Speciality ingredient supplier Kyowa Hakko has announced it will present new, proof-of-concept research on its Cognizin Citicoline product at the upcoming International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) Annual Conference.
The study evaluated the acute, single-dose effects of Cognizin on brain wave activity and cognitive performance in healthy adults.
Researchers assessed the effects of a 500 mg dose of Cognizin versus placebo in healthy male adults, measuring outcomes across electroencephalogram (EEG) brain wave analysis, validated cognitive performance tasks and subjective mood and affect assessments.
Participants were evaluated at 60 and 240 minutes post-ingestion, providing insights into both the onset and duration of potential cognitive effects.
Cognizin is already one of the most clinically validated ingredients in the cognitive health space, with decades of research supporting claims around focus, mental energy, attention and memory.
While the benefits of extended supplementation are well established, this new randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study investigated whether meaningful changes in cognitive function and neuroelectric activity could be observed after just a single dose.
"This study is an exciting step forward for the Cognizin research portfolio," said Dr Katie Emerson, Senior Manager of Scientific Affairs, Kyowa Hakko USA.
By exploring the acute effects of a single dose, we’re gaining new insight into how quickly Cognizin may begin to support brain function — which has meaningful implications for product development across cognitive health, sports nutrition and functional food and beverage applications.
The full study findings, including a deep dive into the study methodology, neurophysiological findings and what the data means for the future of cognitive health ingredient science, will be revealed at the 2026 ISSN Annual Conference in a presentation titled "Fueling Focus: Acute Cognizin Effects on Brain Activity and Cognitive Performance."
The session will be presented by Emerson and Dr Tim N. Ziegenfuss, CEO of The Center for Applied Health Sciences and Past President of ISSN.
For formulators and brand owners assessing ingredient choices in the cognitive health sector, this research highlights Kyowa Hakko’s ongoing commitment to rigorous clinical science, which it claims is a crucial differentiator in a growing cognitive health market.