Introduction
Potentially the most popular nootropic available on the US market, Prevagen has seen its fair share of hype and controversy. Originally launching back in 2011, the manufacturers allegedly claimed the product was a powerful nootropic that could significantly boost your brainpower.
In this Prevagen review, we’re taking an in-depth look at the formula to evaluate what we believe customers can and cannot expect.
Readers please note that statements on this page are fair comment based on observation. This content is produced on a matter of public interest. Statements on this page are our honest opinion.
What Is Prevagen?
Prevagen is an OTC Nootropic pill and memory booster created by a US-based company named Quincy Bioscience Manufacturing Inc (trading as Prevagen).
A one month supply of Prevagen can cost between $40.99 and $59.99 depending on whether or not you opt for the regulate strength version (10mg) or the extra strength version (20mg). The product is also available in a chewable tablet format for those who do not like taking pills; it is available via the official Prevagen website, as well as Amazon.
Unlike most other Nootropic supplements available OTC, Prevagen is not a “stack” or a combination of various nootropic compounds; it is essentially just a single ingredient product, with the exception of some newly-added vitamin D. The main active ingredient inside this product is a protein known as Apoaequorin, which is extracted from a particular type of Jellyfish.
Manufacturers claim that Prevagen can support healthy brain function, sharpen your mind and promote clearer thinking. In the past, the company has allegedly made statements claiming the product can help prevent/slow the onset of alzheimer’s disease.
Does Prevagen Work?
Stating whether this product works to promote brain function, a “sharper mind” and “clearer thinking” is somewhat tricky, however we personally believe that these effects are unlikely for a big chunk of consumers.
Firstly, the FDA does not officially recognize any of the claims set for Prevagen. This essentially means that although the product has one clinical study showing that 10mg of Apoaequorin daily can marginally help improve cognitive function, the evidence isn’t convincing enough for this product to be classed as 100% effective for all users.
The manufacturers also clearly disclaim that their claims “have not been evaluated by the FDA”, which essentially is an admission that the claims are lacking conclusive clinical evidence.
As this product isn’t officially recognized as an effective Nootropic, we are inclined to state that it does not work for boosting memory, focus or clearer thinking.
The Pros & Cons Of Prevagen
Below we have listed everything that we personally consider either a positive or negative:
The Pros
- May help support brain health.
- One study showed it was marginally effective at producing cognitive enhancement when used for 90 days or more.
The Cons
- Doesn’t contain any FDA-recognized Nootropin substances.
- The claimed effects are unlikely for a large amount of users.
- Potentially negative side effects.
Prevagen Controversy
Prevegan has a little bit of a sketchy past – we’ve listed noteworthy controversies below:
The Quincy Bioscience / Prevagen FDA Warning:
In 2012 the US Food and Drug Administration sent a warning letter to the manufacturers of Prevagen, Quincy Bioscience Manufacturing Inc. The warning letter stated that the brand was declaring their product Prevagen was a supplement, rather than a drug. The FDA also stated that the company were making claims their product could treat/cure diseases.
Since this letter it, seems that Bioscience Manufacturing Inc no longer make any statements that this product can cure or treat diseases.
The FTC Sues Quincy Bioscience For Fraud:
In 2017 the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sued Quincy Bioscience for fraud and misleading consumers.
The FTC stated that Quincy Bioscience were “falsely advertising it [Prevagen] as a memory booster, and falsely claiming the product can get into the human brain”. The FTC went on to call the product a “lame-duck”, claiming the jellyfish-protein based supplement was only supported by one clinical study that failed to show a statistically significant improvement to consumer cognitive function.
Despite the best efforts of the FTC, the makers of Prevagen surprisingly won their defense of the lawsuit. The company claimed that “the study did show the product works”, despite there only being one study available and the effects/benefits only being marginal.
What Are The Prevagen Ingredients?
We have found the following supplement facts via the Prevagen website:
One Capsule Contains: Apoaequorin 10mg and Vitamin D 50mcg.
Non-active ingredients: White Rice Flour, Cellulose, Salt, Magnesium Stearate and Acetic Acid.
What Are The Prevagen Side Effects?
We’ve compiled the following potential side effects based on the ingredients inside this formula:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Memory problems
- Difficulty sleeping
- Anxiety [1]
Note: these side effects are possible but may not be the typical user experience.
Are There Any Prevagen Reviews From Customers?
We have found the following Prevagen review testimonials via customers on Amazon:
They give both my mother and myself headaches so we do not take them. I have not noticed an improvement in my dad or his memory he is still forgetful. I am not a fan, over priced product.
THERE WAS SOME MEMORY IMPROVEMEMT
Our Final Verdict On Prevagen
To conclude our Prevagen review, it’s a bit of a mixed bag – there are things that we like about it and things that we aren’t too blown away by. While there is a clinical trial that showed the active ingredient inside Prevagen was helpful for improving cognitive function, the results of that trial weren’t marginally significant enough to show it’ll work for 100% of consumers.
Both the FDA and FTC have stated the findings are not significant enough to warrant the product being marketed as a “brain-booster” pill.
We personally believe that Prevagen might be useful for those who are willing to give it a try, but we’d advise you do not get your hopes up too high or you might be left disappointed with the results. Furthermore, this product is expensive and comes with some potentially negative side effects.