Prevagen is an over-the-counter product marketed to older adults with claims to improve memory loss associated with aging and increase healthy brain function, although clinical research validating such claims is limited. The main ingredient in Prevagen is apoaequorin, a protein originally derived from the luminescent proteins of jellyfish.
Key Features
Apoaequorin, the main ingredient in Prevagen, is a calcium-binding protein originally found in jellyfish, but the supplement features a lab-manufactured synthetic version of this protein.
According to the product label, the recommended dose is one capsule daily in the morning with or without food.
A regular-strength capsule of Prevagen contains 10 milligrams of apoaequorin, an extra-strength capsule contains 20 milligrams of apoaequorin and a professional-strength capsule contains 40 milligrams apoaequorin. All strengths also contain 50 micrograms of vitamin D.
The company claims results take effect within 90 days.
Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, Quincy Bioscience is the biotechnology company responsible for manufacturing Prevagen.
In 2017 the state of New York and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a claim against the company, asserting that it made false and unsubstantiated claims in Prevagen marketing regarding memory improvement and cognitive health benefits that violated the Federal Trade Commission Act and the laws of the state. The class action lawsuit was settled in 2020, allowing Quincy Bioscience to continue marketing Prevagen with a court-approved disclaimer, “based on a clinical study of subgroups of individuals who were cognitively normal or mildly impaired.” However, many remain critical of this settlement, given that this disclaimer’s technical meaning isn’t likely understood by the typical consumer of the product.
There are no peer-reviewed, independent, clinical studies available to support the health claims made directly by the makers of Prevagen regarding the product’s efficacy. The company’s website and other marketing materials state that Prevagen results are clinically proven, but the clinical research cited was performed by parent company Quincy Bioscience, which raises concerns about conflicts of interest.
https://www.forbes.com/health/healthy-aging/prevagen-review/
With the blood brain barrier, there are very few molecules that can enter the brain. I am actually surprised that the FDA has not been involved since it usually goes after unproven health claims.
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