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The basic neural building blocks become less readily available and are less efficiently utilized as the brain ages. One reason this occurs is because the same age-related changes to the vascular system that diminish heart function can also negatively affect the blood supply to the brain. In fact, many other factors involved in mental decline reflect undesirable changes in the body at large. It would seem that a healthy body really does help lead to a healthy mind. Although the causes of mental decline are diverse, a few basic changes are common to most forms of deterioration that specifically affect the brain. Reduced synthesis of necessary neurotransmitters, decreased circulation, and diminished cellular efficiency are all the enemies of sound memory and mental clarity. Perhaps surprisingly, phospholipids influence all of these areas critical to brain health.*

Citicoline (cytidine 5-diphosphocholine) is a molecule that consists of cytidine and choline joined together by a diphosphate bridge. Once citicoline is ingested, it is broken down into its component parts, and these readily cross into the brain and central nervous system. Both components are incorporated into the phospholipid fraction of the cell membrane and organelles, such as mitochondria. Once there, the components of citicoline act as precursors for the biosynthesis of structural phospholipids (e. g. phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine) in neuronal membranes, support cerebral metabolism, and stimulate the production of neurotransmitters.* Indeed, increased levels of phosphatidylcholine, noradrenaline, acetylcholine, and dopamine have been observed in animal administered citicoline.*

Clinical research has demonstrated a reactivation of brain mitochondrial ATPases and the Na+/K+ ATPases (involved in producing energy) when citicoline is consumed by humans.* Cholinergic compounds, such as acetylcholine, also play significant roles in learning and memory. As such, citicoline has been evaluated in the areas of verbal memory, object recognition, recall, and overall cognitive performance.*

Researchers have theorized that citicoline may also be effective in helping brain cells prevent the buildup of different toxins.* Such effects reflect not just the impact of citicoline upon the synthesis of acetylcholine, dopamine, and noradrenaline, but also its indirect impact upon membrane health and transport regulation.*

Citicoline [stabilized CDP Choline (cytidine 5diphosphocholine)] is a naturally occurring intermediate involved in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, a major constituent of the grey matter of brain tissue.* Citicoline consumption promotes brain metabolism by enhancing the synthesis of acetyl-choline, restoring phospholipid content in the brain, which positively affects memory and other brain activity.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Jarrow Formulas Neuro Optimizer is a comprehensive brain health capsule containing citicoline, phosphatidylcholine, and L-Glutamine. Mental and emotional functioning relies on chemical messengers called neurotransmitters that promote communication between nerve cells. The key neurotransmitters include serotonin, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. While both drugs (e.g., antidepressants) and nutrients can modulate neurotransmitter levels, boosting them naturally is preferable, since it has minimal negative side effects. Providing basic building blocks is a practical and inclusive method for improving mood and brain health.* Optimizing cognition and minimizing cognitive decline are best accomplished when all performance aspects are addressed. The brain is poorly capable of self-repair, so it must be protected from free radical damage. It is also energy demanding, and requires stable sources of energy. The brains constant switching and signaling depend upon regulation of neuronal membrane excitability and osmolarity (cell pressure).*

CDP choline (cytidine 5-diphosphocholine or citicoline) donates choline for phosphatidylcholine synthesis and to form the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. CDP choline activates brain mitochondrial and Na+/K+ ATPases to improve blood flow and neural responses. * CDP choline has been tested in clinical trials for memory and cognition.* CDP Choline is well absorbed and bioavailable when given orally. It is then reduced to its component parts (cytidine and choline), which are incorporated into membranes and microsomes in the central nervous system. Administration of CDP choline in animals supports phosphatidylcholine, noradrenaline, acetylcholine, and dopamine levels. Enhanced phospholipid biosynthesis increases cerebral metabolism and neurotransmitter activity.* Neuro Optimizer also includes preformed phosphatidylcholine to promote these effects.*

PS is another important phospholipid, which is a principal component of cell membranes. Concentrated in nerve cells, PS provides five special benefits: facilitates cell-to-cell communication, stabilizes the inner cell environment, regulates cell-growth, improves cell receptor function, and prepares cells for activity.* In animal studies, PS induced neurotransmitter production and prevented their age-related decline, which helps explain the clinical effects seen in humans. PS stimulates acetylcholine output and dopamine synthesis/release. PS reverses electrical signal loss associated with memory decline. Human trials demonstrated improvements in memory, lucidity, outlook on life, and ability to cope and function socially.* Acetyl L-carnitine, a delivery form of L-carnitine, is involved in many metabolic functions. As an antioxidant, ALC may have neuroprotective activity.* It supports energy production by transporting fatty acids in and out of mitochondria.* Acetyl L-carnitine can also act as a critical component in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.*

Glutamine, the most abundant amino acid, is a precursor to the neurotransmitters glutamic acid and gamma amino butyric acid (GABA). It is a precursor to glycogen production for energy storage. In clinical trials, glutamine improved brain electrical patterns when compared with controls.* Alpha Lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant and cofactor in energy production.* It supports insulin action and is a cofactor in glycolysis, a process that converts sugar into energy.* ALA has been shown to improve brain energy metabolism.*

Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid derivative with diverse biological functions, including regulating cell growth, stabilizing cell membranes, modulating insulin action, and improving neuro-transmission.* It also serves as an antioxidant and helps regulate the concentration of ions within cells.* Taurine has been shown to facilitate nerve blood flow, motor nerve conduction, and nerve sensory thresholds in neuropathic rats.* It has also been used as a calming agent.*