Neuriva is one of the most heavily marketed brain supplements in America, sitting conveniently on shelves at Walmart and Target next to your regular groceries.
With bold claims about enhancing seven indicators of brain health and celebrity endorsements plastered across its packaging, it promises comprehensive cognitive enhancement for less than a dollar per day.
But does this grocery store nootropic actually deliver results, or is it just another triumph of marketing over science?
Quick Verdict
After testing Neuriva for 30 days, I experienced absolutely zero cognitive benefits.
No improved focus, no enhanced memory, no mental clarity. The two-ingredient formula is woefully inadequate, with the primary component (Neurofactor) lacking any independent research validation.
The company was literally sued for false advertising and forced to remove "clinically proven" from all marketing materials.
At $0.94 per serving, Neuriva seems cheap, but you're essentially paying for a placebo with one legitimate ingredient buried under questionable marketing claims.
Mind Lab Pro costs $2.30 per serving. Less than the price of a fancy coffee but delivers what Neuriva promises and never achieves.
With 11 clinically-dosed ingredients, independent peer-reviewed research from the University of Leeds, and transparent formulation, Mind Lab Pro represents genuine cognitive enhancement rather than grocery store convenience.
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Pros
- Widely available at major retailers (Walmart, Target)
- Affordable price point (~$0.94 per serving for Original)
- Contains Phosphatidylserine, a well-studied nootropic ingredient
- No officially reported side effects for most users
- High Amazon rating (4.2/5 from nearly 30,000 reviews)
Cons
- Only two active ingredients, severely limiting potential benefits
- Main ingredient (Neurofactor) lacks independent scientific validation
- All studies conducted and funded by the ingredient manufacturers
- Company forced to remove "clinically proven" claims due to false advertising allegations
- Minimal dosages unlikely to produce noticeable cognitive effects
- Some users report feeling light-headed or drowsy
- Long-term benefits are preventive rather than actively noticeable
What Is Neuriva?
Neuriva is one of the most widely distributed nootropic brain supplements in the United States, available at major grocery stores including Walmart and Target.
The supplement is manufactured by Reckitt, a multinational consumer goods company that also produces well-known health and nutrition brands such as Durex, Dettol, and Mucinex.
Marketed as a daily brain health supplement, Neuriva claims to enhance cognitive performance across multiple areas including memory, focus, learning ability, reasoning, mental alertness, and concentration.
The product specifically targets aging adults looking to counteract cognitive decline and improve mental clarity, though the company markets it as beneficial for people of all ages and occupations.
Neuriva comes in three versions: Original (100 mg coffee fruit extract), Plus (200 mg), and Ultra (which adds an additional ingredient called Alpinia Galanga).
The supplement is designed for consistent daily use, with the manufacturer recommending a 30-day trial period to assess results.
Neuriva Ingredients
Coffee Fruit Extract (Neurofactor)
The star ingredient in Neuriva is a coffee fruit extract branded as Neurofactor. Coffee fruit grows on the same plant as coffee beans, though despite the name, the fruit contains a negligible 0.4-1% caffeine. In a single dose of Neuriva, you're getting approximately 1 mg of caffeine—basically nothing.
The theory behind Neurofactor centers on BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), a protein critical for the survival, growth, and maintenance of brain cells.
Studies suggest that coffee fruit extract may increase BDNF levels, which could improve reaction times and decision-making accuracy [1][2].
Here's the massive problem: every single study on Neurofactor has been paid for, conducted, and analyzed entirely by the company that manufactures the coffee fruit extract.
This represents a potential big-time bias. Independent verification of these claims? Nonexistent.
The Neuriva Original contains 100 mg of coffee fruit extract, the Plus version contains 200 mg, and the Ultra adds another questionable ingredient called Alpinia Galanga.
Phosphatidylserine
The second and final active ingredient is Phosphatidylserine, which is actually a well-studied nootropic compound.
Unlike the coffee extract, Phosphatidylserine has legitimate independent research backing its effectiveness.
Studies show it positively affects memory in older adults and people with neurodegenerative diseases [3][4].
Phosphatidylserine counteracts age-related cognitive loss by supporting memory formation, focus, and problem-solving.
It's a cornerstone ingredient found in many legitimate nootropics. The problem? One proven ingredient doesn't make a comprehensive brain supplement, especially when paired with a highly speculative companion ingredient.
Neuriva Lawsuits
Neuriva's marketing claims have landed the company in serious legal trouble. The supplement was accused of falsely advertising its product as "scientifically proven" to enhance brain power and cognitive abilities when the evidence supporting these claims was dubious at best.
Following the lawsuit for false advertising, Reckitt (Neuriva's parent company) agreed to a settlement that required significant changes.
The company had to update all product labels and marketing materials and remove the term "clinically proven" from everywhere it appeared.
Now, the labels only say "clinically tested"—a crucial distinction that acknowledges the product was studied but makes no promises about the results.
This wasn't just a minor semantic quibble. The lawsuit exposed that the research backing Neuriva's bold claims was entirely funded and conducted by the ingredient manufacturers themselves, raising serious questions about the reliability and objectivity of those findings.
When the companies producing and selling the ingredients are also the ones testing and analyzing their effectiveness, the potential for bias becomes enormous.
The settlement serves as a red flag for consumers. While legal action doesn't automatically mean a product is worthless, it does suggest the marketing significantly overpromised what the formulation could actually deliver.
Neuriva Price
One thing Neuriva has going for it is affordability. At around $0.94 per serving for the Original version, it's significantly cheaper than most quality nootropics on the market.
Of course, you're also getting what you pay for. A bare-bones formulation with questionable efficacy.
Neuriva comes in three versions with escalating prices based on ingredient quantities. The Original contains 100 mg of coffee fruit extract, the Plus bumps it to 200 mg, and the Ultra adds the additional (and equally unsupported) Alpinia Galanga ingredient.
Here's the pricing breakdown:
| Product Version | Single Purchase Price | Cost Per Serving | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neuriva Original | $26.31 | $0.94 | 30 |
| Neuriva Plus | $37.92 | $1.26 | 30 |
| Neuriva Ultra | Varies by retailer | $1.50+ | 30 |
The low price point makes Neuriva tempting for budget-conscious consumers, especially since it's readily available at major retailers like Walmart and Target.
You can literally throw it in your cart while grocery shopping. No waiting for online orders or paying shipping fees.
But here's what I learned from testing dozens of nootropics: cheap supplements rarely deliver meaningful results.
With only two active ingredients (one of which has zero independent research backing it), Neuriva's bargain pricing reflects its bargain formulation.
You're essentially paying a dollar a day for phosphatidylserine and some heavily marketed coffee fruit extract.
Compare that to comprehensive nootropics with 10-12 clinically proven ingredients running $1.50-2.50 per serving, and suddenly Neuriva's "value" proposition starts looking less impressive.
Sometimes spending an extra dollar per day means the difference between a supplement that actually works and one that just sits pretty on your bathroom counter.
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Neuriva Benefits
Memory Enhancement
Neuriva claims to boost both short-term and long-term memory through increased BDNF levels.
The theory is that coffee fruit extract elevates this critical brain protein, which supports memory formation and recall. Phosphatidylserine, the second ingredient, does have legitimate research showing memory benefits in older adults.
The problem? The only studies showing memory benefits were conducted by the companies selling the ingredients. Hardly the independent validation you'd want before trusting your brain health to a supplement.
Improved Focus and Concentration
The supplement promises enhanced ability to concentrate and maintain focus throughout the day.
This is supposedly achieved through the synergistic effects of the two active ingredients working together to optimize brain cell function.
In my experience, Neuriva delivered zero noticeable improvements in focus. There's no caffeine to provide even a temporary boost, and the minimal ingredient list simply doesn't have the firepower to meaningfully impact attention and concentration. You'd get better focus from a cup of coffee.
Enhanced Learning Ability
Neuriva markets itself as a learning enhancer, claiming it helps you acquire new information more efficiently and retain what you've learned.
This benefit supposedly stems from the elevated BDNF levels promoting brain cell growth and neural connections.
Again, none of these claims have been verified by independent studies. The manufacturer-funded research might show promising results on paper, but when you actually take the supplement, the learning benefits are nowhere to be found.
Better Reasoning Skills
The company promises improved logical thinking and problem-solving abilities. You're supposed to think more clearly, make better decisions, and work through complex problems more efficiently.
I noticed absolutely nothing in this department. With only two ingredients—one of questionable legitimacy—expecting comprehensive cognitive improvements, such as enhanced reasoning, is wildly optimistic at best and deliberately misleading at worst.
Increased Mental Alertness
Neuriva claims to heighten mental alertness and keep you sharp throughout the day. This is particularly marketed toward people experiencing age-related cognitive sluggishness.
Here's the reality: there's essentially no caffeine in this supplement (remember, coffee fruit extract contains only 0.4-1% caffeine, meaning you're getting roughly 1 mg per dose).
Without any stimulant properties and with such a limited formulation, meaningful improvements in alertness are highly unlikely.
Slowed Age-Related Cognitive Decline
This is arguably Neuriva's primary pitch—the idea that daily supplementation can slow down or even reverse age-related mental decline. The mechanism supposedly involves maintaining healthy BDNF levels, which naturally decrease as we age.
This is the one area where Neuriva might offer some preventive benefits, but they'd be subtle and impossible to notice day-to-day.
If the coffee fruit extract genuinely increases BDNF over time, there could be long-term protective effects. But these would be preventive rather than actively noticeable, and they're based entirely on biased research.
Accuracy in Decision-Making
The final promised benefit is improved accuracy when making decisions under pressure. Studies (again, those manufacturer-funded ones) suggest coffee fruit extract may enhance reaction times and decision-making precision.
I saw no improvements in decision-making during testing. The minimal formulation simply doesn't provide the comprehensive cognitive support needed for measurable enhancements in complex tasks like accurate decision-making.
Who Is Neuriva For?
Aging Adults Concerned About Cognitive Decline
This is Neuriva's primary target audience. The company specifically markets to older adults noticing their memory isn't what it used to be or experiencing that frustrating "senior moment" feeling when trying to recall names or where they left their keys.
The pitch is compelling: take one capsule daily to maintain brain health and potentially slow age-related cognitive decline.
For people in their 50s, 60s, and beyond who are concerned about staying mentally sharp, Neuriva's positioning as a preventive brain health supplement sounds appealing.
The reality? While phosphatidylserine does have legitimate research supporting memory benefits in older adults, one proven ingredient doesn't make a comprehensive solution.
Better-formulated nootropics with multiple clinically-backed ingredients would serve this demographic far better.
Budget-Conscious Consumers
At roughly $0.94 per serving for the Original version, Neuriva attracts people who want to try brain supplements without spending $2-3 per day on premium formulations.
The low price point makes it an easy impulse buy, especially when it's sitting right there in the vitamin aisle at Target next to your regular shopping items.
But here's what I've learned from testing dozens of nootropics: you genuinely get what you pay for.
The bargain price reflects the bargain formulation. If you're serious about cognitive enhancement, spending an extra dollar per day on a comprehensive nootropic will deliver exponentially better results.
Convenience-Focused Shoppers
Neuriva is perfect for people who prefer grabbing supplements during their regular grocery run rather than ordering online and waiting for delivery.
The widespread availability at Walmart, Target, CVS, and other major retailers makes it incredibly convenient.
This convenience factor explains much of Neuriva's popularity. But convenience shouldn't override effectiveness.
Just because something is easy to buy doesn't mean it's worth taking. You can order quality nootropics online that arrive in 2-3 days—a minor inconvenience for significantly better results.
Who Should Avoid Neuriva
Honestly? Almost everyone serious about cognitive enhancement. If you're a student needing focus for studying, a professional requiring peak mental performance, anyone with demanding cognitive work, or someone genuinely concerned about brain health, there are dramatically better options available.
The minimal ingredient list, questionable research, legal troubles over false advertising, and my complete lack of noticeable benefits during testing all point to the same conclusion: skip Neuriva.
My Experience With Neuriva
I'm going to be blunt: Neuriva was a complete waste of my time and money. After 30 days of religiously taking this supplement, I experienced absolutely nothing.
Zero cognitive improvements, no enhanced focus, no memory breakthroughs. Just thirty mornings of swallowing a capsule and wondering when the hell something was supposed to happen.
Look, I go into every nootropic review with genuine optimism, even the ones I'm skeptical about. I've tested dozens of brain supplements, and I'm acutely aware of my mental states throughout the day.
I track my focus during writing sessions, monitor my afternoon brain fog, pay attention to how quickly I recall information, and note any changes in my ability to concentrate on complex tasks.
This hyperawareness means I usually detect even subtle improvements within the first two weeks.
With Neuriva? Crickets. Nothing. Nada.
The first week, I gave it the benefit of the doubt. Non-stimulant nootropics rarely deliver immediate results, so I wasn't expecting miracles. Fine.
Week two rolled around, and I was still waiting for that "aha" moment when my focus would sharpen or my memory would improve.
By week three, I was actively annoyed that I'd wasted money on this glorified placebo. Week four was just me finishing out my trial period out of professional obligation.
My afternoon slumps continued exactly as before. My ability to focus on demanding research tasks remained unchanged.
The mental clarity I experience from properly formulated nootropics? Nowhere to be found. The cognitive boost I was promised across seven indicators of brain health? Complete fiction.
The most damning part? I've experienced no noticeable differences between the days I took Neuriva and the days I occasionally forgot to take it.
That's the clearest indicator of a supplement's ineffectiveness—when missing a dose has zero impact on your cognitive performance.
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Customer Neuriva Reviews
Here's where things get genuinely bizarre. Neuriva has an impressive 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon from nearly 30,000 reviews.
That's a staggering number of customers apparently satisfied with their purchase. When you dig into the actual reviews, thousands of people claim they noticed improved memory, better focus, and enhanced mental clarity after taking Neuriva.
So what explains the glowing reviews?
The Placebo Effect is Powerful
My strongest theory is that we're witnessing one of the most impressive demonstrations of the placebo effect in the supplement industry.
When you buy a product marketed as a brain booster, take it daily while expecting improvements, and then notice normal cognitive fluctuations throughout your day, your brain naturally attributes those good moments to the supplement.
You have a particularly productive afternoon? Must be the Neuriva. You remember where you left your keys without thinking?
Brain supplement is working. You feel slightly more alert after your morning coffee? Clearly the result of enhanced BDNF levels from that coffee fruit extract.
The human brain is extraordinarily good at finding patterns and making connections—even when those connections don't exist.
Add in confirmation bias (people actively looking for improvements) and selective memory (remembering the good days and forgetting the unchanged ones), and you've got a recipe for positive reviews regardless of actual efficacy.
The Accessibility Factor
Neuriva's widespread availability at Walmart, Target, and CVS means it's reaching people who've never tried nootropics before. These customers have no baseline comparison.
They don't know what a properly formulated brain supplement with 10-12 clinically proven ingredients actually feels like.
To them, Neuriva represents their entire experience with cognitive enhancement supplements.
If you've never experienced the tangible focus improvements from a comprehensive nootropic like NooCube or the immediate mental boost from a stimulant nootropic like Hunter Focus, you have no frame of reference to recognize that Neuriva is delivering nothing by comparison.
The Critical Reviews Exist
When you actually read through Amazon reviews carefully, you'll find substantial numbers of one-star and two-star reviews from people who experienced exactly what I did: nothing. Common complaints include:
- "Took it for two months and felt zero difference"
- "Complete waste of money—no cognitive improvements whatsoever"
- "Felt more tired and foggy, not sharper"
- "Marketing hype with no actual results"
These negative reviews align much more closely with what you'd expect from such an underpowered formulation. But they're drowned out by thousands of positive reviews, many of which read suspiciously similar to the marketing materials themselves.
Neuriva Side Effects
Here's one of the few genuinely positive things I can say about Neuriva: it's remarkably unlikely to cause serious side effects.
With only two active ingredients and minimal dosages, there's simply not enough potent material in each capsule to trigger major adverse reactions in most people.
Officially Reported Side Effects
Reckitt, Neuriva's manufacturer, reports no official side effects. During my 30-day trial, I experienced zero adverse reactions.
Though that's probably because the supplement wasn't doing anything at all, beneficial or harmful. It's hard to have side effects from what essentially amounts to an expensive placebo.
The minimal formulation means Neuriva is generally well-tolerated by most users. Unlike comprehensive nootropics with 10-12 active ingredients, there are fewer compounds that might trigger sensitivities or interactions.
Light-Headedness and Drowsiness
Despite the lack of official warnings, digging through Amazon reviews reveals a recurring pattern of complaints about feeling light-headed or unexpectedly tired after taking Neuriva.
While these reports represent a relatively small percentage of total users, enough people mention these issues that they warrant attention.
Several reviewers specifically noted:
- Feeling foggy or mentally sluggish rather than sharper
- Unexpected drowsiness during the day
- Slight dizziness, particularly in the first week of use
- General fatigue that seemed connected to taking the supplement
This is particularly ironic given that Neuriva promises enhanced mental alertness and focus. Some users report experiencing the exact opposite of the intended effects—cognitive sluggishness rather than enhancement.
Sleep Disturbances
A handful of reviews mention sleep problems after starting Neuriva. This is puzzling given the supplement contains essentially zero caffeine (coffee fruit extract contains only 0.4-1% caffeine, meaning you're getting roughly 1 mg per dose—basically nothing).
The sleep issues some people report likely stem from either coincidental timing, anxiety about starting a new supplement, or sensitivity to one of the inactive ingredients rather than the active nootropic compounds themselves.
Headaches and Digestive Issues
As with most supplements, a small subset of users reports mild headaches or stomach discomfort when taking Neuriva.
These complaints appear less frequently than with more potent nootropics, probably because the low dosages are less likely to trigger reactions.
Unlike some supplements that require four pills daily (looking at you, Focus Factor), Neuriva is just one capsule, which is generally easier on the stomach.
Still, people with pre-existing GI sensitivities or those prone to headaches from supplements should start cautiously.
Who Should Avoid Neuriva
While Neuriva appears relatively safe for most people, certain groups should exercise caution:
- Pregnant or nursing women should avoid it, as with most supplements lacking comprehensive safety studies for these populations
- People taking prescription medications should consult their doctor first, particularly if on blood thinners or medications affecting brain chemistry
- Those with soy allergies should check the ingredient list carefully, as phosphatidylserine is often derived from soy
Neuriva Alternatives
Mind Lab Pro
Mind Lab Pro stands as one of the most respected nootropics on the market, and for good reason. This is what a comprehensive brain supplement actually looks like when it's properly formulated.
The formula contains 11 research-backed ingredients working synergistically to enhance multiple aspects of brain function.
Including L-theanine [1][2], L-tyrosine [3], Bacopa monnieri [4], Citicoline [9][10], Rhodiola Rosea [5], Lion's Mane Mushroom [6][7], and Pine Bark Extract [8].
Unlike Neuriva's pathetic two-ingredient lineup, each compound is dosed based on clinical research rather than marketing fantasies.
Here's what separates Mind Lab Pro from garbage like Neuriva: it's one of the few nootropics with independent, peer-reviewed research on the complete formula.
The University of Leeds conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study proving Mind Lab Pro's effectiveness for processing information and memory [16][17].
Independent research. Not manufacturer-funded. Not biased studies conducted by ingredient suppliers. Actual legitimate science. You can read my Mind Lab Pro review for my experience.
Prevagen
Prevagen occupies an interesting position in the nootropics market. Like Neuriva, it's widely available in major retailers and relies on a single-ingredient approach.
Unlike Neuriva, it's at least honest about its narrow focus and target demographic. Prevagen contains apoaequorin, a protein derived from jellyfish that works by regulating calcium levels in neurons [11].
The theory is that as we age, our ability to regulate intracellular calcium deteriorates, leading to cognitive decline. This mechanism is completely different from other nootropics and exclusive to Prevagen.
If you're a 65-year-old concerned about forgetting names and losing your keys, Prevagen might offer marginal benefits through its calcium-regulating mechanism. But if you're looking for enhanced focus, creativity, productivity, or mental stamina, look elsewhere.
Prevagen shares Neuriva's fundamental weakness of relying on a single ingredient, and its research has similar issues. The main study was funded by Prevagen's parent company and included only participants with self-reported cognitive issues.
Alpha Brain
Alpha Brain is the celebrity-endorsed heavyweight of the nootropics world, thanks to Joe Rogan's relentless promotion.
Despite its marketing muscle and widespread popularity, it represents a middle ground between Neuriva's inadequacy and Mind Lab Pro's excellence.
Alpha Brain contains numerous proven nootropic ingredients including L-theanine [1][2], L-tyrosine [3], Bacopa monnieri [4], Huperzine A [5][6], Alpha GPC [7], and Pterostilbene [8]. This is a legitimate ingredient list that puts Neuriva's two-component formula to shame.
The problem with Alpha Brain is that it hides exact ingredient dosages behind proprietary blends.
The Onnit Flow Blend, Focus Blend, and Fuel Blend. This makes it impossible to verify whether each ingredient is properly dosed according to clinical research. My strong suspicion based on total blend weights is that many ingredients are underdosed.
The company was the first to conduct a complete formula study on a nootropic, which showed improvements in delayed verbal recall and executive function after six weeks [9], but that study was funded by Onnit itself.
More importantly, my personal 30-day trial produced minimal noticeable effects—far less than I experienced with properly dosed alternatives. You can read my Alpha Brain review for my experience.
Frequently Asked Neuriva Questions
Does Neuriva actually work?
Based on my 30-day trial and analysis of the research, no. Neuriva does not deliver meaningful cognitive benefits.
I experienced absolutely nothing during my month-long test—no improved focus, no enhanced memory, no mental clarity. It's essentially an expensive placebo.
Is Neuriva FDA approved?
No, Neuriva is not FDA approved, and no dietary supplements are FDA approved. The FDA does not approve supplements before they go to market.
However, supplements must meet FDA safety standards and cannot make false health claims. Neuriva actually ran into legal trouble on this exact issue.
The company was sued for false advertising and forced to remove "clinically proven" from all marketing materials and labels.
The settlement required them to change their claims because the research backing their promises was inadequate and biased. This lack of FDA approval combined with proven false advertising should raise massive red flags.
How long does it take for Neuriva to work?
According to the manufacturer, you should take Neuriva daily for 30 days and use their brain health app to track cognitive improvements through game-based testing.
The theory is that if Neurofactor genuinely increases BDNF levels over time, you might see preventive benefits against cognitive decline.
But these would be subtle and impossible to notice in daily life. I took Neuriva for the full 30 days and noticed precisely nothing.
No improvements in focus, memory, mental clarity, or any other cognitive metric. The manufacturer's 30-day timeline conveniently extends beyond most return windows, meaning you're stuck with an ineffective product by the time you realize it doesn't work.
Can I take Neuriva with other supplements?
Generally yes, since Neuriva contains minimal active ingredients at low dosages. The coffee fruit extract has negligible caffeine (about 1 mg per dose), and phosphatidylserine is relatively benign.
However, you should always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements, especially if you're taking prescription medications. Blood thinners, in particular, may interact with phosphatidylserine.
Is Neuriva safe for long-term use?
Neuriva appears safe for long-term use based on the limited ingredient list and lack of serious adverse effect reports. Phosphatidylserine has been studied extensively and shows good safety profiles even with extended supplementation.
The coffee fruit extract is generally recognized as safe, though long-term data is limited given how recently it appeared in supplements.
Summary
After thoroughly testing Neuriva and analyzing its formulation, research, and real-world effectiveness, I cannot recommend this supplement to anyone serious about cognitive enhancement.
The two-ingredient formula is woefully inadequate, the primary ingredient (Neurofactor) has zero independent research validation, and the company was literally sued for false advertising claims.
My 30-day trial produced exactly what the science predicted: nothing. No improved focus, no enhanced memory, no mental clarity—just 30 days of swallowing capsules and waiting for benefits that never materialized.
If you're serious about cognitive enhancement, skip Neuriva entirely and invest in Mind Lab Pro instead. Mind Lab Pro represents everything Neuriva should be but isn't: 11 research-backed ingredients dosed according to clinical studies, independent peer-reviewed research proving effectiveness, and transparent formulation with no proprietary blend nonsense.
At $2.30 per serving, it costs more than Neuriva's $0.94, but you're getting exponentially more value—actual cognitive benefits instead of empty promises.
The bottom line: Neuriva is a triumph of marketing over science, convenience over effectiveness, and false promises over real results. Mind Lab Pro is the nootropic Neuriva pretends to be. Make the smart choice for your brain health.