Very few products get as much attention as memory and brain supplements, and Prevagen is one of those. Prevagen claims to be “the top-selling memory supplement in stores.” While the active ingredient, apoaequorin, has been shown to improve memory function in those with very mild cognitive decline, Prevagen should not be confused with a prescription cognitive aid.
Still, our team of researchers presented us with all the information they found about Prevagen’s complete ingredient list, reported side effects, and scientific studies on the product. We’ve summarized their findings here for you today.
What is Prevagen?
Prevagen is an over-the-counter dietary supplement that asserts its ability to address memory loss associated with aging, enhance overall brain function, and boost concentration. Formulated with apoaequorin, a protein originally found in jellyfish, the supplement is claimed to be safe and supportive of brain health.
Manufactured by Quincy Bioscience, located at 726 Heartland Trail, Suite 300, Madison, Wisconsin 53717, Prevagen is associated with the phone numbers 877-977-3824 and 608-827-8000. While the company has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), it is noteworthy that they are not BBB accredited. It’s important to mention that the following details are based on the claims made by the manufacturer.
Apoaequorin, the key ingredient in Prevagen, purportedly aids in promoting and enhancing brain function. It is said to work by reducing excess calcium levels in the brain, thereby addressing short-term memory problems. However, it’s essential to approach these claims with a critical mindset, as individual experiences with dietary supplements can vary, and scientific consensus on the effectiveness of apoaequorin may not be universally established.
While Quincy Bioscience’s BBB rating is positive, the lack of customer reviews and minimal complaints closed within the last three years may limit the available information for potential consumers.
Before we jump right into the supplement, let’s take a quick look at the ingredient and research.
- LiverTox – “Apoaequorin is a recombinant protein used as a dietary supplement that is purported to improve memory and verbal learning.”
- Advances in Mind-Body Medicine – In aging adults, the use of apoaequorin promoted improvements in cognitive function.
- Neuroscience Letters – With all the support for the main ingredient, we were bound to find something to negate it. Some research shows that apoaequorin may not be the right protein, with calmodulin working better.
Prevagen Claims
Prevagen claims to improve the health and function of the brain. According to the journal Advances in Mind-Body Medicine, “apoaequorin and improvements on a quantitative measure of cognitive function.” The study states the ingredient is “well-tolerated” and addresses declines in cognitive functiom.
Prevagen Ingredients
The full Prevagen ingredients list is:
- Apoaequorin
A serving of Prevagen is equal to 1 capsule. Each bottle contains 30 servings.
Prevagen may contain different ingredients depending on the version you purchase. These supplements include:
- Prevagen Regular Strength
- Prevagen Orange Chewables
- Prevagen Mixed Berry Chewables
- Prevagen Extra Strength
- Prevagen Extra Strength Mixed Berry Chewables
- Prevagen Professional Formula
Does Prevagen Work?
While there’s research supporting the effectiveness of apoaequorin, there’s also information contrary to the research.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, “apoaequorin is rapidly digested in the stomach and broken down into amino acids and small peptides like any other dietary protein.”
Prevagen Benefits and Results
Prevagen may be a good product for mild problems, particularly ones due to aging. It may be suitable for adults who want to improve short-term memory overall brain health.
According to the Wellness, the blog from the University of California Berkley, “The primary ingredient in Prevagen is a synthetic version of apoaequorin, and it has the potential to improve the function of aging neurons and, therefore, to enhance memory and cognitive function.”
How to Use Prevagen
Prevagen is for daily use. You’ll take one Prevagen capsule in the morning with or without food.
Potential Prevagen Side Effects
There’s no clinical research showing the active ingredient in Prevagen, apoaequorin, causes side effects. The only mention of side effects to Prevagen reviews.
According to LiverTox, it doesn’t seem to have any toxic effects.
Prevagen Alternatives
There are a lot of brain products, and Lumonol Wisdom is one of them. Lumonol Wisdom is a new product created by Avanse Nutraceuticals.
This product contains Noopept, a compound claiming to provide a variety of claimed benefits, including:
- Improved memory recall
- Increased memory capacity
- Improved capacity to learn
- Increased mental processing speed
- Enhanced mood
Prevagen Extra Strength
Prevagen Extra Strength is just a stronger version of the original formula, claiming to be an advanced “brain enhancement supplement.” Claims include:
- Increase Mental Function
- Promote Clearer Thinking
- Improve Overall Brain Health
In addition to the extra strength formula, Prevagen offers Chewables, Professional Formula, and Neuroshake. The Chewables are in mixed berry flavor and provide an option for those who cannot swallow pills.
The professional formula includes 250% of the daily recommended value of vitamin D with the main ingredient, which the National Institutes of Health claims can be naturally found in foods like tuna, salmon, and fish. Neuroshake is a protein powder that you mix with water or another beverage to make a shake.
Focus Factor
Focus Factor is a dietary supplement supposedly helping to enhance mental focus and clarity. Focus Factor ingredients include:
- DMAE
- Vitamins – B6, B12, D3
- Beta carotene
- Huperzine
- Bacopa
- Phosphatidylcholine
- Phosphatidylserine
Alpha Brain
Alpha Brain is another brain supplement focused on boosting concentration, memory, and energy. Alpha Brain ingredients include:
- Alpha GPC
- Huperzine A
- Vinpocetine
- AC-11
- Bacopa
- L-Tyrosine
- L-Theanine
Prevagen Lawsuits
In the past, Prevagen hasn’t had much trouble with the FDA or law. However, that changed in 2017 when the product received a complaint from the Federal Trade Commission and The People of the State of New York.
According to the complaint, “deceptive business practices and false advertising” were used to sell, market, and distribute the product.
In August 2018, Quincy Bioscience was sued for the deceptive advertising of Prevagen, according to Class Action. The class action complaint is still in court.
In July 2019, Quincy Bioscience was again sued, according to Class Action. This lawsuit claims that Prevagen does not work as claimed. Update: On November 18, 2020, this class action lawsuit was settled in favor of the plaintiffs. Monetary compensation up to $70 with receipts and up to $12 without receipts will be distributed to the verified class members. As of early February 2021, claimants to this class action lawsuit reported receiving checks in the amount of $12.
Customer Service Information
You can find a contact form on their website for all of your personal inquiries.
Contact form: https://www.prevagen.com/faqs/#contact
Customer Service Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday CST.
The Bottom Line on Prevagen
Prevagen is considered one of the leading “brain” supplements on the market. There are even studies supporting the benefits of the active ingredient apoaequorin. However, there is also an alternative for supporting your healthy lifestyle changes.
Do you want to lose weight and improve wellness? Consider combining Prevagen with a clinically-proven program designed to help you with weight loss and weight maintenance.
When it comes to losing weight, a strong support system is critical to any program’s success. With [promoted_product_link], the support you get takes the form of a personal coach, support group, group coach, daily lessons, interactive quizzes, and so much more. You get total weight-loss support all in an app that fits on your mobile phone. That’s impressive.
We were so convinced by the research on [promoted_product_name] that we partnered with the company to offer our readers a [promoted_product_offer_link]!
