{"id":557088178249,"title":"NeuroQ Review: Can A Supplement Improve Memory?","created_at":"2022-10-26T17:49:32-04:00","body_html":"\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\/\/ \u003c![CDATA[\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"Article\",\n \"headline\": \"NeuroQ Review: Can A Supplement Improve Memory?\",\n \"keywords\": \"neuroq, neuroq review, neuroq reviews, neuroq side effects, neuroq ingredients, neuroq.com reviews, does neuroq work, neuroq amazon\",\n \"description\": \"Our research team reviews every ingredient in NeuroQ based on medical studies to give our take on whether it's likely to improve memory and cognitive function or if it's a waste of money. We highlight some issues we have with the brand's clinical trial, and explain whether NeuroQ is likely to cause side effects.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/neuroq-review\",\n\"author\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Calloway Cook\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/calloway-cook\",\n \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/calloway-cook\/\",\n \"jobTitle\": \"President\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"entrepreneurship, dietary supplements, herbal supplements, eCommerce, medical research\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": \"S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University\"\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"creator\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Calloway Cook\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/calloway-cook\",\n \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/calloway-cook\/\",\n \"jobTitle\": \"President\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"entrepreneurship, dietary supplements, herbal supplements, eCommerce, medical research\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": \"S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University\"\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"editor\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Taylor Graber\",\n \"honorificSuffix\": \"M.D.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/taylor-graber\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/taylor-j-graber-md-81351642\/\",\n \"https:\/\/www.asapivs.com\/\"\n ],\n \"jobTitle\": \"Content Partner\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"medicine, health, anesthesiology, iv therapy, science, drugs, pharmaceutical, medical research, scientific research, medical journals, entrepreneurship, healthcare, orthopedic surgery, biomedical engineering\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": [\n \"University of California San Diego\",\n \"Arizona University\",\n \"University of Arizona College of Medicine\"\n ]\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"image\": {\n\"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n\"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/NeuroQ_Thumbnail.png?v=1666833920\",\n\"width\": \"3296\",\n\"height\": \"3296\"\n},\n\"citation\": [\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5587720\/\", \n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5916424\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11026748\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/cerebra-review\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11026748\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/products\/ginkgo-biloba-extract\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3575939\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/products\/panax-ginseng-extract\"\n],\n\"mentions\": [{\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"ginkgo\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"NeuroFactor\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Amazon\"\n }\n],\n\"datePublished\": \"2022-10-26\",\n\"copyrightHolder\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n},\n\"publisher\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/\",\n \"description\": \"Illuminate Labs is the most transparent supplement company in the U.S., and is a leading publisher of research-based health information.\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"supplements, science, nutrition, exercise, health, medication, pharmaceutical, wellness, diet, weight loss, medical research\",\n \"publishingPrinciples\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/editorial-guidelines\",\n \"memberOf\": [\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"U.S. Chamber of Commerce\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.uschamber.com\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Certified B Corp\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.bcorporation.net\/en-us\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Natural Products Association\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.npanational.org\/\"\n }\n ],\n \"logo\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Illuminate_Labs_Favicon_48x48_7595c3cc-e27b-47b8-a4fe-edcc7ed9b29a.png?v=1666502785\", \n \"width\": 48,\n \"height\": 48\n},\n \"foundingDate\": \"2019-01-30\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/twitter.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/illuminate-labs-supplements\",\n \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCpgSJAsIPb-fZ25djtTxBEA\"\n ]\n }\n}\n\/\/ ]]\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/NeuroQ_Review_Article_Header_Image_Optimized.png?v=1666820985\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dc\"\u003eN\u003c\/span\u003eeuroQ is a supplement for improving cognitive function, belonging to a class of dietary supplements called nootropics. The brand’s website claims that the supplement can “improve memory,” “enhance mental clarity” and “increase brain speed.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBut does the supplement actually contain ingredients proven in medical studies to enhance cognitive function, or are these just marketing claims? Does it contain any harmful added ingredients? Has the brand funded any clinical trials proving the supplement is effective? And is NeuroQ likely to cause side effects?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we review every ingredient in NeuroQ based on published medical studies, highlight some issues we have with the brand’s clinical trial, and share whether we believe consumers should be concerned about the risk of side effects from this supplement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIngredient Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/NeuroQ_Ingredients_Optimized.png?v=1666821213\" alt=\"NeuroQ ingredients\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNeuroQ has six active ingredients: gotu kola extract, turmeric extract, ginkgo leaf extract, phosphatidylserine, NeuroFactor, and bee propolis.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGotu kola extract\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is a popular supplement, but not one we consider effective for cognitive enhancement. A \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5587720\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emeta-study\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eScientific Reports\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e journal analyzed data from five clinical trials on this ingredient and cognition, and concluded the following: “there is not strong evidence to support the use of C. asiatica for cognitive function improvement in each cognitive domain.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTurmeric extract\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is typically used for anti-inflammatory effects rather than cognition. A 2018 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5916424\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e found that this ingredient may be effective for preventing cognitive decline, but the doses used were all vastly higher than the dose in NeuroQ.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNeuroQ contains 250 milligrams (mg) of turmeric extract, while the lowest dose from any trial reviewed in the above-linked study was 400 mg of curcumin (which is the active chemical compound in turmeric), and all of the other doses were at or over 1,000 mg.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGinkgo leaf extract\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is an effective and well-studied nootropic, but we recommend a dose of 240 mg as this dose was found in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11026748\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e to provide significantly better effects during mental performance testing than the 120 mg dose in NeuroQ.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePhosphatidylserine\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is another effective nootropic that may be underdosed in this supplement. NeuroQ only contains 100 mg of phosphatidylserine, while medical research suggests that the therapeutic dosing range is between 300 mg and 800 mg per day, as we documented in our review of another nootropic supplement containing this ingredient called \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/cerebra-review\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCerebra\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNeuroFactor\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is a patented coffee fruit extract that is effectively dosed in NeuroQ. A clinical trial published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAntioxidants\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e journal found that coffee fruit extract at the exact same dose as in NeuroQ caused “measurable, acute physiological changes in brain connectivity” and significant improvements in cognition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBee propolis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e may be effective for improving memory and cognitive function, however we cannot identify any medical studies proving so at as low a dose as is in NeuroQ. Thus we will consider this ingredient likely ineffective.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOverall, we believe that NeuroQ may cause cognitive enhancement because it contains one nootropic ingredient that we consider effectively dosed, and several other nootropic ingredients that we consider underdosed but may have a synergistic effect. We do not recommend NeuroQ overall as we don’t believe it has a good value for its cost, and because we only consider one of its six active ingredients to be effectively dosed, but we don’t have issues with consumers using it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOne benefit of this supplement is that it contains no harmful or questionable filler ingredients like artificial dye or added sugar.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDoes NeuroQ Cause Side Effects?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSince many nootropic supplements are stimulatory, consumers are often curious about whether NeuroQ is likely to cause side effects.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBased on the fact that its active ingredients are all well-studied and non-toxic, and that NeuroQ is free of questionable inactive ingredients, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ewe do not believe it’s likely that consumers will experience side effects from this supplement.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis doesn’t mean that side effects are impossible; any individual consumer can react negatively to any supplement (or food). It just means that we cannot identify any ingredients in NeuroQ that we consider likely to cause side effects in the average consumer. It’s a relatively safe supplement in our opinion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eQuestionable Clinical Research\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/NeuroQ_Questionable_Clinical_Research_Optimized.png?v=1666821229\" alt=\"NeuroQ questionable clinical research\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNeuroQ’s website claims that the supplement is “clinically shown” to be nootropic and references a clinical study.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe study was conducted by a for-profit research firm called KGK Science Inc., and was funded by NeuroQ. The study does not appear to have been published in any peer-reviewed medical or scientific journals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWe recommend that consumers entirely disregard claims of clinical efficacy based on manufacturer-funded research that is not published in peer-reviewed journals.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e There is simply too much bias in the process for the results to have any value in our opinion. We have reviewed hundreds of supplements and consumer products, and not one single time have we noted a “clinical trial” funded by a brand that was not favorable to the brand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eClinical research published in legitimate medical or scientific journals is the gold standard of product research, because there is less bias, and because there is a high bar for study methodology which is required. This is the type of research we cite on Illuminate Health when we review ingredient efficacy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNeuroQ doesn’t even bother to link to the full study on their clinical study page, instead just highlighting positive results based on data consumers are unable to access. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReal NeuroQ Customer Reviews\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNeuroQ is sold on Amazon, which is a more objective resource for customer reviews than a brand’s website in our opinion. The supplement has been reviewed over 800 times, and has an average review rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe top positive review published by a verified purchaser comes from a user named “Kristen McConnell” who claims the supplement helped with brain fog:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e“After suffering with brain fog for a number of months, I feel as though the fog has lifted. I’m soooo thankful for this product, it’s a game changer!!!”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe top negative review from a verified purchaser is written by a user named “Sea reader” who claims the product was ineffective:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e“I was hoping this product would help brain function. I don't know which of the ingredients causes the irritability but that was a deal breaker for me. I've found regular coffee gives a better brain boost. Also, as an alternative, Piracetam works better.”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"a-row a-spacing-small review-data\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur Recommended Nootropic Supplements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Nootropic_Supplement_Image_Optimized.png?v=1666821122\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere are herbs which have been shown in medical studies to be effective for short-term cognitive enhancement and memory support.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGinkgo biloba extract\u003c\/strong\u003e is arguably the most well-studied nootropic supplement apart from caffeine, and was shown in a\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/10890330\/\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eto enhance neurocognitive functions in older adults.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11026748\/\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePsychopharmacology\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e journal \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003efound ginkgo biloba supplementation to also improve attention and cognitive performance in healthy, young adults.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIlluminate Labs manufactures a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/products\/ginkgo-biloba-extract\"\u003eGinkgo Biloba Extract Supplement\u003c\/a\u003e that's potent (standardized to minimum 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones) and third-party tested to ensure purity and label accuracy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInterested consumers can check out Illuminate Labs Ginkgo Biloba Extract \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/products\/ginkgo-biloba-extract\"\u003eat this link\u003c\/a\u003e to the secure product page on our website, \u003c\/span\u003ewhere it retails for only $15 at a subscription price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePanax ginseng extract\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is another well-studied nootropic supplement. A 2013 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3575939\/\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e found that \u003cstrong\u003eginseng extract caused \"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eoverwhelmingly positive effects on neurocognitive function across different cognitive domains.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIlluminate Labs manufactures a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/products\/panax-ginseng-extract\"\u003ePanax Ginseng Extract Supplement\u003c\/a\u003e that's potent (standardized to minimum 8% ginsenosides) and third-party tested to ensure purity and label accuracy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInterested consumers can check out Illuminate Labs Panax Ginseng Extract \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/products\/panax-ginseng-extract\"\u003eat this link\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eto the secure product page on our website, where it retails for only $15 at a subscription price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMCT oil\u003c\/strong\u003e is a food supplement derived from coconut oil that was shown in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2022 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8919247\/\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eto stabilize or improve cognitive function in 80% of Alzheimer's patients after nine months of continual use.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/bulletproof.fdf2.net\/4eNQ4M\"\u003eBulletproof MCT Oil\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis our top MCT oil pick, because its only ingredient is MCT oil derived from coconuts and it has zero additives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterested consumers can check out Bulletproof MCT Oil\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/bulletproof.fdf2.net\/4eNQ4M\"\u003eat this link\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eto the product page on the official brand's website, where it currently retails for only $15.50.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eConclusion\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe consider NeuroQ to be decently formulated, and believe it may cause short-term improvements to cognitive function. All of its active ingredients have been studied in relation to cognitive improvements, but we only consider one of the ingredients to be effectively dosed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEspecially considering the price of $59.95, we believe there are better options on the market.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe do not consider NeuroQ likely to cause side effects, as all of its active ingredients are well-studied and non-toxic, and there are no potentially harmful additive ingredients.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe strongly disagree with the clinical claims made by the brand, as we do not believe manufacturer-funded clinical trials that are not published in peer-reviewed journals provide any useful information to consumers, due to the high risk of bias.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","blog_id":49281925193,"author":"Calloway Cook","user_id":26601750601,"published_at":"2022-10-26T21:29:05-04:00","updated_at":"2023-06-03T21:39:21-04:00","summary_html":"We review every ingredient in NeuroQ based on medical studies to give our take on whether it's likely to improve memory and cognitive function or if it's a waste of money. We highlight some issues we have with the brand's clinical trial, and explain whether NeuroQ is likely to cause side effects.","template_suffix":"","handle":"neuroq-review","tags":"_related:nootropics"}

NeuroQ Review: Can A Supplement Improve Memory?

NeuroQ Review: Can A Supplement Improve Memory?


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NeuroQ is a supplement for improving cognitive function, belonging to a class of dietary supplements called nootropics. The brand’s website claims that the supplement can “improve memory,” “enhance mental clarity” and “increase brain speed.”

But does the supplement actually contain ingredients proven in medical studies to enhance cognitive function, or are these just marketing claims? Does it contain any harmful added ingredients? Has the brand funded any clinical trials proving the supplement is effective? And is NeuroQ likely to cause side effects?

In this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we review every ingredient in NeuroQ based on published medical studies, highlight some issues we have with the brand’s clinical trial, and share whether we believe consumers should be concerned about the risk of side effects from this supplement.

Ingredient Review

NeuroQ ingredients

NeuroQ has six active ingredients: gotu kola extract, turmeric extract, ginkgo leaf extract, phosphatidylserine, NeuroFactor, and bee propolis.

Gotu kola extract is a popular supplement, but not one we consider effective for cognitive enhancement. A meta-study published in the Scientific Reports journal analyzed data from five clinical trials on this ingredient and cognition, and concluded the following: “there is not strong evidence to support the use of C. asiatica for cognitive function improvement in each cognitive domain.”

Turmeric extract is typically used for anti-inflammatory effects rather than cognition. A 2018 medical review found that this ingredient may be effective for preventing cognitive decline, but the doses used were all vastly higher than the dose in NeuroQ.

NeuroQ contains 250 milligrams (mg) of turmeric extract, while the lowest dose from any trial reviewed in the above-linked study was 400 mg of curcumin (which is the active chemical compound in turmeric), and all of the other doses were at or over 1,000 mg.

Ginkgo leaf extract is an effective and well-studied nootropic, but we recommend a dose of 240 mg as this dose was found in a clinical trial to provide significantly better effects during mental performance testing than the 120 mg dose in NeuroQ.

Phosphatidylserine is another effective nootropic that may be underdosed in this supplement. NeuroQ only contains 100 mg of phosphatidylserine, while medical research suggests that the therapeutic dosing range is between 300 mg and 800 mg per day, as we documented in our review of another nootropic supplement containing this ingredient called Cerebra.

NeuroFactor is a patented coffee fruit extract that is effectively dosed in NeuroQ. A clinical trial published in the Antioxidants journal found that coffee fruit extract at the exact same dose as in NeuroQ caused “measurable, acute physiological changes in brain connectivity” and significant improvements in cognition.

Bee propolis may be effective for improving memory and cognitive function, however we cannot identify any medical studies proving so at as low a dose as is in NeuroQ. Thus we will consider this ingredient likely ineffective.

Overall, we believe that NeuroQ may cause cognitive enhancement because it contains one nootropic ingredient that we consider effectively dosed, and several other nootropic ingredients that we consider underdosed but may have a synergistic effect. We do not recommend NeuroQ overall as we don’t believe it has a good value for its cost, and because we only consider one of its six active ingredients to be effectively dosed, but we don’t have issues with consumers using it.

One benefit of this supplement is that it contains no harmful or questionable filler ingredients like artificial dye or added sugar.

Does NeuroQ Cause Side Effects?

Since many nootropic supplements are stimulatory, consumers are often curious about whether NeuroQ is likely to cause side effects.

Based on the fact that its active ingredients are all well-studied and non-toxic, and that NeuroQ is free of questionable inactive ingredients, we do not believe it’s likely that consumers will experience side effects from this supplement.

This doesn’t mean that side effects are impossible; any individual consumer can react negatively to any supplement (or food). It just means that we cannot identify any ingredients in NeuroQ that we consider likely to cause side effects in the average consumer. It’s a relatively safe supplement in our opinion.

Questionable Clinical Research

NeuroQ questionable clinical research

NeuroQ’s website claims that the supplement is “clinically shown” to be nootropic and references a clinical study.

The study was conducted by a for-profit research firm called KGK Science Inc., and was funded by NeuroQ. The study does not appear to have been published in any peer-reviewed medical or scientific journals.

We recommend that consumers entirely disregard claims of clinical efficacy based on manufacturer-funded research that is not published in peer-reviewed journals. There is simply too much bias in the process for the results to have any value in our opinion. We have reviewed hundreds of supplements and consumer products, and not one single time have we noted a “clinical trial” funded by a brand that was not favorable to the brand.

Clinical research published in legitimate medical or scientific journals is the gold standard of product research, because there is less bias, and because there is a high bar for study methodology which is required. This is the type of research we cite on Illuminate Health when we review ingredient efficacy.

NeuroQ doesn’t even bother to link to the full study on their clinical study page, instead just highlighting positive results based on data consumers are unable to access. 

Real NeuroQ Customer Reviews

NeuroQ is sold on Amazon, which is a more objective resource for customer reviews than a brand’s website in our opinion. The supplement has been reviewed over 800 times, and has an average review rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

The top positive review published by a verified purchaser comes from a user named “Kristen McConnell” who claims the supplement helped with brain fog:

“After suffering with brain fog for a number of months, I feel as though the fog has lifted. I’m soooo thankful for this product, it’s a game changer!!!”

The top negative review from a verified purchaser is written by a user named “Sea reader” who claims the product was ineffective:

“I was hoping this product would help brain function. I don't know which of the ingredients causes the irritability but that was a deal breaker for me. I've found regular coffee gives a better brain boost. Also, as an alternative, Piracetam works better.”

Our Recommended Nootropic Supplements

There are herbs which have been shown in medical studies to be effective for short-term cognitive enhancement and memory support.

Ginkgo biloba extract is arguably the most well-studied nootropic supplement apart from caffeine, and was shown in a clinical trial to enhance neurocognitive functions in older adults.

medical review published in the Psychopharmacology journal found ginkgo biloba supplementation to also improve attention and cognitive performance in healthy, young adults.

Illuminate Labs manufactures a Ginkgo Biloba Extract Supplement that's potent (standardized to minimum 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones) and third-party tested to ensure purity and label accuracy.

Interested consumers can check out Illuminate Labs Ginkgo Biloba Extract at this link to the secure product page on our website, where it retails for only $15 at a subscription price.

Panax ginseng extract is another well-studied nootropic supplement. A 2013 clinical trial found that ginseng extract caused "overwhelmingly positive effects on neurocognitive function across different cognitive domains."

Illuminate Labs manufactures a Panax Ginseng Extract Supplement that's potent (standardized to minimum 8% ginsenosides) and third-party tested to ensure purity and label accuracy.

Interested consumers can check out Illuminate Labs Panax Ginseng Extract at this link to the secure product page on our website, where it retails for only $15 at a subscription price.

MCT oil is a food supplement derived from coconut oil that was shown in a 2022 clinical trial to stabilize or improve cognitive function in 80% of Alzheimer's patients after nine months of continual use.

Bulletproof MCT Oil is our top MCT oil pick, because its only ingredient is MCT oil derived from coconuts and it has zero additives.

Interested consumers can check out Bulletproof MCT Oil at this link to the product page on the official brand's website, where it currently retails for only $15.50.

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Conclusion

We consider NeuroQ to be decently formulated, and believe it may cause short-term improvements to cognitive function. All of its active ingredients have been studied in relation to cognitive improvements, but we only consider one of the ingredients to be effectively dosed.

Especially considering the price of $59.95, we believe there are better options on the market.

We do not consider NeuroQ likely to cause side effects, as all of its active ingredients are well-studied and non-toxic, and there are no potentially harmful additive ingredients.

We strongly disagree with the clinical claims made by the brand, as we do not believe manufacturer-funded clinical trials that are not published in peer-reviewed journals provide any useful information to consumers, due to the high risk of bias.




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