Prevagen Review – A Revolutionary Brain Supplement?

This review is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information.

With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. Note that an extensive list with all used Sources is available at the end of the review.

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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

  • Unique, patented formula;
  • Available in different forms and strengths;
  • There is research regarding apoaequorin’s benefits;
  • Established formula first introduced back in 2007;
  • One of the best selling brain supplement in the United States;
  • Overwhelmingly positive customer reviews online;

Cons

  • Some consumers reported a lack of results, even after using the product for months;

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.


Frequently Asked Questions

Prevagen offers the best results when taken daily. The recommended dose is one capsule or chewable tablet in the morning with or without food.

No, Prevagen is not approved by the FDA. Dietary supplements do not need FDA approval.

Prevagen Generic contains apoaequorin 10 mg and Vitamin D (as D3 cholecalciferol) 50 mcg.

Yes, you can take Prevagen with other supplements. According to Quincy Bioscience, apoaequorin does not interact with other dietary supplements.

No, Prevagen is not recommended for children under the age of 18.

Pregnant or nursing women should consult a medical doctor or a pharmacist before taking apoaequorin.

Quincy Bioscience sells this supplement online (Amazon, CVS, Costco, The Vitamin Shoppe, Walgreens, Lucky Vitamin, Vitacost, Smith’s, Botanic Choice, iHerb, or Swanson) and in many local stores.

You can contact Quincy’s customer support by using the contact form available here or by calling at 877-977-3824 (service hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday CST).

Prevagen reviews on Amazon, as of January 2021, are overwhelmingly positive, with 92% of the customers ranking this memory supplement with four (4) stars or higher.

According to the manufacturer, the supplement is perfectly safe to use with no associated dangerous side effects. However, in rare cases, some consumers have experienced minor adverse effects such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty sleeping, or mild anxiety.

Suppose you are under treatment with prescription medication. In that case, it’s strongly recommended to seek your healthcare provider or pharmacist’s advice before taking any dietary supplement.

To return the product and receive a refund, you first need to make sure you’ve purchased a branded product from an authorized reseller. Save the original receipt and the original bottle(s) with any unused product. Call the customer support department at 877-977-3824 for assistance in processing your return.

Most users should notice some improvements within the first couple of weeks. However, Quincy Bioscience recommends taking Prevagen for at least 90 days before experiencing all the benefits their formula can provide.



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