Cognizin is marketed as a patented, branded form of Citicoline or CDP Choline (Cytidine 5’diphosphocholine) designed to support memory function and healthy cognition. Healthy Origins manufactures and markets the formula. The company claims the formula works by supporting healthy brain metabolism, protecting the neural structures against free radical damage and providing the brain with essential phospholipids.
Healthy Origins is supplier of nutritional supplements since 1996. The company is headquartered in Pittsburgh. Its mission is to provide consumers with quality products, developed and manufactured in compliance with strict FDA mandated cGMP guidelines. The company offers a wide range of condition specific formulations, from products aiming to assist with joint health to immune support formulas and antioxidants.
Cognizin is designed for adult use exclusively.
1) Cognizin Quick Facts
Cognizin contains Citicoline or CDP-Choline (Cytidine 5’diphosphocholine). According to the manufacturer, the formula is free of sugar, salt, starch, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, barley, fish, shellfish, nuts, tree nuts, milk products, preservatives, artificial colors or artificial flavors.
CDP-Choline is a naturally occurring biological compound which plays two essential roles in ensuring optimum brain health: it is an intermediate for the synthesis of Phosphatidylcholine and enhances the synthesis of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine. Also, the chemical seems to possess antioxidant properties, adding to its potential brain benefits.
Phosphatidylcholine represents roughly 30% of the grey matter of brain tissue and is an important component of cell membranes. Ensuring cell membranes health is extremely important to all cellular processes and inter-cellular communication. Acetylcholine is one of the key brain neurotransmitter, with roles in sustaining attention, increasing learning and short term memory, reward system, REM sleep and sensory perception after waking up.
Evidence although limited shows that CDP Choline may increase mental acuity, memory awareness and energy in older people suffering from memory impairment (such as it is the case of people suffering from Alzheimer’s). Long-term safety and side effects are not known. Some people have reported headache, insomnia, diarrhea, blurred vision, low or high blood pressure, nausea or chest pains after using CDP Choline.
2) What’s Inside Cognizin?
Cognizin contains the following ingredients: Citicoline 250 mg, Cognizin Citicoline (CDP-Choline), Gelatin Capsule (Bovine Gelatin and Water), Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, and Silica.
Cognizin is also added in complex nootropic formulas like Brain Vitale.
3) Is Cognizin Right for You?
Cognizin is a single ingredient formulation.
Citicoline (CDP-Choline or Cytidine-5′ – diphosphate choline) is a nootropic, a substance that enhances cognitive function. The chemical is a precursor of Phosphatidylcholine, a phospholipid present in all cells of the human body, researched for its ability to slow down age-related processes (caused by oxidative stress), and to improve memory and brain functioning. Supplemental Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is sold as lecithin, which is, in fact, a complex group of substances including significant amounts of PC. Current research has shown that this form of PC is not beneficial for the brain, as it remains deposited in the liver.
Citicoline is also essential for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine (ACh). This is a neuromodulator, a substance that supports optimal communication between nerve cells, sustains attention and promotes optimal memory. Low levels of ACh have been associated with memory deficits including in patients who have Alzheimer’s disease. A decrease of up to 90% in Acetylcholine has been observed in patients with this condition. Symptoms of ACh deficits are dry mouth, reading or writing disorders, memory lapses, learning disorders, difficulty in concentrating, attention problems, etc.
Citicoline-based supplements are considered one of the best supports for restoring proper levels of PC and ACh in the brain. The compound is broken down in the intestine into choline and cytidine and is then turned back into Citicoline after crossing the brain blood barrier, where it can be used by the brain to synthesize Acetylcholine.
No serious side effects of Citicoline have been reported for the utilization of the substance (for doses of 2000 mg per day). A headache, chest pains, nausea, diarrhea or insomnia may occur in rare cases. There are no mentioned interactions with other drugs. For safety reasons, it is best to consult a healthcare professional before using this substance. This precautionary measure is also recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
The suggested dose for Cognizin formula is 1-2 capsules daily with a meal.
4) Cognizin Health Benefits
- The formula is free of sugar, salt, starch, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, barley, fish, shellfish, nuts, tree nuts, milk products, preservatives, artificial colors or artificial flavors
- Generally positive consumer reviews
5) Cognizin Product Warnings
- Potential side effects associated to Citicoline, even though the manufacturer mentions none
- Long-term safety and side effects of CDP-Choline are not systematically studied
6) Cognizin Cost
The formula comes in 4 different quantities (starting from 7 to 150 capsules). The price for a month’s supply is moderately low. The formula is available for online purchasing directly from the manufacturer. International delivery is ensured by the producer. The international shipping charges are not disclosed and may vary depending on the preferences of each consumer. For US orders, shipping charges are relatively low and also vary with the delivery method preferred by the consumer. For US orders that exceed $100, delivery taxes are null.
There seems to be no money-back guarantee offered by this manufacturer. At the moment of this review, the manufacturer offers discounts for all four quantities available.
7) Cognizin Directions
The suggested dose is 1 to 2 capsules daily. No side effects are mentioned by the manufacturer. Consumers generally report good results after using Cognizin (memory boost, increased mental sharpness and focus).
8) The Bottom Line – “Does it Work?”
Marketed as a support for memory and cognitive function, Cognizin features the nutrient Citicoline which works to increase levels of Acetylcholine and Phosphatidylcholine in the brain. These play essential roles in maintaining, protecting and improving cognitive function and performance. Numerous research supports Citicoline’s effectiveness, as undergoing studies are conducted to understand even more applications (implications in age related memory impairment disorders, etc.).
Cognizin particularly received good consumer reviews, which is why we believe the formula will work and will accomplish its purpose for most consumers. Given that there are some long-term use concerns related to Citicoline, we recommend you also consult a specialist prior to beginning treatment.
I started using this supplement after I noticed that my memory has declined considerably in the last few years. I could not even remember my daily tasks properly, I always forgot something and I just could not remember what it was until it was too late. It’s been 3 month’s now, and my memory has improved considerably, my brain seems more alert and I am able to focus more easily. I recommend Cognizin from Healthy Origins to everyone who wants an effective solution to their memory problems.
Since I started taking this supplement, my memory is excellent. I can easily recall things that would otherwise seem impossible. And the best thing is that did not experience any side effect!