BRAIN
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The Role of Citicoline: An Important Nutrient for Brain Health

Citicoline is a naturally occurring nutrient that supports brain-cell membranes, acetylcholine, and the brain's energy metabolism. Learn how Cognizin® citicoline works and how much is in a MOSH bar.

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The Role of Citicoline: An Important Nutrient for Brain Health

Short answer: Citicoline is a naturally occurring nutrient the brain uses to help make phospholipids for healthy brain-cell membranes and to support acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter tied to focus and attention. Cognizin® is a patented, clinically studied form of citicoline, and every MOSH® bar contains 125mg of it as part of the Brain Blend.* This article, written by Cognizin’s maker Kyowa Hakko Bio, explains the science.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Last updated: July 2026.

The Science Behind Citicoline’s Impact on Brain Health and Cognitive Function

Your brain is the command center of your body, influencing everything from your ability to focus and remember to how you respond to daily challenges. Yet, how often do you actively support its health and performance?


Citicoline, a naturally occurring compound in the body, plays a critical role in maintaining brain health and cognitive function. It helps fuel the brain's energy processes, supports the production of fundamental compounds like phospholipids, and helps maintain healthy neurotransmitter levels. In today’s fast-paced environment, understanding how to support your brain’s healthy functioning is more important than ever.

What Is Citicoline?

Citicoline is a naturally occurring nutrient necessary for supporting brain health. It serves as a precursor for the production of phospholipids, which are critical for maintaining the integrity and function of brain cell membranes. These phospholipids ensure that your neurons, the cells that transmit information in your brain, stay healthy and communicate effectively.

One of citicoline's primary roles is to support the brain’s energy metabolism. It helps the brain produce and use energy more efficiently, which is vital for supporting focus and overall cognitive performance. Citicoline is also involved in helping maintain healthy levels of neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, which are important for learning and memory.

Although citicoline is naturally present in the brain, supplementation can help maintain optimal levels, particularly for those prioritizing cognitive health and mental performance. Cognizin® offers a patented, clinically tested form of citicoline, distinguished by its unique fermentation process and robust research, making it a trusted choice for supporting brain health, focus, and attention.*

How Does Citicoline Work in the Brain?

Citicoline supports brain health through several mechanisms of action at the cellular level.

Phospholipid Production

Citicoline supports the production of phosphatidylcholine, a vital component of brain cell membranes. Phosphatidylcholine plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and fluidity of these membranes, which helps brain cells function optimally. This process contributes to maintaining clear and consistent communication between neurons.

Neurotransmitter Support

Another key function of citicoline is supporting acetylcholine synthesis, an important neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory. By supporting acetylcholine, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels, citicoline helps maintain healthy neurotransmitter levels, which are essential for cognitive tasks such as focus, recall, and processing speed.

Energy Production

The brain is one of the most energy-demanding organs in the body, and citicoline plays an important role in supporting the brain’s energy metabolism by promoting the production and utilization of energy within brain cells. This process ensures neurons have the fuel needed to communicate effectively and carry out essential tasks. By supporting energy production, Cognizin citicoline supports mental energy, helping you stay focused throughout the day.

Antioxidant Support

Citicoline has been studied for its role in supporting cellular health and healthy antioxidant defense mechanisms. It helps the body reduce oxidative stress, including decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a key marker of oxidative damage. Through these antioxidant effects, citicoline has been studied in relation to cognitive function and long-term brain health.

Who Can Benefit from Cognizin Citicoline?

Citicoline benefits a wide range of individuals seeking to support their brain health and cognitive function. Whether you're a student aiming to improve focus during intense study sessions, a professional looking to support productivity throughout the day, or an older adult looking to support focus and attention, Cognizin citicoline can be a valuable addition to your health routine.

Its ability to support energy metabolism, neurotransmitter levels, and cellular health makes it suitable for anyone prioritizing brain health. However, as always, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if Cognizin is the right choice for your needs and wellness goals.


Ready to take your brain health to the next level? Incorporating Cognizin citicoline into your daily routine is an easy way to support focus and attention. Backed by clinical research and a patented fermentation process, Cognizin is a trusted, studied form of citicoline. Explore the difference it can make in your life today.

This article was written by an employee of Kyowa Hakko Bio Co., LTD, the company that owns the patent for Cognizin® Citicoline and supplies this ingredient to MOSH. The opinions expressed in this article are their own and are intended to provide valuable information to our readers.


This disclosure ensures transparency about the author’s relationship with Kyowa and the potential bias that could influence the content. It allows readers to make informed decisions while maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of the MOSH blog.

Frequently asked questions

What is citicoline?

Citicoline is a naturally occurring nutrient involved in producing phospholipids that support healthy brain-cell membranes and in the pathways behind acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter tied to attention.

What is Cognizin®?

Cognizin® is a patented, clinically studied form of citicoline made by a fermentation process and used in every MOSH® bar at 125mg per bar.

How much citicoline is in a MOSH bar?

Each MOSH® bar contains 125mg of Cognizin® Citicoline. Two bars provide 250mg, an amount studied in healthy adults for focus and attention.*

Does citicoline contain caffeine?

No. Citicoline is not a stimulant, and MOSH bars contain no added caffeine.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Related reading

Sources:

Gareri P, et al. The role of citicoline in cognitive impairment: pharmacological characteristics, possible advantages, and doubts for an old drug with new perspectives. Clin Interv Aging. 2015 Sep 3;10:1421-9.

Babb SM, et al. Chronic citicoline increases phosphodiesters in the brains of healthy older subjects: an in vivo phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy study. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2002 May;161(3):248-54.

Silveri MM, et al. Citicoline enhances frontal lobe bioenergetics as measured by phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy. NMR Biomed. 2008 Nov;21(10):1066-75.

Wurtman RJ, et al. Effect of oral CDP-choline on plasma choline and uridine levels in humans. Biochem Pharmacol. 2000 Oct 1;60(7):989-92.

Schauss AG, Nakazaki E. Citicoline. In: Pizzorno JE, Murray MT, editors. Textbook of Natural Medicine. 5th ed. Volume 1. St. Louis: Elsevier; 2020.

Świątkiewicz M, Grieb P. Citicoline for Supporting Memory in Aging Humans. Aging Dis. 2023 Aug 1;14(4):1184-1195.

Knott V, et al. Neurocognitive effects of acute choline supplementation in low, medium and high performer healthy volunteers. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2015 Apr;131:119-29.

McGlade E, et al. The Effect of Citicoline Supplementation on Motor Speed and Attention in Adolescent Males. J Atten Disord. 2019 Jan;23(2):121-134.

Al-Kuraishy HM, et al. Citicoline improves cognitive function: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Basic Clin Neurosci. 2020;11(2):173-180.

McGlade E, et al. Improved attentional performance following citicoline administration in healthy adult women. Food Nutr Sci. 2012;3(6):769-773.

Cotroneo AM, et. al. Effectiveness and safety of citicoline in mild vascular cognitive impairment: the IDEALE study. Clin Interv Aging. 2013;8:131-7.

Related: Is citicoline safe? Read our Cognizin citicoline explainer.

FAQs

We stand by the quality craftsmanship and consistency of our products which is why we offer a 100% happiness guarantee. If for any reason you are not happy with your order please contact our customer experience team so we can make things right or refund you the cost of your purchase. To get started, please email a copy of your order confirmation number to hi@moshlife.com within 30 days of your purchase. No fine print, that’s it!

Yes, all MOSH protein bars are rigorously tested to ensure they are non-GMO, gluten-free, and Kosher.

MOSH protein bars are formulated with nutrient-dense ingredients that support brain and body function. Each MOSH protein bar contains 6+ brain ingredients including Cognizin®, lion’s mane, ashwagandha, omega-3s, vitamin B12, and D3. Cognizin® has been scientifically studied for its beneficial effects on brain health, specifically enhancing focus, attention and memory. MOSH products are designed to support overall brain health as part of a comprehensive mindstyle lifestyle that includes 6 pillars of brain health: medical health, physical exercise, food and nutrition, mental fitness, social interaction, and sleep and relaxation. MOSH bars are not intended to treat or prevent any brain disease.

Cognizin® provides essential nutrients like choline that are especially crucial for brain cells. To sustain your focus and concentration, your brain requires an adequate ongoing supply of energy and healthy communication between neurons. Cognizin® supports healthy brain metabolism and helps provide phospholipids essential to healthy brain function.* 5, 9,11,13 (250mg) *One MOSH bar contains 125mg of Cognizin® 5. Babb SM et al. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2002; 161:248-54. 9. Silveri MM et al. NMR Biomed. 2008; 21(10):1066-75. 11. McGlade E. et al., Food and Nutrition Sciences. 2012; 3:769-773. 13. McGlade E, et al. J Atten Disord, 2015.

The Women's Alzheimer's Movement (WAM) is the preeminent organization focused exclusively on women and Alzheimer’s. WAM was created to raise awareness around Alzheimer’s as a disease that discriminates against women, since two out of every three brains that develop Alzheimer’s belong to women–with women of color at even higher risk– and 2 out of 3 caregivers of all races and ethnicities being women as well. Until 10 years ago, the conventional thinking was that the higher incidence of Alzheimer’s in women simply reflected the fact that women tend to outlive men. That narrative was disrupted back in 2010, when WAM founder Maria Shriver partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association on a ground-breaking report challenging the assumption that age alone accounted for the higher number of women with Alzheimer’s. Ever since that seminal Shriver Report: A Woman’s Nation Takes on Alzheimer’s, WAM and Shriver have taken every opportunity to highlight the disproportionate and particular impact of Alzheimer’s on women. WAM's mission is to discover why Alzheimer’s discriminates against women and communities of color and to prepare women and their families for the impact of Alzheimer’s by providing them with information and tools to help prevent the disease. WAM envisions a future in which Alzheimer’s will no longer destroy the lives of women and their families. WAM works to change the future for women and Alzheimer’s by focusing on the four pillars: research, education, advocacy and clinical care. WAM funds critical gender based research to advance our knowledge of how Alzheimer’s affects women, educates the public about Alzheimer’s through summits, national polls, reports and educational guides. WAM advocates at all levels of government for policies, increased funding and other social, political and economic changes that will move the needle on Alzheimer’s. WAM provides on the ground services to give women the medical guidance they need to reduce their risk for developing the disease.

We recommend that pregnant or breastfeeding women contact their healthcare practitioner prior to consuming MOSH to ascertain whether consumption is safe.

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