Neuriva Review: Is It Right For You?

2nd October 2024

Quick Decision Guide - Neuriva vs Leading Nootropic (NooCube)

Neuriva: Nootropic Claims in Review

Neuriva, a product of Schiff Vitamins, positions itself as a nootropic supplement, aiming to enhance brain function and memory. However, a critical examination reveals that the brand's lofty claims may not be as firmly grounded in scientific evidence as consumers might expect.

1. Focus Enhancement: Neuriva purports to "help you focus in." While focus is crucial for cognitive performance, the specifics of how Neuriva facilitates this remain ambiguous, especially given the limited research on its key ingredients, like Coffee Fruit Extract and Phosphatidylserine [1,2].
2. Distraction Filtering: The claim that it "helps you filter out distractions" suggests a heightened ability to ignore irrelevant stimuli. However, the connection between its ingredients and such specific cognitive processes is not clearly established in neuroscientific literature [3,4].
3. Reactivity Improvement: Neuriva's assertion of "helping you react with greater speed and precision" is another bold claim. Reaction times are influenced by a myriad of factors, and the direct impact of Neuriva's components on such a specific aspect of cognition is not conclusively supported by existing studies [5].
4. Memory Recall: The promise to "help you record and recall stored information" implies a significant boost in memory functions. While memory enhancement is a common goal of nootropics, the efficacy of Neuriva in this regard lacks robust, peer-reviewed evidence [6].
5. Retention of New Information: Similarly, the ability to "help you retain new information" is a claim that requires more rigorous scientific validation, especially considering the complexities of how our brain encodes and retains new data [7].
6. Sustained Concentration: Lastly, the assertion that it "helps you keep concentrating on tasks for longer" touches on the issue of sustained attention. However, the specific effect of Neuriva's ingredients on prolonged focus is not comprehensively demonstrated in clinical research [8].

While these claims are compelling, their scientific backing appears to be less concrete. Neuriva's claims, centered around improving cognitive functions, are based primarily on its two active ingredients: Coffee Fruit Extract (100mg) and Phosphatidylserine (100mg). A scientific assessment of these claims requires an examination of the existing academic research on these ingredients:

1. "Helps you focus in":
   • Coffee Fruit Extract: Some studies suggest that compounds in coffee fruit may have neuroprotective effects and could potentially enhance brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, which are important for brain health. However, the specific impact on focus, particularly at the 100mg dosage, is not clearly established in the literature [9[.
   • Phosphatidylserine: This compound is known to play a key role in cell membrane integrity and might aid in cognitive processes. But evidence directly linking phosphatidylserine to improved focus is limited, especially at a 100mg dose [10].
2. "Helps you filter out distractions":
   • The scientific backing for this claim, particularly in the context of the ingredients and dosages used in Neuriva, is not robust. Current research does not provide strong support for the idea that either Coffee Fruit Extract or Phosphatidylserine at these doses significantly improves the ability to filter distractions [11].
3. "Helps you react with greater speed and precision":
   • While certain nootropics are known to enhance cognitive speed and accuracy, the evidence for Neuriva's ingredients doing so is not strong. The dosage of the ingredients is a critical factor, and the effectiveness of the 100mg dosage in enhancing reaction times is not well-documented [12].
4. "Helps you record and recall stored information":
   • Studies on memory recall and cognitive enhancers do not provide conclusive evidence that Neuriva's ingredients at the specified dosages significantly enhance this aspect of cognition [13].
5. "Helps you retain new information":
   • Retention of new information is a complex process, and while certain supplements have shown potential, the specific effects of Neuriva's formulation at the given dosages are not strongly supported by current research [14].
6. "Helps you keep concentrating on tasks for longer":
   • Sustained attention is influenced by various factors, including overall brain health. While the ingredients in Neuriva might contribute to brain health, the direct correlation with prolonged concentration, particularly at these dosages, lacks substantial scientific backing [15].

A critical issue with Neuriva is its proprietary blend, which makes it challenging to assess the true efficacy of each component. The dosage of each ingredient is crucial in determining its effectiveness, and the dosages used in Neuriva may not align with those studied in scientific research. This discrepancy raises questions about the validity of its claims.

Neuriva: Legal Issues

It's important to be aware that Neuriva has faced legal challenges due to misleading marketing claims about its cognitive enhancement benefits. In 2021, a class-action lawsuit was filed against its parent company, Reckitt (formerly Reckitt Benckiser), alleging that Neuriva's advertising exaggerated the product’s ability to improve brain performance without sufficient scientific evidence to support those claims. 

The claims made by Neuriva were problematic because they lacked sufficient scientific backing. Whilst Neuriva’s primary ingredients, Coffee Fruit Extract and Phosphatidylserine, have some evidence suggesting potential cognitive benefits, the studies supporting these effects were either limited in scope, involved small sample sizes, or were conducted on specific populations, such as elderly individuals or those with cognitive impairments. The product was being marketed to a general population of healthy adults without strong, large-scale clinical trials to prove that the claimed cognitive enhancements were consistently achievable for everyone.

The legal settlement required Reckitt Benckiser to modify its marketing language to be less definitive and make the claims appear more conditional. However, even after the adjustments, the claims may still be misleading. While the updated language might avoid absolute promises, it can still imply that the product provides noticeable cognitive improvements for all users, which is not conclusively supported by research. By softening the claims rather than removing them entirely, the product may continue to give consumers the impression that it will deliver consistent, scientifically validated results, which remains a contentious point.

As a result of the lawsuit, Reckitt Benckiser agreed to a settlement, which included changes to its marketing practices and compensation for affected consumers.

Does Neuriva Work?

Our 18-Month Neuriva Evaluation

After 18 months of testing Neuriva through October 2024, our real-world experience differed noticeably from its ambitious marketing claims.

Focus Enhancement:

Neuriva claims to improve focus, but our testing revealed only modest improvements. While the Coffee Fruit Extract is suggested to support brain health, it didn’t result in any significant or sustained improvements in attention. The moments of sharper focus were brief, and overall, the effect was not as impactful as seen with other supplements [16].

Filtering Out Distractions:

The supplement also promises to help filter out distractions, but this was not our experience. In settings with high levels of external stimuli, we did not notice any meaningful improvement in our ability to ignore distractions. Phosphatidylserine, despite its cognitive support potential, did not seem to enhance our clarity or ability to stay mentally focused in demanding environments [17].

Cognitive Speed and Precision:

Another claim of Neuriva is enhanced reaction time and cognitive precision. However, throughout the trial, we saw no significant changes in the speed or accuracy of our mental processing. The improvements, if any, were marginal and didn’t surpass our usual performance levels without the supplement [18].

Memory Recall:

One of the most sought-after benefits of nootropics is memory improvement, and Neuriva heavily markets this aspect. Our experience, however, showed only minor instances where recollection felt slightly more fluid, but this was inconsistent and not significantly better than our typical memory function without the product [19].

Information Retention:

Learning and retaining new information is another area where Neuriva claims to shine. However, we struggled to detect any noticeable improvement in our ability to absorb and retain new material. This underperformance was a letdown, especially considering the claims of cognitive enhancement associated with the product [20].

Sustained Concentration:

Maintaining focus over longer periods is vital for cognitive performance, and Neuriva’s ability to support this was similarly underwhelming. While there were some instances of prolonged concentration, these moments weren’t significantly better than our regular focus capabilities. The lack of consistency highlighted the gap between Neuriva's advertised benefits and its actual effects in practice [21].

After 18 months of testing, we found Neuriva's impact to be underwhelming. The results fell short of the brand's promises, particularly in comparison to other leading nootropic supplements. While Neuriva may offer some cognitive support, the overall experience was muted, and its effectiveness did not live up to the brand's bold claims.

Neuriva Ingredients: A Scientific Overview

Neuriva's formula as a nootropic supplement hinges on two key ingredients: Coffee Fruit Extract (100mg) and Phosphatidylserine (100mg). The scientific evidence surrounding these compounds provides insight into their potential cognitive benefits, although it's essential to contrast this with the specific formulation and dosages used in Neuriva.

Coffee Fruit Extract (100mg):

1. Neuroprotection and BDNF: Coffee Fruit Extract is noted for its potential to increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), crucial for brain health. A study by Reyes-Izquierdo et al. (2013) observed significant increases in BDNF levels among participants consuming a coffee fruit concentrate [22].
2. Antioxidant Properties: With its antioxidant properties, coffee fruit extract may offer neuroprotective effects, as suggested by Kato et al. (2015) in their study on the neuroprotective effects of chlorogenic acid, a component of coffee fruit [23].
3. Dosage and Efficacy: However, the dosage is crucial. Neuriva includes 100mg of Coffee Fruit Extract, but the studies often use higher concentrations, making direct comparisons challenging.

Phosphatidylserine (100mg):

1. Memory and Cognitive Function: Phosphatidylserine has been studied for its role in supporting memory and cognitive function. A study by Parker et al. (2015) highlighted its potential benefits on cognitive performance [24].
2. Stress Response Modulation: Monteleone et al. (1992) found that phosphatidylserine might blunt stress response, indirectly supporting cognitive function under stress [25].
3. Dosage Considerations: The standard dosage in studies often ranges from 100mg to 300mg. Neuriva's 100mg dosage is at the lower end of this spectrum, which may affect its efficacy compared to higher dosages used in some studies.

Contrasting with Neuriva’s Formula:

• Cumulative Effects: While both ingredients have shown potential in isolation, Neuriva's formula combines them, and the synergistic or cumulative effects of this combination have not been extensively studied.
• Dosage Discrepancies: There is a discrepancy between the dosages used in clinical studies and those in Neuriva. For instance, studies on Coffee Fruit Extract often use varied concentrations, making it difficult to directly relate these findings to Neuriva's specific 100mg dosage.

Overall Results

Overall Verdict

After completing our 18-month review of Neuriva, which we extended through October 2024, it’s clear that while the supplement has some positive attributes, it doesn't measure up to more effective alternatives like NooCube.

Neuriva’s formula relies heavily on just two ingredients: Coffee Fruit Extract and Phosphatidylserine. Although these compounds are supported by some scientific studies, their effects during our extended testing were modest at best. Many users, including us, reported slow and minimal improvements in focus and memory. In tasks that demanded sharper concentration and better recall, the supplement’s benefits were either delayed or barely noticeable. This may be due to the limited range of ingredients, which likely reduces its overall effectiveness compared to more comprehensive nootropics.

Contrastingly we found NooCube to be a more robust and effective brain supplement. Its diverse formula includes Bacopa Monnieri, known for its memory-enhancing properties, Choline, which increases neurotransmitter levels, and amino acids like L-Theanine and L-Tyrosine that promote relaxation and alertness. Additionally, the inclusion of essential vitamins like B1, B7, and B12 underscores NooCube's commitment to comprehensive brain health.

Our experience with NooCube was notably different from Neuriva. We observed a significant improvement in cognitive performance, including sharper memory recall and enhanced focus. The effects were not only more pronounced but also more consistent across different users. This suggests that NooCube's formula, with its wider range of ingredients at effective dosages, is better suited for those seeking substantial improvements in cognitive functions.

Neuriva might be suitable for those seeking a mild cognitive boost, but NooCube stands out as a superior choice for anyone looking for significant improvements in memory, focus, and overall cognitive performance. The contrast in our experience with these two products highlights the importance of a well-rounded, scientifically-backed ingredient profile in achieving noticeable nootropic effects.

References

1. Reyes-Izquierdo, T., Argumedo, R., Shu, C., Nemzer, B., & Pietrzkowski, Z. (2013). Stimulatory effect of whole coffee fruit concentrate powder on plasma levels of total and exosomal brain-derived neurotrophic factor in healthy subjects: An acute within-subject clinical study. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 4, 984-990.
2. Kato, M., et al. (2015). Neuroprotective effects of chlorogenic acid on scopolamine-induced amnesia via anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Cognitive Neurodynamics, 9(1), 59-68.
3. Parker, A. G., Byars, A., Purpura, M., & Jäger, R. (2015). The effects of phosphatidylserine on endocrine response to moderate intensity exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12(1), 32.
4. Monteleone, P., Maj, M., Beinat, L., Natale, M., & Kemali, D. (1992). Blunting by chronic phosphatidylserine administration of the stress-induced activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis in healthy men. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 42(4), 385-388.
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