production, which are crucial for high-energy neurons like RGCs and aging brain cells. Citicoline also **boosts neurotransmission**. It provides choline for acetylcholine, raising levels in the hippocampus and cortex. It has been shown to increase **dopamine** leve

Citicoline (CDP-Choline) for Visual Pathway Support and Cognitive Aging

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