Ingredient supplier Kyowa Hakko has announced the results of new preclinical research on its Cognizin Citicoline ingredient and its potential to support neuromuscular health.
Cognizin is a clinically patented form of citicoline backed by more than 35 years of research. It is manufactured through the firm's state-of-the-art fermentation technology, ensuring superior purity and quality.
The study evaluated whether Cognizin supports the formation of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), a critical connection between motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibres.
The specialised synapse is where motor neurons signal skeletal muscle to contract — and its integrity is central to muscle strength, coordination and functional movement.
Age-related deterioration of the NMJ is increasingly recognised as a key contributor to muscle weakness and decline in physical performance1, making it a high-interest target for both sports nutrition and healthy ageing applications.
This new study, conducted by researchers at the Institute of Health Sciences at Kirin Holdings Company (the parent company of Kyowa Hakko), used an established in vitro neuromuscular cell model to evaluate Cognizin’s effects on NMJ formation.
Using gene expression analysis and immunofluorescence imaging, researchers assessed key markers involved in NMJ development, including acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clustering — a critical step in forming a functional NMJ.
"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, Kyowa Hakko USA.
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 will be 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 in July.
The session will be held Monday, July 27, 2026, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM in the Prince George’s Exhibition Hall (Lower Atrium Level) at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.
The poster title is “Citicoline May Strengthen Formation of Neuromuscular Junction by Enhancing Acetylcholine Receptor Clustering in Co-Culture With Neurons and Skeletal Muscle Cells.”
