Update 3/10/20. Bystrictin is a weight loss supplement that's said to “bypass your appetite” and ” create an “immediate gastric bypass effect” which ” causes people to eat up to “eat 70% less” and “lose weight without surgery.” Wow! These are strong words and it's because of this and the obvious and subtle comparisons to weight loss surgery, I wanted to review Bystrictin to see if it really worked. Let's look at the research on Bystrictin and see if it's right for you.
Bystrictin Ingredients
After looking over the Bystrictin website (Bystrictin.com) I conclude that the product itself has no published clinical evidence that it helps people lose weight or helps people lose weight in a manner that compares to weight loss surgery. The product website lists no research on Bystrictin itself. That doesn't necessarily mean Bystrictin won't help some people lose weight though but I wanted to point this out because of how the product is compared to weight loss surgery. So let's now look at the ingredients in Bystrictin and see what we can figure out.
Serving size = 1 scoop. There are 15 servings per container
| Calories 110 | % Daily Value | |
| Total Fat | 3 g | 5% |
| Saturated fat | 0.5 g | 3% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Cholesterol | 5 mg | 0 |
| Sodium | 210 mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 210 mg | 6% |
| Total carbs | 12 g | 4% |
| Fiber | 3 g | 12% |
| Sugars | 1 g | |
| Protein | 10 g |
Bystrictin also contains various vitamins and minerals. Usually, Bystrictin is providing people 30% -40% of their daily value for these nutrients. That said, the vitamins and minerals in Bystrictin do nothing for weight loss, so I won't review them.
The protein in Bystrictin is a combination of whey and soy protein. I'm not sure how much soy is in Bystrictin. Soy is listed first on the ingredients list but since the product also contains both whey isolate and whey concentrate, I'm inclined to think there may be equal parts of both. Protein may help weight loss by helping people feel full, but the protein in Bystrictin is not an active ingredient. Rather, a close look at the ingredients reveals that its real active ingredient is the type of fiber it has.
The product website states that Bystrictin contains “Bariaxin” which is said to be a “gastric fill technology.” Bariaxin is a trademarked name and holds no meaning outside of the world of this product.
As can be seen from the ingredients list on the product website, the Bariaxin weight loss complex is a combination of several fibers. These fibers are:
- Fibersol
- Glucomannan
- Potato extract (also called Slendesta)
It is the fiber in Bystrictin that is the main active weight loss ingredient. Here's a rundown of each fiber.
Glucomannan
Also called Konjac root and “PGX” This is a fiber the swells in size when it comes in contact with water. There is weight loss research on glucomannan and weight loss. These 
Glucomannan fiber is also on Amazon in both pill and powder form for those who want to compare prices.
Fibersol
This is a trademarked name for a fiber that also has some weight loss research. I was not able to find any published clinical evidence that FiberSol itself helped people lose weight. I did locate a 2011 study where a yogurt containing FiberSol helped weight loss but, the yogurt had other things in addition to fibersol.
See my review of the 18 Shake for more on Fibersol.
Slendesta
This is the name given to the potato extract Bystrictin contains. Here is Slendestra on Amazon. It's made by a company called Kemin. According to Slendesta.com the extract is a protein which is said to increase a hormone called cholecystokinin (CCK). Elevated CCK levels, in turn, might help control appetite.
While this sounds good, the proof is lacking if it really works. Also, some research suggests that raising CCK doesn't help weight loss.
Even though I feel the active ingredients in Bystrictin is it's fiber content, it's worth mentioning that a serving of Bystrictin is not providing very much fiber ―only 3 grams per serving. That's less than what's in a half a cup of Quaker oatmeal. It's possible their unique blend of fiber works better but personally, I'd want published clinical proof, considering how much Bystrictin costs.
See my review of the Ideal Shake for more on Slendesta.
Who is Dr. Karen Vieira?
On the product website you may have noticed an endorsement from Dr. Karen Vieria. She's a scientist and has a Ph.D in biomedical sciences. As such, she's very skilled at reading published peer-reviewed research.
With that in mind, I had wonder why, she would call Bystrictin “groundbreaking.” That's a strong word for a product that has never been tested in animals or humans. To her credit, she does mention that the effect of Bystrictin is due to its fiber content, but as far as the “credible medical studies” on its ingredients, she says exists, it's only glucomannan that has the evidence as far as I can see.
Who Makes Bystrictin?
According to the product website, Bystrictin is made by a company called Century Sciences, LLC. They list this address on their website: 3541 Lomita Blvd Torrance, CA 90505. The link shows no building that says “Century Sciences.”
Bystrictin Auto-Renew Policy
Bystrictin has an auto-renew policy where they will automatically send you 2 canisters of Bystrictin (a month supply) every 30 days for $79.95. The product website says people automatically will not be enrolled in the auto-renew policy but double-check on this if you order.Compare this to the price of glucomannan on Amazon.
How To Return Bystrictin
Bystrictin comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. However, the Terms and Conditions page of Bystricton.com clearly states that if you are not happy, “you may return your unopened canisters for a full refund.” I could be wrong but I take this to mean that they will only take back unopened bottles.
Also, people will have to pay shipping and handling to return it. I think the return policy for a single bottle that is opened is vague and because of this, I recommend you call the company and ask how to return one opened bottle if you are not satisfied.
To return Bystrictin follow these instructions:
1. Call their customer support number at 800-497-6216 and obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization number (RMA #)
2. Put the RMA # on the outside of the package and send to :
Century Sciences, LLC
BYSTRICTIN / RETURN
3541 Lomita Blvd
Torrance, CA 90505
The Terms and Conditions page of Bystrictin.com also states that people waive their rights to a court trial, including a judge or jury trial if they order Bystrictin. Instead, people will have to go through arbitration. Read the Terms and Conditions page of Bystrictin.com for more information.
Bystrictin Side Effects
I'm not aware of any side effects of Bystrictin at this time.
Does Bystrictin Work?
I feel Bystrictin is a fiber supplement., The key ingredients, glucomannan (also called konjac fiber) has some weight loss studies. That is the ingredient worth taking a look at.
What do you think?
I am embarrassed to admit that I ordered it in a moment of desperate weakness. I’ve been struggling with my weight since my 3rd pregnancy (and am now a mother of 5). I faithfully gagged on the grainy stuff as a meal replacement for 2 months and the only thing to get skinny was my wallet. I wish I had found your site first!
I am now trying a different product that challenges users to a 90 day program, replacing 2 meals a day with their (delicious) shakes and have already lost 8 pounds in my first two weeks! The key for me isn’t the product as much as making healthy choices. I’m learning that a mid-morning scoop of cottage cheese and an afternoon apple (which is great at waking you up, BTW) are much better choices than not snacking at all because it keeps those metabolism furnaces blazing…
Hi, Joe!
I was looking for reviews on this product as the commercial is very enticing. I am so glad to find your info!
Do you know anything about Qsymia? My doc prescribed it to me but I am a little nervous about it.
Hi Amy, glad you found me too! Since Qsymia is a drug I dont know much about it. I did find this write up on it at Drugs.com
http://www.drugs.com/qsymia.html
If your doctor prescribed it, I’m sure you shouldn’t have any issues with the side effects listed in that summary.
Thanks Joe. I was ready to become one of the many suckers out there thinking this product would work. I will be sure to check back to your site weekly. Thanks!
Amy, glad you found me!
Thanks for the info. Saved me some money. Is there any products that actually work?
Hi Dwayne, Ive written about this on my personal site. Here is the link
http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
Thank you for all of this. Interesting the only person who said a positive word was Anonymous! I have heard the advertisements and thought I should find out if there is any support out there. Found your website and will be back.
Scott, thanks I’m glad you found me 🙂
Just wanted to thank everyone for your candid comments about this product. I could use to lose a significant amout of weight also, but after reading all of your comments, that is one product that I definately will not be trying. Thank you Joe for all of your hard work. I am going to check on buying some Glucommon Fiber locally and will let everyone know how it goes.
Thanks All again
This guy’s pervasive radio ads with all of his claims are extremely annoying. “I’m sure you’ve heard about me”, Really? No, I’ve never heard of you. I hope this fraud (guy and product) gets stopped.
Bystrictin is a rip off! It doesn’t expand in your stomach, in fact the only thing it shrinks is your wallet. The tele-salesperson doesn’t explain the VIP program to you. They don’t tell you that you are setting yourself up on a 30 day auto order program. I can drink two glasses of the product and two glasses of water and be hungry an hour later. There is no expansion effect.
You would do just as well buying a large can of protein powder at Walmart for $15 and chasing each serving with a glass of water!…….and the Walmart cancellation policy is much easier to understand, without the RMA and shipping costs! I am out $200 for $30 worth of protein powder!
If you call Bystrictin, make sure you ask for a full explanation of the cancellation policy, the VIP program and approximate return shipping charges. If you don’t cancel within 30 days, to the hour, you will be charged the full amount for your Intro order plus another 30 day order will be on its way, for the full amount! Caveaot Emptor!
This Bystrictin is a joke. Add it to the long list of weight loss remedies that don’t work. In their add they state “you literally can’t eat”, because it swells in your stomach. I don’t think they know what the word ‘literally’ means. I eat just as normally with or without Bystrictin. The only thing this product makes you do is use the restroom (#2). Just another fraud taking people’s money.
Hi, I heard the claims on the radio and fell for the hype. I bought 3 canisters and will finish the last serving tomorrow morning. I followed it just as the directions say and I can honestly tell you, I lost nothing but the money I spent to get this stuff.
I am 40 to 50 pounds overweight and I have fallen prey to just about every good marketing campaign. I have done the diets, I do the workouts, and I just don’t lose the weight.
The common theme I’ve noted about myself is I seldom feel full. I can cut back on portions at meals – but an hour later I am really hungry and start hunting a snack. I don’t eat what I consider bad stuff – I will have a piece of fruit, or an avocado, or a cucumber, or celery with some peanut butter. I try to keep my meals balanced with a meat, vegetable, and a starch – rice, noodles, or potato.
I just found your site this morning and will be coming here often to read about your reviews of products before I make future purchases.
Thanks!
Jim, writing down what you eat and see if that helps. You can use the free website MyFitnessPal.com to keep track of the calories you eat. that will give you an idea of how much your eating.
It’s funny that you should mention MyFitnessPal. I did join that and have been logging my meals daily. The thing I am seeing is that while I may stay under the calories, I’m blowing out the sugars and sodium. I get 39 sugars a day and a banana is worth 30. I am starting to learn that some foods have sugars in them that I did not know. So I am watching that much closer. I have lost 4 pounds with MyFitnessPal over 3 weeks. I’ve also found out that if I drink a glass or two of watered-down Gatorade later in the evening, I’m not hunting a handful of pecans or trailmix before going to bed.
Jim, that’s very good! Id keep doing that as it sounds like its working for you 🙂
Ive been using MFP for 2 years….down 90 lbs…My Fitness Pal rocks!
Jeff Congrats!
Joe, this is great! I have been using the drink rockin wellness and it has worked great for me. I was curious if you could review this drink and give me your opinion. rockinwellness.com. thank you
Hi Chase, I looked up Rockin Wellness. it looks like its got a lot of ingredients, many of them are organic and non GMO which is good. I saw it has omega 3 6 and 9 fats – we usually don’t need omega 6 or 9s since we get a lot of them already. Id be curious how much omega 3’s (EPA and DHA) it has.
I could not tell from the website where the company rockin wellness was located. that makes me think somebody else puts it together for them and ships it out.
The website makes a LOT of claims about what the shake can do but since rockinwellness has no studies on it specifically, take those claims with a grain of salt.
Overall I don’t think its unhealthy. It is expensive though at about $70 so…
The only way to lasting weight loss is through eating healthy and exercise
Hi, Joe.
Keep up with good job.
I think this supplement’s major claim of being a substitute for gastric bypass is not the fibers but the fact that there is “Bariaxin” which reportedly fills 70% of one’s stomach curbing the appetite (how do you equate a stomach of a young lady 5 feet tall with extra 10 lb & 6 feet tall guy who is morbidly obese?). It’s doubtful to me that this product is working as described. When I call the company and asked about FDA involvement, I was told that it’s a natural product & doesn’t need approval. I’m OK with it re: fibers; however, this unknown chemical they call Bariaxin sounds potentially either dangerous or useless and not so natural. This approach was tried before without much success till now. Look in:
http://medcitynews.com/2012/08/could-a-swallowable-device-someday-take-the-procedure-out-of-gastric-balloons-for-weight-loss/
Re: Dr. Vieira. Though she does have PhD but in her writing she brought no references, no studies, no reliable reviews. It’s basically: “I’m PhD, so trust me.” So I have an MD degree (I really do), but I always have to back up my practices and/or statements with objective information. On her website http://themedwriters.com/ Dr. Vieira is urging supplement companies to look for doctor’s endorsement, which is a good thing..But the way it’s done in this case is unacceptable neither by a serious colleague nor informed consumer.
At the end of the day, the product sounds more of a fraud than a legitimate weight management supplement. If it’s a real McCoy, the company has to demonstrate something more than unsupported claims.
Gene K, thanks for the link to that article. much appreciated!
This is a valuable service that you provide. I admit that I was very close to trying this (risk free) chance to “skip 1 or 2 meals a day without feeling hungry”. I also felt comforted in the opinion of Dr. Vieira (before you reminded me that there is no real clinical evidence that Bystrictin does what the company claims). Thanks very much for your objective review of the product.
Charles, you are very welcome. Im glad you were able to find me 🙂
It’s kinda scary that they have such big promises but has no written or solid proof that it really worked. Thanks to reviews we become aware of the possible dangers 😉
You provide a very valuable service to those of us who hear the ads on the radio but don’t really have time to follow up on product effectiveness as you do. Question: do you ever send your research to the Company who makes the product you are reviewing?
Bill, thanks I’m happy you were able to find me! I don’t send my reviews to the companies. I do sometimes contact them for information when I write reviews and receive various degrees of cooperation.
I have used the Bystrictin and it is the only thing that I found that has actually control my hunger and helped me to change my eating habits. Yes, these changes have resulted in weight loss. The Bystrictin it’s self does not add in weight loss the less food intake I feel is what made me loss the weight, but without the Bystrictin I simply have no self control or will power.
Anonymous, glad Bystrictin helped you. I felt it was the fiber ingredient in Bystrictin that was responsible for its weight loss effects.
Thanks for the great review of bystrictin Joe. Good job!! How do we get our FDA to take a closer look at these frauds?
hi Dennis, you can always try to call the FDA. I linked to a several FDA resources on my resource page The way supplements are viewed in the US is different than drugs. there is some oversight but its different than for drugs. Bystrictin is basically a fiber supplement and as such probably would not be restricted by any government agency.
Your site and its contribution to knowledge about dietary supplements, health products and magic bullets touted to be the final ultimate solution for everything from coughs, colds and sore holes to fits, farts and freckles has become one of the most trusted sources of information based upon real research (something almost no one does anymore), logic and common sense about claims made by manufacturers and their paid experts which purport to be worth an investment of our time, money and hope.
It is just as important to expose frauds as it is to share success stories…maybe more so since frauds account for most of the new products we see advertized without the kind of scientific evidence that should be required for such amazing products. Thank you from me and LOTS of other people for what you do and how you do it here!!!
Hal, thanks I really appreciate that!!
I think that it is a crime that the company can say that this is anything more than a plain and simple fiber supplement. Great post.
Thanks Jill. Usually when I see claims that supplements work like gastric bypass surgery, my rule of thumb is that its a supplement.
Hi Joe,
Thx for the heads up on the B.
What product have you found that actually does help t loose stomach weight?
Is ther anything out there that in your opinion is good????
Thanks for all you do……aat.
Hi Anthony, I’m not aware of any supplement that targets only stomach weight. I have seen some research that strength training might speed weight loss in the stomach area but I’m not sure if that finding was replicated by other studies or not. Strength training is good to do regardless.