PROS
CONS
SUMMARY
Focus Factor has been in the brain supplements market for the last 15 years and has garnered a loyal customer base over the years. The Extra Strength supplement contains about 40 ingredients. This diversity of ingredients makes it hard to link the claimed benefits to the formula. Also, with so many ingredients, it’s challenging to keep track of the possible drug interactions with other medicines. The number of ingredients is not a problem as long as those are well thought of. However, we found that link to be missing in this supplement. We recommend going for a formula that has well-researched and science-backed nootropics. Also, the ingredients should work in synergy with each other to give an extra boost to the brain.
All of us have had our share of moments where we wish our brain and memory could have been a little more cooperative. Sometimes, we wish we could be more decisive. Other times, we hope we could have recalled some information faster.
Well, the good thing is that now we do have the power to make things work in our favor. We don’t have to go through these moments where our memory deceives us.
Made for precisely this purpose is the ‘Focus Factor Extra Strength’ brain supplement.
Focus Factor brand of nootropics has been in the market for as long as 15 years. The company claims they are America’s No. 1 Brain Formula.
Let’s find out how true that is.
What Does Focus Factor Do?
Focus Factor is a brain supplement that claims to improve focus, concentration, and memory. It combines key nootropics, vitamins, and minerals that nourish the brain.
It comes in three variants:
They also have a line of supplements for the kids:
The Focus Factor Extra Strength is the recent variant. The company upgraded its original Focus Factor formula with the addition of key neuro-nutrients. It has more potency than the original formula. In this review, we’ll be talking about The ‘Extra Strength’ variant.
Focus Factor Ingredient Analysis
DMAE bitartrate
DMAE is a compound that helps in the synthesis of choline. Choline later forms acetylcholine in the brain. It is essential for an excellent memory.
It also helps with many other brain functions like REM sleep, age-related mental decline, and memory loss.
In general, it is considered safe to consume. But, people who have schizophrenia or epilepsy should avoid it.
Choline Bitartrate
Choline Bitartrate is one of the forms of supplementary choline. It can be found in many nootropic supplements.
It works by increasing the phosphatidylcholine in the brain, which is a brain chemical important for the brain’s functioning.
As a supplement, it can help with memory and learning (2)
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Ginkgo biloba is an ancient tree native to China. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Some studies prove that supplementing with Ginkgo can enhance the brain’s functioning, like better memory and focus. (3, 4)
L-Glutamine
Glutamine is an amino acid and a critical part of the immune system.
The body naturally produces L-glutamine but sometimes it needs more than it’s able to produce. Hence, L-glutamine is considered a conditionally essential amino acid.
It does not offer any direct nootropic benefits, but it’s an excellent supplement for overall health and immunity. (5)
Bacopa Monnieri Leaf Extract
Bacopa is an Ayurvedic herb known to be an effective cognitive enhancer. A study published in Evidence-Based Complimentary & Alternative Medicine explains that taking small amounts of Bacopa Monnieri extract daily can enhance working memory, attention, and cognition.
A study published by Rejuvenation Research summarises that the plant helps to alleviate cognitive disorders and oxidative damage.
L-pyroglutamic acid
L-pyroglutamic acid is derived from the amino acids glutamine and glutamic acid.
The most important role of L-pyroglutamic is that it supports the healthy production of neurotransmitters in the brain. Hence, it can help with improving memory and learning.
Besides, it also helps to manage anxiety.
Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine is a fatty substance that naturally occurs in the body and plays an important role in various bodily functions.
It is known to prevent memory loss and age-related mental decline. A study published in Science Direct shows it helps with the formation of short-term memory and consolidation of long-term memory.
Docosahexaenoic Acid Concentrate
Also known as DHA, it is a type of omega-3 fat. The body can only make a small amount of it, so we need to get it from food or supplements.
There is some evidence that proves that DHA can help with the prevention of depression and anxiety. (6, 7)
Inositol
Sometimes referred to as vitamin B8, it is a carbohydrate, commonly found in fruits, nuts, and beans.
It can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and panic attacks. (8)
It is also known to help with depression. (9). Moreover, this ingredient has an excellent safety profile with minimum to no side-effects reported.
N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
L tyrosine is an amino acid. It supports the brain’s function by improving the synthesis of neurotransmitters. N-acetyl is the acetylated derivative of L tyrosine.
It improves mental alertness and focus. Studies confirm L-Tyrosine enhances the working memory (10, 11, 12).
Bilberry fruit extract
Bilberry is a fruit closely related to blueberries. It is rich in antioxidants and is used for medicinal purposes ranging from diabetes to treating poor blood circulation.
Due to the phenolic compounds present in the fruit, the intake of Bilberry can reduce cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s. (13)
Gamma-aminobutyric acid
Gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA is an amino acid that occurs naturally in the body. It works by acting as an inhibitory neurotransmitter that blocks stress-related signals and relaxes the nervous system.
Conclusive scientific studies on GABA have not been conducted yet. A study published by Frontiers in Psychology presses upon the need for more scientific research to assess the working of GABA and its long-term effects.
Huperzine A
Huperzine is an excellent source of acetylcholine and helps to prevent its breakage.
Acetylcholine is one of the most critical neurotransmitters in the body. It plays a crucial role in cognitive functions, like memory and learning. (14)
Boron Citrate
Boron is a trace mineral found in nuts. Researchers believe the Boron helps improve cognitive functioning. (15)
It can help with both short-term and long-term memory, manual dexterity, and eye-hand coordination. No wonder it’s considered as an essential nutrient for humans.
Vanadium
Vanadium is a trace mineral that is used as a natural remedy in many health conditions like anemia, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
There are no conclusive studies that link Vanadium to nootropic properties.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A works as a powerful antioxidant and fights cell damage. It can improve learning and memory. Besides, Vitamin A can reduce age-relative cognitive decline. (17)
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that occurs in many food items like nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables. Vitamin E helps the neurons in the brain from undergoing any damage. (18)
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for maintaining proper bone health as it helps the body to absorb calcium. It regulates the calcium and phosphorus in the body.
Sun exposure is the easiest and most reliable way to get vitamin D. These days, due to our lifestyles or the places we live in many individuals do not get sufficient sun exposure. Consequently, the body gets deficient in this crucial vitamin.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an immunity-boosting vitamin that also plays other vital roles in the body. It plays a critical role in the synthesis of collagen and elastin.
Vitamin C, along with Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) can support NMDA receptors that can help stop the neuron damage. (19, 20 )
Folate
Folate helps the body to produce and maintain new cells. It plays a critical role in reducing emotional disorders. It also helps with age-related cognitive and mental decline. (21, 22)
B Vitamins (B1, B3, B5, B6, B7, B12)
B vitamins play key roles in the body and brain functioning. Since they are involved in different interrelated pathways of energy generation, lack of any of these can negatively impact the whole process.
Vit B3, also called Niacin is a precursor to NADPH. Vit B1, B3, and B5 are essential in the production of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) which can, in turn, help in enhancing cognition. (23)
Vit B6 helps in the release of serotonin, a chemical that helps to regulate mood and social behavior.
Vit B7 or Biotin is found in trace amounts in foods like eggs, milk, and bananas. It is commonly used to treat brittle nails, hair loss and nerve damage. It assists the neurotransmitter activity and keeps the nervous system healthy.
Vit B12 supports the normal function of nerve cells and is required for red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis.
A study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry indicates that Vit B6 & B12 can help with depression by reducing the level of homocysteine in the body.
Other ingredients include Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Manganese, Chromium in trace quantities.
Are Focus Factor Ingredients Safe And Effective?
Focus Factor contains many great vitamins that are beneficial for overall health. These vitamins do not possess any side-effects or health risks.
There are some heavy metals like chromium, copper, selenium, among others, that may cause metal toxicity if consumed in a high dose. Hence, users must not take the supplement above the recommended dosage.
The company has faced a warning by the FTC for one of their supplements. The warning letter issued accused Focus Factor of creating misleading ads for their supplement ‘V-Factor.’ (24)
We advise you to check with your healthcare practitioner before adding this or any other supplement in your diet.
Certain people in society should avoid consuming nootropics:
How to Take Focus Factor?
One bottle of Focus Factor Extra Strength contains 120 tablets. However, it only lasts for a month because of its required dosage per serving.
For best results, the manufacturer advises taking four tablets per day with food. If required, up to a maximum of eight tablets can be taken in a day.
Customers Reviews
I have been using Focus Extra Strength for a month now and it is working great! I can feel the difference.... I feel very sharp at work and in my personal life.... this stuff really works!
Kandi Mitchell
Product has diminishing effect that runs negative after using all of the product. So ones memory gets worse than when you had originally shortly after you stop taking the product.
Ajcwood
These are a good multivitamin, but I don't like having to take four of these gigantic pills every day. At the current time the price is $35 and that seems too expensive for me.
Annie
Who Makes Focus Factor?
Factor Nutrition Labs is the company behind the Focus Factor line of products. It is based in the USA. The company has been in the business of supplements for over 15 years.
Factor Nutrition Labs is not BBB accredited, but they have an A+ rating.
The company provides a clinical study conducted using their supplement ‘Focus Factor’. Researchers concluded that people who took Focus Factor were able to remember 6.5 words, and people who took the placebo were only able to remember 4.5 words. (25)
However, we found out that the company itself funded the study. Also, it’s not published anywhere else. This reduces the credibility of the study.
Where To Buy Focus Factor?
Focus Factor Extra Strength can be bought from the official website and online retailers like Amazon.
For standard shipping, there are no charges within the USA.
Return Policy & Money-Back Guarantee
Focus Factor does not offer refunds unless a product is faulty. The refund window is 60-days from the date of purchase.
Is Focus Factor A Good Nootropic For You?
Focus Factor Extra Strength contains an exhaustive range of vitamins, amino acids, and other nutrients. This may be seen as beneficial by some.
On the downside, having so many ingredients in one supplement may lead to some unforeseeable side-effects. The actual effect depends on the individual’s tolerance.
The supplement has many positive reviews about it online. But we suggest you do your own research before deciding to add this supplement to your diet.
For us, this strikes more like a multivitamin than a real nootropic stack. Focus Factor would be right for you if you’re looking for an overall health supplement. But if you’re looking for active nootropic ingredients that are well-researched and proven by science to show results, then this product may not stand true on your expectations.
There are far better nootropic supplements in the market that give your brain the proper nourishment with just a few but the right set of ingredients. One such brain supplement that contains a very well thought of ingredients list is the Mind Lab Pro.
It’s a natural brain supplement that contains high quality and scientifically researched ingredients. These ingredients are directly linked to improving cognition and helping with focus and stabilising mood.
Here’s a direct comparison of Focus Factor with Mind Lab Pro to help you make an informed decision:
Comparison Table
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Focus Factor |
 Mind Lab Pro |
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Support Memory? Encoding, Storage, Recall, Learning, Test Taking |
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Support Brain Energy? Mental agility, quick thinking and focus |
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Supports Mindset Mood balance, Stress resistance, Relaxation, Creativity, Motivation |
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Supports Focus |
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Supports Brain Protection Fights toxins and unhealthy structural changes that degrade the brain over time. |
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Supports Performance Speed, Process, Attention, Focus, Verbal |
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Supports Structural Injury repair, Fluid membranes, Neurogenesis, Anti-aging, Fight depression |
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Meets mental performance demand From day to day and hour to hour |
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Helps with immediate and long-term brain health and function |
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Free from stimulants and additives |
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Side Effects |
Can lead to metal toxicity and ingredients interference |
No Potential Side Effects |
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Price Per Bottle |
$29.99 |
$65 |
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Free Shipping |
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Availability |
Worldwide |
Worldwide |
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Money Back Guarantee |
No |
30 Days |
Conclusion
Focus Factor comes across as a decent nootropic supplement at first sight. However, a deeper look tells us a different story.
The supplement contains an exhaustive list of ingredients which makes the risk of ingredients interference high. It contains a list of metals that may lead to metal toxicity if consumed for a longer time.
The formula seems like it’s stuffed with ingredients without giving much thought to it or without having a clear agenda. To sum it up, it’s not the most potent and well-researched supplement in the market right now.
If you are in search of a nootropic that performs its function without any side effects, then we recommend Mind Lab Pro. It is touted as the cleanest brain supplement that has no additives and is 100% vegan - interested to learn more about it?
Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2022