Citicoline may be used as a dietary source of choline to help make phosphatidylcholine. It can occur naturally in the body.
Citicoline
Found In
- Certain beverages
- Supplements
Also Known As
- CDP-Choline
- Cytidine 5′-Diphosphocholine
The Beverage Bottom Line
Citicoline is authorized for use in the U.S. Citicoline has not yet been evaluated for use in beverages in either Europe or Canada.
This ingredient may have authorizations in countries not included on this site.
International Assessments and Authorizations
U.S. Food And Drug Administration (FDA)
Generally recognized as safe for intended uses. (GRAS Self-Determined)
In 2006, dietary reference intakes for choline were reviewed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
A novel food. Safe for intended uses. The European Commission has authorized Citicoline for use in certain non-beverage products.
In 2014 and 2024, EFSA assessed health claims for citicoline.
In 2016, EFSA established dietary reference values for choline.
In 2013, citicoline was considered safe for intended uses as a novel food.
Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
Not evaluated.
Health Canada
Health Canada has authorized citicoline for use as a natural health product.
In 2006, dietary reference intakes for choline were reviewed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
This page was last updated on 6/30/2025.