Hey there, fellow brain health enthusiast! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the lookout for ways to keep your mind sharp, focused and firing on all cylinders. Maybe you‘ve heard the buzz about two of the most popular cognitive enhancers on the market today: Neuriva and Prevagen. But with so many "neuro this" and "memory that" products out there, it can be tough to sort the science from the snake oil.
That‘s where I come in! As a wellness blogger, supplement aficionado, and lifelong learner, I‘ve done the deep dive on Neuriva and Prevagen so you don‘t have to. I‘ve scoured the research, studied the labels, and even tried them both myself. And now, I‘m here to share my honest, unfiltered take on how these brain boosters really stack up.
So grab a cup of (brain-healthy) tea, settle in, and join me for the ultimate Neuriva vs Prevagen smackdown. By the end of this in-depth review, you‘ll know the key ingredients, benefits, drawbacks, and differences between these two cognitive enhancers. Most importantly, you‘ll have the information you need to decide which one (if any) is right for your unique brain and body.
Let‘s dive in!
Tale of the Tape: Neuriva vs Prevagen
Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, let‘s set the stage with a quick overview of our two contenders:
Neuriva
Maker: Schiff Vitamins (subsidiary of Reckitt Benckiser)
Year Launched: 2019
Key Ingredients: Coffee cherry extract (Neurofactor), phosphatidylserine (Sharp PS)
core Products: Original (capsules or gummies), Plus (with added B vitamins), Extra Strength, De-Stress, Sleep, Brain + Eye
Retail Price (30-day supply): $29.99-$49.99
Prevagen
Maker: Quincy Bioscience
Year Launched: 2007
Key Ingredient: Apoaequorin (jellyfish protein)
Core Products: Regular Strength (10mg), Extra Strength (20mg), Professional Strength (40mg), Chewables, Mix-ins
Retail Price (30-day supply): $39.95-$89.95
Inside the Ingredients: What‘s Under the Hood?
Like any good sports car or superhero, a brain supplement is only as good as what‘s inside. So let‘s pop the hood and check out the marquee ingredients powering Neuriva and Prevagen.
Neuriva‘s Brain-Boosting Blend
The "it" ingredient in Neuriva is a whole coffee fruit extract called Neurofactor. Yep, that‘s right – your daily brew packs more than just an energy punch! Neuriva‘s patented Neurofactor is made from the bright red fruit surrounding the coffee bean (the "cherry") and is clinically shown to pump up levels of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
BDNF is kind of like Miracle-Gro for your gray matter – it‘s essential for the growth, connectivity, and survival of your neural networks. As we age, BDNF tends to wane, and with it, our memory and mental muscle. But research suggests the antioxidants and polyphenols in coffee fruit concentrate can boost BDNF, leading to better recall, focus, and overall brain function.
One double-blind, placebo-controlled study in The Journal of Physiology found that 100mg of whole coffee fruit extract sparked a 137% spike in BDNF after 60 minutes! Pretty impressive for a humble coffee byproduct.
Neuriva‘s other star player is a plant-based form of phosphatidylserine (PS) called Sharp PS. PS is a key building block for the membranes of your brain cells, helping them communicate and work together like a well-oiled machine. Your noggin naturally churns out PS, but production fades with age – and with it, your memory and ability to learn and focus. Luckily, over 30 human studies show that supplementing with PS can turn back the clock on age-related cognitive decline:
| Phosphatidylserine Benefits | Supporting Research |
|---|---|
| Sharpens memory & recall | Kato-Kataoka et al, J Clin Biochem Nutr, 2010 |
| Boosts learning & concentration | Richter et al, Adv Ther, 2011 |
| Buffers stress & enhances mood | Benton et al, Nutr Neurosci, 2001 |
| Protects brain cells from damage | Suzuki et al, Mech Ageing Dev, 2001 |
The icing on Neuriva‘s neuro cake? A brain-friendly B-vitamin complex (B6, B12 and folate). This trio supports the production of key neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, while helping your body break down a toxic amino acid called homocysteine that‘s linked to cognitive decline and Alzheimer‘s disease.
Prevagen‘s Memory MVP
Prevagen‘s headliner is a calcium-binding protein originally found in – wait for it – jellyfish. Yep, the same squishy sea critters that can sting you on the beach may also hold the key to staying sharp well into your golden years.
The protein, called apoaequorin, was discovered in glowing jellyfish back in 1962 by a researcher named Osamu Shimomura (who later won the Nobel Prize for his work). Turns out, apoaequorin helps regulate calcium flow between cells, including the neurons in your brain. And that‘s a pretty big deal for your memory and overall cognitive function.
See, calcium is a crucial chemical messenger in the brain. It helps neurons communicate, forge new connections (synapses), and survive. But as we age, our brain‘s calcium "thermostat" can get out of whack. Too much calcium rushing into brain cells causes them to misfire and can even trigger cell death (yikes). Scientists call this "the calcium hypothesis of brain aging."
That‘s where Prevagen‘s apoaequorin comes in – at least in theory. By helping to buffer and balance calcium levels in the brain, the jellyfish protein may protect neurons from age-related damage and dysfunction. And that, in turn, could keep your memory and cognition humming along smoothly.
So, does apoaequorin really work? The research is mixed. Prevagen‘s maker, Quincy Bioscience, touts its own double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on 218 older adults with self-reported memory issues. After 90 days, those taking 10mg of apoaequorin daily had better scores on computer-based cognitive tests than the placebo poppers.
Sounds promising, right? But critics argue the study was small, short, and didn‘t look at real-world memory outcomes (like remembering where you parked or put your keys). Others question how a protein from a primitive sea creature could survive digestion and make it intact to the human brain.
And then there‘s the legal drama. In 2017, the FTC and New York Attorney General charged Quincy with making deceptive claims about Prevagen, saying its memory benefits were not backed by solid science. Quincy fought the allegations, and the case was ultimately dismissed on technical grounds. But it‘s a good reminder to take any supplement claims with a big grain of (sea) salt.
Put to the Test: Neuriva vs Prevagen in the Real World
Poring over product labels and study abstracts is one thing. But how do these brain boosters actually perform in the real world? As a self-proclaimed biohacker and supplement junkie, I knew I had to find out for myself. So I committed to putting both Neuriva and Prevagen to the ultimate test: my own brain!
First up: Neuriva Plus gummies (because let‘s be honest – everything is better in gummy form). The directions say to take two gummies daily, preferably with a meal. The grapey chews were tasty and easy to take, with no weird aftertaste or jitters.
I‘ll admit, I was skeptical about downing the equivalent of two cups of coffee fruit a day. Would it wire me up or interfere with my sleep? To my surprise, I noticed a nice, natural lift in mental energy and focus within the first week – but without the crashy, jittery feeling I get from too much java.
By the end of the first month, I was flying through my to-do list, absorbing new info like a sponge, and even bantering with my boyfriend without losing my train of thought. Coincidence? Maybe. But I have to say, I was impressed.
Next, I switched gears to Prevagen Regular Strength capsules for a month. The recommended dose is just one little pill a day – easy peasy. I didn‘t notice any major side effects, though a few reviewers complain of headaches and nausea (I seem to have an iron stomach).
Honestly, the Prevagen didn‘t wow me as much as the Neuriva. Sure, I felt a bit sharper and clearer, but the effects were more subtle. It‘s hard to say if that‘s due to the apoaequorin itself, or just the placebo effect combined with a healthy dose of hope.
Of course, this is just one gal‘s anecdotal experience. Your mileage may vary! Let‘s see what other real-world users have to say about Neuriva and Prevagen on the interwebs:
Neuriva Customer Reviews
Fave rave: "Neuriva has become an important part of my daily health ritual. I‘m a busy working mom and was starting to feel like I was losing my edge. After a few months on Neuriva Plus, I‘m back to multitasking like a boss and even doing the Sunday crossword in pen!" – Jane D., 47, Austin TX
Not so hot: "I really wanted to love Neuriva, but I just didn‘t notice much of a difference in my memory or focus. And the gummies sort of stuck together in the bottle, which was annoying. I‘ll keep looking for my brain boost." – Mark R., 62, Chicago IL
Prevagen Customer Reviews
Happy camper: "I‘ve been taking Prevagen for over a year now and it has made a noticeable difference in my cognitive function. I‘m in my 70s and was starting to worry about "senior moments." Now I feel like I did a decade ago – sharper, more focused and back on my mental game." – Linda M., 74, San Diego CA
On the fence: "Prevagen seems to work for some, but it did nada for me. I took it religiously for 3 months and maybe felt a little less foggy, but nothing that really moved the needle. For the price, I was hoping for more." – Tom S., 58, Miami FL
The Bottom Line: Which Brain Supp Reigns Supreme?
Congrats, you made it to the end of this epic Neuriva vs Prevagen smackdown! We covered a lot of ground, from the key ingredients and science behind each brain supp to the good, bad and meh user reviews. So, what‘s the final verdict?
As a friendly neighbourhood neuroscience nerd, here‘s my take:
If you‘re looking for a natural, plant-powered brain boost with a solid track record of safety and research (minus the jellyfish), Neuriva is your jam. The dynamic duo of coffee fruit and phosphatidylserine is a smart bet for supporting memory, focus, and mental energy in a delicious gummy or capsule. And with budget-friendly pricing from $30-$50 a month, Neuriva is easy on the wallet too.
On the flip side, if you‘re intrigued by the idea of a novel "neuro-protein" and don‘t mind rolling the dice on the science, Prevagen may float your brain boat. Apoaequorin is definitely a unique (if controversial) approach to preserving memory and cognition with age. Just keep in mind that the research is still limited, and the price tag is a bit steeper at $40-$90 a month.
Of course, the best brain supp is the one that works for YOU! We‘re all biochemically unique, and there‘s no one-size-fits-all magic memory bullet. My suggestion? Give each one a whirl for at least a month (with your doc‘s blessing) and see how you feel. Trust your gut (and your gray matter).
And remember, no brain supplement is a replacement for good ol‘ fashioned brain hygiene. Eating your veggies, breaking a sweat, getting your Zzzs, and keeping your mind engaged with new challenges are still the best ways to stay sharp at any age. Think of Neuriva or Prevagen as the cherry (or the jellyfish) on top of your brain health sundae.
Thanks for nerding out with me on all things brain support! If you found this Neuriva vs Prevagen review helpful (or just mildly amusing), feel free to like, share, and subscribe for more science-backed supplement showdowns. Until next time, keep calm and cognitive on!
