Who does not want to be healthy and preserve their mental health? These days, brain health supplements are everywhere. If you have been battling over what nutritional supplements to take to prevent things like cognitive decline and cognitive aging, then you might be interested in Focus Factor.
As part of our Focus Factor review, we will cover everything you need to know, from ingredients to benefits and cost.
What Is Focus Factor?
Focus Factor claims to be America’s #1 brain health supplement, and it is arguably one of the most popular nootropics on the market. In fact, you might have seen more Focus Factor reviews out there.
You may have seen their ads or seen the supplement on store shelves. The question is, does it actually work? Keep reading our Focus Factor review to find out much more about this product.
About The Company
We like to start our reviews by looking at the companies that make these supplements. Simply put, a sketchy company equals a sketchy supplement, and a trustworthy company usually produces a safer supplement.
So, who is the company behind Focus Factor?
Synergy CHC Corporation (the CHC stands for Consumer Health Care) owns Focus Factor. They position themselves as part of the nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, beauty, and marketing tech spaces, primarily through acquisition.
It also happens that Synergy is a publicly-traded company worth over $10 million (at the time of writing). The company has a range of health brands including Flat Tummy (which we have reviewed in the past).
The Synergy corporate site will direct you to the Focus Factor product website. The main message here is, “Clinically proven and America’s #1 Brain Health Supplement for Over 10 years.” Note: this is a direct quote. The capitalization is per Synergy and not the author’s work.
Once at the Focus Factor site, you will see pretty peculiar graphics and a “Feed Your Einstein” message. The other prominent statement was the, “CLINICALLY SHOWN TO IMPROVE MEMORY, CONCENTRATION, AND FOCUS.” No issues with capitalization on this page!
In this Focus Factor review, we detail what this is, its key ingredients, the benefits of the product, claims versus reality, where you can find the brand, pricing, and give you a numerical value to the efficacy and its cost.
More To Know About Focus Factor
As per their website, Focus Factor is, “The only double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinically proven and patented brain health supplement on the market.”
Synergy cites a “clinical study showed that adults who took original Focus Factor® as directed for six weeks improved their memory, concentration, and focus. A 44% increase in memory recall – from 4.5 words to 6.5 words – was experienced after only six weeks of using the original Focus Factor®.”
We pay particular attention to the fact the clinical study was done using the original formula, which includes an essential ingredient not present in the extra strength or vision iterations.
The product comes in five basic varieties, and a multitude of packaging configurations:
- Original Formula, available in various sizes
- Extra Strength, 120 tablets, also available in three pack or six-pack
- Brain and Vision, 120 tablets, also available in three pack or six-pack
- Focus Factor for Kids, Chewables, and Extra Strength Chewables
- Hero Mom Bundle featuring an Extra Strength and Extra Strength for Kids
The company is expanding its assortment to include a line of Thinkfuel Nootropics by Focus Factor. This product is meant for the Hero Mom: a professional, a gamer, a student, and an athlete.
However, let us stay on topic, we will revisit the new Thinkfuel additions in a future post.
Overall, Focus Factor is meant to improve memory and overall brain function. According to Factor Nutrition Labs, you will have better cognitive performance and soon get rid of brain fog.
Focus Factor Ingredients
Focus Factor uses a proprietary blend of ingredients in its supplement formulation. Let us take a look at the Focus Factor nutrition facts.
The Focus Factor nutrition panel is exhaustive, including 23 different vitamins and minerals, and a 692 mg proprietary formulation. We will go over the most important ingredients and the ones that make the Focus Factor original efficient.
Dimethylethanolamine Bitartrate
The first ingredient in the proprietary formulation is DMAE (Dimethylethanolamine bitartrate). DMAE has therapeutic properties as it pertains to attention, motion disorders, and might be an anti-wrinkle treatment. Studies show that DMAE increases the production of acetylcholine (Ach), which is a neurotransmitter that can regulate attention and motion disorders and mental focus.
Amino Acids
It appears there are an additional dozen or so ingredients, including amino acids such as L-Glutamine, L-pyroglutamic acid, and N-acetyl tyrosine.
Glutamine is an important amino acid to help support your immune system, but also prevent damage to your brain cells. L-pyroglutamic acid is a less known amino acid that has been part of clinical research for its nootropic properties. Finally, N-acetyl tyrosine is an essential amino that promotes brain signals and can help improve focus and mood.
Bacopin
Also called Bacopa monnieri, this ingredient is part of more than one brain supplement because it can improve cognitive function, prevent neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease, and anxiety.
Choline
While there is not a lot of evidence, preliminary studies show that individuals with higher choline levels have higher cognitive performance as well.
Furthermore, dietary supplements often include choline as one of their ingredients because it can prevent a decline in cognitive health for healthy individuals.
Phosphatidylserine
This ingredient is a phospholipid that plays an important role in cell structure and integrity. Animal studies show that phosphatidylserine levels decrease with age, which affects mental clarity and mental performance.
Scientific evidence reveals that taking phosphatidylserine as part of the Focus Factor original formula can lead to better memory and cognitive function.
Fish Oil
You probably know that fish oil is highly beneficial for many purposes. Not only does it contain omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, but it is proven to be anti-inflammatory. Healthy adults need omega 3 fatty acids for cognitive functions and brain strength. Furthermore, many nootropic supplements are starting to include this ingredient.
Lastly, fish oil has also been proven to reduce high blood pressure and reduce the risk for heart disease.
Huperzine A
This next ingredient acts as a cholinesterase inhibitor, which means it can help promote levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Some studies suggest that it can also prevent dementia, memory loss, and protects your nerve cells.
Vinpocetine
When we see vinpocetine in the ingredient list, we must take a pause. In fact, the sale of vinpocetine as a supplement is banned in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
The FDA has ruled that vinpocetine, due to its synthetic nature and proposed therapeutic uses, was ineligible to be marketed as a dietary supplement under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Knowing Amazon does not handle items containing vinpocetine, we took a look at their site. To our surprise, Focus Factor Extra Strength and Focus Factor Brain and Vision were available, although the Original Formula was not. Upon further review, neither of the items stocked by Amazon contains vinpocetine in their proprietary formula.
That said, vinpocetine is included in many nootropics, which makes us think at this quantity it might not be too concerning.
Other Ingredients
There are a ton of other ingredients so we will not go over them one by one, but for the most part, they are vitamins and minerals that aid your cognitive health. Below are some key points.
The product contains many key vitamins for energy and overall well-being, like vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6. Vitamin C is popular for its immune-boosting properties, and B vitamins are great for energy.
Focus Factor also contains omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil. These omega-3 fatty acids can play a significant role in brain development and are highly anti-inflammatory. The product also contains DHA, which is helpful for brain function and memory.
Finally, this supplement also contains some plant-based ingredients, such as bilberry fruit standardized extract and grape skin extract. These ingredients have heart health benefits and also contribute to overall wellbeing.
Benefits of Focus Factor
Does Focus Factor do what it promises? Take a look at what Focus Factor benefits healthy adults can expect to receive. All of these are related to brain function, cognition, energy, and memory.
Improves Memory
Focus Factor is designed to help improve your memory. The company has run clinical trials that show the product’s effectiveness in improving memory. The study showed an increase of 44% in memory recall in participants who used the Focus Factor (vs. the placebo).
We should note that you cannot improve memory overnight. Do not expect to take a few pills and start having childhood flashbacks. Improving memory takes time, and the impact is subtle. The changes you do notice are based on short-term memory and recall.
Concentration and Focus
Focus Factor contains well-researched ingredients that show signs of improving concentration and focus. This makes this supplement ideal for people who could use a little extra help focusing during the day.
Once again, the effects are subtle. You should not expect that once you take Focus Factor, you will experience unbreakable focus. Still, it is a supplement, not a pharmaceutical drug. Practice taking this popular brain supplement to improve concentration by practicing better lifestyle habits, such as sleeping more and reading.
More Energy
The same nutrients that can boost your memory and focus can also help improve your energy levels. The vitamins in Focus Factor can make you feel more rested and alert. Overall, you can help decrease your daily brain fog, particularly if you are prone to fatigue and lack of sleep.
Focus Factor Dosages
The recommended serving for Original Focus Factor is four tablets per day, containing a 692-gram proprietary blend.
Like the Original Focus Factor, the recommended serving in Extra Strength is four tablets per day. In this formula, the proprietary blend is higher and ranges from 692 grams to 850 grams. However, vinpocetine is not included in either the Extra Strength or the Brain and Vision formula.
The recommended serving for Brain and Vision is also four tablets. As mentioned, this formula does not contain vinpocetine, and the proprietary blend is reduced to 686-grams. It should be noted Brain and Vision do include Lutein and Zeaxanthin, two popular ingredients for eye health. The Lutein dosage at 15mg seems a bit small, but the Zeaxanthin appears adequate.
Both Kids Chewables have a recommended serving of two tablets. Focus Factor for Kids formulas are scaled back dramatically, and neither includes vinpocetine.
If you are taking Focus Factor, we recommend that you use the product daily to get the most benefits. You will not be able to improve memory and cognition overnight. You should take this product consistently to see results.
Nonetheless, as with most dietary supplements, we are unable to provide medical advice and base our reviews on Focus Factor’s ingredient list and other factors.
Is Focus Factor Good For You?
Focus Factor is designed to promote brain health, so the short answer is yes. The supplement is well-formulated, and you get a lot of effective ingredients in every dose. You also obtain neuroprotective ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids and healthy vitamins like vitamin C and B vitamins.
While Focus Factor side effects are minimal and the results have been proven in clinical studies, there is a chance of stomach discomfort. Also, children should not consume the Focus Factor or Focus Factor Extra Strength.
If you are looking to improve your memory, concentration, and energy, Focus Factor is a good option.
What About Focus Factor Kids?
Because there is a version for children, Focus Factor for kids chewable tablets is safe. These are a lower-strength formula and have no vinpocetine. There are also no preservatives, gluten, or dairy. They are designed for kids and include essential vitamins, minerals, and neuro-nutrients.
The line of products for kids includes Focus Factor Kids and Focus Factor Kids Extra Strength.
While this supplement is specifically for children, you should think twice about loading your children up on supplements. Although the ingredients have been proven to improve memory and focus, they are still supplemental, and many of the ingredients have not been researched in depth. Oftentimes, a healthy diet, better sleep, and exercise are better options for children.
Does Focus Factor Work?
Synergy makes the following claim as a lead-in to its customer testimonials:
“With over 7 Million Focus Factor® Bottles Sold and a 90%+ satisfaction rating, listen to what America has to say about Focus Factor®.”
We have no doubt the people who use the product and claim its efficacy do feel something. Supplementing with vitamins and minerals is not wrong. As for the proprietary blend, there are scientifically proven ingredients, such as Bacopin, choline, phosphatidylserine, N-acetyl tyrosine, huperzine, and the vinpocetine in the Original formula.
The product has also been tested in clinical trials. Results show that 44% of participants had better memory recall, which is impressive for a nootropic supplement. Many of the nootropics on the market are smaller brands that do not take the time to test their formulations. Focus Factor is one of the bigger companies out there, and they have put their resources to good use.
As to the Extra Strength and the Brain and Vision, sans vinpocetine, there are probably still enough ingredients to get some effect.
Focus Factor Reviews
Focus Factor is one of the most popular brain supplements on the market and it has been used by thousands of people (if not more). Therefore, there are a lot of customer reviews of the product.
For the most part, reviews of brain supplements are always tricky since everyone experiences the benefits differently. For example, some people are sensitive enough to notice a 10% boost in focus, while others would not even notice a difference.
We were surprised to discover that the majority of Focus Factor reviews are overwhelmingly positive. On Amazon, the product has 70% 5-star reviews and 15% 4-star reviews, which means that 85% of people rate the product highly. The Focus Factor reviews mention benefits such as improved memory, increased energy, and improved focus.
Even though we did not see many negative Focus Factor reviews, most of them focus on individuals that are taking Focus Factor Original and expect immediate results.
Side Effects of Focus Factor
Overall, this supplement is considered to be safe and side effects are minimal. The company does a great job researching the ingredients to ensure that there are not too many negative side effects.
While side effects are rare, they are possible. Potential side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and irritability.
If you know you are sensitive to any of the ingredients in this supplement, avoid taking it.
Where To Buy Focus Factor
Although Focus Factor provides an extensive list of brick-and-mortar trading partners, it is very easy to order the supplement directly through the company’s website. You can use this link to save 10% and get free shipping.
The supplement is very fairly priced. You can get 120 tablets for $29.99. This supply will last you about a month if you take the product daily (four pills per day). However, you could stretch your dollar by only taking this supplement a few times per week. You may even notice better results by cycling on and off.
Nonetheless, we do not see anything about a return policy, but they do offer a subscription program that can help you save some money.
Best Deal on Focus FactorWe scour the web for the best deals on supplements. Want the best price? Click the button below for the best savings!GET THE BEST PRICEFinal Thoughts: Focus Factor Review
From what we see, Synergy is an excellent marketing company. They buy products and brands, scale them through advertising and promotion, and create close-in line extensions. Focus Factor is one of those products, but is it the product for you?
If you are looking for a memory and focus well-tested supplement, Focus Factor is a great option. You can start with one package and go from there. Remember, though, that you have to pair your Focus Factor with a healthy lifestyle, including a wholesome diet, physical activity, and sleep.
