Neuriva and Prevagen are two very popular memory and focus supplements. Given their popularity the logical question to ask is which is better Prevagen or Neuriva? Is Neuriva better than Prevagen or is it the other way around? They both contain unique ingredients (coffee cherry and apoaequorin) not seen in other memory supplements. In this comparison review, you'll see the ingredients of each supplement side-by-side. Youll also learn about the proof for their ingredients too. Testimonials are great but the real test to decide which is better is to know their evidence. If you know their proof, you can make a more informed decision.
Prevagen vs. Neuriva Ingredients
Both supplements have just 2 key ingredients. Here they are side-by-side
| Prevagen (1 capsule) | Neuriva (1 capsule) |
| Vitamin D 50 mcg (2000 IU) | Coffee Cherry 100 mg |
| Apoaequorin 10 mg | Phosphatidylserine 100 mg |
As can be seen, these are vastly different ingredients. They way they are supposed to help memory is different too. Let's take a quick look at their mechanisms of action next.
How Do They Work?
Here's a brief summary of how each supplement is supposed to help improve your memory.
Prevagen
This supplement is supposed to work by removing calcium from brain cells. The ingredient said to do this is a jellyfish protein called apoaequorin. The idea is by removing the calcium, brain cells will function better and memory will be enhanced.
Vitamin D in the supplement might also help also but since TV ads specifically highlight the jellyfish protein, we know apoaequorin is the key ingredient.
Neuriva
The “hero ingredient” in Neuriva (pronounced Neur-Via) is an extract from coffee cherry (coffee fruit extract). The substance, found in the skin and rind of the coffee fruit (they call it Neurofactor) is an antioxidant and increases the production of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF).
The BNDF compound helps our existing brain cells stay healthy and communicate with other brain cells. Healthy, well-connected brain cells, should, in theory, lead to a better functioning brain.
Neuriva also contains phosphatidylserine, a fatty substance found in our cell membranes. Some research suggests declines in phosphatidylserine are related to memory problems.
Head-To-Head Comparison
Neither supplement has been directly compared to each other in clinical trials. The same is true for Neuriva Plus vs Prevagen either. Therefore, we have no direct way of comparing them to each other. To be fair, a study like that is unlikely to happen as companies rarely do these sorts of things.
Until clinical trials like this are undertaken, the best way we have to tell what's better is to look at the research on each supplement and those studies conducted on their ingredients.
Let's do that next.
Prevagen & Neuriva Clinical Proof
So how does Nuruiva compare to Prevagen? One way is to compare their clinical research. Let's take a look.
Neuriva Research
The Neuriva supplement – itself – does not appear to have any clinical proof. In other words, no clinical studies of this supplement or its combination of ingredients can be located.
The company website (SchiffVitamins.com), discusses how the ingredients in Nuriva are clinically studied. This is true. Those ingredients have been studied – separately.
That's good but research on the ingredients is not necessarily the same as research on Neuriva itself. That's a problem for those looking for clinically tested dietary supplements.
Coffee cherry is important to how well this supplement works. So, what's the proof for it? In one study of coffee cherry, researchers concluded that it improved reaction time. That's interesting but reaction time doesn't necessarily mean it helps dementia.
Despite references to a coffee ingredient, this supplement does not contain caffeine.
Coffee cherry might also raise BDNF levels in the brain. That's nice too but it doesnt necessarily prove it helps people remember where they put their car keys.
Phosphatidylserine has more research than coffee cherry. This is probably because it's been around longer. In a large study, phosphatidylserine improved memory more than a placebo when it was given to over 400 older folks. There's also some evidence we tend to make less of this stuff as we get older.
Unfortunately, not all studies show phosphatidylserine works. Investigators in one study found no improvement in memory when either 300 mg or 600 mg was given to older adults for 12 weeks.
See the full review on this supplement
Video Review
Watch on my YouTube channel if you prefer
Prevagen Research
In the original Prevagen research study – called the Madison Memory Study – researchers observed that the key ingredient in the jellyfish supplement (apoaequorin) seemed to improve memory – but only in those who did not have memory issues.
In other words, it seemed to work in healthy people only. This is interesting but that doesn't prove Prevagen helps people with dementia, Alzheimer's, or other forms of cognitive impairment.
Another issue with Prevagen is that one of the company's own studies suggests its key ingredient – apoaequorin – is “easily digested.” If that's true, can Prevagen even make it into the brain to work?
The company that makes the supplement also has a neuro-shake too. The amount of apoaequorin (jellyfish protein) but whether it works better than Prevagen -or as well- needs more study.
See the Prevagen review
Prevagen vs. Neuriva Plus
Neuriva Plus contains Vitamins B6, B12, and folate in addition to the ingredients found in the original supplement. Here are the ingredients in each supplement side by side:
| Neuriva Original (1 capsule) | Neuriva Plus (1 capsule) | Prevagen (1 capsule) |
| Coffee Fruit Extract 100 mg | Vitamin B6 1.7 mg (100% DV) | Vitamin D 50 mcg (2000 IU) |
| Phosphatidyl Serine 100 mg | Folate 400 mcg (100% DV) | Apoaequorin 10 mg |
| Vitamin B12 2.4 mcg (100 % DV) | ||
| Coffee Cherry Extract 200 mg | ||
| Phosphatidyl Serine 100 mg |
Helpful tips:
- % DV= percent daily value
- mcg = micrograms
- mg = milligrams
As can be seen Neurvia Plus also contains vitamins, B6, B12, and folate. These vitamins may help memory by reducing homocysteine levels. High levels of homocysteine are linked to both heart disease and poor memory. In addition, Neuriva Plus provides 200 mg of the coffee cherry fruit extract, which is twice as much found in the original formula.
There is some evidence 200 mg of coffee cherry improves reaction time more than 100 mg, but not by much.
See the Bacopa For Memory Review for more insights.
Neuriva vs. Prevagen Price
Here's a cost breakdown for a 30-day supply of each as listed on their respective websites:
- Neuriva Original (30 capsules): $32.99
- Neuriva Plus (30 capsules): $49.49
- Prevagen (30 capsules): $39.95
- Prevagen Extra Strength: $59.95
- Prevagen Professional Formula: $89.95
These supplements may cost less on Amazon.
Prevagen, Neuriva Side Effects
Both supplements are likely safe for healthy people. Reports of negative side effects are few for the most part. That said, here are some things to keep in mind before trying either dietary supplement. When in doubt, ask your doctor for more specific recommendations.
- Start with less than recommended for the first week
- If you take meds for Alzheimer's, dementia, etc., ask your doctor first
- Don't mix memory supplements together
- If you take any medications, speak to your doctor first
- Stop taking at least 2 weeks before you have surgery
- Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing
- While Neuriva is decaffeinated, it's possible it may have a little caffeine. Consider this if taking it before bedtime.
So What's Better: Neuriva or Prevagen?
There's no clear winner here. Both Prevagen and Neuriva contain interesting ingredients but the proof for each supplement is less than I'd like. While both supplements have their fans, remember the results obtained with each will likely vary. If either work, their results might be best in those without significant brain impairment. Phosphatidylserine, which is one of the ingredients in Neuriva, has some interesting research and may be worth taking a look at.
Here's Phosphatidylserine on Amazon