Here is our Focus Factor review. In this review, we will be going over the Focus Factor supplement to see if it can help benefit you! Some background information:
— Focus Factor provides a good amount of vitamins and minerals
— The formula is backed by scientific data
— The supplement contains a proprietary blend
— An enormous list of ingredients may increase the likelihood of potential adverse effects
In this review, we will go over the ingredients to check the safety and effectiveness of the Focus Factor. Is it worth buying? Our team finds out!
Pros
- Provides a good amount of vitamins and minerals
- Some of the ingredients are shown to benefit cognitive function
- Naturally flavored and has no preservatives
- Manufactured in an FDA-approved facility
Cons
- Most of the ingredients have an ineffective dose
- Proprietary blend; hides ingredient doses
- The proprietary blend is not large enough for the proper dosing of each ingredient
- Boron dose is unknown and may cause potential side effects
- Huperzine-A needs to be cycled
- Continuous cycling will decrease the potency of the other ingredients
- Missing several nootropics that make up an effective and potent nootropic supplement
- The daily dosage of 4-8 large tablets is cumbersome
Summary:
Focus Factor is a nootropic supplement that improves your memory, concentration, and focus. Focus Factor also improves verbal learning and enhances your ability to multi-task with ease.
The Focus Factor supplement has a good range of vitamins and minerals like B Vitamins, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Niacin, Zinc, Copper, and Potassium.
However, Focus Factor includes a proprietary blend that is neither large enough for each ingredient to have effective doses nor transparent enough to know how potent the formula is. We can assume that the dosages of each active ingredient are insignificant and ineffective. Not only that, but Focus Factor contains Huperzine-A, GABA, and DMAE Bitartrate that are known to cause adverse effects.
Focus Factor is nowhere near as effective or as transparent as the other nootropic supplements on the market. We think there are better nootropics available that will not cause adverse effects; will provide cognitive benefits.
About Focus Factor
| Claimed Benefits: May improve memory, concentration, enhance your ability to focus and multi-task. |
| Ingredients: Vitamins, DMAE, Ginkgo Biloba, amino acids, Bacopa, Phosphatidylserine, Omega-3 fatty acids, boron, vanadium, etc. |
| Manufacturer: Synergy CHC Corp (HPC) |
| Available at:focusfactor.com, amazon.com, walmart.com, costco.com, target.com, walgreens.com |
| Price: Starting at $39.99 |
The Focus Factor supplement has a good assortment of vitamins and minerals: Vitamin A, B Vitamins, Vitamin E, Niacin, Copper, Zinc, and Potassium. The formula claims to improve your concentration, focus, and memory.
The supplement has almost all of its active nootropics in the proprietary blend; the blend is not large enough for each ingredient to have an effective dose. However, we can assume that the formula contains small and ineffective dosages of each nootropic.
Dosage Instructions
For the best results, take four (4) tablets of Focus Factor per day with your food. You may take up to a maximum of eight (8) tablets in a day.
*The Focus Factor Extra Strength Bottle contains 120 tablets.*
Ingredients
Here is a closer look at the ingredients in Focus Factor:
Choline – 30mg
Choline is an essential nutrient that helps improve your cognitive function, memory, liver, brain development, muscle movement, nervous system, and metabolism.
We can find Choline in nuts, vegetables, beans, meat, fish, and eggs. Additionally, Choline is a compound that changes into acetylcholine after being absorbed. Acetyl-choline is a powerful memory influencer.
A variant of Choline is Citicoline (CDP-Choline); it’s the most effective type for cognitive health and function.
An effective dose of Choline for females is 425mg and 550mg for males.
We wish that Focus Factor would have used the variant Citicoline (CDP-Choline) to enhance the benefits of the formula. However, Focus Factor only uses 30mg per serving, which is an insignificant and ineffective dose to see in a nootropic supplement.
Study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2782876/
DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) -UNKNOWN DOSE
DMAE is a compound, a choline molecule that may boost your mood, enhance memory, and improve brain function. The increase in the production of acetylcholine is due to more Choline in the body. Choline, as you’ve seen above, benefits the brain and nervous system function.
DMAE Bitartrate is also said to reduce buildup that may impair your cognitive decline with age and cognitive function. However, there are currently no studies that can support such claims.
DMAE Bitartrate is more commonly found in face creams and, unfortunately, has been shown to cause some adverse effects.
Ginkgo Biloba Extract -UNKNOWN DOSE
Ginkgo Biloba is a highly effective herb used in Chinese medicine with powerful antioxidant properties that may improve blood flow to the brain and fight cognitive decline. (source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541024/)
Ginkgo Biloba may increase your concentration, improve memory, enhance cognitive performance, and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Not only that, but Ginkgo Biloba may also improve your eye health and vision.
The recommended dose to improve your cognitive function is 120-600mg of the extract daily.
However, Focus Factor has Ginkgo Biloba extract under its proprietary blend; the manufacturer fails to disclose the dose. We can assume that the amount is unsubstantial and ineffective.
L-Glutamine – UNKNOWN DOSE
Glutamine is an amino acid with many functions, created naturally in our bodies. It helps with our intestinal health and immune system; Glutamine is a building block of protein that occurs naturally in our muscles.
Also, Glutamine is helpful in stress-inducing situations. Glutamine produced in our bodies can be overused when under stress; overusing Glutamine than what our bodies can naturally create can cause muscle wasting.
L-Glutamine supplements typically contain a minimum dose of 5g. However, Glutamine will provide no notable benefits to your cognitive health and cognitive function.
We can see that Focus Factor has Glutamine in its proprietary blend. The proprietary blend has a total serving size of 798mg. We know that L-Glutamine needs to be dosed at a minimum of 5g to see any notable benefits; L-Glutamine in this supplement will not be effective.
Bacopa Monnieri Extract – UNKNOWN DOSE
Bacopa Monnieri is one of the best natural nootropics used for cognitive health and memory, which we see in the Focus Factor.
Bacopa Monnieri extract is highly effective for improving your cognitive performance, memory; and reducing your stress.
An effective dose of Bacopa Monnieri is 300mg.
Also, Bacopa Monnieri promotes numerous neurotransmitters in your brain that help clear your head and improve your mood. These neurotransmitters are serotonin, GABA, and acetylcholine.
Not only that, but Focus Factor has Bacopa Monnieri in its proprietary blend; we can assume that the supplement does not contain an effective dose of Bacopa Monnieri.
Phosphatidylserine – UNKNOWN DOSE
Phosphatidylserine is a vital amino acid crucial for maintaining cellular brain function and improves cognitive health and function. Also, Phosphatidylserine may increase NGF (Nerve Growth Factor) that helps create new brain cells.
An effective dose of Phosphatidylserine is 100mg, three (3) times a day.
Focus Factor does not have a substantial and effective dose of Phosphatidylserine.
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) – UNKNOWN DOSE
DHA or Docosahexaenoic Acid is an omega-3 fatty acid essential for your body’s function. Not only that, DHA may improve your heart health, reduce the inflammatory response, improve vision, brain health, and depression.
DHA is used to reduce your high cholesterol, boost thinking skills; and memory. Also, DHA may play a vital role in nerve tissue and eye development.
You can find DHA in foods like algae and the meat of cold-water fish. Studies have shown that DHA helps with cognitive health and function; with learning.
You want to see DHA in a nootropic supplement. However, Focus Factor probably doesn’t have a substantial dose since DHA is under its proprietary blend.
Inositol – UNKNOWN DOSE
Inositol is a carbohydrate found in your body that may help control blood sugar levels, reduce symptoms of depression, and can improve blood flow in your body.
Not only that, Inositol may help reduce your anxiety by affecting your serotonin levels, which is an important neurotransmitter.
Inositol will not have much effect on your mental processing and cognitive performance.
N-Acetyl Tyrosine (L-Tyrosine) – UNKNOWN DOSE
N-Acetyl Tyrosine is a powerful amino acid; it synthesizes into neurotransmitters: adrenaline, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters may improve your cognitive processing, mood, mental alertness; and help memory.
N-Acetyl Tyrosine (NALT) may improve your working memory under demanding conditions; help you stay focused for prolonged periods.
The dose of NALT in Focus Factor is unknown so, we don’t know the effectiveness and potency of the ingredient.
Bilberry Fruit Extract – UNKNOWN DOSE
Bilberry contains a chemical that helps lower your cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels.
Some research has shown that Bilberry fruit extract may improve long-term memory in older individuals.
However, considering the potentially low dose of Bilberry extract in Focus Factor, it’s unlikely that you will see any benefits from the ingredient.
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) – UNKNOWN DOSE
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is a chemical made in your brain that works by blocking your brain signals; it may help reduce your stress, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and increase mood.
However, GABA may cause adverse effects; no relevant research about the safety and use of GABA. Also, GABA is a poor choice ingredient in Focus Factor.
Grape Seed Extract – UNKNOWN DOSE
The Grape seed extract is rich in antioxidants, a mixture of tannins and procyanidins. Also, grape seed extract appears to utilize anti-estrogenic effects that may improve blood flow.
Grape seed extract may reduce your blood pressure, improve blood flow, and reduce oxidative damage. Grape seed extract may also improve collagen levels, bone strength, support brain aging, improve kidney function, protect your liver, and enhance wound healing.
The standard dose of Grape seed extract is 150-300mg daily.
Focus Factor has Grape seed extract in its proprietary blend; the dose is unknown.
Huperzine-A (Huperzia Serrata) – UNKNOWN DOSE
Huperzine-A is extracted from Chinese Club moss. Huperzine-A may improve cognitive function in people with brain diseases and may improve memory.
A standard dose of Huperzine-A is between 50-200mcg daily.
Huperzine-A increases the levels of acetylcholine that may help diseases that affect cognitive thinking and memory. However, long-term use can lead to a tolerance which will make the ingredient Huperzine-A ineffective.
Not only that, Huperzine-A is known to cause numerous side effects and needs to be continuously cycled. Focus Factor should not have included Huperzine-A in its supplement.
Boron – UNKNOWN DOSE
Boron is a trace mineral found in food and the environment.
Boron may help build stronger bones, muscles; and increase testosterone levels. Also, Boron may improve muscle coordination and thinking skills.
Boron is also used as boric acid to help women with yeast infections and menstrual cramps.
The maximum dose of Boron is 20mg per day.
In the supplement Focus Factor, Boron is used in its proprietary blend; we don’t know the correct dosage of the ingredient. Not only that, but the dose in Focus Factor may be larger than the maximum allowed dose; this could cause adverse effects.
Vanadium (Vanadyl Sulfate) – UNKNOWN DOSE
Vanadium (Vanadyl Sulfate) is a mineral used to help muscle insulin sensitivity in people with Type 2 diabetes; used for prediabetics and diabetes.
Also, there is insufficient research for Vanadium effects on cognition, memory, brain, and mental health.
Notable mentions:
In Focus Factor, these are the best vitamins and minerals they include in their supplement: Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Niacin, Zinc, Copper, and Potassium.
Vitamin A helps boost your cognition and focus, Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that fights brain aging, and Niacin reduces the risk of cognitive diseases. The mineral Zinc is essential for healthy brain function, Copper supports brain health, and Potassium optimizes brain function.
Another notable mention is Focus Factor’s good use of Thiamin (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin B6, Folate (Vitamin B9), and Vitamin B12. B Vitamins are essential for your brain health and function. Also, B Vitamins help fight cognitive decline and aging. Not only that, B Vitamins boost the production of neurotransmitters, delivering messages between neurons in the brain and body.
Our Commentary on Focus Factor Ingredients
We don’t think that Focus Factor will provide all the benefits it claims. As a supplement, they are missing several nootropic ingredients that could help maximize their effectiveness and potency. Also, Focus Factor has most of its active ingredients under the proprietary blend. We do not know the correct dose of each supplement or its effectiveness. You never want to see a proprietary blend in a nootropic supplement.
The Focus Factor supplement is nowhere near as effective and transparent as some nootropics currently on the market. Also, Focus Factor includes Huperzine-A in its formula; continuous cycling will cause the other ingredients to lose their potency and effectiveness. Not only that, but Focus Factor adds GABA and DMAE Bitartrate that are known to cause adverse effects.
User Reviews
“It didn’t make any kind of difference after a year and one half.” – Renee
“I’m really enjoying my Extra Strength Focus Factor. It gives me a noticeable boost.” – Lee M.
“Product does not seem to work . The only thing I did get, was give me side effects, like terrible muscle pain, dizziness, intestinal problems, and constant fatigue . Would love to get a refund, but don’t know if that’s possible.” – Marge Knepple
Price
You are going to pay $39.99 for a Focus Factor bottle of 120 tablets.
On their official site, you can bundle the supplements to receive a discount:
3 Pack – $117.57
6 Pack – $230.39
Focus Factor also sells energy shots, gummies, and kids’ supplements. In their Focus Factor line, they sell, The Original, the Extra Strength, and Brain & Vision. Also, The Focus Factor Extra Strength supplement costs $39.99 for a bottle of 120 tablets.
We should not see a proprietary blend in a nootropic supplement. We don’t know the effectiveness of the active ingredients because the doses are undisclosed.
In a nootropic supplement, you want to see essential and effective nootropics with the correct doses. However, Focus Factor does not provide adequate information; this supplement is most likely ineffective. There are better nootropic supplements that you can choose from that will be transparent and beneficial.
Side Effects
Focus Factor is a nootropic supplement linked to causing adverse effects. These side effects are affected by DMAE Bitartrate, Huperzine-A, and GABA found in the nootropic.
Huperzine-A may cause diarrhea, nausea, sweating, vomiting, and constipation. Also, DMAE Bitartrate may cause stomach upset, drowsiness, increased blood pressure, headaches, irritability, and muscle tension.
The rest of Focus Factor’s ingredients are relatively safe and should not cause any adverse effects if taken according to the instructions.
Conclusion
Focus Factor is not the worst nootropic, but it’s certainly not the best, either. The supplement contains ingredients with ineffective doses; also has a proprietary blend.
Other more transparent and effective supplements on the market will improve your concentration, focus, and memory. Not only that, other nootropic supplements can provide overall better cognitive benefits without adverse effects. You will find that those supplements contain no proprietary blend and have better ingredients that are effective with correct doses.
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