Cytidine 5-diphosphocholine (CDP-choline) is an exceptionally bio-available form of choline which readily crosses the blood-brain barrier into the central nervous system where it is directly incorporated into the phospholipidic fraction of membranes and microsomes. It increases levels of the main neurotransmitters (norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine) and directly improves cerebral metabolism through several mechanisms: CDP-choline supports cognitive function and facilitates communication between neurons;
¤ It supports cerebral metabolism and mitochondrial activity in neurons;
¤ It activates biosynthesis and maintains the quality of phospholipids which make up a third of all brain tissue;
¤ It helps maintain memory and cognitive function by supporting healthy levels of acetylcholine as well as activity of the nerves which respond to acetylcholine. A number of human studies evaluating the ability of CDP-choline to halt age-related decline in memory have shown significant results at dosages of between 1000 and 2000 mg a day;
¤ It is used to help re-absorption of oedema caused by cranial trauma and stroke;
¤ CDP-choline has been studied, with varying results, for its ability to accelerate recovery in patients suffering from post-traumatic coma and in those with ischemic and thrombotic problems.
¤ Its neuro-protective power makes it an excellent supplement both for treating chronic cognitive decline associated with ageing and as an adjunct treatment for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. In animal studies, CDP-choline inhibited neuronal degeneration induced by the damaging beta-amyloid protein which is found abundantly in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.

People over 40 can take two to four capsules a day to optimize performance or as a preventive measure. Those who need to can take four to six capsules a day, on the advice of their therapist.