Our top citicoline (CDP-choline) supplement picks based on form quality, dosage accuracy, third-party testing, and value. Citicoline is our #1 ranked brain supplement overall.
Not all citicoline supplements are equal. Here’s what separates high-quality options from the rest:
Ranked by formula quality, clinical dosing, third-party testing, and overall value.
Standalone Cognizin citicoline at 250–500 mg per capsule gives you the exact form used in clinical research with full dose transparency. Multiple reputable brands offer this at competitive prices. This is the simplest, most evidence-aligned way to supplement citicoline.
Pairing citicoline with omega-3 DHA targets both neurotransmitter production (via acetylcholine) and neuronal membrane integrity (via phosphatidylcholine + DHA). These two supplements have complementary mechanisms backed by independent meta-analyses, making this arguably the most evidence-supported two-supplement brain stack available.
The landmark Nakazaki et al. 2021 study used 500 mg/day of Cognizin in 100 older adults and showed significant improvements in episodic memory over 12 weeks. For adults 60+ specifically looking at memory support, this is the most directly evidence-matched protocol available.
Both are choline donors, but citicoline also provides cytidine (a uridine precursor) for membrane synthesis. Alpha GPC has TMAO cardiovascular concerns with long-term use.
Choline bitartrate is the cheapest form but has poor bioavailability and minimal evidence for cognitive benefits. Citicoline costs more but actually works.
Cognizin is the branded, clinically-tested form. Generic CDP-choline may work similarly but lacks the same quality assurance and clinical validation.
Read our complete citicoline deep-dive covering mechanisms, all clinical evidence, dosing protocols, and safety data.
Read the Complete Guide