Nutraceuticals World (NW): What are “nootropics,” and does Cognizin citicoline apply to this category?
 
Danielle Citrolo, PharmD, Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Kyowa Hakko U.S.A., Inc.:Nootropics are drugs, supplements, and other substances that are claimed to improve cognitive function, particularly executive function, attention, memory, creativity, or motivation.
 
Several human studies have shown that Cognizin^®, our branded form of citicoline, has a function to increase brain energy production and improve focus, attention, and memory in healthy adults. Cognizin^® works as a brain nutrient to support acute performance and long-term brain health. It has potential as a nootropic and can be used in supplements and functional foods and beverages.
 
NW: How does Cognizin support focus and attention?
 
Citrolo: Cognizin^® supports focus and attention by aiding healthy brain metabolism and supporting neurotransmitters, meaning it helps the neurons in your brain communicate better so you can stay in the zone instead of zoning out.* In one study, middle-aged women taking 250 mg of Cognizin^® experienced fewer omission and commission errors compared to placebo.*
 
NW: What does the research on Cognizin show for memory in older adults?
 
Citrolo: We have completed several human studies on Cognizin^®’s effect on memory in older adults with positive results. In one randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, the memory function of healthy men and women between the ages of 50 and 85 with age-associated memory impairment was assessed at baseline and the end of 12 weeks using computerized tests (Cambridge Brain Sciences, Ontario, Canada). Participants supplemented with Cognizin^® showed significantly greater improvements in secondary outcomes of episodic memory compared with those on placebo. Composite memory, calculated using the scores of four memory tests, also significantly improved to a greater extent following Cognizin^® supplementation compared with placebo. These findings suggest that regular consumption of Cognizin^® may be safe and potentially beneficial against memory loss due to aging.
 
NW: What does “brain energy” mean in the context of your research and what impact does Cognizin have?
 
Citrolo: Cognizin^® supports brain energy by providing the brain with potent nutrition to fuel the brain and keep it functioning. Unlike artificial stimulants with an inevitable crash, Cognizin^® supplies an important cellular building block essential to healthy brain function. In one human study, Cognizin^® increased brain energy by 14% and increased phospholipid synthesis by 26% in healthy adults.*
 
More information about the science behind Cognizin^® can be found at cognizin.com.
 
*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.