Cognizin Citicoline May Support Neuromuscular Health: Preclinical Study

A new preclinical study on Kyowa Hakko’s Cognizin Citicoline found that the ingredient may support the formation of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the connection between motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibers that governs muscle activation and performance. The findings highlight a newfound effect of the citicoline ingredient, with implications for potential sports nutrition and healthy aging outcomes.

The NMJ is a specialized synapse through which motor neurons signal skeletal muscles to contract; its integrity is needed for muscle strength, coordination, and functional movement. Age-related deterioration of the NMJ is recognized as a contributor to muscle weakness and decline in physical performance, making it a target of interest for sports nutrition and healthy aging.

The study, conducted by the Institute of Health Sciences at Kirin Holdings Company, the parent company of Kyowa Hakko, used an established in vitro neuromuscular cell model to determine citicoline’s effects on NMJ formation.

They used gene expression analysis and immunofluorescence imaging to assess markers involved in NMJ development, including acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clustering, a critical step in NMJ formation.

“Consumers and manufacturers alike are increasingly demanding more from cognitive health ingredients, expecting to see real science behind the claims,” said Karen Todd, vice president of global brand marketing. “Research like this is exactly why Cognizin continues to stand apart. Our ongoing investment in rigorous clinical and preclinical science gives formulators the validated evidence they need to build products consumers can trust, and it opens doors to exciting new application areas we’re only beginning to explore. Awareness of the mind-body connection has grown rapidly in recent years, and these results further highlight its importance, and Cognizin’s role in it.”

The full findings of the study were presented as a poster by lead author Chihiro Ono of Kirin Holdings during the Sports/Performance Nutrition poster session at the American Society for Nutrition’s conference today.