Why Neuriva Is NOT Worth It (My 2024 Review)

Neuriva is one of the most mainstream nootropic brain-boosting supplements, as it’s readily available in large grocery store chains like Walmart and Target. But just because it’s available in large grocery chains does not mean it’s the best available.

Pros:

• It is one of the only nootropics widely available in stores like Walmart, Target, CVS, and Walgreens.

Cons:

• A lackluster formulation consisting of 2 ingredients, one of which is speculative at best for enhancing brain function.
• It contains titanium dioxide, which is a banned food additive in Europe.
• The main ingredient has research only funded and conducted by the company that produces it.

What Is Neuriva?

Neuriva is marketed as a product designed to support brain performance and has made waves with its simple yet bold claims of enhancing cognitive functions.

Specifically, this supplement targets individuals keen on boosting their memory and overall mental acuity as they approach the natural cognitive changes that come with aging.

They are owned by a parent company named Reckitt, which manufactures and sells many well-known health and nutrition brands. Some you may recognize are Durex, Dettol, and Mucinex.

Neuriva is one of the few nootropic supplements readily available at your local grocery store, so you can read this and pick up a bottle by driving down the road.

Neuriva Ingredients

Coffee Fruit Extract (Speculative)

Coffee fruit grows on the same plant as the coffee bean and is often discarded until recently. It is now thought to have many health benefits. 100 mg of coffee fruit extract has been shown to increase levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which is essential for brain health ^[1][2].

It’s also associated with improvements in reaction times and may improve the accuracy of decision-making ^[3].

Sounds like a promising ingredient. However, every study on this extract is funded, analyzed, and led by Futureceuticals, Inc. T. R.-I. This company manufactures coffee fruit extract and supplies many supplement companies.

Studies being funded by supplement companies isn’t the red flag. It’s the only way these studies can be conducted since there’s no university money to fund them. However, having the supplement manufacturer conduct the study and analyze the data means the outcomes are massively skewed.

Remember that as you read the claims Neuriva makes. Regarding caffeine, the coffee fruit contains only 0.4-1% caffeine, so you’re only ingesting a few milligrams compared to the 70+ mg from brewed coffee ^[4].

The Neuriva formulation contains 100 mg of coffee fruit extract, equating to approximately 1 mg of caffeine. The Neurvia Plus formulation contains 200 mg, giving about 2 mg of caffeine.

Phosphatidylserine (Proven)

Phosphatidylserine is a relatively well-studied nootropic ingredient. 100-300 mg daily positively affects memory in older adults with cognitive decline ^[5]. It may also benefit people with neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases ^[6].

Neuriva contains the minimum dose of 100 mg, potentially helping people with cognitive issues. But perhaps it’s the synergistic effects of combining coffee fruit extract and phosphatidylserine.

Or that is what Reckitt, the parent company of Neuriva, would have you think. They funded, analyzed, and led the research on their formulation, showing 42 days of Neuriva supplementation “significantly improved measures of memory, accuracy, focus and concentration, and learning compared to placebo in healthy adults with self-reported memory problems.” ^[7]

Again, these studies have too much bias to take anything from them.

Titanium Dioxide (Inactive Ingredient)

I don’t typically add inactive ingredients to a review, but I have to make an exception for this one. Titanium dioxide is banned in Europe as a food additive. While they didn’t find an immediate health concern, they concluded it could no longer be considered safe in food.

Something to consider if you want to try Neuriva.

Neuriva Original vs. Plus vs. Ultra

The differences between the three main Neurvia products are relatively subtle. Here’s how it breaks down:

Neuriva Original	Neuriva Plus	Neuriva Ultra
Coffee fruit extract 100 mg Phosphatidylserine 100 mg	Coffee fruit extract 200 mg Phosphatidylserine 100 mg	Alpinia galanga extract 300 mg Coffee fruit extract 200 mg Phosphatidylserine 100 mg

The addition of Alpinia galanga extract is again because the company that manufactures and licenses it funded and paid salaries to the researchers, creating further bias for positive findings ^[8].

Neuriva Price

Here’s how the price breaks down by product and per serving:

Neuriva Original	Neuriva Plus	Neuriva Ultra
$26.31 (may vary)	$37.92 (may vary)	$49.38 (may vary)
$0.94 per serving	$1.26 per serving	$0.82 per serving

Neuriva Benefits

I hate to break this to you, but there are little to no benefits of taking Neuriva over better-formulated nootropics. Except for phosphatidylserine, the ingredients used have little to no unbiased research on their brain-boosting benefits.

You can get phosphatidylserine in many other brain supplements with other ingredients that may further improve brain function, like bacopa monnieri and L-theanine.

Who Is Neuriva For?

Biohackers & Health Optimizers

Given its lackluster formula and limited benefits, Neuriva may be better suited for biohackers and wellness enthusiasts.

These individuals often experiment with various supplements and are attuned to their bodies, enabling them to discern any notable effects.

People Against Online Shopping

Neuriva is one of the only nootropics available in retail stores. You can grab Neuriva on your regular grocery shop at Walmart, Target, or any pharmacy.

Neuriva Alternatives

Nooceptin

It can help your memory and attention, and it gives you a long-lasting boost without the crash that comes with products that are high in caffeine. Nooceptin is good for students, gamers, workers, and older people who want to improve their brain power.

Rhodiola Rosea Extract, L-Theanine, Bacopa Monnieri Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Extract, and Panax Ginseng Extract are some of the ingredients in this brain product.

Some of these ingredients have been shown to be helpful, but others are still just thought to be good for you. Nooceptin is advertised as a non-stimulant way to improve cognitive function over the long run. Results are usually seen after 7–14 days.

Even though it may come in lower doses and costs more, Nooceptin may be useful for people who want a brain boost without stimulants.

In our Nooceptin review, we talk about this nootropic in great depth.

Braini

Braini doesn’t provide a quick euphoric sensation that some users might seek. Its essential ingredients comprise Peptylin, a silk protein peptide with potential neuroprotective effects; NeurXcel, which is rich in omega fatty acids; and an extract from Wild Canadian Blueberries, known for their antioxidant capacity and cognitive support.

As the only nootropic supported by clinical studies, Braini has been shown to significantly enhance executive function, cognitive adaptability, and decision-making skills.

This makes the supplement particularly valuable for aging individuals, athletes, people dealing with focus and dyslexia problems, and those conscious about maintaining their brain health.

You can read our full, in-depth breakdown in our Braini review.

Mind Lab Pro

Organic Lions Mane Mushrooms, another key component, are studied for their potential to improve mental agility.

L-tyrosine aids cognitive flexibility, especially under stress. Phosphatidylserine supports memory in cognitive decline.

Mind Lab Pro’s eco-friendly approach and stimulant-free formula make it a unique option for various cognitive needs.

However, some ingredients lack comprehensive scientific backing, and the formula may be too conservative for those seeking cutting-edge nootropics.

Mind Lab Pro targets a range of cognitive aspects and is eco-friendly, but it’s worth noting that individual results can vary, and more research is needed to substantiate its claims fully.

You can read our full, in-depth Mind Lab Pro review here.

NooCube

However, some ingredients, such as Cat’s Claw and Oat Straw, lack substantial scientific backing. The supplement includes L-Theanine for stress relief and other ingredients with speculative benefits like Alpha GPC and Huperzine-A.

Notably, NooCube is free from common side effects, enhancing its appeal for those wary of synthetic nootropics. It’s made in FDA-registered and GMP-compliant facilities, emphasizing safety and quality.

NooCube is designed for a diverse audience, including working professionals, students, aging adults, gamers, and combat athletes. It offers benefits like enhanced cognition and alertness without stimulants.

You can read our full, in-depth breakdown in our NooCube review.

Neuriva Side Effects

There are no reported side effects in the literature, and I’ve never felt any adverse effects. These ingredients are likely deemed safe for most people.

While supplements generally have a low risk of side effects, individual reactions may vary.

Seek advice from a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions or for pregnant or nursing individuals.

Neuriva Lawsuit

Neuriva was accused of falsely advertising Neuriva products as being clinically and scientifically proven to enhance brain performance, in violation of consumer protection laws and other laws.

This is for all three variations of Neuriva. Since this settlement, Reckitt Benckiser (Neuriva’s parent company) has agreed to change its labeling and marketing practices, including removing “clinically proven” from the labels and social media, websites, and other advertising.

Prevagen went through a similar fiasco with their claims and formulation.

Frequently Asked Neuriva Questions

Does Neuriva Work?

Neuriva has been shown to improve memory and learning in clinical trials. However, the company funded, led and analyzed these trials.

What Is The Best Drug To Improve Memory?

Cholinesterase inhibitors are often prescribed for memory improvement.

What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Neuriva?

There are no reported side effects when taking Neuriva.

How Quickly Does Neuriva Work?

Clinical trials indicate that Neuriva can show cognitive benefits after 42 days of consistent supplementation.

Is There A Lawsuit Against Neuriva?

Yes, a lawsuit challenges Neuriva’s brain performance claims, but class action settlement submissions were much lower than the available recovery amount.

Is Neuriva Worth It?

In my opinion, Neuriva is not worth it. From skewed scientific data on their formulation to using food additives that are banned in Europe, there are much better options as the nootropic supplement market continues to grow.

References

1. Reyes-Izquierdo, T., Nemzer, B., Shu, C., Huynh, L., Argumedo, R., Keller, R., & Pietrzkowski, Z. (2013). Modulatory effect of coffee fruit extract on plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in healthy subjects. British Journal of Nutrition, 110(3), 420-425.
2. Robinson, J. L., Yanes, J. A., Reid, M. A., Murphy, J. E., Busler, J. N., Mumford, P. W., … & Beck, D. T. (2021). Neurophysiological effects of whole coffee cherry extract in older adults with subjective cognitive impairment: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over pilot study. Antioxidants, 10(2), 144.
3. Robinson, J. L., Hunter, J. M., Reyes-Izquierdo, T., Argumedo, R., Brizuela-Bastien, J., Keller, R., & Pietrzkowski, Z. J. (2020). Cognitive short-and long-term effects of coffee cherry extract in older adults with mild cognitive decline. Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition, 27(6), 918-934.
4. Mullen, W., Nemzer, B., Ou, B., Stalmach, A., Hunter, J., Clifford, M. N., & Combet, E. (2011). The antioxidant and chlorogenic acid profiles of whole coffee fruits are influenced by the extraction procedures. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 59(8), 3754-3762.
5. Kang, E. Y., Cui, F., Kim, H. K., Nawaz, H., Kang, S., Kim, H., … & Go, G. W. (2022). Effect of phosphatidylserine on cognitive function in the elderly: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ????????, 54(1), 52-58.
6. Ma, X., Li, X., Wang, W., Zhang, M., Yang, B., & Miao, Z. (2022). Phosphatidylserine, inflammation, and central nervous system diseases. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 14, 975176.
7. Doma, K. M., Lewis, E. D., Barracato, J. M., Brink, L. R., Gratson, A. A., Pandey, N., … & Evans, M. (2023). A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Study Investigating the Efficacy of a Whole Coffee Cherry Extract and Phosphatidylserine Formulation on Cognitive Performance of Healthy Adults with Self-Perceived Memory Problems. Neurology and Therapy, 12(3), 777-794.
8. Srivastava, S., Mennemeier, M., & Pimple, S. (2017). Effect of alpinia galanga on mental alertness and sustained attention with or without caffeine: a randomized placebo-controlled study. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 36(8), 631-639.

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