Science backing claims of nootropics called into question: who’s affected?
Studies supporting nootropics often end up sponsored by supplement companies, calling the validity of positive conclusions into question, which means companies may be engaging in false advertising.
Nootropic drugs, referring to natural or synthetic chemicals that benefit brain function, are available as prescriptions, supplements or raw synthetic compounds. Doctors often prescribe nootropics for ADHD, narcolepsy or Alzheimer’s disease.
Consumers may also purchase these chemicals over the counter for reasons like academic stress, professional obligations and age-related mental acuity associated with dementia. Two of these supplements are:
- Cognium: This nootropic supplement is sold by Natrol and claims to be “Clinically Shown to Improve Memory & Recall” using a number of nutrients and Silk Protein Hydrolysate, a protein produced by silkworms
- CocoaVia Memory+: CocoaVia Memory+ claims to use cocoa flavanols to boost three types of memory (word recall, spatial memory, and long-term memory) in just eight weeks
Despite big promises made by supplement manufacturers, the efficacy of these products is up for debate.
Do You Qualify?
If you live in California, Illinois or New York, purchased one of the nootropic memory supplements called Cognium or CocoaVia Memory+ within the last two years, and used it for at least a month, you may be eligible to join this free nootropics memory supplements class action lawsuit investigation.
Fill out the form on this page for more information.
Biased, narrow studies of nootropics
Studies in favor of nootropics may seem solid at first glance, but the findings are typically interpreted to favorably support the nootropics supplements sold by study sponsors. For example, CocoaVia Memory+ supplements tout the support of “10 years of memory research and 4 clinical studies.” However, CocoaVia manufacturer Mars Inc. sponsored all four studies referenced by the supplement advertisements.
Some company-sponsored studies have even been retracted due to concerns about the validity of the conclusions. Publishers retracted a 2013 study on silk protein hydrolysatethe active ingredient in Cognium, due to “misconduct” by study authors including data fabrication and falsification.
For one of the products, CocoaVia, there was a long-term study that showed that CocoaVia had no effect on memory.
Non-sponsored studies routinely agree that larger, more reliable trials are necessary before doctors can safely recommend nootropics supplements to patients.
A 2017 review in Pharmacy Today Notes nine Korean studies cited by Cognium cannot be used to definitely support the nootropics supplement due to the study’s population. Instead of studying older adults with concerns about mental performance, several of the studies examined outcomes of children and young adults. The review calls for more research in target populations before the supplement can be widely recommended.
The only large-scale clinical trial of either of these product found that cocoa flavanols, found no that taking cocoa flavanols, the ingredient in CocoVia Memory+ had no effect on memory. This study tracked more than 2,200 people aged 65 or older over a three-year period.
‘Not clear’ that nootropics are safe
in a statement to WebMD, dr Barry Gordon, director of Cognitive Neurology/Neuropsychology at Johns Hopkins Medicine, said there is “no strong evidence” any nootropics supplements actually work.
“It’s not clear that they work and not clear that they’re safe,” Gordon said. Instead, Gordon attributes the success of nootropics to a placebo effect. Consumers who take the supplements believe they will work and therefore do better, he explains.
Join a Nootropics False Advertising Lawsuit Investigation
Countless consumers may have taken nootropics supplement claims at face value, believing that clinical studies support the supplements and prove them to be effective. If these advertisements were based on false conclusions, consumers may be able to take legal action for false advertisements.
If you live in California, Illinois or New York, used Cognium or CocoaVia Memory+ for at least a month within the last two years and have proof of purchase (such as a receipt, invoice, order history from an online retailer or product packaging), you may be eligible to join this free nootropics memory supplements lawsuit investigation.
Fill out the form on this page for a FREE case evaluation.
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