Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is VIVIMIND™?

VIVIMIND™ is a natural health product that has been scientifically proven to protect memory function based on the naturally occurring ingredient, homotaurine, found in certain seaweed. VIVIMIND™:

• Protects the brain structure associated with memory and learning
• Preserves memory
• Sustains brain cell health
• Maintains verbal skills and comprehension ability
• Supports planning and execution skills

2) Is VIVIMIND™ an extract of the natural form of homotaurine found in seaweed?

No. The active ingredient in VIVIMIND™ is a synthetic form of homotaurine, which is chemically and biologically identical to the natural compound.

3) Is homotaurine the same thing as taurine?

No. Homotaurine and taurine are two different compounds that belong to the same chemical family but have different origins and effects. Taurine is a major constituent of digestive fluids produced by the liver (bile). Taurine can be found in small amounts in the tissues of many animals including humans. Homotaurine does not convert into taurine after digestion and vice versa. Homotaurine has shown a protective effect on brain cells, while taurine has no protective effect.

4) How does it work?

Scientific research indicates that the accumulation of certain toxic proteins called amyloid-beta (Aβ) is harmful to the brain. When these proteins reach excessive levels, they cause neurons (brain cells) within the brain to malfunction and die. When neurons are damaged or dead, signaling problems occur in the brain that ultimately affect your memory and learning abilities.

Research has shown that VIVIMIND™ protects brain cells by two mechanisms: it reduces the accumulation of toxic Aβ proteins, which can deposit as plaques in the brain. VIVIMIND™ also protects brain cells from the toxic effects of the Aβ proteins and thus reduces brain cell toxicity, damage and death, in part through activation of brain cell receptors, called GABAa receptors, in an area of the brain associated with learning and memory (the hippocampus).

VIVIMIND™ has been shown to:

• Protect the brain structure associated with memory and learning
  • The hippocampus is a brain region associated with learning and memory. VIVIMIND™ can help reduce the loss of volume of this very important region through the aging process.
• Preserve memory
  • You know how you can be introduced to someone and forget their name two minutes later? VIVIMIND™ can support you in maintaining your ability to remember things like people’s names.
• Sustain brain cell health
  • As you age, it is normal to lose brain cells. VIVIMIND™ can help protect your brain cells during the normal course of aging.
• Maintain verbal skills and comprehension ability
  • VIVIMIND™ can help you maintain your level of verbal comprehension and your overall quality of speech. So when you are telling a story or making a presentation, VIVIMIND™ can help you retain your train of thought.
• Support planning and execution skills
  • You have just arrived at your vacation destination and you suddenly realize that you forgot to cancel your newspaper subscription. VIVIMIND™ can help you maintain your ability to go from the initial planning to remember everything you need to make it a trip you will never forget.

5) What is the recommended dosage for VIVIMIND™?

Each tablet of VIVIMIND™ contains 50 mg of homotaurine. VIVIMIND™ tablets should be taken every day and should be swallowed whole (not crushed, blended or mixed). The recommended adult dose is 1 to 2 tablets twice a day (in the morning and evening). It is recommended to take VIVIMIND™ with meals. If you miss a dose, do not worry; simply start again the next day at your regular time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose.

6) What results should I expect to see, feel or experience after taking VIVIMIND™?

Taking VIVIMIND™ is like taking a vitamin. Essentially healthy individuals in adulthood, who are concerned about possible memory loss, will be protecting their memory. Consider it as an insurance policy for the brain. Much like you buy house, car and life insurance based on what may happen, you will equally take VIVIMIND™ based on what may happen.

7) Is VIVIMIND™ safe?

VIVIMIND™ safety has been evaluated in over 2,000 individuals in clinical studies. The product has been shown to be safe and generally well tolerated at the recommended daily dose. Some people may experience symptoms such as nausea, weight loss, dizziness or fainting. The recommended dose should not be exceeded, since people may experience more of these symptoms. It should be noted that from what we have seen in the scientific data to date, certain symptoms such as nausea, are generally transient and normally subside by themselves with consistent use. If they persist, contact your health care practitioner.