Prevagen Review - 12 Things You Need to Know
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.
Prevagen can be purchased through their Official Site.
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 Competitors
| Product | Review | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus Factor | read | |
| Noom | read |
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.
Scroll below for one of the best products we’ve seen over the last year.
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.
What Users Are Saying
“Appears to be an over time product. Nothing showing in the short term.”
“This product does nothing.”
“I believe this has helped with my short term memory. It’s not perfect but does seem to help.”
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 Noom, 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 Noom that we partnered with the company to offer our readers a free trial offer!
Bertha Podwys (Verified Purchase)
I am 92 and my problem was my short memory about dates, or remembering things going from one room to another. I decided to try Prevagen Feb 1,2015. I feel that it does help my short memory. I will know more after I have my regular Dr. check up this year, who should notice a difference in my vision or when I get my regular blood check up. Do you have any suggestions that I could request on my blood check up, like calcium or etc.???Appreciate your response.
Hello Bertha. Please take the product with you to your appointment and advise your physician that you are taking it. They should be able to provide you with what you should request at your check up.
robbin rfrazier
I would like to know if this product has been tested on children that suffer from ADHD? Is it safe for children; would you recommend this product for children?
Deb (Verified Purchase)
I started taking Prevagen 35 days ago. My 83 year old mom has Dementia, I’m 60 and have been experiencing memory loss myself. I decided to try it after seeing your commercial and reading about it on the web. The first week I noticed a few changes. The second week I could recall dates and info more rapidly. The third week I remembered a phone number 6 days after hearing it only once in my life. The fourth week I felt younger, more focused, on task, I felt like this 60 year old was 25 again. It is a great feeling. I am worried about the stroke and heart attack warnings. I would like yo know how many people have experienced adverse effects in any way but especially stroke, seizures, heart attacks. My family doesn’t want me taking it because of the warnings. I don’t want to stop feeling like i’m 25 again. Please advise.
Hello Deb. Some dieters claimed to have experienced the effects of high blood pressure, fast heartbeat, fainting, chest pains, dizziness, headache and tremors. Please consult your physician if Prevagen is something you want to keep taking.
Jose lopez
Can prevagent induce seizure on an epileptic person
Hello, Jose. For questions on effects with epilepsy and seizures, please ask your physician.
Todd (Verified Purchase)
By the second month of taking it I noticed Prevagen having some effect. It wasn’t like a lightning bolt and suddenly I rememebered everything better but there has been a definite increase in sharpness with my ability to pull up words when I was taking to someone. I was hoping it would work faster and I was hestitating on a second bottle but that’s how long it took for me to notice a change.
Hi Todd, thanks for the feedback!
Glenn (Verified Purchase)
Prevagen has helped my memory tremendously. I had to take the stronger dosage and it helped me remember names, facts at work, etc. I am 74 years old.
Hello Glenn, thanks for the feedback!
Bill Case (Verified Purchase)
I am 87 year old man that is physically and mentally degraded to some extent. I have been taking Prevagen Extra Strength for many months. I have continued to lose my memory! Has Prevagen helped? Who knows? Actually, I now think it is a VERY expensive product with really no actual proof of effectiveness. My wife is three years younger, and has very similar memory problems. She DOES NOT take the Prevagen and seems to have about the same memory problems that I have. Of course that is not proof of anything, but it does NOT verify that Pregagen is so very effective!
It is likely that you have a fungus outbreak that is causing your mental decline, thereby over-riding the benefits of Prevagen. I recommend that you treat for fungus by implementing the Phase-one diet (search “Know the cause” by Doug Kaufman) then attack the fungus with anti-fungal foods and supplements.
Laurue (Verified Purchase)
After seeing the amazing results in a friend, I asked her what she was taking and she told me about Prevagen. I had not seen her that Sharp in years! I have been taking it for about two months and have noticed a BIG difference in my cognitive ability and my memory. And, it didn’t take but one week to notice the difference. My recommendation is to buy one bottle and see for yourself – my guess is you will continue to take it. I’ve tried Omega 3’s and various fish oils and never noticed a difference. But, this product really works! My job performance has increase tremendously. Can’t say enough…even have my husband taking it now.
I am interested in this product and was wondering what age Laurue is as i noticed the more negative responses were those who were older. i am in my 50’s. That may make a difference at what point u start using this. the younger the better result? just wondering.
Hi Helen! I’m 63 and when I started trying Prevegen, I noticed a quicker recall in three days. My wife is 48 and she noticed a difference after 1 week. My favorite Aunt, who is 78 tried it and after 3 weeks, noticed the same effect that I had. It is absolutely worth a try. The the only thing you have to lose is a bad memory!
Patricia (Verified Purchase)
My good friend started taking Prevagen a few months ago and has had a small miracle happen. She had a poor memory, and some learning disabilities that became embarrassing at her fast-paced job, but since taking it, she has noticed a huge difference. She feels so amazed by the results, she gave me a bottle. it is helping me with my post ‘chemo-brain’ fog. So much so that I splurged on a 3 month supply! I don’t go in easily for these sort of things, and sincerely don’t believe my success is the result of some placebo effect. I feel clearer in my thinking, my memory has improved, and you can’t make this stuff up!
This comment seemed helpful
Anne Wyckoff
Al,
While I’ve had the same concerns as you (+17 years of medical study involving pathology), there IS something odd happening to some consumers. I, for one, am very immune to the “placebo effect,” yet after trying this for 2 weeks, I suddenly woke up with name-recall. My son noticed this, because I had to ask him names constantly in the past. I wouldn’t have tried prevagen if I’d looked into the molecular structure first, however (a rare lapse in judgement)
Do you think there’s a possibility that the EDTA is chelating something harmful with some people? I noticed another positive review from a scientist who used it for a trial but then stopped. It bewildered him as it does me.
Nadine Anderton
I always suspect nutritional supplements that come from exotic (like jellyfish) sources rather than from food-obtained nutrition. This allows the makers and distributors to make big bucks – something like the pharmaceutical companies? It sounds good, but it totally unavailable to someone like me on a very limited income. So I guess I’ll just have to die from my brain problems, which may or may not turn out to be Alzheimers.
I agree with you!
Nadine dear, based on your quick and succinct analysis, your brain is working just fine!
Alexander
Amino acids cross the blood-brain barrier. Whole proteins do not. Any beneficial effect of apoaequorin is lost as soon as it is digested into amino acids like any other protein. It is simply untrue to claim that apoaequorin taken orally has any effect in the brain whatsoever.
Have you actually taken it?
I just started taking prevagen two day’s ago
YES
JK Freeze
Jason says “Disregarding the sketchy clinical trials cited, the active ingredient is a protein compound (Aequorin) that gets broken down upon digestion into its component amino acids. While Aequorin certainly does bind calcium, even if it did survive digestion it is unlikely to pass the blood-brain barrier”
Jason, being a bio-chemist, you DO know that ALL amino acids pass the blood brain barrier, don’t you?
also, Prevagen does NOT contain EDTA.
Check the label…it has EDTA
I have been taking it for two weeks. I’m so tired all the time and so many aches and pains. Its the only pill i started taking so I quit this AM and will see how I feel in a few days. Yesterday I was going to read the paper and couldn’t follow the sentence. I read a word and went to the next line. So scary I just couldn’t follow the lines. I was so tired. Not just sleepy but really tired like unable to get up and move. My bottle does not have EDTA as an ingredient
YES THAT IS HOW I FEEL
sherry oglesby (Verified Purchase)
seem to feel worse on this my thinking isworseand ihave an increasted bp
what do others say
Joy zuer (Verified Purchase)
Thank you for the reviews. Upon taking prevagen, lots of energy, could stay focused, but could not sleep on this product. Independent studies would make it morally sound. Don’t you think?
MaryA
How does it affect Calcium metabolism in bones? Jellyfish don’t have bones!
Good point Mary
Maria Steiselboin
A person with advance diseace like anzhaime this can help, or is too late?
Maria Steiselboin
A person with anzhaimer deseace in advance state this can help? because she can’t talk o walk?
could this supplement help migraine headache or headache pain?
RClayborn
Since it is a dietary supplement,can’t you lose weight from it ?
I started taking prevagen about 5 weeks ago and noticed my short term memory improving but I have also developed a rash that I thought was caused by fleas in my bedroom. No one else in my house had developed these itchy large bumps. I am quitting the prevagen which is too bad as I see it working and I have 2 more full bottles. I may try to get a refund on the last bottle I have this rash all over my body and it started around 4 weeks ago.
You might have a Doctor examine your rash. Not Provagen related, but I was diagnosed with “Grovers disease“, not a critical disease but more of an annoyance and discomfort that comes and goes often during hot weather.. Might just want to check it out, especially if the Prevagen is helping your memory.
you r probablt allergic to jelyfis
Dalores Anderson, the apoaequorin in the supplement was discovered in jellyfish, but jellyfish are not where this ingredient is derived, but it is now a synthetic protein. I’m not advocating or discouraging it’s use, as I just started taking it a couple of weeks ago myself.
Thank you for your insite on this product. I too have studied biochemistry and feel the same should be said about the product. It is easy for some companies to claim the like, but not reviel the underlying…easy if one understands the language of chemisry…..so people ask questions and look up info before ypu buy anything!…..fish oils as well as primrose is great….
Oh you of little faith. I have been taking it and I remember street names that eluded me and can contribute to conversations. That is so nice. My mom said since she has been taking it she is doing all her crossword puzzles without looking in the back for answers. My daughter has been taking it and reports that she doesn’t feel the need to close doors and straighten silverware and everything else in sight (OCD). Whatever it does, it’s helpful. Unless you have a nee-d and have tried it you should keep your negative input to yourself. You are a nay-sayer. Too much learning and not enough life experience or graciousness. Good day!
Example: I was told a phone number once and did not write it down, 6 days later someone asked me if I new that persons phone number. It was as if I had written it down in my head. I have had 100’s of moments like that. I had written an order for a childs birthday party at my sons business, someone asked me 3 weeks later if I could call the childs mom. I had taken the order over the phone and had never met her. I had never even glanced at the order again in 3 weeks. I remembered her name, his name, his age and what color his cake was to be decorated in. It was amazing!! And my to do lists are a thing of the past. Its in my head ready for instant recall. I wouldn’t consider stopping this amazing medicine.
i have had a heart valve replacement and wonder if prevagen
When you see evrey inch of evrey check you know in heath is important ass well ehat if is need to eat or when you try to eat some thing not much in access they say is the same in body fluids or vitamins we take is hard times is imporatnt that way youlle see the result you wont better of have to take a medicine some diets or things we do arent all right so we have to not over worry but be alert what you take more likely in times eith medicine supplements and more regardless some has things thay help some dont work of the fact your body dont teacts to it for a reason or its should really actually on to be taken. Some has chemical some dont have natrual balance medical medicnes to balace deppending so it does not work deppending really what the product natrually has and is as you may take it in time you dicied is goid to read we all should be natrual not abuse medicine even dr say … I belive if its the product really is working dont take more if your really hurting or ridking it when yiu have sythoms or other sord of styhoms or diseases in diffrent cause of commond sick or rest to know ass you form on your heath you cant always take any dose by capsule or tablet by accord wieght and more plus your pressure and blood level ect you cant always mix medicine some but not evreything carefull with your self and heath is not about money is respect medicine over counter or by referall by a doctor at the first hand is your heath in hand there thank you for reading im glad i could help check with dr Tell us your thoughts about Prevagen.
sorry Michele, but unfortunately all drugs affect all people differently, it is possible that since you are all blood relatives you may experience similar reactions, but others may experience negative effects.