citicoline

For people looking for a dose of mental edge, a purported brain enhancer called citicoline is popping up in beverages and dietary supplements.

An Energy Shot for the Brain Laura Johannes 2012

Recent studies, however, have shown that a nutrient known as citicoline is effective in encouraging brain metabolism, an important factor in promoting and […]

Medicaid and Medicare 2008

Among a bevy of dietary supplements and energy drinks aimed at healthy people, citicoline is frequently found under the brand name Cognizin, sold by Kyowa Hakko USA, a unit of Japan's Kirin Holdings.

An Energy Shot for the Brain Laura Johannes 2012

Schwamm , vice chairman of the neurology department at Massachusetts General Hospital, says despite inconclusive results so far, citicoline is a "reasonable" option for stroke patients because clinical trials have showed promise—such as improvement in brain scans in some patients.

An Energy Shot for the Brain Laura Johannes 2012

Doctors say a study of more than 2,000 people funded by Ferrer—the largest ever on citicoline for stroke—may provide definitive evidence.

An Energy Shot for the Brain Laura Johannes 2012

The popular 5-Hour Energy drink from Living Essentials LLC, Farmington Hills, Mich., contains citicoline in a "proprietary energy blend," but the company won't say how much.

An Energy Shot for the Brain Laura Johannes 2012

A Cochrane Collaboration review, last updated in 2010, looked at 14 studies and concluded there is evidence that citicoline "has a positive effect on memory and behavior at least in the medium term."

An Energy Shot for the Brain Laura Johannes 2012

But a new Kyowa-funded study of 60 healthy women found a monthlong regime of daily doses of citicoline resulted in improved attention and fewer errors on a cognitive test compared with placebo, says co-author Deborah Yurgelun-Todd , a scientist at the Brain Institute at University of Utah in Salt Lake City, who is a paid consultant to Kyowa.

An Energy Shot for the Brain Laura Johannes 2012

For treating memory loss, the group gives citicoline a grade of "C" or "unclear scientific evidence"; for stroke it gets a "B" for "positive scientific evidence."

An Energy Shot for the Brain Laura Johannes 2012

Scientists believe citicoline speeds up formation of brain cell membranes and may boost production of neurotransmitters essential to brain function.

An Energy Shot for the Brain Laura Johannes 2012