Prevagen is one of the most well-known memory supplements in the United States. Sold in nearly every major pharmacy and backed by heavy TV advertising, it has become a household name among adults over 50. Its main active ingredient is apoaequorin, a protein originally derived from jellyfish.

The brand claims this ingredient can improve memory and support healthy brain function as we age. On the surface, Prevagen looks like a safe and easy choice. But dig a little deeper, and some serious red flags begin to appear.

While it’s easy to find and convenient to take (just one capsule a day), Prevagen falls short when it comes to real, lasting results. Its marketing is slick, but many medical experts have questioned its effectiveness. In fact, both the FDA and FTC have taken legal action against the company for making deceptive claims and relying on company-funded studies that lack independent scientific validation.

There’s also the issue of its main ingredient: apoaequorin is not naturally produced in the human body, and several researchers argue that it’s likely broken down in the stomach before it can have any meaningful effect on the brain.

And then there’s the price—for what you pay each month, you’re getting a formula with just one questionable ingredient, while many newer, more advanced supplements include clinically-backed ingredients like Bacopa Monnieri, Lion’s Mane, or Ginkgo Biloba.

Worse yet, many users report no noticeable improvement, even after taking it consistently for weeks. While some do mention minor short-term focus gains, the majority say it simply didn’t live up to the hype.

👉 Bottom line:

Prevagen may be famous, but it doesn’t deliver the real cognitive support most users are hoping for. It’s a great example of a product that benefits from brand recognition more than actual performance.