Groundbreaking Study in Journal of Attention Disorders Finds that Daily Cognizin® Citicoline Oral Supplement Improves Attention in Adolescent Males
Daily Cognizin® citicoline supplementation also improved motor speed and decreased impulsivity in study participants
Results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, human clinical trial showed that nearly one month of oral supplementation with Cognizin® citicoline resulted in improved attention and motor function in healthy adolescent males.1 The study, published in the August edition of the Journal of Attention Disorders, followed seventy-five healthy male adolescents who received either a placebo, 250 mg of Cognizin® citicoline supplement or 500 mg of Cognizin® citicoline supplement for 28 days.1 After the 28-day study period, participants who received Cognizin® citicoline showed statistically significant increased motor speed, improved attention and decreased impulsivity compared to the placebo group.1
The authors noted the results of this study support previous research that has demonstrated citicoline’s positive impact on the brain’s frontal lobe, which is still maturing during adolescence.1 Further, enhanced motor speed, visual selective attention and reduced impulsivity could prove to be useful in an adolescent population experiencing neural development and increased risk-taking behavior.1
“We’re pleased with the findings that indicate daily supplementation with Cognizin® citicoline enhanced attentional processes in healthy adolescent males,” said lead researcher Dr. Deborah Yurgelun-Todd, Ph.D., University of Utah. “This is the first study of its kind that has examined the effects of Cognizin® citicoline in an adolescent population – natural supplementation is key, especially during adolescence, when the brain’s frontal lobe is still in development.”
“The exciting attention-supporting implications of this study are consistent with prior Cognizin® citicoline research conducted with healthy adult women, who also experienced improved attention after 28 days of daily Cognizin® citicoline oral supplementation,” said Danielle Citrolo, registered pharmacist and manager of technical services for Kyowa Hakko USA. “To see strong results, with minimal side effects, in an adolescent population opens the door for additional, ground-breaking research on brain health. We’re pleased to know that daily Cognizin® supplementation is a promising option for those seeking to positively impact attention and motor skills in healthy adolescents.”
Adolescent study participants completed the Ruff 2&7 Selective Attention Test, Finger Tap Test, and the Computerized Performance Test, Second Edition (CPT-II) at baseline and after 28 days of supplementation.1 In the study, side effects were monitored closely in the pediatric population. It was impressive to find that there were no significant differences in side effects between the treatment and placebo groups, consistent with previous studies that found few side effects associated with citicoline supplementation in adults.1
“Although we did not measure dopamine in this study, it is likely that citicoline may increase dopamine activity in healthy adolescent males and result in the changes observed in this study,” said Dr. Yurgelun-Todd. “Citicoline has been shown in previous studies to increase levels of dopamine, which may be one of the mechanisms through which citicoline improves motor and attentional functions.”
Though previous studies have examined improvement of deficits in motor and attentional abilities, this most recent study where participants took daily supplements of either 250 mg or 500 mg of Cognizin® citicoline, measured the enhancement of abilities in individuals with normative functions in the respective domains.1
For a brief, animated tutorial on how Cognizin® citicoline works in the brain, please watch our video »
About Cognizin®
Cognizin is a branded form of citicoline, a natural substance found in every cell of the body and especially vital to brain health.* Citicoline is broken down during intestinal absorption and , after passing through the blood/brain barrier, is reconstituted in the brain as citicoline.* Citicoline is a water-soluble compound that supplies precursors for the synthesis of phosopholipids, including phosphatidylcholine, a major constituent of brain tissue*; helps maintain normal levels of acetylcholine, a chemical that regulates memory and cognitive function*; enhances communication between neurons*; supports visual function*; enhances metabolism and healthy brain actiity*; and helps sustain healthy cellular mitochondria for sustained energy*. Cognizin is also highly stable, GRAS, ultra-pure and allergen-free.
About KYOWA HAKKO USA, INC.:
KYOWA HAKKO USA, INC. is the North American sales office for KYOWA HAKKO BIO CO., LTD., an international health ingredients manufacturer and world leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and food products. Kyowa is the maker of branded ingredients including Cognizin® Citicoline, Pantesin® Pantethine, Setria® Glutathione, as well as Sustamine® L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine. For more information, visit kyowa-usa.com.
References
- Yurgelun-Todd D et al. The Effect of Citicoline Supplementation on Motor Speed and Attention in Adolescent Males. Journal of Attention Disorders. 2015; 1557-1246.
