Quincy Biosciences’ Prevagen has gained notoriety for its extravagant TV commercials and legal complications relating to false advertisements. The supplement is available in capsule and chewable forms, with options for regular and extra strength versions. Its key ingredient is apoaequorin, a protein extracted from jellyfish. The manufacturer asserts that Prevagen enhances cognitive ability and memory by replenishing brain proteins that diminish with age, based on one clinical study.

Regrettably, it seems that not everyone subscribes to this theory. Quincy Biosciences was sued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the New York Attorney General in 2017 for making misleading statements. The main issue raised by the FTC was that proteins ingested orally, such as in pill or chewable form, are digested in the stomach into amino acids. As amino acids, they are unable to travel to the brain and convert back into proteins to replace those lost as a result of aging. This contention is incongruous from a scientific standpoint. Additionally, Prevagen was accused by the FTC of misleading advertising, as the company’s own clinical study allegedly revealed no meaningful enhancement in memory and cognitive abilities in individuals who took Prevagen over those who took a placebo.

Unrelatedly, the FDA has initiated an investigation alleging that Prevagen failed to caution its consumers about the potential dangers of seizures and strokes as adverse reactions to Prevagen usage.