Q1. What is citicoline and what does CDP-choline mean?

Citicoline and CDP-choline are the same molecule: cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine, a nucleotide that occurs naturally in the body. The free form carries CAS 987-78-0, molecular formula C14H26N4O11P2 and molecular weight 488.32 g/mol. It is an intermediate in phosphatidylcholine synthesis and provides choline for acetylcholine, which is why it is used in cognitive-support supplements.

Q2. What purity and specification of citicoline does Purecium supply?

Purecium supplies citicoline at 98-102% assay by HPLC, as either the free form (CAS 987-78-0) or the sodium salt (CAS 33818-15-4, C14H25N4NaO11P2, 510.31 g/mol). Each lot is tested for assay, related substances including cytidine and choline, loss on drying, heavy metals, residual solvents and microbiology, with results on the batch Certificate of Analysis.

Q3. What is the difference between citicoline free form and citicoline sodium?

Both forms deliver the same citicoline active but differ chemically: the free form is the zwitterionic molecule (CAS 987-78-0, C14H26N4O11P2, 488.32 g/mol), while the sodium salt includes one sodium ion (CAS 33818-15-4, C14H25N4NaO11P2, 510.31 g/mol). The choice affects molecular-weight-based dosing, label declaration and specification details, and both are assayed at 98-102%.

Q4. Why is citicoline used in cognitive and brain-health supplements?

Citicoline serves two neurochemical roles: it is an intermediate in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, the major phospholipid of cell membranes, and it provides choline for acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter central to memory and attention. A substantial body of published clinical research has examined citicoline in cognitive contexts, supporting its use in nootropic and brain-health products.

Q5. How is citicoline manufactured?

Citicoline is produced by a controlled route from cytidine and choline-derived precursors, in which the CDP structure is assembled and the product is purified by chromatographic and crystallization steps. The final material is isolated as the free form or sodium salt, dried and milled under controlled conditions, and finished lots are released by validated HPLC at 98-102% assay.

Q6. What clinical research exists on citicoline and cognition?

Citicoline has one of the larger clinical evidence bases among cognitive ingredients, with published studies examining memory, attention and age-related cognitive decline, as well as research in visual and neural contexts. This evidence supports its cognitive-health positioning; finished-product claims must stay within structure/function language without disease claims.

Q7. What is the typical use level of citicoline in finished supplements?

Citicoline is typically used at doses of 200 to 500 mg per day in cognitive products, which is the range most frequently studied in published clinical research. There is no established dietary reference value, so the level should be set by the brand on the basis of the product concept and confirmed in stability and finished-product testing.

Q8. Which ingredients is citicoline commonly combined with?

Citicoline is commonly formulated with other nootropic actives such as alpha-GPC, L-tyrosine, PQQ and botanical cognitive ingredients like ginkgo or bacopa extracts in focus and memory stacks. Compatibility and stability testing for the specific formula should be completed before scale-up, and per-serving levels reviewed against market guidance.

Q9. How is citicoline regulated as a food ingredient?

In the United States, citicoline is used as a dietary-supplement ingredient within the FDA structure/function framework, which prohibits disease claims. In the European Union, citicoline status should be confirmed against novel-food rules before food-supplement use in each member state. Verify the current regulatory status of each destination market before launch.

Q10. Is citicoline stable, and how should it be formulated?

Citicoline is a white crystalline powder with good water solubility and defined stability in dry formats, suiting capsules, tablets, sachets and some beverage applications. Store sealed in a cool, dry place with moisture protection, and confirm finished-product stability with accelerated and real-time studies for the specific formula.

Q11. Is citicoline suitable for vegan and allergen-free products?

Yes. Citicoline is produced by synthesis from cytidine and choline precursors with no animal-derived inputs, making it suitable for vegan and vegetarian formulations. It is allergen-free, gluten-free, non-GMO and non-irradiated, and heavy-metal and residual-solvent results conform to USP/EP limits; these statements are documented on request.

Q12. What is the relationship between citicoline, choline and phosphatidylcholine?

Citicoline is a CDP-choline nucleotide that donates both cytidine and choline moieties: it is an obligate intermediate in the Kennedy pathway that synthesizes phosphatidylcholine, and its choline moiety supports acetylcholine production. This positions citicoline as a phospholipid precursor rather than a simple choline salt, which is why it is used for membrane and neural support.

Q13. How is citicoline quality verified in the laboratory?

Citicoline assay is determined by validated HPLC at 98-102% against a certified reference standard, with related substances including cytidine, choline and CDP-related impurities quantified in the same system. Identification is confirmed by retention and spectral match, and loss on drying, heavy metals, residual solvents and microbial testing complete the release panel.

Q14. What documentation should we request when sourcing citicoline?

Request a current specification sheet and a batch Certificate of Analysis showing HPLC assay, related substances, loss on drying, heavy metals, residual solvents and microbial results, plus an SDS and allergen and gluten statements. Also request ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000 certificates, Kosher and Halal certificates where relevant, and stability data for registration files.

Q15. What is the MOQ, packing and lead time for citicoline from Purecium?

The minimum order quantity is 25 kg, and citicoline is packed in 25 kg drums with food-grade polyethylene inner bags. Samples and full technical documentation are available before commitment. Standard production lead time is typically 10 to 20 working days after order confirmation, with US warehouse stock enabling faster dispatch for North American customers.

Citicoline CDP-Choline Bulk Powder - Cognitive Support

Citicoline (CDP-Choline) Bulk Powder for Cognitive and Neural-Health Supplement Formulas
Phospholipid-Precursor Citicoline from Certified Synthesis, Supplied Free Form or as Sodium Salt
Embodies the essence of pure, high-quality dietary supplement ingredients
Citicoline (CDP-Choline) Bulk Powder
Cognitive Support Phospholipid Precursor

Citicoline
Purecium Citicoline is the nootropic phospholipid precursor CDP-choline, supplied as a B2B bulk raw material for cognitive, focus and neural-health supplement programs. It is offered as citicoline free form or citicoline sodium: the free form carries CAS 987-78-0, molecular formula C14H26N4O11P2 and molecular weight 488.32 g/mol, and the sodium salt CAS 33818-15-4 (C14H25N4NaO11P2, 510.31 g/mol). Assayed at 98-102% with controlled impurities per batch, it is a white crystalline powder produced by synthesis, vegan, allergen-free and non-irradiated, packed in 25 kg drums with a 25 kg minimum order and full COA documentation.

Product name: Citicoline (CDP-Choline) 98-102%
Molecular formula: C₁₄H₂₆N₄O₁₁P₂
Starting material: Cytidine + choline precursors (synthesis)
Grade: Supplement grade (assay 98-102%)
Heavy Metals: Conforms to USP/EP limits
Pesticide residue: Conforms to USP/EP limits
Packing size: 25kg/drum
CAS#: 987-78-0
Molecular weight: 488.32 g/mol
Source: Chemical/enzymatic synthesis; China
Specification: Citicoline 98-102% by HPLC; white crystalline powder (free form or sodium salt)
Country of origin: China
Residual solvent: Conforms to USP/EP limits
Allergen free/Gluten-free/Non-GMO/Vegan/Non-Irradiation:

Citicoline Overview

Citicoline, also called CDP-choline, is a naturally occurring nucleotide that serves as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine, the major phospholipid of cell membranes, and of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter. The compound carries CAS 987-78-0, molecular formula C14H26N4O11P2 and molecular weight 488.32 g/mol, and it is supplied commercially either as the free form or as the sodium salt (CAS 33818-15-4).

For the dietary-supplement industry, citicoline is used in cognitive, focus and neural-health products, where its dual role in membrane phospholipid synthesis and acetylcholine production is the scientific basis, supported by a substantial body of published clinical research on cognition and attention. Purecium supplies Citicoline as a B2B raw material for distributors, contract manufacturers, private-label producers and finished supplement brands, in free-form or sodium-salt specification with assay of 98-102%.

Source & Ingredient Identity

Purecium Citicoline is produced by controlled synthesis from cytidine and choline precursors, followed by purification and crystallization to yield the white crystalline product. Commercial material is supplied either as citicoline free form (CAS 987-78-0, C14H26N4O11P2, 488.32 g/mol) or as citicoline sodium (CAS 33818-15-4, C14H25N4NaO11P2, 510.31 g/mol), and buyers should specify the desired form and assay basis when qualifying the material.

The declared product is citicoline, also written CDP-choline or cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine, with the free form at CAS 987-78-0 and the sodium salt at CAS 33818-15-4. It is a white to off-white crystalline powder with good water solubility, assayed at 98-102% with controlled related substances, and the specific salt form and water content should be confirmed on the batch Certificate of Analysis.

Key Characteristics of Citicoline

1. Defined nucleotide with a dual neurochemical role. Citicoline (C14H26N4O11P2, 488.32 g/mol) is both a phosphatidylcholine precursor for membrane phospholipid synthesis and a source of choline for acetylcholine production, a combination that underlies its cognitive-support positioning and its large published clinical research base.

2. Two supply forms with the same active core. The free form (CAS 987-78-0) and the sodium salt (CAS 33818-15-4, C14H25N4NaO11P2, 510.31 g/mol) deliver the same citicoline active with slightly different molecular weight and sodium content; both are assayed at 98-102% with controlled impurities, and the choice affects label declaration and dosing calculations.

3. Stable crystalline profile with good formulation flexibility. Citicoline is a white crystalline powder with good water solubility, suiting capsules, tablets, sachets and beverage systems. It is vegan, allergen-free, gluten-free, non-GMO and non-irradiated, and should be stored sealed in a cool, dry place with standard moisture protection.

Citicoline Manufacturing

Citicoline is manufactured by a controlled synthetic route from cytidine and choline-derived precursors, in which the CDP (cytidine diphosphate) structure is assembled enzymatically or chemically and the product is purified by chromatographic and crystallization steps. The final form is isolated either as the free zwitterionic molecule or as the sodium salt, dried under controlled conditions and milled to specification.

Finished lots are tested by validated HPLC for assay, which is specified at 98-102%, and for related substances including cytidine, choline and CDP-related impurities. Additional testing covers identification, loss on drying, heavy metals, residual solvents and microbiology, following current pharmacopeial general chapters, and results are reported on the batch Certificate of Analysis.

Applications of Citicoline

Cognitive and focus formulas are the primary application of citicoline. It is used in nootropic and brain-health products for memory, focus and mental-energy positioning, where its membrane-phospholipid and acetylcholine mechanisms are the intended contribution, and a substantial body of published clinical research has examined citicoline in cognitive contexts, including age-related cognitive decline.

Neural-health and eye-health products form the second cluster, since citicoline research also extends to visual pathways and neural tissue support, and it appears in premium capsules, tablets, sachets and beverages. Formulators should confirm the regulatory framework per market: in the United States citicoline is used within the FDA dietary-supplement structure/function framework, while in the European Union citicoline status should be confirmed against novel-food rules before food-supplement use.

Manufacturing & Quality Control

Purecium Citicoline is produced in facilities operating under ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000 certified quality systems, with Kosher and Halal certification available. Every lot is tested for identity, HPLC assay of 98-102%, related substances, loss on drying, heavy metals, residual solvents and microbiology, with the salt form confirmed before release.

Each commercial lot is traceable from raw-material intake through synthesis and purification to the finished drum, and every batch is released on a Certificate of Analysis documenting assay, impurity profile and physical data. Purecium also provides the specification sheet, SDS, allergen and gluten statements, non-GMO declarations and stability data on request.

Citicoline for B2B Supplement Manufacturing

Purecium supplies Citicoline exclusively as a B2B raw material for distributors, contract manufacturers, private-label producers and finished supplement brands. The minimum order quantity is 25 kg; citicoline is packed in 25 kg drums with food-grade polyethylene inner bags, and samples with full documentation are available before commitment.

For North American customers, inventory is staged at Purecium's US warehouse, enabling pickup or delivery within approximately two days. Global delivery covers Hong Kong, mainland China, the EU and other regions, with export documentation prepared for every shipment, and Purecium provides specification and application guidance plus technical and regulatory communication to support formulation and registration in each destination market.

Reviewed by the Chief Quality Assurance / Regulatory Affairs Specialist at Purecium for technical accuracy and regulatory alignment.
Citicoline Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for B2B Buyers

Q1. What is citicoline and what does CDP-choline mean?
Citicoline and CDP-choline are the same molecule: cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine, a nucleotide that occurs naturally in the body. The free form carries CAS 987-78-0, molecular formula C14H26N4O11P2 and molecular weight 488.32 g/mol. It is an intermediate in phosphatidylcholine synthesis and provides choline for acetylcholine, which is why it is used in cognitive-support supplements.
Q2. What purity and specification of citicoline does Purecium supply?
Purecium supplies citicoline at 98-102% assay by HPLC, as either the free form (CAS 987-78-0) or the sodium salt (CAS 33818-15-4, C14H25N4NaO11P2, 510.31 g/mol). Each lot is tested for assay, related substances including cytidine and choline, loss on drying, heavy metals, residual solvents and microbiology, with results on the batch Certificate of Analysis.
Q3. What is the difference between citicoline free form and citicoline sodium?
Both forms deliver the same citicoline active but differ chemically: the free form is the zwitterionic molecule (CAS 987-78-0, C14H26N4O11P2, 488.32 g/mol), while the sodium salt includes one sodium ion (CAS 33818-15-4, C14H25N4NaO11P2, 510.31 g/mol). The choice affects molecular-weight-based dosing, label declaration and specification details, and both are assayed at 98-102%.
Q4. Why is citicoline used in cognitive and brain-health supplements?
Citicoline serves two neurochemical roles: it is an intermediate in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, the major phospholipid of cell membranes, and it provides choline for acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter central to memory and attention. A substantial body of published clinical research has examined citicoline in cognitive contexts, supporting its use in nootropic and brain-health products.
Q5. How is citicoline manufactured?
Citicoline is produced by a controlled route from cytidine and choline-derived precursors, in which the CDP structure is assembled and the product is purified by chromatographic and crystallization steps. The final material is isolated as the free form or sodium salt, dried and milled under controlled conditions, and finished lots are released by validated HPLC at 98-102% assay.
Q6. What clinical research exists on citicoline and cognition?
Citicoline has one of the larger clinical evidence bases among cognitive ingredients, with published studies examining memory, attention and age-related cognitive decline, as well as research in visual and neural contexts. This evidence supports its cognitive-health positioning; finished-product claims must stay within structure/function language without disease claims.
Q7. What is the typical use level of citicoline in finished supplements?
Citicoline is typically used at doses of 200 to 500 mg per day in cognitive products, which is the range most frequently studied in published clinical research. There is no established dietary reference value, so the level should be set by the brand on the basis of the product concept and confirmed in stability and finished-product testing.
Q8. Which ingredients is citicoline commonly combined with?
Citicoline is commonly formulated with other nootropic actives such as alpha-GPC, L-tyrosine, PQQ and botanical cognitive ingredients like ginkgo or bacopa extracts in focus and memory stacks. Compatibility and stability testing for the specific formula should be completed before scale-up, and per-serving levels reviewed against market guidance.
Q9. How is citicoline regulated as a food ingredient?
In the United States, citicoline is used as a dietary-supplement ingredient within the FDA structure/function framework, which prohibits disease claims. In the European Union, citicoline status should be confirmed against novel-food rules before food-supplement use in each member state. Verify the current regulatory status of each destination market before launch.
Q10. Is citicoline stable, and how should it be formulated?
Citicoline is a white crystalline powder with good water solubility and defined stability in dry formats, suiting capsules, tablets, sachets and some beverage applications. Store sealed in a cool, dry place with moisture protection, and confirm finished-product stability with accelerated and real-time studies for the specific formula.
Q11. Is citicoline suitable for vegan and allergen-free products?
Yes. Citicoline is produced by synthesis from cytidine and choline precursors with no animal-derived inputs, making it suitable for vegan and vegetarian formulations. It is allergen-free, gluten-free, non-GMO and non-irradiated, and heavy-metal and residual-solvent results conform to USP/EP limits; these statements are documented on request.
Q12. What is the relationship between citicoline, choline and phosphatidylcholine?
Citicoline is a CDP-choline nucleotide that donates both cytidine and choline moieties: it is an obligate intermediate in the Kennedy pathway that synthesizes phosphatidylcholine, and its choline moiety supports acetylcholine production. This positions citicoline as a phospholipid precursor rather than a simple choline salt, which is why it is used for membrane and neural support.
Q13. How is citicoline quality verified in the laboratory?
Citicoline assay is determined by validated HPLC at 98-102% against a certified reference standard, with related substances including cytidine, choline and CDP-related impurities quantified in the same system. Identification is confirmed by retention and spectral match, and loss on drying, heavy metals, residual solvents and microbial testing complete the release panel.
Q14. What documentation should we request when sourcing citicoline?
Request a current specification sheet and a batch Certificate of Analysis showing HPLC assay, related substances, loss on drying, heavy metals, residual solvents and microbial results, plus an SDS and allergen and gluten statements. Also request ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000 certificates, Kosher and Halal certificates where relevant, and stability data for registration files.
Q15. What is the MOQ, packing and lead time for citicoline from Purecium?
The minimum order quantity is 25 kg, and citicoline is packed in 25 kg drums with food-grade polyethylene inner bags. Samples and full technical documentation are available before commitment. Standard production lead time is typically 10 to 20 working days after order confirmation, with US warehouse stock enabling faster dispatch for North American customers.
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