Is Neuriva a scam? My inbox has been flooded with emails from readers asking about this brain supplement. Most of them came across ads and “review” articles that looked independent but were clearly sponsored. Others were confused by the growing number of Neuriva versions, or worried about whether it’s safe for seniors, effective, or even legitimate.
What stood out most was how hard it was for readers to find original, unsponsored information. Almost everything online praises Neuriva without acknowledging its limitations. That alone raised a red flag for many people.
So I took my time to research this supplement properly, reading medical commentary, ingredient studies, consumer experiences, and expert opinions. This post is not written to sell Neuriva. It’s written to explain it.
Table of Contents
About Neuriva
Neuriva is a brain supplement developed by Schiff Vitamins, a long-established supplement brand now owned by Reckitt. It is marketed as a nootropic supplement designed to support memory, focus, learning, and overall brain health.
Originally, Neuriva was sold as a single product. Today, it is available in multiple versions, which has added to consumer confusion:
Neuriva
Neuriva Plus
Neuriva Ultra
Each version adds more ingredients and suggests stronger cognitive benefits, but the science behind those escalating claims does not strengthen in the same way the marketing does.
How to Take
According to the manufacturer, Neuriva is typically taken once daily, usually at night, as the brain is believed to perform important restorative processes during sleep.
That said, taking Neuriva exactly as directed does not guarantee results. Dosage consistency does not overcome the lack of strong clinical evidence behind its cognitive claims.
Anyone taking medications or managing health conditions should consult a healthcare professional before using Neuriva or any brain supplement.
Its Ingredients and what they actually do
Neuriva’s marketing focuses heavily on its ingredients, so it’s important to separate scientific possibility from proven benefit.
The main ingredient across all Neuriva products is coffee fruit extract, branded as Neurofactor. It is promoted as supporting brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF, which plays a role in brain cell health. While small studies suggest coffee fruit extract may slightly increase BDNF levels, there is no strong evidence that this leads to noticeable improvements in memory or learning in everyday life.
Neuriva also contains phosphatidylserine, a compound found in cell membranes. Some studies suggest it may offer modest benefits for memory in older adults, but results are inconsistent and effects are generally mild.
Neuriva Plus adds B vitamins such as B6, B12, and folic acid. These are essential nutrients, but unless someone is deficient, supplementing them does not improve cognitive performance.
Neuriva Ultra adds omega-3 fatty acids and turmeric extract. Both are beneficial for general health, but there is no convincing evidence that adding them to a brain supplement significantly improves memory or prevents cognitive decline.
Does Neuriva work for memory loss?
This is the most important question, and the answer deserves honesty.
There is no strong, independent clinical evidence that Neuriva significantly improves memory, focus, or cognitive function in healthy adults. Some users report feeling more alert or focused, but these experiences are subjective and can often be explained by placebo effect.
Just as many users report no noticeable changes, even after consistent use for several months.
One issue that many people overlook is how difficult it has become to reliably get original Neuriva, especially online.
Because Neuriva is widely advertised and recognizable, it has attracted counterfeit and unauthorized sellers. I found numerous complaints from buyers who received products with inconsistent packaging, missing safety seals, unusual labeling, or capsules that looked different from what they previously purchased.
This is particularly common when buying from third-party sellers on large online marketplaces. In some cases, the products may be expired, improperly stored, or imitation supplements altogether.
This makes it even harder for consumers to evaluate Neuriva fairly, because negative experiences may not even involve the genuine product.
Is Neuriva Endorsed by Mayo Clinic?
This question comes up very often, and the answer is clear.
Neuriva is not endorsed by Mayo Clinic.
Mayo Clinic has consistently stated that there is insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of most brain supplements for improving memory or cognition. While Neuriva’s ingredients may be discussed in general nutrition contexts, Mayo Clinic does not recommend Neuriva as a treatment or solution for memory loss.
Any suggestion or implication that Neuriva is Mayo Clinic-approved or endorsed is misleading.
Is It Safe?
For most healthy adults, Neuriva appears to be generally safe when taken as directed. Reported side effects are usually; vertigo, digestive discomfort, headaches, or sleep disturbances.
However, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, as well as those with neurological or mental health conditions, should be cautious and seek medical advice before use.
Natural does not automatically mean harmless.
Neuriva vs Prevagen
Many readers also asked how Neuriva compares to Prevagen.
Prevagen was aggressively marketed for memory improvement until a federal judge ruled that its manufacturer could no longer make such claims due to lack of reliable evidence (see article here). Neuriva avoids some of the bold language Prevagen used, but the underlying strategy is similar.
Both rely on limited research and present it as meaningful proof of cognitive benefit. Neither supplement has strong independent evidence showing it improves memory in healthy adults.
From a practical standpoint, neither offers good value.
Pros
Widely available
Made by a known supplement company
Generally safe for healthy adults
Simple formulation compared to many nootropics
Cons
Lacks strong clinical evidence
Expensive for minimal benefits
Marketing exaggerates effectiveness
Multiple versions create confusion
Increasing issues with counterfeit products
Is Neuriva a Scam?
Neuriva is not an outright scam. It is produced by a legitimate company and contains real ingredients. However, the marketing significantly overstates what the science supports.
Promises of improved memory and sharper thinking are presented far more confidently than evidence allows. This leads many consumers to feel misled when results don’t match expectations.
So while Neuriva is not fake, it is overhyped.
My Honest Opinion
After reviewing the research, medical commentary, and real user experiences, my conclusion is consistent with many neurologists and aging specialists.
Cognitive enhancement supplements are largely a waste of money.
Cognitive decline is complex and, to some degree, inevitable. Some people age with sharper minds, others don’t, and supplements rarely change that trajectory in a meaningful way.
What actually supports brain health is not sold in capsules. Regular exercise, quality sleep, social interaction, mental stimulation, and a balanced diet have far stronger evidence behind them.
As a mom and a research-driven blogger who values transparency, I cannot confidently recommend Neuriva for memory loss or cognitive improvement.
while you’re here, please read my latest expose; another brain supplement called NeuroDyne Drops