![]() ![]() This has spawned the idea that apoaequorin can protect nerve cells from some of the consequences of aging. The jellyfish protein has an amino acid sequence that is very similar to that of the body’s calcium-binding proteins, and indeed, when cells in the lab are treated with this protein, they are more resistant to induced damage. Calcium-binding proteins protect against excess calcium but unfortunately, with age the levels of these proteins decrease and the resulting high levels of unbound calcium can damage nerve cells, impairing thought and memory. Nerve cells need calcium for proper functioning, but it has to be just the right amount of calcium, not too little and not too much. Why should there be any connection between a jellyfish protein and brain function? The glow produced by some jellyfish is produced when apoaequorin binds to calcium, a finding that is of interest to researchers because the human brain also contains calcium-binding proteins that play a crucial role in brain function. Of course t,he origin of apoaequorin is irrelevant when it comes to safety or efficacy, what matters is what the evidence demonstrates. ![]() Never mind that some jellyfish actually produce a venom that can be lethal to humans. ![]() The supposed “active” ingredient is a protein called “apoaequorin” that according to the marketer “was originally plucked from a variety of jellyfish.” That bit of info is meant to conjure up an image of safety, catering to the notoriously false belief that natural substances are somehow inherently safer than synthetic ones. And a dietary supplement called Prevagen promises to deliver the goods, at least according to the ads that are featured in magazines and on CNN ad nauseum. Wouldn’t we all like to have healthy brain function, a sharper mind and clearer thinking? Of course w,e would. ![]()
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