Nootropic profile
Apoaequorin
Apoaequorin is a calcium-binding protein originally derived from the bioluminescent jellyfish Aequorea victoria. Marketed primarily under the brand name Prevagen, it is promoted for memory support, though its evidence base is limited and largely brand-sponsored.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is Apoaequorin?
Apoaequorin is a 22-kDa protein that was first isolated from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria in the 1960s by researchers studying bioluminescence.
What it does for you
Community and editorial ratings, out of 5:
How to take it
- Marketed dose: 10 mg per day (as in Prevagen Regular Strength)
- Extra Strength: 20 mg per day (Prevagen Extra Strength)
- Professional: 40 mg per day (Prevagen Professional)
- Timing: Manufacturer recommends taking once daily, in the morning
- Duration: The manufacturer suggests 90 days for full effects
Watch out for
- Side effects: Generally well tolerated in reported studies. Occasional reports of headache, dizziness, and nausea.
- FTC action: In 2017, the US Federal Trade Commission and New York Attorney General sued the manufacturer for false advertising, alleging the clinical...
- Protein allergy: As a protein derived from jellyfish (produced recombinantly), allergic reactions are theoretically possible though rarely reported.
- Drug interactions: No significant drug interactions reported.
- Pregnancy: Insufficient data. Consult a healthcare provider.
The science, if you're curious.
- Apoaequorin has high affinity for calcium ions and could theoretically buffer excess intracellular calcium in neurons, preventing excitotoxicity - though...
- Cell culture studies have shown that apoaequorin can protect neurons from calcium-induced cell death, but these results use direct application to cells, not...
- As a protein, apoaequorin is expected to be broken down by digestive enzymes (pepsin, trypsin) before absorption. No studies have demonstrated intact...
- The primary clinical trial (Madison Memory Study) was funded by the manufacturer and showed modest improvements in some memory tasks. Independent...
Where to find it
- Prevagen: The primary (and essentially only) commercial source, manufactured by Quincy Bioscience
- Recombinant production: Modern apoaequorin is produced in bacteria using recombinant DNA technology, not extracted from jellyfish
- No natural dietary sources: Apoaequorin is not found in any common foods
Frequently asked
Apoaequorin is a calcium-binding protein originally derived from the bioluminescent jellyfish Aequorea victoria. Marketed primarily under the brand name Prevagen, it is promoted for memory support, though its evidence base is limited and largely brand-sponsored.
The main benefits people report from Apoaequorin are: Anxiety & Calm, Cognitive Enhancement, Focus, Longevity, Memory, Mood.
Marketed dose: 10 mg per day (as in Prevagen Regular Strength)Extra Strength: 20 mg per day (Prevagen Extra Strength)Professional: 40 mg per day (Prevagen Professional)Timing: Manufacturer recommends taking once daily, in the morningDuration: The manufacturer suggests 90 days for full effects
Side effects: Generally well tolerated in reported studies. Occasional reports of headache, dizziness, and nausea.FTC action: In 2017, the US Federal Trade Commission and New York Attorney General sued the manufacturer for false advertising, alleging the clinical...Protein allergy: As a protein deri...
Apoaequorin has high affinity for calcium ions and could theoretically buffer excess intracellular calcium in neurons, preventing excitotoxicity - though...Cell culture studies have shown that apoaequorin can protect neurons from calcium-induced cell death, but these results use direct application t...
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