Fact Check: Prevagen improves your memory

Fact-Check: "Prevagen improves your memory"

What We Know

Prevagen is a dietary supplement marketed primarily to older adults, claiming to improve memory and cognitive function. The active ingredient in Prevagen is apoaequorin, a protein originally derived from jellyfish. According to a 2022 analysis published in PubMed, the manufacturer asserts that clinical evidence supports the use of Prevagen for mild memory loss associated with aging. However, the analysis highlights significant limitations in the available clinical studies, raising questions about the validity of these claims.

In 2017, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the New York State Attorney General charged the makers of Prevagen with making deceptive claims regarding memory improvement (FTC press release). A jury found in 2024 that the claims made by Quincy Bioscience, the manufacturer of Prevagen, were not substantiated by reliable scientific evidence (New York Attorney General press release). As a result, the company was prohibited from marketing Prevagen as a memory improvement product.

Analysis

The claim that Prevagen improves memory lacks robust scientific backing. The only clinical study cited by the manufacturer has been criticized for its limitations, including a small sample size and unclear methodologies. Critics argue that the improvements noted in the study were not statistically significant or clinically meaningful (Washington Post article). Additionally, experts have pointed out that apoaequorin does not have a known role in human memory and is likely digested in the stomach, preventing it from reaching the brain (Harvard Health Blog).

The FTC's involvement and subsequent court ruling underscore the lack of credible evidence supporting Prevagen's claims. The court determined that Quincy Bioscience had not provided reliable scientific evidence to substantiate its marketing assertions (Forbes Health review). This ruling aligns with broader skepticism in the medical community regarding the efficacy of dietary supplements for cognitive enhancement, as many studies have failed to demonstrate significant benefits (CSPI news).

While the marketing of Prevagen may appeal to consumers seeking cognitive support, the reliance on anecdotal evidence and limited clinical validation raises concerns about the ethical implications of such claims. The supplement industry is largely unregulated, allowing companies to promote products without rigorous scientific scrutiny, which can mislead consumers (Jen Masson Nutrition blog).

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that Prevagen improves memory is false. The available evidence does not support the effectiveness of this supplement for enhancing memory or cognitive function. Regulatory actions against the manufacturer highlight the misleading nature of their marketing claims, which are not backed by reliable scientific research. Consumers should approach such claims with skepticism and rely on evidence-based information when considering dietary supplements.