Update 8/29/19. Will Procera AVH improve your memory or is it a scam? It's been several years since I first reviewed this memory support supplement and I thought it deserved a second look. This is an updated and expanded Procera review. As always, the research will be our guide. To make it easier to find the info you need quickly, I've divided this review into several questions about this supplement. Does Procera really work? See the evidence. You decide.
1 What Is Procera AVH?
Procera is not a drug. It is an over-the counter-dietary supplement said to help to improve memory. No prescription is required for this supplement. The website of the supplement makes this very clear but I wanted to say it again because the name Procera sounded like a drug to me.
2 How Does Procera Work?
The supplement is said to work by improving blood flow to the brain. This increases the oxygen flow to the brain too. The supplement is also touted to work by helping to restore “key neuro-transmitters with vital nutrients for a sharper, quicker mind.”
Let's next look at the Procera research.
3 Procera Research
This brain enhancer supplement does have a study to support its use. The investigation was published in 2009 and is titled “A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Examining the Effects of a Combination Nutraceutical Formula on Cognitive Functioning and Mood.”
Here's a summary of the study and its results:
Study Summary
A 30-day investigation involving 74 people. The average age of the people was 48. So, they were not “old.” The study was conducted at the Brain Science Institute located at Swinburne University in Australia.
For 30 days people received either a placebo or 1515 mg of the memory supplement. Various memory tests were conducted on each group.
Study Results
After 30 days, people taking Procera AVH showed significant improvements in some memory tests. In other tests, they didn't. Areas where people showed significant improvements included:
- Less anger/hostility
- Faster word recognition
- Longer ability to remember numbers
- Better mood
This supplement used to tout it could improve memory in 30 days.
Study Problems
The study sounds pretty impressive. But, after reading it, I noticed a few potential problems:
- The study only lasted 30 days. I would have preferred the study last 3-6 months at least.
- The people were young. The average age of people in the study was 48. Just because people in their 40s may have seen improvements does not mean someone in their 80s would too.
As an aside, the study was published in the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association (JANA). This is not the same thing as the JAMA – the Journal of the American Medication Association.
The AVH supplement was donated by 20/20 Brain Power Partners LLC in Laguna Beach CA. This company is called the “founders of Brain Research Labs now called Key View Labs.” 20/20 Brain Power Partners also covered 50% of the cost of the study. There is nothing wrong with this. I'm glad when a company supports research on their supplements.
There is no evidence this supplement helps people with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.
4 Procera AVH Ingredients
Now let's look at the ingredients in this supplement. It's called “AVH” because this refers to the 3 key ingredients. They are:
- Acetyl-l-carnitine
- Vinpocetine
- Huperzine A
From the label, the supplement contains the most acetly-L-carnitine and the least huperzine A.
Taking 3 capsules per day provides 1515 mg of these ingredients. This was the amount used in the Procera study.
Let's now look at the ingredients in the supplement.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
We make acetyl L carnitine and it's found in foods like red meat. The molecule also “looks” like the brain chemical acetylcholine. Several studies have shown acetyl L carnitine may help older adults with memory issues. Other research hints this compound might improve both mental and physical fatigue.
Other research hints acetyl L carnitine may help depression in older adults as well. The amounts used in research appear to be roughly 1- 2 grams per day.
People with slow-acting thyroids (hypothyroidism) should use caution with acetyl l carnitine because it appears to inhibit the action of thyroid hormone. While there appears to be little proof that acetyl L carnitine may increase the risk of seizures, those with seizure disorders should talk to their doctor first.
Vinpocetine
In some countries, this is sold by prescription. Another name for is Cavinton. Some older research hints that vinpocetine may increase blood flow to the brain by opening up blood vessels. Vinpocetine may also help memory in healthy people.
Use vinpocetine with caution if you are taking blood thinner drugs. Vinpocetine appears to have a blood-thinning effectct.
Like all supplements, always investigate companies you do business with. In this 2015 investigation, about 25% of supplements clamming to contain vinpocetine did not actually contain it. This study did not specifically mention the names of the supplements they tested.
Huperzine A
Several studies, mostly conducted in China, show that huperzine helps dementia. Huperzine A inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. As such, it will raise levels of acetylcholine in the brain. Because it can raise acetylcholine levels, Huperzine A side effects may range from elevated blood pressure and muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, seizures, and blurry vision.
Huperzine might also lower heart rate so it may – in theory – interact with some heart meds (like Beta Blockers). This is just my opinion and I'm not a doctor, but I felt it should be mentioned.
See the reviews on
for more information
5 How Long Will A Bottle Last?
It's recommended to take 3 capsules per day. A bottle has 20 servings (60 capsules). This means a bottle will last only 20 days – less than 1 month. Some bottles contain 90 capsules.
6 Buy Procera
So who sells Procera? This supplement has been around a long time and can be found at many familiar stores like Vitamin Shoppe, GNC, Rite Aid, Walgreens, and Walmart.
7 Procera Cost
When buying from the company website, a bottle can be purchased for $35.99 (it was $59.95 originally). Shipping is included.
8 The Procera Lawsuit
The website TopClassActions.com lists details on a Procera lawsuit (O'Brien, et al. v. Brain Research Labs, LLC).
On July 8, 2015, the makers of Procera AVH agreed to pay 1.4 million dollars in response to charges made by the Federal Trade Commission (FCT) regarding deceptive advertising of Procera AVH. For more information, Click Here to read the FTC Press lease.
9 The Procera Infomercial
The first time I saw the supplement advertised was on TV was during a 30 minute infomercial. While the infomercial might no longer air on TV, here is some info on hosts and guests for those who are doing their own research.
Patrice King Brown
When the product originally aired on TV, the 30 minute infomercial was called “Stop Memory Loss.” This new Procera infomercial featured a host named Patrice King Brown. She was listed who was listed as “an award winning investigative reporter.”
Patrice King Brown was a news anchor in Pittsburgh on TV station KDKA, where she has worked since 1978. In January 2011 she announced her retirement from KDKA. Her last day as a news anchor was January 28, 2011.
Patrice King Brown is married to Dr. Paul Nemiroff Ph.D., MD, who also appeared the original Procera AVH infomercial.
At one point during the infomercial, Dr. Nemiroff showed an illustration of two brains – “before” and “after” pictures which give the impression of what's supposed to happen before and after using this supplement.
At the end of the infomercial, it says “Dr. Nemiroff is a medical doctor and is partially compensated from sales of this product.”
Here is another commercial
Josh Reynolds
Josh Reynolds is the co-founder of the company that makes Procera – Key View Labs (Brain Research Labs). The infomercial stated Josh Reynolds is a brain scientist researcher and author as well as a pioneer in the study and science of the brain and cognitive performance.
His linked in profile states he is the inverter of the “Mood Ring” as well as the ThighMaster. He's also the inventor of the Procera memory support supplement too. Mr. Reynolds is the author of the book 20/20 Brain Power and 20/20 Brain Power Recipes
Dr. Gene Steiner
Dr. Gene Steiner (also called Eugene Steiner) also originally appeared on the infomercial. During an infomercial, Dr. Steiner says, “As a pharmacist, I've always felt helpless in recommending a solution for memory loss.” As an aside, there is a lot of research on the benefits of exercise on memory and brain function and reducing the risk of senility – including the risk of Alzheimer's.
10 The Other Infomercial
In June of 2014, I saw another TV infomercial for this supplement. This one was simply titled “Surgeon General Candidate” where it was hinted that people could “regain memory speed to the level of those up to 15 years younger.” Procera was touted as a “clinically tested, prescription free memory breakthrough.”
The infomercial featured a talk show-looking host seated in front of red blinking lights, which reminded me of the computers on old sci-fi TV shows like Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea and Lost in Space. I was confused why they would title the infomercial “Surgeon General Candidate” until it was mentioned Paul Nemiroff was once a candidate for US Surgeon General.
In addition to Paul Nemiroff and Gene Steiner, this infomercial also featured Stephen Coles, MD, Ph.D. Stephen Coles MD, Ph.D. is a real scientist who studies aging. His website is the Gerontology Research Group. Procera is not mentioned on this website. While Dr. Cole has taught at Stanford and UC Berkley, the infomercial also stated -in small print: “Stanford and UCLA neither endorses or are affiliated with Procera AVH.”
11. Other Procera Supplements
There are several other memory support supplements featured on the supplement's website. How do they compare to each other? Here is a quick overview of them:
- Procera Memory Support
- Procera Advanced Brain
- Procera XTF Extreme Focus
| Procera AVH | Memory Support | Advanced Brain | Procera XTF |
| Acetyl L Carnitine | Ginkgo biloba | Vit B1 | Vit B3 |
| Vinpocetine | Panax ginseng | Vit B2 | Vit BV6 |
| Huperzine A | Vit B3 | Pantothenic acid | |
| Vit B6 | Procera AVH | ||
| Folate | Rhodiola Rosea | ||
| Vit B12 | caffeine | ||
| Pantothenic acid | green coffee | ||
| Zinc | |||
| Panax Ginseng | |||
| Gingko Biloba | |||
| Ashwagandha | |||
| Rhodiola Rosea | |||
| Phosphatidylserine |
Looking at these 4 supplements side-by-side, it might be easy to conclude Procera Advanced Brain supplement would be the best because it has the most ingredients. But the research study did not involve any of these other supplements.
There is no proof Procera AVH works better when combined with these other memory supplements. Also notice the Extreme Focus supplement contains Procera AVH, albeit in a smaller dosage (758 mg). The Extreme Focus supplement also contains caffeine as well as green coffee extract.
See the Green Coffee Review
There is some evidence Rhodiola Rosea might help depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
Here's rhodiola rosea on Amazon
12 How To Take Procera
The company says to use 3 capsules per day with food, preferably something containing some fat (like nuts). Take all 3 capsules at the same time. You don't have to take them with a full meal. Even a snack will do. The fat in the food you eat may help improve the absorption of the ingredients.
Prewcera Vs. The competition
So how good is Procera compared to other memory supplements? Here's how it compares to two major competing supplements.
13 Procera Vs. Prevagen
Prevagen is another VERY popular memory supplement. It contains an extract from jellyfish said to improve memory. While it differs greatly from Procera, it also has a clinical study. There are no studies comparing these two supplements to each other.
14 Procera vs. Nerium EHT
One of the most unique memory support supplements is Nerium EHT. The key ingredient in Nerium is a compound from coffee called EHT which does have some studies behind it. While neither supplement has been clinically compared to each other, both contain huperzine A as an ingredient.
15 Who Makes Procera AVH?
The company is called Key View Labs. For former name was Brain Research Labs. The original name of the company was Brain Power Partners LLC. The website is ProceraHealth.com. Key View Lbs is located at 5737 Benjamin Center Dr Tampa, FL 33634-5293. This address is a corporate center.
16 Contact Key View Labs
Customer Service can be reached at 800-214-8112. Other contact # listed with the Better Business Bureau include
- (800) 213-4101
- (800) 530-0296
17 Better Business Bureau Ratings
The BBB rating for Key View Labs “A+” Key View Labs has been in business since 2012. The BBB rating has improved since this review was originally created. See the BBB for more information and updates.
Another, older name for the company was Brain Research Labs. While that name appears to no longer be used, here is the BBB file for Brain Research Labs.
18 Procera AVH Side Effects
While the Procera research study revealed no side effects, that investigation only lasted 30 days and involved relatively healthy people. As such, speak to your doctor and pharmacist first if you are not “healthy.” Here are a few things to consider when you take this supplement. This list is not complete:
- Start with less than suggested for the first week to see how you respond
- Speak to your doctor /pharmacist first if you have dementia or take dementia meds.
- Stop taking Procera at least 2 weeks before having surgery.
- Talk to your doctor first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Acetyl L Carnitine might have a blood thinner effect, so it may interfere with blood thinner drugs. It might also lower thyroid hormone levels and cause seizures in people who have seizure disorders.
- Vinpocetine appears to have a blood thinner effect.
- Huperzine A might increase blood pressure and interfere with high blood pressure medications. Huperzine might slow heart rate, increase seizures in some people and worsen conditions like emphysema, asthma and other forms of COPD.
19 Any Stimulants?
There are no stimulants like caffeine or guarana in the AVH supplement.
20 Can Students Take It?
There is no clinical evidence Procera AVH will help college students study longer or perform better on college exams. Remember, the study involved people in their 40s. It would take research on younger folks to see if the supplement helps younger people too.
21 Is It Available Outside The US
It appears the supplement is only shipped within the US as well as Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands. Currently, it does not appear to be sold in Canada. Canadians should call the company for more information.
22 What Is Procera Protect?
This is the new name for the memory supplement called Ceraplex. This name is still mentioned on bottles of this supplement. See the Ceraplex review.
23 Procera Guarantee
You have 30 days to return unopened supplements. The guarantee does not include opened or partially used supplements. Remember the 30 days start when it is shipped to you – not when it arrives. When you return Procera, the company will refund the purchase price minus shipping/handling.
There is no restocking fee when returning supplements (unless you refuse shipments and then there is a restocking fee of $14.95) Before returning, call the company at 1-800-213-4101 to get specifics on how to do this.
24 How To Return Procera AVH
To return the supplement call this number 800-213-4101
25 Does Procera AVH Work?
Overall, the ingredients in Procera seem logical and so it's possible some people might notice memory improvements. But, more research is needed to know for sure. The supplement appears to only have 1 study showing it works. That's not much given how long this product has been around.
So glad I did a bit of research on this. My Father mentioned it and due to his increasing memory issues he is grasping at straws, especially after the Dr. visit this morning. He mentioned looking into it and when I found your site it all ended as quickly as it began.
He is healthy physically but mentally he is sliding fast. He did mention that he didn’t want to take something that is worse than what he already has.
Sarah, I will say a prayer for you and your dad tonight. I’m glad you were able to find me.
Does anybody know why Procera Infomercials are still airing late at night, making the same claims that the lawsuit was supposed to have settled?
Martha, I can only guess that they are still making sales. I don’t think the lawsuit prohibited them from advertising but that is an interesting question. I’m not sure.
Thanks Joe! I have tried briefly to find out contact information of the Attorney(s) who handled the case, or perhaps where I might read the settlement agreement. Seems that would be public knowledge. Also seems that if company was able to settle out of court, that they would have to agree to discontinue doing the very thing they were accused of doing!!
Whatcha think? Surely a settlement is more than an “apology-accepted” and “business as usual”?! Do you know more about how we can learn the outcome?
Martha, I hear that sometimes people settle to pay a fine without admitting anything wrong occurred. I’m not sure if that is what happened or not. Im sure the attorneys who handled the lawsuit would know a lot more about this.
Thanks again. Yeah, maybe. If I am able to learn more, I will let you know.
Like so many here, I was excited to hear there was an answer to my ‘brain fog’, but it’s not foggy enough to buy without research. I was very glad to see you had looked into it..I always find your results thorough and factual to the product and people involved, which I also believe is fair. Thank you for saving me time and $$.
Thanks Teri, happy I was able to help.
It is funny not one reply that it works. I found out about this product by three people who had a GREAT turn around. Who are you trying to be,or start your own web site?
Joe…spoke to an agent tonight and was interested…but your comprehensive review thankfully made me think twice…they are so many companies out there like this…they get your cc and then it becomes impossible to get in touch with them to stop the product…so grateful for all the information…very thoughtful and kind of you to take the time and energy pati scott
Thanks Patty that’s very kind of you to say. Im happy I was able to help.
As somebody who is a sales agent for Procera AVH- I’d just like to point out that Brain Research Labs is actually located up in Maine…. Westbrook and Topsham, to be specific.
Now, I understand that there are a significant amount of issues to be had with this product. But, I will also say this is one of two products that I /actually/ believe in.
That’s not a sales pitch. That’s based on testimonials I’ve personally received from customers, and the literature I’ve read on this product…. NOW… I do recognize that a fair amount of the effects from Procera could definitely be placebo effects.
Mind you, my company sells like 100+ other things that are complete shit, and I’ve made it a point to write that on online interviews. Although I’m a fantastic salesperson, I think that people who are intelligent enough to do their own research on something that they’re buying deserve a chance, haha.
Anastasia, thanks for writing. I used the address of Brain Research Labs that was listed on the website. I appreciate your impute that BRL sells many other products. I wasn’t aware of that.
Let me elaborate a bit more on my comments of yesterday – I was in a bit of a hurry to leave for dinner with friends and did not say all that I feel should be said.
I have a close friend who is the former President of the Research Division of a very large well known pharmaceutical company. He holds a PhD in Pharmacology, as does a cousin of mine, and rose through the ranks to be come President of the Research Division. He traveled to all parts of the world and the US where they had manufacturing facilities. He knows more about drugs and their development than any MD who does not work in that field.That company at one point sold out to Pfizer and he was then
recruited by the FDA to serve on a committee that evaluates the testing of drugs in development required by the FDA. He is probably the only person who has served on both sides of the fence, the private development world, and the FDA.
I have had some long discussions with him about investing in rising pharma companies whose research looks promising. He gave me a real education on what really goes on in the world of drug development and approval, and I can tell you that it is a very very tough process, mainly due to side affects and efficacy. He has related how his company spent as high as $800,000,000 on drugs that they felt would make it through final testing and approval – which didn’t and the project had to be dropped by them.
He was in charge of granting money to private research labs, rising pharma companies, University research labs, etc. when his company felt that they “may be on to something”. He dispensed untold millions of dollars in these projects in search of solutions that were needed and looked promising.
I am playing golf with him tomorrow morning, and I am going to mention Procera AVH to him. I know without doubt that he is going to laugh me off the golf course, but I am going to take it up with him anyway.
I do realize that dealing with supplements and vitamins is not the same world as I just delved into, but don’t think for a minute that those ingredients are not considered in serious research and development, the scientists who have the education and real world experience that is needed.
To say that our country, probably the world, has a serious growing problem with loss of mental function, is to put it mildly. The incidence of Dementia and Alzheimer’s is growing, and presents a situation of great enormity. With the advent of the Baby Boomers now reaching the ages of higher incidence, the problem will overwhelm the medical community to deal with it if some solutions are not soon developed (and are indeed being worked on furiously).
Don’t think that the U S Government is not greatly concerned about this, for indeed they are. It’s serious stuff. My own 77 year old sister-in-law just very recently finished an FDA authorized test program of a drug in development by a well known pharma company. The drug that was administered during the program did help her a bit during the testing period – but not permanently, and she is now slowly going deeper into Alzheimer’s. It is horrible to watch.
Now in the face of all the money and the time by scientists being put into the problem, can you tell me how a one horse company can put together a “solution” on their own by mixing some ingredients? It’s an absurdity. It is outrageous.
And to close, let me relate a little to anybody who reads this message about “ingredients” which would be the supplements that are used by these companies. You do not know the source of those supplements. Much of them are made in different parts of the world, including China as a big supplier, and there is no guarantee of their quality, or supervision over their manufacture.
This stuff is NOT tested upon entry into the U.S. This is why my friend referenced herein tells me he will not take any drugs that are not manufactured by major pharmaceutical houses in the U.S. No substitutes!!! Otherwise, you do not know the quality of the ingredients, drugs or Over The Counter supplements!!! Think on that for a while!
I hope that my message is of some help.
Bill, thanks on your further elaboration and good luck tomorrow on the golf course!
After reading almost all the comments and your replies, I am impressed with your work, and how gullible the public is. There are multi-billion $ pharma companies and university labs working on the memory problem, and have been for a very long time. How can anybody believe that suddenly an obscure product will come on the market that will outdo the multi-millions of dollars that are being spent for the work of legitimate high powered scientists? Wake up America!
The scientists have not overlooked natural supplements, they just know that they don’t really work. It is pitiful to see people who are desperate about their memory be hoodwinked by charlatans – sad, sad, sad. The Medical Doctors involved in trying to sell this junk to the public ought to be sued for malpractice.
People ought to send your research paper to their local Better Business Bureau’s, and to their State Medical Board wherever a Medical Doctor practices who is involved in this.
We need to fight back and let those people know they cannot get away with hoodwinking the public.
Everything you point out is true. As with a whole lot of other “miracle” supplements, the scientific claims are so vague they really mean nothing. However, unless one is at risk for the blood-thinning side effect, some persons can benefit from this product.
My personal experience with Procera: A year or two ago, I overcame my dislike and distrust of TV commercials (“But wait! Order now and you will get not one but three….”) and ordered the product because I was experiencing memory lapses and looking for an easy solution (I admit I hate exercise). Within days I noticed a marked improvement in my mood. After some weeks, my memory too was improving significantly. I had no side effects and reordered several times, even shared it with my sister, who also experienced a positive effect. My only problem was with the price, so eventually I discontinued my orders.
Some months ago, I received notice of a class action against the company, which entitled their customers to a $50 rebate against a future order, and I must say I was tempted to use it, but didn’t. (This action was based solely on their sales/pricing practices and had nothing to do with the product itself.)
I landed on this site because I was researching alternatives as, once again, my memory is letting me down. I may try the single ingredients one by one, starting with the vinpocetine.
No doubt it must be a very lucrative business to combine some proven ingredients into a branded “cocktail” which can be marked up at will!
elisabethkhan, I know you said you hate it, but do consider exercise. Its not just about memory. Exercise will help you keep your independence as you get older. Just trust me.
Sir, I read your commentary, and I thank you for your work. I saw an ad on TV for a “doctor” promoting his book on dementia and how to avoid it. I saw this while standing in a hospital room with my 88 yr old father who is suffering from dementia after a diabetic episode. Needless to say, I was listening to the ad because I am interested in avoiding the problem myself.
When the “doctor” started describing his “4 pillars” to brain health, I became interested. After mildly describing the 1st pillar as good nutrition, but then instantly segued into an ad for “Procera AVH” I became suspicious. Rule of thumb: Follow the money. I turned the TV off after that. I felt sorry for all the desperate folks looking for a “cure” and then spending their fixed incomes on “snake oil.” Some things don’t change, do they. Again, thank you for your research….I hope people take the time to question Procera AVH and I hope they find your info.
Thanks Teresa. Ill say a prayer today for your dad who has dementia. I can only imagine the stress you are under.
Thank you for your research. There was a huge article in my local paper about Dr. Gene Steiner, who supposedly discovered this new treatment. they were offering a 30 day free bottle. when I called I spoke to a gentleman for a couple of minutes, the phone went dead and no one would answer when I tried to call back. The Lord was protecting me from a scam.
M.O., Yes it does appear that He was 🙂
Thanks for all the work put into this. I wish I had seen the prior to making a purchase oI this product!
I was a surgical PA and involved with many types of surgery. However, all that changed after I used a large quantity of Crystal Light over a long period of time. Why do I say all this? Because I was unaware of the dangers of aspartame in high heat situations.
After the lose of cognitive skills and tipping over, It was recommended that I try the product you so skillfully refuted. I wish (as I previously stated) that I would have seen something like this prior to making such a purchase. Thank you for putting your information out there for all to see.
Steve, your very welcome.
http://www.birthdefects.org/research/aspartame.php
Phenylalanine is also a serotonin antagonist causing further behavioral problems.
I spent 30 minutes researching Procera, and can verify 25-30% of your comments. I am an actuary, in retirement, having the time to do research. Thanks so much as you answered all my questions. Most elderly people aren’t trained and are over-trusting. Why not sponsor a not-for-profit user-funded site that produces research like this. The need is sadly significant DEFINED here as justified that $millions each day on unproven health aids. Thanks for this excellent article.
Thanks Bob!
Wow, that was a very thorough and exhaustive review/critique of procera. There are really a lot of grey areas around the endorsement of this product, and a lot not so very truthful endorsements. I guess the user’s experience would speak a lot for, or against, the product. Thanks for all the other published works the people here shared. Very, very useful.
The very fact that this is an infomercial and that the interviewer Patrice Brown asks questions which are designed to evoke only a positive endorsement of the product by this doctor would in itself trigger a red flag. So that got me curious enough to check it out on Google and what you’ve researched about it only confirms my initial skepticism.
it seems that congress did a great diservice allowing the supplement industry to market products without proof of efficacy and safety.
I recently (Dec 2011) did research as part of my MS Biotechnology degree.
These are the recall rates per Billion $ in Sales
Recalls/$ Billion Sales
Device 0.23
Drug/Biologic 0.15
Food 0.45
Supplement 1.50
13. FDA. Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/default.htm. Accessed December 10, 2011.
14. Pharmameddevice.com. Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, and Biotechnology industry statistics. Available at: http://www.pharmameddevice.com/App/homepage.cfm?appname=100485&linkid=23294&moduleid=3162#Medical_Device. Accessed December 10, 2011.
15. Marketingcharts.com. US Prescription Drug Sales Grow Slowly; Hydrocodone Most Prescribed. Available at: http://www.marketingcharts.com/topics/us-prescription-drug-sales-grow-slowly-hydrocodone-most-prescribed-8462/. Accessed December 9, 2011.
16. Census.gov. ADVANCE MONTHLY SALES FOR RETAIL AND FOOD SERVICES OCTOBER 2011. Available at: http://www.census.gov/retail/marts/www/marts_current.pdf. Accessed December 9, 2011.
17. Examiner.com. Annual USA sales of nutritional supplements top $23 billion, but where’s the quality control? – Sacramento Nutrition | Examiner.com. Available at: http://www.examiner.com/nutrition-in-sacramento/annual-usa-sales-of-nutritional-supplements-top-23-billion-but-where-s-the-quality-control. Accessed December 9, 2011.
Rob, that’s an interesting comparison. thanks for sharing!
Dear Joe,
I came across your review while researching up our competition in this market area. Your review is excellent. As I read the part about Swinbourn University regarding a participant study. I believe this information might have been about Total Calm & Focus, our product. We had Swinbourn University carry out assessing the beneficial effects of Total Calm & Focus in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
We investigated the biological and psychological mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of a propriety blend of magnolia extract and phosphatidylserine. A double-blind, placebo controlled, clinical trial comprising 34 healthy adults was undertaken over a 4-week period. This included a baseline period where participants did not take the herbal supplement, two experimental periods where participants were instructed to take the recommended dose of herbal supplement and a follow-up period where participants ceased taking the supplement. Participants completed questionnaires assessing concentration, mood, perceived stress, anxiety and depression, and provided saliva samples on three days during each week, to measure biological markers of stress, cortisol and alpha-amylase.
One of the main responses to stress is the activation of the HPA axis, with the primary consequence being the secretion of cortisol. Several studies have demonstrated a relationship between perceived stress and cortisol levels, with findings providing evidence that higher cortisol secretion is related to higher levels of stress. The transition from sleep to wakefulness provides a measure of HPA-axis activity, characterised by a marked increase in cortisol levels immediately after awakening. This process is referred to as the cortisol awakening response (CAR).
There is a general consensus that psychological variables are involved in the dysregulation of the HPA axis, as evident by effects on the CAR. Several studies have also demonstrated that alphaamylase is a sensitive biomarker of the stress response. Salivary alpha-amylase reflects the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, with studies showing increases in alpha-amylase during times of stress.
Waking cortisol levels decreased throughout the study period in the treatment group, with no significant change in the control group. For the treatment group, the cortisol awakening response also tended to decrease throughout the study period. There was a significant decrease in the daily measure of stress and the weekly measure of depression in the treatment group, with similar trends seen for the other measures of psychological well-being. There were no significant changes in well-being measures for the control group.
This pilot study indicated that the supplement targets the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulator of the stress response, with significant beneficial effects on waking cortisol, daily stress and weekly depression.
If you would like to review our full publication on TC&F please do not hesitate to get in touch. We believe we are currently the only product in the market with actual clinical trials using the product itself and not just the ingredients separately.
Kind regards,
Kate
Kate, thanks. your study sounds interesting do you have a link to where its published?
Thanks for your thorough research on this product. We have a half page ad in our daily newspaper by Dr. Gene Steiner. I was suspicious of the article and found your article while researching the product. I will not be ordering their product. Thanks again!
Thank you, for your review of this product. No orders from me.
Darlene
WOW, you just saved me from buying again this product!!!
Thanks for such an in-depth review. You really are to be commended for your research on the product and these individuals who profit from other peoples medical problems!
Anonymous, you are too kind.