At what age does brain function peak? So many clinical studies have used this premise as a center. Because of the multiplicity of studies, we have a multiplicity of answers. The consensus is that brain function peaks around the late 20s and stays put till the mid-40s. After the age of 45, brain health and function slowly begin to decline. The actual structure of the brain changes with age and this change is affected by a variety of factors like genetics, general health, diet, and mental exercise. It is the structural change that gives rise to strokes, lesions, dementia, and memory loss. The number of neurotransmitters also changes.
Some factors protect the brain and cognitive function like education, occupation, a healthy diet, and exercise. Biological aging and chronological aging do not have to be the same. By the age of 70, there is a marked reduction in the grey matter, which makes it difficult for the brain to carry out cognitive function at the same level as before. At that age, you also see issues like increased blood pressure, restricted blood flow to the brain, and a decrease in mental energy. It seems like a bleak future we all are running to.
There are certain steps we could take to stop this gradual decline in mental capacity. But this would involve a lifestyle overhaul.
- Eating healthy helps to keep the brain young. By supplying the brain with neuro-nutrients, the brain would be nourished, and it could prevent neuronal cell death.
- Being physically active and healthy also helps.
- Keeping the mind active is key. Challenging the brain to perform is a form of exercise, and the brain would be able to improve cognitive abilities.
- Stress works against the brain, and this also refers to oxidative stress. Adding anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agents would take care of this, and including adaptogens in the diet would help deal with stress from the environment.
- Activities like reading, playing an instrument, or activities that require mind and body coordination can help preserve mental function.
- Excessive alcohol intake and drug abuse can destroy brain cells faster than any disease or natural cause. You might want to check how much you consume.
Making so many changes is not easy. And this is something the supplement companies have got wind of. To support healthy brain function, increase brain power, and maintain the brain cells, you have nootropics. Nootropics are drugs or supplements that help to maintain the brain in both the physical and the functional aspects. These brain health supplements are designed to provide the brain with essential nutrients and to improve blood flow to the brain. Many nootropic supplements add antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents to reduce damage and maintain brain health. Yet other brain health supplements help the mind to focus, think clearer and quicker, and reduce brain fog. But an effective brain supplement would do all of the above.
Because there are so many nootropic supplements around, the decision-making process has become harder. So, we decided to help. We have compared three popular brain health supplements. The benefits they claim to have, side effects, ingredients, prices, and even refund policies. You can make a more informed decision then.
Prevagen vs Focus Factor vs NooCube: A Brief Introduction
#3 Prevagen Regular Strength
Prevagen is a brain health supplement created and marketed by Quincy Bioscience. The supplement is available in three options – regular strength, extra strength, and professional strength. For the purpose of this review, we will be discussing Prevagen Regular Strength.
Prevagen claims to help users experience improved memory, clearer thinking, and a more focused mind. A review of the evidence presented by the brand has shown that these claims are unsubstantiated. There is a standing warning from the FDA to Prevagen regarding the company’s claim to help with head injuries and Alzheimer’s, as these statements have not been clinically tested.
Prevagen uses a synthesized version of apoaequorin – which is found in jellyfish, to protect the brain cells. However, there have been a few issues with the studies, which will be discussed further.
The recommended dose is 1 capsule a day, in the morning hours, with or without food.
#2 – Focus Factor
FOCUS factor is a US-based brand that has been in the nootropic supplement business for over 20 years. The company that makes the supplements is called Factor Nutrition Labs. For the purpose of this review, we will be discussing Focus Factor Original. As a pioneer in the field, Focus Factor conducts double-blind, placebo-controlled studies to back its claims. These claims include better focus, enhanced memory, and boosted cognitive health.
By using vital nutrients that nourish the brain and protect it from oxidative stress. So far, the brain health supplement and similar products in the Focus Factor range have been well-received and well-spoken.
The recommended dose is 4 tablets a day with food. However, if you want to customize your dosage based on your body weight and desired results, you have the option to increase the dosage to a maximum of 8 tablets per day.
#1 – Noocube
NooCube by Wolfson Brands (UK) Ltd. was designed to replace caffeine and other undesirable substances to enhance mental performance. The clinically tested formula is aimed to support brain health and function while supplying the body with vital nutrientsthat provide overall health benefits. The product can be used by men and women of all ages, but there is some emphasis that is laid on those over the age of 50. NooCube claims that this is when the mental faculties begin to decline and that starting the use of a nootropic supplement at this age would help to arrest the decline to some extent. NooCube prides itself on avoiding the use of caffeine, which is what a lot of dietary supplements do.
NooCube recommends a dose of 2 capsules a day, with or without food.
Boost brainpower with scientific precision, click to learn more about Noocube.
What Results Can You Expect from These Brain Supplements?
Every brand boasts about its products excessively. However, it is when customers leave reviews that the actual test of these claims takes place. Similarly, Prevagen, Focus Factor, and NooCube, all make claims to improve health and cognition. The benefits according to these brands are as follows.
| Prevagen | Focus Factor | NooCube |
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How Do These Supplements Affect Mental Function?
Every brain health supplement utilizes a distinct formula in order to attain the benefits it advertises. The formula used would also be able to tell us if the product is capable of fulfilling the claims that it makes.
The Formula with which Prevagen Work
Prevagen uses just two ingredients – apoaequorin 10mg and vitamin D 50 mcg. For Extra Strength and Professional Strength, Prevagen only ups the dosage of apoaequorin by 10mg.
- Apoaequorin
Apoaequorin was first studied in 1961 and has since been found to possess several qualities that could influence mental acuity and brain health. However, the studies that surround this particular component have been biased. All the studies conducted were not double-blind or placebo-controlled. This means that the results of these studies are not reliable. Also, there is no proof that apoaequorin reaches the brain and transcends the blood-brain barrier. With no such proof, it would be difficult to comment if this ingredient is actually of any use to the brain.
- Vitamin D
This component, Prevagen has proof of efficacy. Studies have shown that a deficiency in vitamin D can cause dementia, brain fog, and cognitive impairments. Also, low vitamin D levels during pregnancy may lead to autism in the unborn child, but this claim needs to be verified. The vitamin is neuroprotective, supports calcium balance, and may help strengthen working memory.
Prevagen does claim that it works to slow memory loss and help with age-associated memory loss. However, it doesn’t seem to be able to do much. Reviews have stated that even with continued use, many have not seen much of an improvement or an increase in memory recall. Most only mention better-quality sleep.
The Formula with which Focus Factor Work
Focus Factor ingredients include a long list of vitamins and minerals, and they add a proprietary blend of botanicals, herbs, and amino acids.
- Nutrients
The Focus Factor original formula packs its product with critical vitamins and minerals that boost overall health and body function. Vitamin A improves signaling between the brain cells, the B vitamins for supporting neurological health, neurotransmitter function, and psychological health, vitamin C for protecting the brain from oxidative stress, vitamin E for delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, and vitamin D (the benefits of this vitamin has been explained above, as Prevagen also uses this ingredient).
In terms of minerals, Focus Factor’s formula includes choline for its ability to alleviate brain fog and increase processing speed, calcium aids neurotransmitter synthesis, neural excitability and its ability to improve memory, iron works for oxygen transportation to the brain and neurotransmitter synthesis and metabolism, magnesium for memory-related function and lessening age-related memory loss, zinc to improve brain tubulin growth and protein synthesis in the brain, selenium protects the brain from physiological damage, and it’s psychological impacts, copper stops oxidative damage to the brain, manganese to maintain brain and nerve function and repair brain cell membrane damage, chromium enhances memory, mood, and focus, molybdenum avoids the occurrence of seizures and last but not least, potassium for quick and accurate communication between the brain cells.
- Focus Factor Proprietary Blend
The Focus Factor proprietary blend includes Dimethylaminoethanol (as DMAE bitartrate), L-glutamine, Bacopin®, L-pyroglutamic acid, phosphatidylserine, docosahexaenoic acid concentrate from fish (anchovy, sardine, and salmon), inositol, N-acetyl tyrosine, bilberry fruit standardized extract (25% anthocyanosides), gamma-aminobutyric acid, grape skin and grape seed extract, vinpocetine, Trace-Lyte electrolyte concentrate, Huperzine A (extract of Huperzia Serrata), boron and vanadium.
These components have been proven to help mental health and slow cognitive decline. However, it is unclear as to how much of each ingredient has been added. This makes it difficult to comment as to whether the dosages involved can make a difference or otherwise.
Focus Factor reviews are mostly positive. Most state that regular use of the product has improved focus and ability to recall. Many claim that sharpness lost to age has returned and that it has helped with memory.
The Formula with which Noocube Work
NooCube shares a few of the Focus Factor ingredients, and we shall discuss them here.
- Lutemax®
This is a trademarked blend of marigold extract that shares properties with adaptogens.- It spreads a sense of calm and helps the mind to relax and deal with stress.
- This helps the brain to think rationally and enhances mood as well. Lutemax® enhances vision too.
- Bacopa Monnieri
- An ingredient shared with Focus Factor, this herb helps with anxiety, memory loss, and epilepsy.
- It also protects the brain from inflammation and aids spatial learning and retention.
- Huperzia Serrata
- Also known as toothed club moss, this botanical protects the nerve cells by forming a defensive layer.
- This reduces free radical damage and wear and tear caused to the brain.
- Pterostilbene
- Found in grapes, pterostilbene works with resveratrol to slow down brain aging and reduce the damage done by free radicals to the brain.
- It can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and has great bioavailability, which means that the brain can actually benefit from the ingestion of this ingredient.
- Resveratrol
- This is also a grape seed extract; resveratrol acts as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agent.
- This keeps the brain younger and guards the brain from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other physiological disorders of the brain.
- L-Theanine
- From tea and mushrooms, this amino acid acts as an adaptogen by promoting better sleep, reducing anxiety, and decreasing stress.
- It is also known to improve focus, clear brain fog, and increase memory recall.
- L-Tyrosine
- Another common ingredient with Focus Factor, the amino acid, is key for the production and release of neurotransmitters and aids information processing in times of stress.
- L-tyrosine is also used for narcolepsy, insomnia, and anxiety and to hinder the effects of the stress hormone cortisol.
- Alpha GPC
- This cholinergic compound is added to many dietary supplements to improve cognitive performance and athletic output.
- It can deter mild memory loss, protect cell wall membranes, and enhance problem-solving skills.
- Oat Straw Extract
- This extract enhances the action of nitric oxide in the body, which improves blood flow to the brain.
- This replenishes the organ with oxygen and nutrients, thereby improving memory, learning, and reasoning.
- Cat’s Claw
- Another staple to the nootropic industry, cat’s claw has proved to help healthy adults with reduced brain fog, improved memory, better focus, and keeping the brain healthy.
- Vitamin B1, B7, & B12 as discussed above.
With regard to components used in both Prevagen and Focus Factor, you could infer that the effectiveness of the supplement is questionable. And here’s why.
What We Know: Prevagen and Focus Factor
Prevagen is a straight-up “No,” and this is so for several reasons.
- The results that the product claims to provide have no basis whatsoever. In fact, there have been several class action lawsuits that Prevagen has been forced to settle.
- The Federal Drug Administration has already issued several warnings to Prevagen regarding the claims it makes and the fact that Prevagen failed to mention the possibility of side effects with the initial release of the product.
- The clinically tested formula that Prevagen uses has not actually been tested. A test’s results are considered trustworthy when the tests have been conducted using placebo-controlled and/or double-blind measures. Both were absent during the trials for Prevagen.
- Another study’s results claim that the use would improve word recall in subjects over the age of 55, but the dosage of the supplements used was not specified. All these factors make Prevagen a definite “No”.
Focus Factor is better to a greater degree. The only aspect that does not sit quite right is that the dosages of the ingredients are unclear.
- The doses of the vitamins and minerals are clear enough, but the proprietary blend that Focus Factor used has failed to mention the amounts in which the brain-boosting herbs have been used. The total dosage is mentioned, but how much of each component is added is a mystery.
- If the blend were trademarked, it would be a different scene. Trademarked blends include tried and tested dosages. That is not the case here. Factor Nutrition Labs did conduct a randomized clinical trial for the supplement by hiring an independent research team, but the study was not peer-reviewed or duplicated.
NooCube is the only brain supplement that is clear about the dosages used and has clinical backing for its ingredients.
- It has no lawsuits to its name and has some great reviews.
On the whole, when compared to NooCube, both Prevagen and Focus Factor fall short.
Cost & Buying Options
Buy Prevagen
Prevagen can be bought from your local drugstore or CVS, Amazon, GNC, Walmart, and Walgreens. Or you can buy the brain supplement online from its official source.
- A one-time purchase would cost you $39.95.
- If you choose to subscribe, each bottle will cost you $35.96.
- Prevagen offers a refund policy that stands for 45 days from the date of purchase. You could either go to the local seller or contact Prevagen customer care directly.
Buy Focus Factor Original
Focus Factor Original can be bought from the official store or from a local drugstore or CVS pharmacy, Amazon, Walmart, and Walgreens. You have the option of buying bottles with 60, 90, or 180 pills. Since the dosage could be anywhere from 4 to 8 pills a day, choose a bottle that would last you for a month at least.
- When you subscribe, you save 10% on your purchase.
- The smallest investment is $13.49 for a single pack of 60 pills.
- The biggest investment is $124.19 for 180 pills in a 6-pack bundle.
You are free to pick and choose a bundle of your choice. Refunds are a bit tricky, so do read the terms and conditions of the product before you make purchases.
Buy Noocube
NooCube can be purchased exclusively at its Official Website. Click now!
- Each bottle of NooCube would cost you $64.99.
- A 3-month supply would cost $129.99, where you get a bottle for free.
- If you choose the 5-month supply, you get it at $194.99, and you get 2 bottles thrown in for free.
- Should you not be satisfied with the product, NooCube offers you a 60-day money-back guarantee. This applies to even the single bottle purchase.
FAQs
Q1. Are these products safe to use with prescription medication?
Ans.: Natural supplements are safer than drugs. However, it would be best to consult your doctor before you begin the use of these supplements. If you have a pre-existing medical condition for which you are being medicated, speak to your doctor first.
Q2. Are these nootropics habit-forming?
Ans.: None of these supplements include the use of drugs or harmful substances that are habit-forming. They do not even include caffeine.
Q3. Would these products make one smarter?
Ans.: IQ is not affected or enhanced in any way by these or any nootropic products. These supplements help your brain work quicker and faster based on your intelligence.
Q4. Would the benefits stop if use is stopped?
Ans.: Considering that Prevagen, Focus Factor, and NooCube use vitamins, minerals, and natural ingredients that bolster brain health and protect the brain from oxidative stress, damage, and premature aging if you stop the use of the products, this barrier of safety would no longer be present.
A Summarized Comparison
We have made an in-depth analysis of all the information available about these three nootropic supplements. Here is a quick recap to help you make a better choice.
| Prevagen | Focus Factor | NooCube | |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Ingredients | Apoaequorin and vitamin D. | Vitamins A, B complex, C, D, and E, choline, calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, potassium, and a proprietary blend of ingredients. | Lutemax®, bacopa monnieri, huperzia serrata, pterostilbene, resveratrol, l-theanine, l-tyrosine, alpha GPC, oat straw extract, cat’s claw, vitamins B1, B7 and B12 |
| Audience | For adults above the age of 18. | For adults over the age of 18. Separate products are available for kids. | For students, athletes, high-stress workers, parents, and adults over 55. |
| Dosage | 1 tablet a day. | 4 to 8 pills a day. | 2 pills a day. |
| Price | $39.95 for 30 pills. | $13.49 for 60 pills. | $64.99. |
| Refund | 45-day refund policy. | The refund policy is rather complicated. Please read the terms and conditions carefully. | 60-day money-back guarantee. |
| Where to Buy? | Buy Prevagen from a local drugstore, CVS, Amazon, GNC, Walmart, Walgreens, or from its Official Website. | Buy Focus Factor from the official store or from a local drugstore or CVS pharmacy, Amazon, Walmart, and Walgreens. | Buy Noocube Risk-Free from the Official Noocube Website. |
Verdict
Prevagen and Focus Factor may seem impressive on the website, but when looked at closely, they fail to impress.
- Prevagen is a bad idea. Apart from vitamin D, it uses only one other component. And the efficacy of that very component, that is, Apoaequorin, is questionable.
- Now coming to Focus Factor. Does Focus Factor work? It’s a common query. Well, for starters, it supplies a variety of vitamins and minerals that support overall health, but the proprietary blend it uses leaves a lot of guesswork. On the whole, Focus Factor is the better supplement, but NooCube is the best of the three.
- NooCube uses safe and natural ingredients that have easy dosage and are meant for physical brain health, physiological processes, and mental processing. It affects mood as well. On the whole, if you are looking for a complete nootropic supplement, NooCube is the solution.
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