Home Ingredients Cognizin® (Citicoline — Kyowa Hakko)
Cognitive

Cognizin® (Citicoline — Kyowa Hakko)

Evidence Level
Strong
1 Clinical Trial
3 Documented Benefits
4/5 Evidence Score

Cognizin® is a branded citicoline (cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine, or CDP-choline) from Kyowa Hakko, a naturally occurring compound that supplies choline and supports the brain's production of phospholipids and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It is one of the most-studied nootropic ingredients for attention, focus, and brain energy.

Studied Dose 250 to 500 mg per day.
Active Compound Citicoline (CDP-choline), a precursor for both acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine, and a support for cellular energy in the brain.

Benefits

Attention and focus

Citicoline supplementation has improved measures of attention and psychomotor speed in controlled studies, supporting its use for focus and mental performance.

Supported by Trial 1

Brain energy and membranes

By feeding phospholipid synthesis and mitochondrial function, citicoline supports the structure and energy supply of brain cells.

Supported by Trial 1

Memory support

As a choline and acetylcholine precursor, it contributes to the cholinergic signaling involved in memory and learning.

Mechanism of action

1

Dual precursor

Citicoline provides cytidine and choline, feeding both acetylcholine synthesis and the phosphatidylcholine that builds and repairs neuronal membranes.

2

Neuronal energy support

It supports mitochondrial activity and is studied for protecting brain cells under metabolic stress.

Clinical trials

1
Citicoline, Attention, and Motor Speed — RCT
PubMed

Randomized, placebo-controlled study of citicoline supplementation on motor speed and attention. (McGlade et al. 2019, Journal of Attention Disorders)

Healthy adolescent males.

Citicoline supplementation improved attention and psychomotor speed compared with placebo, supporting its cognitive and focus benefits.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated — side effects are uncommon and mild.
Occasional headache, stomach upset, or trouble sleeping if taken late.
Very high doses are not necessary for benefit.

Important Drug interactions

Levodopa — citicoline may enhance its effect; monitor in Parkinson's care.
Anticholinergic drugs — opposing actions are possible.
Tell your doctor if you manage a neurological condition.

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Frequently asked questions about Cognizin® (Citicoline — Kyowa Hakko)

What is Cognizin?

Cognizin® is a branded citicoline (cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine, or CDP-choline) from Kyowa Hakko, a naturally occurring compound that supplies choline and supports the brain's production of phospholipids and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

What is Cognizin used for?

Cognizin is researched primarily for Cognitive. Citicoline supplementation has improved measures of attention and psychomotor speed in controlled studies, supporting its use for focus and mental performance.

What is the recommended dosage of Cognizin?

The clinically studied dose is 250 to 500 mg per day. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Cognizin safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Cognizin is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated — side effects are uncommon and mild. Occasional headache, stomach upset, or trouble sleeping if taken late. It may also interact with some medications. Cognizin is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Cognizin interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Levodopa — citicoline may enhance its effect; monitor in Parkinson's care. Anticholinergic drugs — opposing actions are possible. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Cognizin?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Cognizin as Strong (4 out of 5). It is backed by 1 clinical trial and 1 cited reference summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(1 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. McGlade E, Agoston AM, DiMuzio J, et al. The Effect of Citicoline Supplementation on Motor Speed and Attention in Adolescent Males. J Atten Disord. 2019;23(2):121-134..PubMedUsed to support: RCT showing attention and motor-speed benefit.