Both these supplements claim to improve memory, focus, and overall cognitive abilities. Neither of these are particularly great, but in the question of Focus Factor vs Prevagen, Focus Factor wins quite easily.
There are much better nootropic or brain boosting supplements available.
About Focus Factor & Prevagen
Focus Factor is a nootropic supplement that aims to improve memory, concentration, and focus. It contains a blend of vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts that target various aspects of cognitive health. There's a few ingredients in there that are pretty decent although most of them are underdosed.
On the other hand, Prevagen makes a lot of claims about being brain health supplement that focuses on improving memory recall, especially for individuals experiencing mild memory loss. It contains apoaequorin, a protein derived from jellyfish, and vitamin D. Unfortunately apoaequorin doesn't work, so you're ultimately buying a very expensive vitamin d pill.
While both supplements have their own unique benefits, it's important to understand their ingredients and how they work before making a decision.
Key Differences:
- Focus Factor has a broader range of cognitive benefits, including memory, concentration, focus, and mood. Prevagen primarily focuses on memory recall.
- Focus Factor could actually work
- Focus Factor contains a proprietary blend of ingredients, while Prevagen lists all its ingredients with their full doses.
- Focus Factor requires a higher daily dosage (4-8 capsules per day) compared to Prevagen (1 capsule per day).
- Focus Factor includes a wide range of vitamins and minerals, providing additional health benefits beyond cognitive improvement.
Our Tests on Focus Factor v Prevagen
To evaluate the effectiveness of Focus Factor and Prevagen, members of our writing and publishing teams tested both supplements for one month. The results were negative for Prevagen, with little to no improvement in memory or recall observed. In the case of Focus Factor, there was a slight improvement in recall and anecdotal evidence of increased focus and concentration. Although less than the leading supplements in the brain boosting sector, Hunter Focus (read review here).
However, it is worth noting that even Focus Factor's own testing showed improvements in both the test and placebo groups, suggesting a potential placebo effect. While Focus Factor has more scientific support due to its active ingredients, the lack of transparency regarding ingredient quantities in the proprietary blend raises concerns about the overall quality of the supplement.
Ingredients Comparison Focus Factor vs Prevagen
When comparing nootropic supplements, it's essential to examine the ingredients. The ingredients in Focus Factor include a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts. Some key ingredients include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, biotin, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, and potassium. These ingredients are believed to support overall cognitive health and brain function.
The problem is the proprietary blend in Focus Factor Original raises some eyebrows due to its low average ingredient dosage. With 16 ingredients totaling 640 milligrams, the average dose per ingredient is merely 40 milligrams. This dosage is considerably lower than what has been shown effective in scientific studies.
For instance, Bacopa monnieri extract, a well-known nootropic ingredient, has been proven effective in improving cognition. However, studies indicate that the lowest effective dose of Bacopa monnieri extract is 250 milligrams per day, significantly higher than the average ingredient dose in Focus Factor Original. Additionally, Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), another ingredient in the prop blend, has not demonstrated any cognitive enhancement benefits in studies using a dose of 1,800 milligrams per day, which is much higher than the entire prop blend dosage.
On the other hand, Prevagen has a much simpler ingredient profile. It contains apoaequorin, a protein derived from jellyfish, and vitamin D. Apoaequorin is believed to improve memory and cognitive function, while vitamin D plays a role in brain health. However, it's important to note that the efficacy of apoaequorin is still under debate, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects on memory and cognition.
How They Work
Focus Factor works by targeting multiple pathways related to brain health. Its blend of vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts supports blood flow to the brain, provides antioxidant protection, and enhances overall brain function. The combination of ingredients aims to improve memory, concentration, and focus.
Prevagen claims it works by utilizing apoaequorin to regulate calcium levels in brain cells. Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a role in proper neuron function and communication. By maintaining optimal calcium levels, Prevagen claims to improve memory and cognitive function, particularly in individuals with mild memory loss. Although there is some evidence to suggest it does the exact opposite.
Clinical Evidence
When it comes to evaluating the effectiveness of nootropic supplements, it's important to consider the available clinical evidence. Focus Factor has conducted clinical studies on some of its ingredients, demonstrating their potential cognitive benefits. However, the overall effectiveness of the supplement as a whole has not been extensively studied in clinical trials.
Prevagen has also conducted its own studies on apoaequorin, with some research suggesting its potential benefits for memory and cognitive function. However, it's worth noting that these studies were sponsored by the manufacturer of Prevagen, and these studies barely showed it to be effective at all. In fact some of the studies even suggest it doesn't work at all and these were the biased ones they used to promote itself.
Side Effects and Safety
Focus Factor has no serious reported side effects, but prevagen has a lot of complaints that should be taken into consideration, as such focus factor wins out here. However, individual reactions may vary, and it's always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen. It's particularly important to be cautious with Prevagen if you have allergies to seafood, as apoaequorin is derived from jellyfish.
Price Comparison
When considering which nootropic supplement is right for you, price is an important factor to consider. Focus Factor is available at a range of prices, depending on the quantity and format (e.g., capsules, gummies) you choose. Prevagen, on the other hand, typically comes at a higher price point, meaning that Focus Factor wins out here as well.
Conclusion: Prevagen vs Focus Factor
If you're chosing between Focus Factor and Prevagen, it's clear that Focus Factor is by far the better of the two. Focus Factor offers an OK blend of vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts to support overall cognitive health.
Prevagen, on the other hand, offers pretty much nothing of merit.
However, for the same price you can get brain supplements that contain 4 times the ingredients meaning they're all actually in their effective clinical dosages.