Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageAlternatives
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Alternatives
Jellyfish protein (apoaequorin) is a recombinant protein originally extracted from theAequorea victoriaspecies of jellyfish.In nature, apoaequorin produces a blue light when exposed to calcium.
Apoaequorin is thought to help improve memory and slow progressive loss of cognitive function, but little evidence supports this. Despite this, a lab-made version of apoaequorin is included as the primary ingredient of the dietary supplement Prevagen.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
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Apoaequorin for Memory: What the Research Says
Problems with calcium regulation are believed to play a key role in aging-related mental decline.
Because apoaequorin has a similar structure to calcium-binding proteins, some scientists think it can improve calcium regulation and prevent or reverse the calcification of brain tissue.
Despite health claims, there remains little evidence that jellyfish protein or apoaequorin supplements can treat any condition.
Memory and Verbal Learning
In the study, participants with self-reported memory concerns took either a daily 10 milligram (mg) dose of an apoaequorin supplement or a placebo (nontherapeutic substance). Compared with the placebo group, the participants who took the apoaequorin supplement showed improvements in recall and verbal learning based on cognitive tests taken on days 0, 8, 30, 60, and 90.
Since participants weren’t selected based on a common factor, such as an early-stage Alzheimer’s diagnosis, the study’s conclusions could be misleading or easily misconstrued. Additionally, improvements were seen only in healthy or mildly impaired adults. No improvements were seen in those with significant cognitive impairment.
The way participants were tested is also problematic. Cognitive improvements are expected when repeating tests. Even in people with early Alzheimer’s, routinebrain exerciseswill almost always improve memory and cognitive function.
9 Mnemonics to Improve Your Memory
Conclusions and Controversy
Shortcomings like these have enabled manufacturers to make claims that far exceed what the research actually reveals.
With Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia, a brain scan such ascomputed tomography (CT)ormagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)might be a better way to evaluate the effects of apoaequorin.To date, there has been no such research.
In 2019, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sued the manufacturers of Prevagen for misleading advertising.This was the second such lawsuit.
In their lawsuit, the FTC accused Quincy Bioscience of making “false claims” that Prevagen can improve memory “within 90 days.” The FTC pointed to the Madison Memory Study in which even the researchers said the improvements were not statistically relevant.
What Are the Side Effects of Apoaequorin?
Little is known about the long-term safety of apoaequorin in any form. Studies utilizing synthetic apoaequorin have suggested it is safe and well-tolerated for up to 90 days.
Potential side effects include:
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Who Should Not Take Apoaequorin?
There is not enough research assessing the safety of apoaequorin in those who are pregnant or nursing. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is best to avoid this supplement.
Dosage: How Much Apoaequorin Should I Take?
All listed dosages are according to the manufacturer. This information should not be construed to mean that the doses are either safe or effective.
Apoaequorin is found almost exclusively in the United States in the oral supplement Prevagen but is also used as an ingredient in other “memory-boosting” products. Natural apoaequorin derived from crystal jellyfish is not commercially available.
Prevagen is taken once daily in the morning with or without food. It is available over the counter as an oral or chewable tablet in the following formulations:
Despite the use of the term “professional formula,” there is no prescription version of Prevagen.
5 Signs of Medical Quackery
Alternative Ways to Improve Brain Health
Instead of trying self-proclaimedbrain-boosting supplements, there are other promising ways to improve brain health.
Nutrition
Long-term eating patterns are an important factor in your overall health as well as your brain health. People who eat aMediterranean-style dietthat emphasizes fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, unsaturated oils (olive oil), and plant sources of protein are less likely to develop cognitive impairment and dementia.
Brain-healthy foods and nutrients to eat regularly include:
Exercise
Avoiding inactivity and enjoying exercise and other forms of physical activity can bring benefits for your brain.Inactive adults report almost twice the prevalence of subjective cognitive decline compared to active adults.
Exercise recommendations are for adults to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity.
Examples of moderate-intensity activity include:
Examples of vigorous-intensity activity include:
Activity doesn’t have to happen all in one stretch. For example, moderate-intensity activity could be broken into 30 minutes a day, five days a week, or even smaller bouts that add up to 150 minutes.
Adults also need muscle-strengthening activities two or more days per week.And adults 65 and older need balance activities about three days per week.
Sleep
Sleep (or lack of sleep) affects your brain function. The brain needs sleep in order to process the information it takes in during the day and eliminate waste products from its cells.
Several studies have associated poor sleep or sleep abnormalities with the build-up of biological markers for Alzheimer’s disease, including amyloid beta and tau protein accumulation in the brain.
Aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night to maintain your brain function.
Summary
Apoaequorin is probably safe to take in recommended doses for up to 90 days. However, its long-term safety has not been established, and there are uncertainties about whether it is effective.
18 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Alzheimers Drug Discovery Foundation.Apoaequorin. May 31, 2016.Morrill GA, Kostellow AB, Gupta RK.Computational comparison of a calcium-dependent jellyfish protein (apoaequorin) and calmodulin-cholesterol in short-term memory maintenance.Neurosci Lett. 2017;642:113-118. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2017.01.069Morrill GA, Kostellow AB, Gupta RK, et al.Computational comparison of a calcium-dependent jellyfish protein (apoaequorin) and calmodulin-cholesterol in short-term memory maintenance.Neurosci Lett.2017;642:113-18. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2017.01.069.Moran DL, Underwood MY, Gabourie TA, et al.Effects of a supplement containing apoaequorin on verbal learning in older adults in the community.Adv Mind Body Med.2016 Winter;30(1):4-11. PMID: 26878676.Giuli C, Papa R, Lattanzio F, Postacchini D.The effects of cognitive training for elderly: results from My Mind Project.Rejuvenation Res. 2016 Dec 1;19(6):485-94. doi:10.1089/rej.2015.1791Aramadaka S, Mannam R, Sankara Narayanan R, et al.Neuroimaging in Alzheimer’s disease for early diagnosis: a comprehensive review.Cureus. 2023;15(5):e38544. doi:10.7759/cureus.38544United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.Summary Order: FTC v. Quincy Bioscience Holding Co. New York City, New York: February 21, 2019.Federal Trade Commission.Quincy Bioscience Holding Company. March 10, 2020.Merck Manual.Apoaequorin.Harvard Medical School.12 ways to keep your brain young.Harvard Medical School.Foods linked to better brainpower.Chauhan A, Chauhan V.Beneficial Effects of Walnuts on Cognition and Brain Health. Nutrients. 2020 Feb 20;12(2):550. doi: 10.3390/nu12020550Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Physical activity boosts brain health.Omura JD, Brown DR, McGuire LC, et al.Cross-sectional association between physical activity level and subjective cognitive decline among US adults aged ≥45 years, 2015. Preventive Medicine. 2020;141:106279. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106279Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Physical activity and your weight and health.Johns Hopkins Medicine.The science of sleep: understanding what happens when you sleep.Romanella SM, Roe D, Tatti E, et al.The Sleep Side of Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease. Sleep Med. 2021 Jan;77:209-225. doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2020.05.029Eugene AR, Masiak J.The Neuroprotective Aspects of Sleep. MEDtube Sci. 2015 Mar;3(1):35-40. PMID: 26594659
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Alzheimers Drug Discovery Foundation.Apoaequorin. May 31, 2016.Morrill GA, Kostellow AB, Gupta RK.Computational comparison of a calcium-dependent jellyfish protein (apoaequorin) and calmodulin-cholesterol in short-term memory maintenance.Neurosci Lett. 2017;642:113-118. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2017.01.069Morrill GA, Kostellow AB, Gupta RK, et al.Computational comparison of a calcium-dependent jellyfish protein (apoaequorin) and calmodulin-cholesterol in short-term memory maintenance.Neurosci Lett.2017;642:113-18. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2017.01.069.Moran DL, Underwood MY, Gabourie TA, et al.Effects of a supplement containing apoaequorin on verbal learning in older adults in the community.Adv Mind Body Med.2016 Winter;30(1):4-11. PMID: 26878676.Giuli C, Papa R, Lattanzio F, Postacchini D.The effects of cognitive training for elderly: results from My Mind Project.Rejuvenation Res. 2016 Dec 1;19(6):485-94. doi:10.1089/rej.2015.1791Aramadaka S, Mannam R, Sankara Narayanan R, et al.Neuroimaging in Alzheimer’s disease for early diagnosis: a comprehensive review.Cureus. 2023;15(5):e38544. doi:10.7759/cureus.38544United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.Summary Order: FTC v. Quincy Bioscience Holding Co. New York City, New York: February 21, 2019.Federal Trade Commission.Quincy Bioscience Holding Company. March 10, 2020.Merck Manual.Apoaequorin.Harvard Medical School.12 ways to keep your brain young.Harvard Medical School.Foods linked to better brainpower.Chauhan A, Chauhan V.Beneficial Effects of Walnuts on Cognition and Brain Health. Nutrients. 2020 Feb 20;12(2):550. doi: 10.3390/nu12020550Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Physical activity boosts brain health.Omura JD, Brown DR, McGuire LC, et al.Cross-sectional association between physical activity level and subjective cognitive decline among US adults aged ≥45 years, 2015. Preventive Medicine. 2020;141:106279. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106279Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Physical activity and your weight and health.Johns Hopkins Medicine.The science of sleep: understanding what happens when you sleep.Romanella SM, Roe D, Tatti E, et al.The Sleep Side of Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease. Sleep Med. 2021 Jan;77:209-225. doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2020.05.029Eugene AR, Masiak J.The Neuroprotective Aspects of Sleep. MEDtube Sci. 2015 Mar;3(1):35-40. PMID: 26594659
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Alzheimers Drug Discovery Foundation.Apoaequorin. May 31, 2016.Morrill GA, Kostellow AB, Gupta RK.Computational comparison of a calcium-dependent jellyfish protein (apoaequorin) and calmodulin-cholesterol in short-term memory maintenance.Neurosci Lett. 2017;642:113-118. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2017.01.069Morrill GA, Kostellow AB, Gupta RK, et al.Computational comparison of a calcium-dependent jellyfish protein (apoaequorin) and calmodulin-cholesterol in short-term memory maintenance.Neurosci Lett.2017;642:113-18. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2017.01.069.Moran DL, Underwood MY, Gabourie TA, et al.Effects of a supplement containing apoaequorin on verbal learning in older adults in the community.Adv Mind Body Med.2016 Winter;30(1):4-11. PMID: 26878676.Giuli C, Papa R, Lattanzio F, Postacchini D.The effects of cognitive training for elderly: results from My Mind Project.Rejuvenation Res. 2016 Dec 1;19(6):485-94. doi:10.1089/rej.2015.1791Aramadaka S, Mannam R, Sankara Narayanan R, et al.Neuroimaging in Alzheimer’s disease for early diagnosis: a comprehensive review.Cureus. 2023;15(5):e38544. doi:10.7759/cureus.38544United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.Summary Order: FTC v. Quincy Bioscience Holding Co. New York City, New York: February 21, 2019.Federal Trade Commission.Quincy Bioscience Holding Company. March 10, 2020.Merck Manual.Apoaequorin.Harvard Medical School.12 ways to keep your brain young.Harvard Medical School.Foods linked to better brainpower.Chauhan A, Chauhan V.Beneficial Effects of Walnuts on Cognition and Brain Health. Nutrients. 2020 Feb 20;12(2):550. doi: 10.3390/nu12020550Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Physical activity boosts brain health.Omura JD, Brown DR, McGuire LC, et al.Cross-sectional association between physical activity level and subjective cognitive decline among US adults aged ≥45 years, 2015. Preventive Medicine. 2020;141:106279. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106279Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Physical activity and your weight and health.Johns Hopkins Medicine.The science of sleep: understanding what happens when you sleep.Romanella SM, Roe D, Tatti E, et al.The Sleep Side of Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease. Sleep Med. 2021 Jan;77:209-225. doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2020.05.029Eugene AR, Masiak J.The Neuroprotective Aspects of Sleep. MEDtube Sci. 2015 Mar;3(1):35-40. PMID: 26594659
Alzheimers Drug Discovery Foundation.Apoaequorin. May 31, 2016.
Morrill GA, Kostellow AB, Gupta RK.Computational comparison of a calcium-dependent jellyfish protein (apoaequorin) and calmodulin-cholesterol in short-term memory maintenance.Neurosci Lett. 2017;642:113-118. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2017.01.069
Morrill GA, Kostellow AB, Gupta RK, et al.Computational comparison of a calcium-dependent jellyfish protein (apoaequorin) and calmodulin-cholesterol in short-term memory maintenance.Neurosci Lett.2017;642:113-18. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2017.01.069.
Moran DL, Underwood MY, Gabourie TA, et al.Effects of a supplement containing apoaequorin on verbal learning in older adults in the community.Adv Mind Body Med.2016 Winter;30(1):4-11. PMID: 26878676.
Giuli C, Papa R, Lattanzio F, Postacchini D.The effects of cognitive training for elderly: results from My Mind Project.Rejuvenation Res. 2016 Dec 1;19(6):485-94. doi:10.1089/rej.2015.1791
Aramadaka S, Mannam R, Sankara Narayanan R, et al.Neuroimaging in Alzheimer’s disease for early diagnosis: a comprehensive review.Cureus. 2023;15(5):e38544. doi:10.7759/cureus.38544
United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.Summary Order: FTC v. Quincy Bioscience Holding Co. New York City, New York: February 21, 2019.
Federal Trade Commission.Quincy Bioscience Holding Company. March 10, 2020.
Merck Manual.Apoaequorin.
Harvard Medical School.12 ways to keep your brain young.
Harvard Medical School.Foods linked to better brainpower.
Chauhan A, Chauhan V.Beneficial Effects of Walnuts on Cognition and Brain Health. Nutrients. 2020 Feb 20;12(2):550. doi: 10.3390/nu12020550
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Physical activity boosts brain health.
Omura JD, Brown DR, McGuire LC, et al.Cross-sectional association between physical activity level and subjective cognitive decline among US adults aged ≥45 years, 2015. Preventive Medicine. 2020;141:106279. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106279
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Physical activity and your weight and health.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.The science of sleep: understanding what happens when you sleep.
Romanella SM, Roe D, Tatti E, et al.The Sleep Side of Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease. Sleep Med. 2021 Jan;77:209-225. doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2020.05.029
Eugene AR, Masiak J.The Neuroprotective Aspects of Sleep. MEDtube Sci. 2015 Mar;3(1):35-40. PMID: 26594659
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