Is the Brain Health Supplement Neuriva Worth It?

Memory, learning, and thought processing are all important functions of the brain. However, as individuals get older, the ability of the brain to carry out these functions may decrease. This can negatively affect their quality of life.

Between 2000 and 2050, it is expected that the number of people over the age of 60 will double as the human life span gradually increases. With the increasingly aging population, it is important to examine ways to support the brain that keep it working as well as possible.

Neuriva is an over-the-counter brain health supplement manufactured by Schiff Vitamins. Let's take a closer look at it and see if it's worth trying.

What is in Neuriva?

Neuriva contains coffee cherry extract and phosphatidylserine. Coffee cherry extract is rich in polyphenols, a substance that protects neurons in the brain against toxins and inflammation. They may improve brain function and memory.

Phosphatidylserine is a fatty substance in the brain that protects nerves and keeps them healthy.

What are the possible benefits of Neuriva?

Schiff states that Neuriva can help support focus, memory, learning, accuracy, and concentration. However, as with all supplements, this statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

So, how well does Neuriva actually work?

In one study that lasted for 42 days, Neuriva was shown be more effective than placebo at improving in certain areas related to memory, concentration, accuracy, focus, and learning. However, this study only included 138 participants and lasted a relatively short time. More studies need to be done to more clearly establish how effective Neuriva is.

The Schiff website also states that the coffee cherry extract Neuriva contains has been clinically tested to increase levels of brain-derived neurotophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is an important protein found in the brain that helps it to function well. However, the study mentioned above did not find any significant difference in BDNF levels between people who took Neuriva and those who took a placebo.

Is Neuriva safe?

In the study of Neuriva mentioned above, Neuriva was shown to be safe and well-tolerated in healthy adults. Again, it is important to remember that the study only lasted for 42 days. There is no evidence on whether Neuriva is safe to use long-term.

What are the possible side effects of Neuriva?

Neuriva is well-tolerated in most people. However, some people who take it have experienced dry mouth, headache, stomach upset, and trouble sleeping.

How is Neuriva taken?

Neuriva comes as a capsule with directions to take one capsule daily.

Conclusion

While Neuriva was shown to have some promising effects in one study, larger and more long-term studies need to be done to truly establish how effective it may be. However, if you are interested in trying it out, it is likely safe to take. Just make sure that you talk with your doctor first to make sure it is safe for you to try when taking into account your other medications and known health conditions.

References:

BuzzRx. (2025). Neuriva vs Prevagen for memory: which is better?

Doma KM, Lewis ED, Barracato JM, Brink LR, Gratson AA, Pandey N, Crowley DC, Evans M. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Study Investigating the Efficacy of a Whole Coffee Cherry Extract and Phosphatidylserine Formulation on Cognitive Performance of Healthy Adults with Self-Perceived Memory Problems. Neurol Ther. 2023 Jun;12(3):777-794. doi: 10.1007/s40120-023-00454-z. Epub 2023 Mar 16.

Vauzour D. Dietary polyphenols as modulators of brain functions: biological actions and molecular mechanisms underpinning their beneficial effects. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2012;2012:914273. doi: 10.1155/2012/914273. Epub 2012 Jun 3.

Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board