We all know how difficult it can be to stay sharp as we age. For some, this may mean a little forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating here and there. For others, it can mean chronic issues that are a constant disturbance throughout their daily lives. Both supplement brands Focus Factor and Prevagen claim to offer a solution to these problems. In this post we'll compare these supplements across several different factors so you'll understand which one is best for you, and how they ultimately stack up to Focus+Recall by Healthycell.
What are Focus Factor and Prevagen?
The two supplements are not the same thing. Focus Factor is a supplement designed to help with concentration, while Prevagen is a nutritional supplement that is designed to improve memory function.
Both Focus Factor and Prevagen contain some key ingredients that claim to have positive effects on brain health. There are key differences between these two products regarding their respective ingredient lists and possible side effects of each product.
Ingredients
One of the biggest differences between Focus Factor and Prevagen is the difference in their ingredients.
Focus Factor contains vitamins, DMAE, Omega-3, phosphatidylserine, Huperzine, Bacopa and a few other ingredients that may help support brain health.
Prevagen contains no vitamins, herbal extracts, or amino acids. Instead, it contains a proprietary lab-made version of an ingredient called aequorin – a protein derived from glow-in-the-dark jellyfish (Aequorea victoria) – purported to improve memory.
Side effects
Side effects are a common concern when choosing a supplement. We all want to know that the product we're taking has negligible side effects and won't cause us any harm.
That said, it's important to remember that no matter which product you choose, there is always some risk involved—that goes for everything from energy drinks to heart medication.
It's also important not to rely solely on anecdotal evidence when assessing the safety of a supplement; many people will experience negative reactions after taking supplements, even those with strong clinical research behind them. While this doesn't mean that everyone will react negatively or injure themselves through supplementation, it does mean that these products should be used with caution if possible and under the guidance of trained professionals (i.e., doctors).
The following side effects of Focus Factor have been reported:
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Fishy body odor
- Muscle aches
- Migraines
- Chest discomfort
- Constipation
- Lightheadedness
The following side effects of Prevagen have been reported:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- High blood pressure
- Edema (swelling due to fluid buildup in tissues)
Cost
Focus Factor costs around $26 for a one-month supply, making it cheaper than Prevagen. On Amazon, Prevagen costs about $47 for one month of treatment.
Reviews
Reviews are a great way to get an idea of what people think about a product. They're also helpful in comparing products, especially when you don't have time to research online independently and want to get an unbiased opinion from others. However, reviews do get corrupted so take them with grain of salt.
Focus Factor has 4.4 out of 5 stars and about 1,700 reviews on Amazon. Prevagen has 4.4 out of 5 stars and about 3,000 reviews on Amazon.
Benefits and drawbacks
Focus Factor and Prevagen are both considered nootropics – substances that can help improve brain function.
Drawbacks:
- Need to be taken twice per day
- Potential side effects
- Cost
Benefits:
- Some people report greater focus while studying or working hard at your job; improved memory retention; an increase in energy levels throughout the day without needing coffee anymore, enhance cognitive performance by improving attention span while reducing mental fatigue; although these are anecdotal and unproven
Clinical studies
Many scientists have called clinical studies on Prevagen unethical and misleading. The Federal Trade Commission and New York state’s attorney general has also warned Prevagen about making deceptive claims and engaging in predatory marketing.
Consumer Reports reviewed Focus Factor and stated that ingredients in Focus Factor are not present in the quantities used in studies showing brain benefits. For that reason, their experts recommend avoiding it.
A better alternative brain supplement – pill-free & ultra absorbable
Expertly formulated by physicians and nutritionists, an advanced nutrition company, Healthycell, makes a pill-free ingestible gel supplement called Focus + Recall – a blend of powerful, natural nootropics designed to support optimal brain function with a noticeable impact within 30 minutes while also providing long-term brain health support.
It contains 2,988 MG of brain-boosting nootropics in one single-serving gel pack. This product does contain ingredients in effective dosages used in clinical studies showing brain benefits.
To get the same amount of nutrients to reach effective doses, you would need to swallow 6 large capsules. Even then, you would not get the same level of absorption that MICROGEL™ provides.
Who is better suited to take each supplement?
Focus Factor is better for people who need to focus and concentrate. Prevagen is better for people who need to retain information. Both formulas are not for people who have difficulty swallowing pills, because both come in a pill. If you have trouble with pills, try Healthycell Focus+Recall instead.
Conclusion
Focus Factor and Prevagen are two popular, heavily-advertised supplements. While there isn’t much evidence that either of these can improve memory or focus, they are generally considered safe and free of side effects. If you want a pill-free alternative with effective dosages of science-backed nootropics for focus and recall, try the ingestible gel supplement from Healthycell called Focus+Recall.
