CDP Choline
CDP Choline is derived from Choline, an essential nutrient similar to vitamin B. It is considered a nootropic, also known as a “smart drug” or “memory enhancer.” CDP Choline is used as a brain enhancement product in over 70 countries.
What is CDP Choline?
CDP Choline is an intermediate compound between Choline and phosphatidyl-Choline which is the primary substance for creating cell walls and membranes. CDP and its related compounds are important to all healthy cells, including brain cells.
Though CDP Choline is an essential nutrient that’s vital to a healthy functioning brain, many foods that contain Choline, like egg yolks and red meat, are being eliminated from the diets of many people due fat content or other reasons. Because of this, it’s becoming more difficult to get the CDP Choline needed for cell development in healthy brains.
CDP Choline provides the body with the essential nutrients needed for cell development and provides the added benefit of sharper memory, enhanced focus and mood regulation.
CDP Choline Benefits
CDP Choline is considered a memory enhancer or “smart drug,” but it has many other benefits as well. Preliminary research has indicated that CDP Choline can:
- Alleviate memory impairment caused by the environment.
- Enhance focus.
- Improve overall memory.
- Improve mood.
- Reduce anxiety.
- Increase blood flow to the brain.
- Improve liver damage caused by hepatitis and other liver disorders.
- Act as an anti-inflammatory agent to reduce allergies.
- Improve pregnancy and neonatal health.
- Prevent heart diseases.
- Help vegetarians with a diet low in CDP Choline maintain healthy brain function.
- Help endurance athletes remain at peak performance in brain and body.
- Help frequent drinkers at risk for deficiency and liver damage.
- Reduce consequences of aging by encouraging healthy cell production.
CDP Choline Side Effects
CDP Choline can have adverse effects on people with cortisol hypersecretion such as type II diabetes, PCOS, and major depressive disorder. Those at risk for atherosclerosis should limit their Choline intake.
Choline is a precursor to trimethylamine, which a few people can’t process, thanks to a genetic issue called trimethylaminuria. People with this disorder should avoid CDP Choline.
How Does CDP Choline Help Brain Function?
CDP Choline is considered a memory enhancer because it is a building block needed to produce the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The acetylcholine metabolism in the brain helps regulate mood, memory and intelligence. Studies indicate that more acetylcholine in the brain may improve all of these qualities.
CDP Choline improves the health of your cells, including brain cells. Preliminary studies suggest that CDP Choline supplements can increase dopamine receptor densities. This allows it to repair memory damage due to environmental factors.
Concentrations of CDP Choline in cell membranes are high during infancy but they drop to as low as 10% in the elderly. Thus, CDP Choline is recommended for slowing down the effects of aging, such as memory loss.
Wondering about which brain supplements contain CDP Choline? Take a look at our brain supplement reviews!