Advanced Memory Formula Reviews

Advanced Memory Formula Review:
Does it work?

Reviewopedia staff  -  Updated:  October 26, 2023
Editorial Note:  Reviewopedia is supported by our readers.  This page contains Amazon affiliate links. Commissions do not affect our evaluations or recommendations.

 

Advanced Memory Formula is a supplement by Advanced BioNutritionals, a company that states they create cutting edge nutraceuticals specially manufactured to provide top-of-the-line health solutions for their customers.

The company is headed by Dr. Frank Shallenberger who researches and uses his medical experience to create the formulations for Advanced BioNutritionals.

Below we conduct a thorough analysis of this supplement based on current research for its active ingredients and real customer feedback.

 

Why trust Reviewopedia?

We have years of experience analyzing supplement brands and have reviewed similar memory enhancing supplements (Cerebra & SANE Vitaae) that share key active ingredients with Advanced Memory Formula.

Product Claims

At AdvancedBioNutritionals.com Dr. Frank Shallenberger explains his findings for what he believes to be the common causes of cognitive decline and memory loss.

He identities 3 key issues:

 

  1. The deterioration of Myelin

    Myelin is the protective sheathing covering nerve cells that coincides with a deficiency of neurotransmitters, and is critical to brain function.

  2. Inflammation

    According to Dr. Shallenberger, a number of triggers can lead to inflammation, which results in your own immune system attacking healthy brain cells.

  3. Free radicals

    When these unstable molecules overwhelm the antioxidants in your body the result is oxidative stress, which can lead to various chronic and degenerative illnesses.

 

Shallenberger argues that Advanced Memory Formula can help reverse the effects of these 3 triggers, as well as:

  • Support Memory
  • Improve Mental clarity
  • And protect against further age related cognitive decline

Ingredients

Below we examine some of the key ingredients in Advanced Memory Formula and see what kind of research is available to support their use.

 

Advanced Memory Formula ingredients

( Advanced Memory Formula full ingredients list )

 

Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALC) - 250mg


This amino acid is a common ingredient in weight loss and brain boosting supplements due to its role in mitochondrial function and energy production. [3]

There is promising, albeit mixed, research on its effects as a cognitive enhancing supplement.

For instance, one study on patients with dementia and vascular cognitive impairment found that those treated with ALC at 1,500 mg/day performed better on a cognitive test compared to the placebo group. [4]

Another small study tested 2g of L-carnitine daily versus a placebo on centenarians, finding that,

oral administration of levocarnitine produces a reduction of total fat mass, increases total muscular mass, and facilitates an increased capacity for physical and cognitive activity by reducing fatigue and improving cognitive functions.”  [5]

On the other hand, a 2017 study found no measurable effect of L‐carnitine on cognitive function on groups with no cognitive impairment, concluding that more robust and lengthy research is needed. [6]

Overall, there is promising research on supplementing with L-carnitine, but this nutrient can also be obtained from animal protein.

 

Alpha-GPC - 250mg


Alpha-GPC has been used in nootropics and performance boosting supplements for athletes. 

It's a precursor for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which is involved in many important brain functions. [7]

One study we examined stated that,

Alpha GPC, also known as L-Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine, a naturally occurring form of choline, acts as a parasympathomimetic acetylcholine precursor and has shown promise in improving cognitive symptoms related to alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and multi-infarct dementia.” [8]

However, more extensive research is needed as many of the studies on alpha GPC are limited or done on animals.

One study that tested the effects of alpha GPC, caffeine, or placebo on certain brain functions concluded,

Acute supplementation with caffeine or Alpha-GPC had no statistically significant beneficial effect on measures of mood, cognitive function, or physiological performance, in part due to large individual variability between subjects." [9]

Also of note is a recent study that found, “Increasing intake of α-GPC was associated with a higher risk for total stroke in a dose-response manner.” [10]

 

Bacopa monnieri - 120mg


Popular in Ayurvedic medicine, this plant is regarded for its adaptogenic and cognitive benefits. [11]  There are studies that support its use as a cognitive boosting supplement.  

One study tested 60 medical students in double-blind, placebo-controlled trial concluded that subjects receiving 150mg of Bacopa monnieri twice a day for 6 weeks “... significantly improved cognitive function.” [12]

Another study found that  “B. monnieri can improve attention, cognitive processing, and working memory partly via the suppression of AChE activity." [13]

 

Luteolin - 30mg


This flavonoid is found in vegetables, herbs, and fruits and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine due its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. [14]

There are studies also showing it has some neuroprotective properties.  For instance, one study found that Luteolin could improve cognitive dysfunction by inhibiting neuroinflammation. [15]

Another study supported these findings in an animal experiment that concluded, “These results indicate that luteolin can improve spatial learning and memory impairment in this experimental model.” [16]



NueroFactor (CognatiQ®) - 100mg


This is a proprietary coffee fruit extract that has been shown, in the company’s research, to:

  • increase the neuroprotein BDNF
  • Increases brain connectivity
  • Improves cognitive performance


Phosphatidylserine (PS) - 150mg


This phospholipid plays many roles in the protection and function of nerve cells in the brain.  It’s a popular supplement because, as you age, the amount of Phosphatidylserine in your body naturally decreases.  [17]

PS supplements claim to improve memory and cognitive function, with some scientific support being found for these claims.

In a study involving 494 elderly persons with cognitive impairments, the supplementation of phosphatidylserine (PS) enhanced cognitive and behavioral functions compared to a placebo group.

These improvements were statistically significant and were observed at two different intervals: first at three months and subsequently at six months. [18]

Similar findings were reported in another study which concluded that “6 months of Soy-PS supplementation could improve the memory functions of the elderly with memory complaints.” [19]

Ingredients Evaluation

There is a good amount of scientific support for the ingredients found in Advanced Memory Formula, many of which have histories of use in traditional medical practices or as components of other popular supplements.

However, more research is needed on their effects and none are FDA approved to treat any medical conditions.

Furthermore, many of the key ingredients in Advanced Memory Formula are found in much lower doses than when compared to other supplements, or the amounts that were generally used in clinical trials, such as ones cited above.

For instance, a similar brain supplement called Cerebra has more than twice the amount of Bacopa (300 mg) found in Advanced Memory Formula, and SANE Vitaae’s L-carnitine blend contains even more at 1,560 mg.

Finally, Advanced Memory Formula has a relatively high number of different ingredients, so those people using other medications may want to check with their primary care physicians about any potential contraindications.

Customer Reviews & Complaints

There are a large number of positive customer reviews for Advanced Memory Formula on the company’s own website, where customers report improvements in memory and cognitive abilities.

When evaluating a company or product we always try to look for unbiased reviews from objective 3rd party sources.

In the case of Advanced BioNutritionals, they have an A+ rating with the BBB, but a customer score of just 1 / 5 from over 20 customer reviews there.

Customer complaints there mention order and billing issues along with reports of the supplement simply not working as advertised.

Advanced Memory Formula is also available on Amazon, where it's an “Amazon's Choice” product and has a respectable rating of 4.2 / 5 from over 600 customer reviews.

There, many customers report experiencing noticeable improvements to their memory, citing a clearer mind and less brain fog.

Negative customer reviews often mention not experiencing a noticeable effects from taking the supplement.

Potential Red Flags

One red flag that we noticed when doing our research on Advanced Memory Formula is regarding how the company displays customer reviews on their website.

At the time of this review the Advanced Memory Formula listing there has a customer rating of 3.9 / 5 from 1232 reviews.  

Although we applaud Advanced BioNutritionals for allowing negative customer reviews on their website ( which some of their competitors do not), we find it somewhat misleading the way that the reviews are displayed.

The impression is given that customer reviews are displayed in chronological order, yet to see the most negative reviews we had to scroll all the way to page 108.

The negative reviews were pushed to the last pages, even though those negative reviews were recent and should have been displayed in the first pages.

Their website make it very difficult (effectively impossible for most visitors) to read what the negative customer reviews actually say.

 

Positive Customer Reviews, page 1

( Positive Customer Reviews, page 1 )

Negative Customer Reviews, page 108

( Negative Customer Reviews, page 108 )

Customer Service

Advanced BioNutritionals states that Advanced Memory Formula is covered by a 100% guarantee.

This guarantee states if you are unsatisfied for any reason you can send any unused product back for a refund within 90 days of purchase.

You can reach a representative at 800-791-3395 (Toll Free) or via email at [email protected].

 

Cost & Price Plans

One bottle costs 49.95, customers have the option of saving more by purchasing a bulk order.  

For instance, a 6-month supply costs $249 and would save you $50.

We found that Advanced Memory Formula is often priced substantially cheaper on Amazon.

Check Price on Amazon

Competitors and Alternatives

There is a vast market for nootropic and adaptogen supplements, which is why it’s crucial to find a trusted brand that follows good manufacturing practices, uses high quality ingredients, and uses research-backed ingredients.

Some additional well reviewed cognitive supporting supplements include:

 

ONNIT Alpha Brain

Claims to improve memory and focus. Also features Alpha GPC and Bacaopa as some of its key ingredients.  

It's also a best seller on Amazon and has a rating of 4.1/5 from over 60,000 customer reviews. 

Check Price on Amazon

 

Mind Lab Pro® Universal Nootropic

This supplement relies on Citicoline, but also includes Lion's Mane mushroom, L-Theanine, Vitamins B6, B9, and B12. 

Check Price on Amazon

 

NEURIVA ULTRA

This nootropic also includes 100mg of Phosphatidylserine and 200mg of NeuroFactor®.

It adds vitamins B6+12 and Folate along with Cognivive - another key ingredient to boost alertness.

Neuriva Ultra has a rating of 4.3/5 from over 1,200 customer reviews on Amazon.

Check Price on Amazon

The Bottom Line

Staying mentally sharp into the later years of life is something that everyone strives for.  

Unfortunately there’s no magic pill that can fix memory and cognition issues, especially those brought on by degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's or dementia.

While there is preliminary evidence for some of the key ingredients in Advanced Memory Formula, as well as in our recommended alternatives, there are no definitive findings supporting some of the claims made by the sellers.

For instance, the largest clinical trial of Ginkgo Biloba (one of the ingredients found in Advanced Memory Formula) found that after 6 years it had no effect on rates of dementia in older adults.

This is why most experts recommend the following for brain health:

  • Daily exercise
  • Engaging in mentally stimulating activities (puzzles, reading, learning new skills)
  • Social interactions
  • Staying organized
  • Regular sleep
  • Healthy eating (Mediterranean, DASH, or MIND diets)

If you have any experience with the Advanced Memory Formula, please leave your reviews below.

You may also be interested in

Advanced Memory Formula Customer Reviews

  • Sort Reviews By:

Seems to help memory recall.
January 12, 2024
Using this for a number of months and memory recall has improved. This is for a 68 year old relative.

Don’t be fooled, don’t buy.
October 11, 2021
Scam. Product doesn’t work, it’s just a vitamin! Advertised, money back if not satisfied, not true.

P.Moore November 19, 2021

Is this review from a person who had purchased this product or just one against the product claiming to help the brain?

PhilBaer December 16, 2022

what experience do you have?

PhilBaer January 04, 2023

what experience do you have?