Update 8/29/19. Procera Protect (formally called Ceraplex) is said to provide the brain with natural antioxidants to support detoxification pathways for the maintenance of good brain health. Sounds good, but does Procera Protect work? In this review, I'll reveal the ingredients and science behind this supplement to help you understand if it's right for you.
What Is Procera Protect?
The supplement is supposed to help support healthy memory. It's said to do this by helping to detoxify the brain, by using natural ingredients. This is supposed to help the brain to work better.
CeraPlex vs. SeroPlex
For former name for this supplement was Ceraplex. Could this be a play on words given that SeroPlex is a prescription SSRI antidepressant medication? SeroPlex and Ceraplex are not the same thing. Could this similarity have played a role in the company changing the name to Procera Protect? This is unknown. Just remember that Seroplex (the drug) is not the same thing as Ceraplex (the supplement).
Who Makes Procera Protect (Ceraplex)?
Ceraplex is a product of Key View Labs. They also sell the memory supplement, Procera AVH. The company is located at 5737 Benjamin Center Dr Tampa, FL 33634-5293. The company website is ProceraHealth.com. As the name suggests Procera is the flagship product of this company.
For more insights see the Procera AVH review.
Procera Protect Research
No research could be located to support the Ceraplex supplement. So, to understand this supplement, we need to look at the ingredients. Lets do that next.
Procera Protect Ingredients
Two capsules contain the following ingredients:
| Amount Per Serving | Percent Daily Value | |
| Vitamin B12 | 667 mcg | 11,117% DV |
| Procera Protect Blend consisting of | 720 mg | n/a |
| NAC | n/a | |
| Alpha-lipoic acid | n/a | |
| Turmeric extract | n/a | |
| Quercetin | n/a | |
| Japanese knotweed extract | n/a |
In the table above “NA” means no daily value established.
Let's look at each of these ingredients closer
Vitamin B12
Procera Protect provides a LOT of vitamin B12 – over 11,000% of the RDA. The type of B12 used is methylcobalamin. While they don't say why the supplement contains so much, possible reasons include
- B12 helps lower homocysteine, a compound related to heart disease
- Older folks may not absorb B12 very well
- Older folks may be deficient in B12
- Some speculate B12 may be related to depression
- Some medications -like diabetes meds – lower B12 levels
Or it could be because B12 is a sexy vitamin, with hopes it may improve energy levels. If you are not deficient, it won't do this. That said, one study from 2011 did not show that methylcobalamin reduced dementia symptoms in older adults with dementia.
Likewise, another study also noted no significant effect of vitamins B12, B6, or folic acid in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
Side note. Does Vitamin B12 help weight loss? Read the review.
N-Acetyl-Cysteine
N-Acetyl-Cysteine helps us make a very powerful antioxidant called glutathione. It also appears to reduce homocysteine, a compound, which seems to play a role in heart disease.
One review noted NAC might help with Alzheimer's disease. More research is needed though to understand this.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
This is an antioxidant compound. When used long-term, alpha-lipoic acid seems to help some people with Alzheimer's disease according to a very small study (43 people) who were given 600 mg/day for 2 years.
But, in a review of alpha-lipoic acid and dementia researchers found no good proof that it worked due of the lack of quality research.
Likewise, a study lasting 16 weeks also didn't show it helped Alzheimer's. The amount used in this study was 900 mg per day.
Here's alpha-lipoic acid on Amazon
Turmeric Extract
The extract of turmeric used is curcumin. Both turmeric and curcumin have anti-inflammatory qualities. Procera Protect uses specific, patented curcumin called BCM-95. Research suggests curcumin may help depression But, At least one preliminary study noted 6 months of curcumin use did not help Alzheimer's disease.
For what it's worth, Research shows that regular exercise reduces inflammation in the brain.
Quercetin
Quercetin is an antioxidant and is found in red wine, grapes, peanuts as well as several foods. In one study, researchers speculated quercetin might protect brain cells. Other research finds quercetin can lower blood pressure in humans.
Reducing blood pressure would lead to less stress on blood vessels, which might reduce blood vessel damage in the brain and elsewhere. This might play a role in reducing or delaying dementia symptoms.
Obviously, the effects of quercetin are likely to be much more complicated than this. To achieve the blood pressure-lowering effect, about 700 mg of quercetin per day has been used. That is more than is in Procera Protect.
Japanese Knotweed Extract
The extract used is resveratrol. Resveratrol is the classic anti-aging supplement. Like a lot of the other ingredients in Procera Protect, resveratrol is an antioxidant. Another name for Japanese knotweed is Polygonum Cuspidatum.
Resveratrol reduces blood vessel aging by reducing free radical damage. That’s good. Other research suggests resveratrol helps clear the plaques —that clog up nerve pathways —that are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. That's good too.
Procera Protect Side Effects
Here are some things to think about when taking this supplement. This list is not complete:
- Start with less than recommended for the first week to see how you respond
- If you take blood thinner medications, speak to your doctor and pharmacist. Some of the ingredients in this supplement may interact with blood thinner meds.
- Speak to your doctor if you take ANY medications including those for heart disease, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, diabetes or thyroid problems.
- Stop taking the supplement at least 2 weeks before having surgery.
- Consult your doctor if you are pregnant/breastfeeding.
- If you have any health issues, speak to your doctor first.
Ceraplex Vs. Procera AVH
The ingredients in Procera Protect are different than in Procera AVH. Also, both supplements are supposed to work differently. Procera Protect is touted to be a broad-spectrum antioxidant. Whether both supplements work better together will require more study.
See the Procera AVH review for more info.
Buy Procera Protect
Ceraplex can be obtained directly from the company or at local stores like Vitamin Shoppe, GNC, CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid.
Procera Protect Cost
The product website listed a price of $29.95.
Does Procera Protect Work?
Without studies, it's difficult to know if Procera Protect (Ceraplex) works or not. When it comes to a general antioxidant supplement, the ingredients in the supplement seem logical but that doesn't mean people with memory problems will notice a difference. For people who don't have memory problems and looking to reduce their chances of getting dementia, there is much more evidence for regular exercise. Something to think about.
Any Comments or Questions?
I’ve taken Procera & Ceraplex for over four years. I responded to a half page ad in the Washington Post Newspaper which mentioned that some NASA astronauts and personnel used it and had very positive results. I usually would not respond to such advertising but at 75 I noticed some forgetfulness and focusing issues.
The ad spoke to me.
I tried the supplements and found a general improvement. After a year or so of seriously taking these, I ran out and neglected to re-order. In a couple of weeks I noticed a loss of sharpness that I had had.
I resumed taking these supplements and have never been without them since.
I am now over 80 and am mentally more alert and capable than many people my age, as I compare my life to theirs. I still hold multiple real estate licenses in my 40th year as an active real estate professional.
Hi Diana, thanks for your feedback. I am so very glad to hear Procera and Ceraplex have been helping you. I did not hear of NASA astronauts taking Procera but as long as it is helping you stay sharp and focused then that is what is most important. Wow – 40 years in real estate -you should write a book 🙂
Wow your website, your reviews, they way you have updated your reviews anytime something changes. This is truly inspiring, I didn’t think there were any honest, well organized, true reviewers until I came across your website. You are doing great and I don’t normally comment on anything but I wanted to go out of my way to thank you and applaud you. Keep up the great work.
I’m sure you’ve helped so many people besides me. I’ve noticed other great things I didn’t mention like how an older gentleman commented something and you replied so politely and someone else said my friend has wastes so much money on this and you actually replied but not only that listed a link to your other reviews. Don’t mean to get weird but wanted to mention before I end that there were many other good things I’ve noticed about you and your website I just didn’t mention them all, hard to put in words sometimes ya know. Thank you again.
Hi Asad, that is so nice of you to say! I truly appreciate you taking the time to say that. You made my day 🙂
I am a true believer in the procera/ceraplex combination. About 4 years ago, at 59, I started experiencing significant short-term memory loss, and occasional disorientation. At the time I was taking medication for ADHD, anxiety and depression and spoke to my doctor about my concern.
Around the same time, I read an advertorial, similar to the one above, but not the same one talking about the benefits of procera and ceraplex. It seemed to make sense that loss of oxygen to the brain and toxification could cause the brain to loose function. My doctor did not think it would help me, but also did not think it would hurt me.
Within 2 weeks, I saw immediate improvement in my memory. Within 6 months my short term memory loss disappeared. However, I did begin to experience some migraine headaches. So, I reduced my dose from 2 pills a day to one a day and no more headaches.
I feel fortunate that I was able to find something to help me with this distressing situations. I subsequently started taking some additional vitamins, particularly D3 to help with absorbing vitamins. I think the combination of elements creates an impact on the brain that may not be measurable for each of the components on their own.
My psychiatrists has noted some interesting studies about some of the components. It is unfortunately there is not more data in controlled studies. As an aside, I stopped taking anti-anxiety and depression medicine as well, although I remain on ADHD medication. Not sure what role these two supplements may have had in affecting mood, but I no longer feel that I need them.
Judy, as long as you are feeling good today, I’m a happy. Procera does have huperzine and I wonder if that is what you psychiatrist was referring to?
My father-in-law saw an ad this morning for an unnamed product pushed by the same “Brain Research Labs” folks. It is a lot like the ad in this link (bottom of page): http://bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/eedition/5/82/582f3f49-ab66-5e23-bf63-f46139f5bec7/52a6a7afbfbdf.pdf.pdf
He’s 91, has had a stroke, has some issues with staying oriented in general, and has a-fib and probably shouldn’t be thinking of taking anything that messes with the thickness of his blood. But he seems to be in a trance reading this ad. I’m still trying to snap him out of it, but once he hooks onto something, it’s tough to get him off of it. He’s still in the kitchen, circling things in the ad.
icdogg, thanks for the heads up. I looked at the link you provided. Incredible… The ad headline reads “Obama’s massive $100 million brain research initiative targets memory loss.” Notice how they call it “Brain Research Initiate” a subtle reference to Brain Research labs. I went to the white house website and looked for more info on this: here’s the link I found:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2013/04/02/brain-initiative-challenges-researchers-unlock-mysteries-human-mind
For what its worth, I noticed that the white house website did not mention Ceraplex, Procera or Gene Steiner either.
Just for fun I called the # at the bottom of the ad you provided – 1-800-606-3010. A recording said product was Procera AVH.
I wish I had some words of wisdom for your dad. I can imagine how alluring the appeal must be to someone with memory issues.
In response, Curcumin BCM-95 and Vitamin D3 does work for removing plaques on the brain and improve metal health. These are in Mental Advantage as well as, phospholipids,turmeric essential oils, spanish sage oil, and rosemary oil.
Preston, anythings possible. I have not yet given it an in-depth look but rather just a glance.
My wife has Dementia and was told it was vascular. I agree with this after 2+ years of research. I tried Procera AVH and Ceraplex with it for a little over 6 months. It showed very minor results after 70 days + or -. after about 85 days she showed decline in her condition. My wife got very aggitated and confussed which lead to extreme depression. This was 10 months ago.She now is on Mental Advantage made by Terry Naturally. What a change!! In 4 short months Susan is now holding conversaions, dressing herself, doing some basic chores, and eating very well. When we talk she is understaning about two thirds of our conversations. I would recomend Mental Advantage as I have seen it work first hand. You can find it @
terrynaturally.com or most good health food stores. IT WORKS!!!
Preston, Im glad that product is helping your wife. I have not looked at Mental Advantage but I looked it up and found it has these ingredients
Vitamin D3 2000 IU
Proprietary Complex 600 mg containing: Curcumin (BCM-95®) Micronized (Curcuma longa) Rhizome Extract with phospholipids and turmeric essential oils, Spanish Sage (Salvia lavandulifolia) Oil, Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Oil.
Just off the top of my head, to me, it looks like some sort an anti-inflammatory product since it has both curcumin and tumeric (tumeric contains curcumin). I’ll add it to my list of things to review. The product is also on Amazon as well.
I just left my fathers hospital bed. I looked in his medicine cabinet and found this stuff. My father is suffering from a week heart.
After researching this stuff. I believe there is a direct link to his hospital stay
Jim, show it to your dads doctors and see what they think. I -unfortunately – do understand the stress you are under at this time. I will say a prayer for your dad -and you -today.
My Mother sent off and got Ceraplex for me to try because I have small vein disease of the brain but I am also an anemic, my body does not absorb iron so I have to have IV iron treatments, I have Gastroparesis and due to thyroid diseases my thyroid has been removed . I tried Ceraplex for 4 days, I would feel fine before I took it but an hour after I would be so tired I could not stand up.
I am not saying it is a bad product but it did not work for me.
If you look at PubMed.gov you will find many studies of the effects of curcumin on the brain. I haven’t looked at them all but it does seem that there are definite positive effects of this herb on the brain. Your comment on curcumin only refers to Alzheimers while there are many other ways this herb can have positive effects on aging brains. The amount used is of course important and one can’t say that Ceraplex has a therapeutic amount, but I find your comments a bit superficial and lacking in the thoroughness that I would like to see in a good review.
Burlywine, you are of course entitled to your opinions. I will take a look at it.
thanks for this review. found this in local paper with article trying to scare seniors about losing their independence when their brains go soggy. this is stealing
from the public-not that i was going to buy, but i did want to check it out. i am a nurse and everything you stated was accurate.
Well, I do believe in Alpha lipoic acid, N-Acetyl-Cysteine,
Curcumin, and B vitamins (Methylcobalmin is a B vitamins) in brain health. But I do not know the quality and quantity of the ingredients in this product.
Alpha Lipoic acid is powerful antioxidant. NAC (n-acetyl-cysteine) is a precursor to glutathione (our body’s primary antioxidant and detoxifier). B vitamins are very important to brain health as I have written about here…
(Page can no longer be found)
Personally, I take alpha lipoic acid and B complex as separate supplements. I do not take NAC.
BlissfulWriter,
I looked at the page you listed. I would add that even though many studies show folic acid, b 6 and b 12 lower homocysteine, its also true that multiple studies also show that this does not reduce the risk of a heart attack. since b vitamins are spread out through the food chain I wonder how prevalent deficiency is in the USA (vegetarians, older adults and people taking meds like glucaphage not withstanding).