What Is Citicoline?
Citicoline, also known as CDP‑choline, is a naturally occurring compound involved in the synthesis of phospholipids for brain cell membranes and mitochondrial function. It is used in many countries as a nootropic, neuroprotective, and energy‑supporting supplement, particularly for stroke recovery, mild cognitive impairment, and brain fog. For Long COVID, where patients often experience fatigue, memory issues, and slowed thinking, citicoline offers a promising path through its neurorestorative and anti‑inflammatory effects.
How Citicoline May Help for Long COVID
Restores Cognitive Function – Citicoline increases acetylcholine, dopamine, and norepinephrine, improving memory, mental clarity, and attention.
Reduces Neuroinflammation – It lowers inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in the brain, potentially reversing post‑viral brain fog.
What the Research Says
While there are no large trials yet in Long COVID, early findings and extensive clinical research in stroke and neurodegenerative disorders suggest citicoline could help reduce brain fog, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. Mechanistic studies support its use in viral brain injury, mitochondrial dysfunction, and low‑grade inflammation — all of which overlap with Long COVID.
Key studies on Citicoline and Long COVID
Studies Showing Potential Benefit:
This study followed a 59‑year‑old woman with Long COVID who developed memory loss, forgetfulness, and attention issues. She received citicoline 1000 mg/day orally for 6 months alongside cognitive rehabilitation. After treatment, she regained cognitive function and daily activity capacity. The authors suggest citicoline could be a useful adjunct for Long COVID “brain fog.”
This trial is testing IV citicoline in hospitalized patients with COVID‑related lung failure. Patients receive 0.5–5 mg/kg IV every 12 hours for 5 days. Although not focused on cognition, the study targets mitochondrial repair and lung membrane recovery. Results are pending, but citicoline was chosen due to its safety and potential to restore membrane phospholipid balance.
This study found that patients with ME/CFS had significantly lower levels of phosphatidylcholine and disrupted CDP-choline metabolism, suggesting that citicoline supplementation may help restore mitochondrial and membrane function in post-viral fatigue syndromes.
Theoretical support:
A review proposed that citicoline’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neurorestorative properties — including activation of SIRT1 and mitochondrial protection — may counteract cognitive and neurological damage from COVID-19, supporting its theoretical use in Long COVID.
Final Thoughts and Typical Use
Citicoline’s unique combination of brain support and immune modulation makes it highly relevant for Long COVID symptoms like fatigue, cognitive slowdown, and brain fog. Typical use includes around 500-1000 mg per day, split into two doses. It is recommended that you consult with your doctor before starting this supplement.