Kate Street

Interest in brain health has grown substantially in recent years, reflecting the increasing recognition of the importance of maintaining cognitive function across the lifespan (see Figure 1).1
<img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt948bd74310fc0ad0/blt2076f2512713244b/6ab4b2d944675f408e6f8d43/ref-brain-health-chart.png" alt="ref-brain-health-chart.png" class="embedded-asset" />Figure 1. Number of studies referencing "brain health" each year.1While age-related cognitive decline remains an important concern, maintaining focus, concentration, and mental performance is also a priority for many adults navigating study, work, and other cognitively demanding activities.2Efficient cognitive function relies on the coordinated activity of neuronal membranes, neurotransmitter signalling, and cellular energy production.3 Nutrition plays a fundamental role in supporting these interconnected systems throughout the lifespan, influencing brain development, metabolic homeostasis, and cognitive performance.4 As understanding of the nutritional foundations of brain health has evolved, attention has increasingly turned to nutrients that support neuronal function and communication, with citicoline among the most extensively studied for cognitive health globally.Citicoline has a long history of clinical use, with citicoline-containing medicines marketed on prescription since the 1970s.5 More recently, citicoline became a permitted ingredient for use in TGA-listed complementary medicines in Australia in 2025.6 Evidence suggests citicoline may support cognitive performance and cerebral metabolism, promoting healthy ageing as well as providing adjunctive support in a range of neurological conditions,7 making it a compelling addition to a prescription focused on cognition and brain health. <h3>What is citicoline?</h3>Citicoline (cytidine-5′-diphosphocholine, CDP-choline) is a water-soluble compound naturally produced in the body8 involved in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, one of the major structural phospholipids found in neuronal membranes.9 Citicoline provides choline for the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for learning, memory, and communication between neurons.9,10Rather than acting through a single pathway, citicoline functions as a pro-nutrient, supplying two biologically important compounds:<ul><li>Choline, which supports acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine synthesis.11</li><li>Cytidine (converted to uridine in humans), which contributes to phospholipid production and synaptic function.12</li></ul>This dual action enables citicoline to support both the structural integrity of neuronal membranes and the signalling processes involved in cognition.Current research suggests citicoline may help support:<ul><li>cognitive performance13</li><li>memory and recall9</li><li>mental concentration and focus14</li><li>cerebral metabolism</li><li>neuroplasticity.14</li></ul>Improvements in attention, working memory, and psychomotor performance have been observed in human studies, with some benefits reported within as little as two weeks.14 <h3>How does citicoline support brain health?</h3>Citicoline supports cognitive function through three interconnected mechanisms: building, activating, and protecting.<table><thead><tr><th>Build</th><th>Activate</th><th>Protect</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Supporting neuronal membranesCiticoline is a key intermediate in the Kennedy pathway, the body's primary pathway for phospholipid synthesis (see Figure 2).15 By supplying both choline and cytidine, it supports the production of phospholipids required for neuronal membrane synthesis12 and repair,16 myelin formation, and synaptic membrane function.12</td><td>Enhancing neurotransmitter activityCiticoline influences several neurotransmitter systems associated with cognition. Research demonstrates increased acetylcholine synthesis through choline provision, alongside modulation of dopamine pathways.17 Studies suggest citicoline may increase dopamine availability17 while reducing dopamine reuptake,18 mechanisms linked to attention, motivation, working memory and executive function.19 Additional effects on norepinephrine, serotonin, and glutamate regulation further contribute to its broad neuromodulatory profile.17</td><td>Supporting cellular resilienceResearch indicates that citicoline may help protect neurons from metabolic and oxidative stress.16 Reported mechanisms include supporting mitochondrial energy production, increasing antioxidant defences such as glutathione,16 reducing oxidative stress, and modulating inflammatory pathways.20,21</td></tr></tbody></table>
<img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt948bd74310fc0ad0/bltd4859911b97efc55/6ab4b2d9575fd89b8d5a0319/metabolic-pathway.png" alt="metabolic-pathway.png" class="embedded-asset" />Figure 2. Major metabolic pathways of citicoline following ingestion, including the Kennedy pathway for phosphatidylcholine synthesis.12,22 <hr /><h3>Research highlight: Cognizin® citicoline</h3>Cognizin® is a patented form of citicoline that has been extensively studied for its effects on brain health.23 Produced through a specialised fermentation process, it is supported by more than 40 research publications, including over 10 human clinical trials.24Clinical research using Cognizin® has demonstrated benefits across several domains of cognitive performance.23 In healthy older adults with age-associated memory impairment, supplementation with 500 mg/day for 12 weeks improved episodic memory and overall memory compared with placebo.9Studies in healthy younger and middle-aged adults have also reported improvements in psychomotor vigilance,14 attention and focus,25 visual working memory,14 and sustained mental energy.26 Benefits have been observed at doses ranging from 250–500 mg/day, with some studies demonstrating measurable improvements within as little as two to four weeks.14,25<hr /><h3>Conclusion</h3>From focus and attention to memory and learning, cognitive function depends on healthy and well-connected brain cells. By supporting neuronal membranes, neurotransmitter activity, and cellular resilience, citicoline offers a scientifically researched approach to supporting brain health and cognitive performance throughout the lifespan. <h3>References</h3>1 World Health Organisation. 2022. Optimizing brain health across the life course: WHO position paper. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/97892400545612 Bufano P, Di Tecco C, Fattori A, Barnini T, Comotti A, Ciocan C, et al. The effects of work on cognitive functions: a systematic review. Front Psychol. 2024;15:1351625. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2024.13516253 Pang Y, Yang J, Liu J, Xie Z, Wang J. Metabolic interactions in the brain: the crucial roles of neurons, astrocytes, and microglia in health and disease. Front Neurosci. 2026;20(1731771):1731771. doi:10.3389/fnins.2026.17317714 López-Sebastiani V, Quiroz-Cornejo KV, Arellano-Salazar MP, Monje-Bolivar F, Samillan VJ. Micronutrient balance and brain function: neuropsychological, metabolic, and clinical interactions. Front Mol Biosci. 2026;13(1748487):1748487. doi:10.3389/fmolb.2026.17484875 Synoradzki K, Grieb P. Citicoline: A Superior Form of Choline? Nutrients. 2019 Jul 1;11(7):1569. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/7/15696 Australian Government. Therapeutic Goods Administration. 2025. Update to listed medicine ingredients in June 2025. Available from: https://www.tga.gov.au/news/regulatory-decision-notices/update-listed-medicine-ingredients-june-20257 Sagaro G., Amenta F. Comparison of the effects of choline alphoscerate and citicoline in patients with dementia disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Neurology. 2025 Dec 5 [cited 2026 Feb 20];16:1649661. Available from: <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12714635/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12714635/</a>8 Gareri P, Castagna A, Cotroneo AM, Putignano S, De Sarro G, Bruni AC. The role of citicoline in cognitive impairment: pharmacological characteristics, possible advantages, and doubts for an old drug with new perspectives. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2015 Sep;1421. DOI: 10.2147/CIA.S87886 9 Nakazaki E, Mah E, Sanoshy K, Citrolo D, Watanabe F. Citicoline and Memory Function in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. The Journal of Nutrition. 2021 May 12;151(8). Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002231662200267X10 Kenny T, Scharenberg S, Abu-Remaileh M, Birsoy K. Cellular and organismal function of choline metabolism. Nature Metabolism. 2025 Jan 8;7(1):35–52. Available from: https://www.nature.com/articles/s42255-024-01203-811 Burns B, Belani J, Wittorf H, et al. Choline—An Essential Nutrient with Health Benefits and a Signaling Molecule. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2025 Jul 24;26(15):7159–9. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/15/715912 Świątkiewicz M, Grieb P. Citicoline for Supporting Memory in Aging Humans. Aging and disease. 2022;0. DOI: 10.14336/AD.2022.091313 Bonvicini M, Travaglini S, Lelli D, Antonelli Incalzi R, Pedone C. Is Citicoline Effective in Preventing and Slowing Down Dementia?-A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2023 Jan 12 [cited 2023 May 23];15(2):386. Available rel="noopener noreferrer" from: <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36678257">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36678257</a>14 M. Al-kuraishy H, I. Al-Gareeb A. Citicoline Improves Human Vigilance and Visual Working Memory: The Role of Neuronal Activation and Oxidative Stress. Basic and Clinical Neuroscience Journal. rel="noopener noreferrer" 2020 Jul 30. Available rel="noopener noreferrer" from: <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7878037/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7878037/</a>15 Scientific Opinion on the safety of “citicoline” as a Novel Food ingredient. EFSA Journal. 2013 Oct;11(10). DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2013.342116 Zhu Y, Moksha L, Salowe R, Vrathasha V, Pham K, Aibo MAI, et al. Integrating neuroprotection, antioxidative effects, and precision medicine in glaucoma management with bioactive compounds. Biomedicine &amp; Pharmacotherapy. 2025 Sep [cited 2026 Mar 23];190:118319. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S075333222500513X17 Jasielski P, Piędel F, Piwek M, Rocka A, Petit V, Rejdak K. Application of Citicoline in Neurological Disorders: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2020 Oct 12;12(10):E3113. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33053828/18 Bermejo PE, Dorado R, María Ascensión Zea-Sevilla. Role of Citicoline in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment. Neuroscience Insights. 2023 Jan 1;18. DOI: 10.1177/2633105523115249619 Aquili L, Lim L. Balancing Risk and Reward: Dopamine’s Central Role in Economic Decision-Making. Brain Sciences. 2025 Aug 12;15(8):857–7. DOI: 10.3390/brainsci1508085720 Özge A, Bingöl A, Eyüboğlu S, Can Aİ, Taşdelen B, luduz E, et al. The Real-World Early Neuroprotective Effects of Oral Citicoline Combination in Prodromal Dementia. Nutrients. rel="noopener noreferrer" 2026 Feb 11 [cited 2026 rel="noopener noreferrer" Mar 23];18(4):595. Available from: <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/4/595">https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/4/595</a>21 Al-kuraishy HM, Al-Buhadily AK, Al-Gareeb AI, Alorabi M, Hadi Al-Harcan NA, El-Bouseary MM, et al. Citicoline and COVID-19: vis-à-vis conjectured. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology. 2022 Sep 5;395(12):1463–75. DOI: 10.1007/s00210-022-02284-622 Stoica C, Ferreira AK, Hannan K, Bakovic M. Bilayer Forming Phospholipids as Targets rel="noopener noreferrer" for Cancer Therapy. International rel="noopener noreferrer" Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2022 May 9;23(9):5266. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23095266">https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23095266</a>23 Cognizin®: The Gold Standard for Cognitive Formulations. 2024. Available from: <a href="https://cognizin.com/manufacturers-formulators-resources">https://cognizin.com/manufacturers-formulators-resources</a>24 Cognizin® Study References. 2026 [cited 2026 Mar 24]. Available from: <a href="https://cognizin.com/studies/cognizin-study-references">https://cognizin.com/studies/cognizin-study-references</a>25 McGlade E, Locatelli A, Hardy J, Kamiya T, Morita M, Morishita rel="noopener noreferrer" K, et al. Improved rel="noopener noreferrer" Attentional Performance Following Citicoline Administration in Healthy Adult Women. Food and Nutrition Sciences. 2012;03(06):769–73. <a href="https://doi.org/10.4236/fns.2012.36103">https://doi.org/10.4236/fns.2012.36103</a>26 Nakazaki E, Mah E, Citrolo D, Watanabe F. Effect of Citicoline on Memory Function in Healthy Order Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Current Developments in Nutrition. 2020 May 29;4(Supplement_2):1227–7. DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzaa057_043

<h3>Key highlights
</h3><ul><li>Brain health is increasingly recognised as a key pillar of healthy ageing, productivity, and cognitive performance throughout life.</li><li>Citicoline is a naturally occurring compound involved in phospholipid synthesis and acetylcholine production, supporting key processes involved in cognition.</li><li>Research suggests citicoline supports brain health through three interconnected mechanisms: supporting neuronal membranes, enhancing neurotransmitter activity, and promoting cellular resilience.</li><li>Clinical studies have reported benefits across multiple cognitive domains, including attention, memory, focus, mental energy and cognitive performance.</li></ul>

Key highlights

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