Focus Factor Reviews
Focus Factor is a dietary supplement claimed to improve memory, concentration, and focus.
Focus Factor is composed of a proprietary blend of nutrients and is considered a nootropic, meaning it is meant to enhance focus and learning.
Product and Ingredients
These are the main ingredients listed for Focus Factor:
Dimethylaminoethanol (as DMAE bitartrate)
DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) is a compound found in fish – primarily anchovies, sardines, and salmon – which may enhance mood, improve memory, and support brain functions, although there isn’t much scientific data to back up this claim.
L-glutamine
L-Glutamine is one of the most abundant amino acids found naturally in the body. It has been used to treat conditions like sickle cell anemia, complications arising from HIV or AIDS, in recovery from radiation and chemotherapy, and in recovery from surgery.
It may improve digestive health, physical performance, and recovery, and enhance cognitive functions, although more data is needed to verify these claims.
Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa Monnieri has been regarded as a memory enhancer for centuries in South America, Asia, and India, although there is little scientific information available on this ingredient.
L-pyroglutamic acid
L-pyroglutamic acid is an amino acid that is also known as a memory enhancer, but there is not a lot of scientific data available on this supplement to back up this claim.
Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine is an amino acid. The body can make its own Phosphatidylserine, but primarily relies on food for this nutrient.
Phosphatidylserine supplements were once made of cow brains, but now it is more common for these supplements to be made from cabbage or soy.
Phosphatidylserine has been used for age-related memory issues, as well for athletic performance, but this is another supplement that has little scientific data to back up these claims.
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish – particularly in salmon and tuna. Although it does show promise in lowering triglyceride levels in the body, claims that it helps with age-related memory loss have little scientific evidence.
Inositol
Inositol is a kind of sugar that assists with insulin processing in your body. Although it shows promise in treating conditions like pre-diabetes and even some types of cancer, it doesn’t have any scientific backing regarding its use in memory or focus.
N-acetyl tyrosine
N-acetyl tyrosine is an amino acid which is made by your body, but can also be found in wheat, oats, eggs, nuts, fish, dairy products, and meat.
N-acetyl tyrosine has shown promise in enhancing mental performance and memory under stress, but more research is needed.
Bilberry extract
Bilberry is a shrub similar to blueberry. (Bilberry is sometimes referred to as European Blueberry.) After drying, the ripe fruit and leaves are used for a variety of conditions.
There’s not a lot of data, however, that suggests bilberry would enhance memory or focus.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)
Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter (a type of chemical message delivery) in the brain.
While Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) has shown promise as a supplement for stress and elevated blood pressure, it’s not clear if it would help with memory or focus.
Grape Skin and Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed and skin extract is usually made from the same grapes used to make wine. Grape seed and skin extract has been touted as a treatment for many illnesses because of its antioxidant properties, but research results have proved conflicting, and more research is needed to see what benefits grape skin and grape seed extract have for your body.
Zinc
Zinc is a trace mineral required in small doses by your body. It has been shown to reduce the length of colds and promote wound healing. A deficiency in zinc may cause a fogginess in memory and thinking.
The recommended daily amount of zinc is 11 mg for adult men and 8 mg for adult women. Focus Factor contains 10 mg of zinc in a four-tablet serving.
Potential Side Effects
Dimethylaminoethanol (as DMAE bitartrate) - Do not take if you suffer from schizophrenia, epilepsy, or bipolar disorder or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Side effects include skin irritation, insomnia, muscle spasms, respiratory issues, and convulsions.
Do not take Dimethylaminoethanol (as DMAE bitartrate) if you are taking Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, anticholinergics, or blood thinners.
Bacopa Monnieri - Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children under the age of 6 should not take Bacopa Monnieri.
Bacopa Monnieri could potentially slow your heart rate, cause intestinal blockage or ulcers, increase fluid in the lungs, and increase thyroid hormones. Do not take Bacopa Monnieri if you are taking medicine for thyroid or blood pressure issues.
Side effects include dry mouth, indigestion, increased bowel movements, and fatigue. These symptoms may decrease as your body adjusts to the supplement.
L-pyroglutamic acid - is toxic at daily doses over 500 mg. Taking higher doses can cause metabolic acidosis.
Phosphatidylserine - should not be taken with anticholinergic drugs, antihistamines, or antidepressants. Do not take anticholinergic drugs if you are taking medication for Alzheimer’s disease or glaucoma. Side effects include insomnia and stomach upset.
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) - should not be taken if you are being treated for Alzheimer’s disease or high blood pressure.
N-acetyl tyrosine - Do not take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. N-acetyl tyrosine should not be taken if you are on medication for thyroid disorders or take Levodopa.
Bilberry - Do not take bilberry if you are pregnant or breast feeding. If you have diabetes consult with your physician before taking this supplement as it can lower your blood sugar. Do not take bilberry if you take insulin or blood thinners.
Grape Skin and Seed Extract - Do not take grape skin and seed extract if you have high blood pressure or a bleeding disorder. Do not take grape skin and seed extract if you take NSAID pain relievers, heart medicines, or are undergoing cancer treatment. Side effects include nausea, dizziness, and headache.
Zinc - Zinc can interact with certain medications such as Amiloride, certain antibiotics, Cisplatin, and Penicillamine. Consult with your physician before taking a zinc supplement if you are taking any of these medications.
How to Use Focus Factor
This supplement comes in pill form, with the recommended dosage being 4 tablets per day at mealtimes. The directions allow for 4 extra pills to be taken per day to make up for body weight, diet, and lifestyle.
Cost and Price Plans
A single bottle of the original strength formula has 180 pills and costs $23.99. Depending on how many meals you eat, this may provide as little as 15 doses.
A three pack costs $70.50. A six pack costs $137.99. There is a subscribe and save offer on the website that will save you 10%.
The extra strength version of Focus Factor is about twice the amount of the original formula.
Customer Service
Customer service may only be contacted through their website contact form. Hours are not listed. The company is located at:
Focus Factor
16620 Stagg Street
Van Nuys, CA 91406
Customer Reviews & Complaints
Online reviews from Amazon are very good at 4.6 out of five stars, taken from 255 reviews. As well as on the company website where the average is at 4.5 stars, taken from 137 reviews.
Those who've had positive experience with Focus Factor claim that their "brain Fog" is lifted and they've noticed improvements in short term memory.
On the other hand some people have reported no changes and claim that you can get the same benefit from any standard multi-vitamin. Other complaints mentioned that the pills can be hard to swallow, especially the extra strength ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take focus factor at night?
No. Some of the ingredients, like tyrosine, can cause insomnia.
Can I take Focus Factor and Adderall together?
If you take Adderall, or any other medication for ADHD, you should consult with your physician before starting Focus Factor.
Is Focus Factor a multivitamin?
No, it is a supplement that contains some vitamins.
Does Focus Factor give you energy?
Some of the ingredients listed may give you energy.
Does Focus Factor make you gain weight?
It is not clear if it would make you gain weight.
Does focus factor help your memory?
Some of the ingredients may help with memory, but more scientific research is needed.
Is Focus Factor safe?
Some of the ingredients interact with a number of medications. It’s best to consult with your physician before taking this dietary supplement.
Where to Buy Focus Factor?
Focus Factor is available on the company website, Amazon, Walmart, The Vitamin Shoppe, CVS, Costco, and other retailers.
Competitors and Alternatives
Neuriva - Neuriva is a supplement that also addresses memory and focus. It has two main ingredients - Phosphatidylserine and coffee berry extract. (Although it has coffee berry extract, this supplement doesn’t include caffeine.)
One bottle costs $24.26 on Amazon. The average rating on Amazon is 4.5 out of five stars, taken from 7256 ratings.
Prevagen - The main ingredient in Prevagen is apoaequorin, which comes from jellyfish. There’s no link to this ingredient being effective on memory. Prevagan costs $37.50 on Amazon.
The reviews are 4.5 out of 5 stars, taken from 2401 reviews on Amazon.
The Bottom Line
Those looking to improve focus, concentration, and memory may have come across Focus Factor, which claims it can serve all of those functions, provide nutrition for the brain, and replace your daily vitamin.
While a lot of the ingredients in Focus Factor are promising, there isn’t enough scientific data to prove this supplement would have an impact on focus or memory.
There are also a number of drug interactions with the active ingredients, including interactions with Alzheimer’s medications.
This supplement does have high ratings, but instead of weighing the pros and cons yourself it’s better to talk to your physician first before taking.
If you have any experience with Focus Factor, please leave your reviews below.
