Our comprehensive Prevagen review will address some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this unique formula. In this Prevagen review, we will discover more about the manufacturer Quincy Bioscience, and we will review the benefits of apoaequorin and its indispensable role in the overall formulation.
Our Prevagen review will continue with an in-depth analysis of potential side effects, claimed benefits, effectiveness, price, best stores to buy from, and alternatives to Prevagen.
Introduction
The supplement market in the United States counts over 300.000 products made by almost 10.000 companies. But very few are so heavily marketed and so popular as Quincy Bioscience’s Prevagen.
Prevagen, made by Quincy Bioscience, is a dietary supplement claimed to support brain health and improve memory. This patented formula contains apoaequorin, a protein from jellyfish.
According to Quincy Bioscience’s official website, apoaequorin may improve memory, offer support for healthy brain functioning, sharpen the mind, support clearer thinking, and help with mild memory problems associated with aging. Apoaequorin is also claimed to improve short-term memory problems and reduce excess calcium levels in the brain.
Who Makes It?
Quincy Bioscience is a biotechnology company based in Madison, Wisconsin, that focuses on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel technologies to support cognitive function and other everyday health challenges associated with aging.
Contact information:
- Headquarters: 726 Heartland Trail, Madison, WI 53717;
- Email: info@quincybioscience.com;
- Phone: +1 608-827-8000;
- Website: quincybioscience.com;
What is Apoaequorin?
Prevagen contains the following active ingredients per serving:
- Apoaequorin 20 mg
- Vitamin D (D3 cholecalciferol) 50 mcg
Other inactive ingredients include microcrystalline cellulose, casein peptones, corn starch, lactose, magnesium stearate (vegetable source), vegetable capsule (cellulose, water), sugar, acacia (gum arabic), medium-chain triglycerides (vegetable oil), salt, DL-a-tocopherol (preservative), tricalcium phosphate, soy, peptones, and water.
Allergens: milk, soy, and tree nuts (coconut) derived ingredients.
Advertised as “the top-selling memory supplement in stores across the United States,” this brain supplement has become so popular with basically just one active ingredient: apoaequorin.
Apoaequorin was obtained in 1962 from Puget Sound, a jellyfish that glows (the glowing effect results from apoaequorin and calcium ions binding together). Since its discovery, apoaequorin has been the focus of numerous studies. Scientists tried to understand how the protein binds with calcium and how calcium works inside cells.
It is well known how our brains protect their cells from degradation by generating a unique protein that controls cellular calcium. If calcium exceeds a specific limit in cells, these cells will be damaged and even destroyed.
Does Prevagen Really Improve Memory?
Prevagen’s claims include the following:
- Sharpens the mind;
- Supports clearer thinking;
- Improves memory;
- Promotes healthy brain function;
- Helps with mild memory problems associated with the natural aging process;
But are there any clinical studies that support these claims? Yes, we were able to find a few.
Quincy Bioscience lists four such studies on its official website. First, and probably the most relevant one is the Madison Memory Study – A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Apoaequorin in Community-Dwelling, Older Adults. This study’s primary objective was to determine whether Prevagen with apoaequorin (10 mg) improves quantitative cognitive function measured in community-dwelling older adults.
The results, while not conclusive, showed significant benefits in two subgroups of test subjects. These subgroups contained individuals with minimal or no cognitive impairment and were an appropriate population for a dietary supplement intended to support people with mild memory loss associated with aging.
Other relevant clinical trials include:
- Safety assessment of Apoaequorin, a protein preparation: subchronic toxicity study in rats
- Safety assessment of the calcium-binding protein, apoaequorin, expressed by Escherichia coli
- Subchronic toxicity of lyophilized apoaequorin protein powder in Sprague-Dawley rats
- Effects of a Supplement Containing Apoaequorin on Verbal Learning in Older Adults in the Community
An analysis made by WebMD also supports Prevagen’s effectiveness in improving memory in older adults: “ […] early research shows that taking 10 mg of apoaequorin (Prevagen, Quincy Bioscience) daily for 90 days might improve some mental function measures in older adults, forgetfulness, word recall, and the need for reminders in some people.”
Lastly, according to a popular online journal, Advances in Mind-Body Medicine, “[…] the results indicated a strong relationship between apoaequorin and improvements on a quantitative measure of cognitive function, specifically verbal learning.”
How Much Does It Cost?
Prevagen cost varies based on the retailer you buy it from and based on the product variation. On the official website, the price for a bottle of Regular Strength (10 mg) is $39.95, for a bottle of Extra Strength (20 mg) is $59.95, and for a bottle of Professional Strength (40 mg) is $89.95.
Available variations:
- Regular Strength 30 Capsules – 10 mg apoaequorin per capsule;
- Regular Strength 30 Chewables – 10 mg apoaequorin per tablet;
- Extra Strength 30 Capsules – 20 mg apoaequorin per capsule;
- Extra Strength 30 Chewables – 20 mg apoaequorin per tablet;
- Regular Strength 60 Capsules – 10 mg apoaequorin per capsule;
- Professional Strength 30 Capsules – 40 mg of apoaequorin per capsule;
You can order it at pretty much the same prices directly from Amazon, but with the added benefit of free shipping for orders placed from within the United States.
Where To Buy Prevagen?
Quincy Bioscience sells its products through an official website and many local stores. You can still choose to buy it from several online retailers such as Amazon, CVS, Costco, The Vitamin Shoppe, Walgreens, Lucky Vitamin, Vitacost, Smith’s, Botanic Choice, iHerb, or Swanson.
A complete list of different buying options is available here.
Prevagen Review – Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Side Effects & Warnings
Apoaequorin is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth as recommended. Some mild side effects reported by the manufacturer include dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Other less common events may consist of difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and memory problems.
There have also been several reports of more severe adverse effects such as heart and nervous system-related events. But there isn’t enough information to know if apoaequorin was the actual cause of these severe side effects.
As for warnings, Prevagen’s product warnings list is what you would expect from almost any dietary supplement:
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using the supplement if you suffer from any medical condition or have a family history of any medical conditions;
- Do not exceed the maximum daily dose;
- Immediately discontinue use if you experience any unusual or abnormal side effects;
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you take any over-the-counter drugs or medical prescription;
- Not recommended to children under the age of 18;
- Do not use if pregnant or nursing;
Consumer Reports
Prevagen Extra Strength works well, but it’s expensive. Thinking about cutting back to 1/2 the suggested usage, but I don’t know its effect. […] Read full testimonial
I’ve been taking this for around 6yrs now. I can say it started helping my memory in the first week or two. I know I feel my mind getting fuzzy when I don’t take it. I tried some different brands because of the prices, but I can say you don’t waste your money. […] Read full testimonial
These memory pills are awesome… if you can just remember to take them! Since I’ve been taking them, I noticed I could run faster, jump higher, and even fly. No, wait, that’s the other meds I’m supposed to stop taking. […] Read full testimonial
Any Good Alternatives?
Before we conclude our Prevagen review, let’s take a quick look over several other similar brain supplements that might be good alternatives for those who are not convinced by this product.
NEURIVA Plus made by Schiff Nutrition – This brain supplement is advertised as a powerful nootropic for focus, memory, learning, accuracy, concentration, and reasoning. Its unique formula consists of a star ingredient called Neurofactor, a potent whole fruit extract of the Coffea Arabica plant. NEURIVA Plus is gluten-free, GMO-free, vegetarian, and it doesn’t contain caffeine. The dietary supplement has received over 7,000 positive reviews on Amazon alone.
Are you interested in finding out more about this supplement? You can read our full NEURIVA Plus review here.
Focus Factor made by Factor Nutrition Labs – First released decades ago, Focus Factor is, probably, one of the best-known brain supplements in the United States. This 20-year proven formula is claimed to improve focus, concentration, memory, mental performance, and the capacity to multi-task with ease. Focus Factor is available in a variety of packaging, strengths, and even a variant for children.
Are you interested in finding out more about this supplement? You can read our full Focus Factor review here.
Neuro Health made by Nature’s Craft – Another good choice for those looking to improve memory, focus, and reduce anxiety. Neuro Health offers a complex formula that includes multivitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbal extracts, and DMAE. Neuro Health is currently one of the best selling nootropics for mental focus, clarity, and cognitive support.
Bottom Line
So how effective Prevagen is? Did it pass the test of consumers? I would say, “Yes.” Beyond clinical trials, marketing campaigns, claims, and a lot of technical analysis, this unique, patented formulation has overwhelmingly positive testimonials. And that’s what matters when it comes to top brain supplements of this year.
The fact that Prevagen is one of the best selling brain supplements in the United States can’t be overlooked either. While part of its success might be due to the aggressive marketing campaign Quincy Bioscience is using to promote its products, Prevagen may still be the right solution, especially for elder consumers looking for a good memory supplement.
