Glucosulin sounds like a diabetes drug but it’s really a weight loss supplement. According to the products website, Glucosulin works by reducing how much you eat as well as slowing the absorption of sugar (glucose) into the blood stream. Sounds interesting but does it work? What I want to do is review the research on the ingredients in Glucosulin and see what we can discover.
Glucosulin research
From what I can gather from the product website – glucosulin.com – the supplement itself appears to have no published peer reviewed research. I say this because the website shows no research on glucusulin itself. Also, when I searched the National Library of Medicine for “Glucosulin” no relevant studies showed up either. Therefore, the only way to understand this product is to look at the research on its ingredients.
Glucosulin Ingredients
- Glucomannan (Konjac Root)
- Sodium Alginate
- Xanthum Gum
- Mulberry Extract
- Gymnema Slyvestre
- Chromium Picolinate
Let’s now review the evidence for each ingredient.
Glucomannan
This is a type of fiber. One of the ways that fiber helps weight loss is by making people feel full. Glucomannan does this also by expanding in size greatly when it comes in contact with water. In this way, glucomannan stretches the stomach, making you feel like you are full. Because of this property, glucomannan tablets should be used with caution because there are several cases where glucomannan tablets swelled in size while in the esophagus.
Glucomannan capsules may have a reduced chance of this happening but to be safe put one in water to see how fast it expands in size. Here is a product that is a glucomannan powder that people can mix with liquids.
There are also a few studies on glucomannan helping weight loss and this is likely one of the main reasons it's included in this product.
While not all studies show glucomannan effective for weight loss, the logic is sound: trick the brain into thinking the stomach is full and people eat less.
Other research suggests that glucomannan can modestly reduce cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and lower blood sugar in diabetics.
Diabetics should remember that glucomannan may interact with their diabetes drugs so run this by your doctor if your a diabetic.
Sodium Alginate (also called Align)
This is derived from seaweed and is an additive used to make foods thicker. Because it is thought to be indigestible, it makes sense that it would be used in a weight loss product. In other words, like glucomannan, it takes up space in the stomach without giving any nutritional calories. Also like glucomannan, Align may also modestly lower cholesterol in some people. I could not locate any published peer reviewed studies that sodium alginate helps weight loss in humans.
Xanthum Gum
This is another type of food additive frequently showing up in salad dressings and ice cream. It is also sometimes used as a laxative. Xanthum gum also has a blood sugar lowering effect and as such may interact with medications for diabetes. There are no published peer reviewed studies that xanthum gum helps weight loss.
Because xanthum gum can be derived from several foods including wheat, soy or corn, those who are sensitive to these foods should contact the company first to determine where their xanthum gum comes from.
Mulberry Extract
is also used as a laxative due to its fiber content. In theory mulberry may lower blood sugar levels and/or interact with diabetic medications. There are no published peer reviewed studies on mulberry helping weight loss.
Gymnema Slyvestre
This ingredient also may lower blood sugar levels and interact with diabetic medications. There is no published peer reviewed research on gymnema slyestre helping weight loss.
Chromium Picolinate
Chromium frequently shows up in weight loss supplements despite a deluge of evidence that it does not work. Because chromium does appear to have a blood sugar lowering effect, it also sometimes is marketed to those with type II diabetes. For more info, also see my review of chromium.
As with other ingredients mentioned, chromium can interact with diabetic medications including insulin and oral medications like glucophage (metformin) .
Glucosulin Weight Loss Summary
Ingredients that may help weight loss
- Glucomannan (Konjac Root)
- Sodium Alginate (in theory)
Ingredients that lower blood sugar
- Glucomannan (Konjac Root)
- Xanthum Gum
- Mulberry Extract 30:1 Ratio
- Gymnema Slyvestre
- Chromium Picolinate
Of all the ingredients in Glucosulin most of the weight loss research is on only one substance – glucomannan. Here is glucomann on Amazon for those who want to compare prices.
Because of a possible significant blood sugar lowering effect (in diabetics especially), I honestly do not like the name, Glucosulin. It sounds like a diabetes drug (which it is not!). The product appears to be at least partially based on the idea that lowering blood sugar causes weight loss – which is not true. Reducing calories causes weight loss. Because of this fact, I come to the conclusion that it is Glucomannan (Konjac Root) that is the active ingredient in Glucosulin.
Who makes Glucosulin?
The product website – Glucosulin.com – does not readily list any company name or contact email or phone number that I can locate by looking at the main page. Upon looking at the bottom of the page, at the “Terms and Conditions” page, I see a reference to “Health Resource.” I assume this may be the company in charge of Glucosulin? According to the Better Business Bureau File Health Research is located at 650 N Rose Dr #136, Placentia, CA 92870. If you Google this address, you'll see it appears to be a shopping center. I dont think this is where they make Glucosulin. The BBB file givies Glucusulin a rating of “F” as of 4/20/14. Check the file for updates as ratings sometimes change quickly.
At the Terms and Conditions page I also found a customer support number of 888-237-7172. Interestingly, when I called this number, the person answered “Colon Flow” another supplement that I have reviewed previously.
The customer service person I spoke with told me that Natural Health Network LLC is the company behind Glucosulin. This company is located at 2500 E Imperial Hwy Ste 201-273, Brea, CA 92821. According to the Google link, this appears to be some type of shopping center . Notice that this is a different address than the BBB listed.
How to contact Glucosulin
In the Terms and Conditions page of Glucosulin.com, they list a customer service number of 888 237 7172. The Better Business Bureau also lists 800 252 3314 as a contact number.
Will Glucosulin Work?
Fiber can help people lose weight. Because glucosulin has glucomannan which is a fiber, it makes sense that this product may work for some people. But will glucamannan work better than other fibers – like those in fruits and vegetables? That is the question people should ask themselves.
Here is Glucosulin and glucomannan powder on Amazon for those who want to compare prices. There are also glucomman capsules for those who don't like the powders.
Buyer Beware
A one month supply of Glucosulin costs about $50 according to the product website. That is a lot of money for a fiber supplement. Compare that to glucoamman which I feel is the active ingredient in tis product. There is a “free 30 trial” available on the Glucosulin website but, if you choose this option, you will automatically be sent a new 60 day supply every 60 days at a cost of $39.98 per bottle. In addition, your credit card will also be charged $ 7.80 for shipping and handling. Also this option does not allow you to return the product if you do not like it. These terms are stated clearly on the Glucosulin website. Here is Glucosulin on Amazon for those who want to compare prices and dont want to deal with the auto-ship program.
What do you think?
Oh No. I have been taking this medicine for a couple of weeks and I do feel less bloated, but it probably is just the laxative effect then. Now I guess I will have to take on the company and see if I can get this canceled. Did not know this website was here or I would have read it first. I should have known better, I usually avoid the TV ads like the plague.
Wayne thanks for chiming in on Glucosulin. A simple exercise program may give you the results you are seeking -and provide many other benefits as well.
old as dirt – ha! good one! You are only as old as you feel 🙂
Thanks for the informational website! I went to the Glucosulin website, and found it lacked the information I was looking for. I am a Type I diabetic, have been since 1966 (yeah, I’m older than dirt…). I agree with your comment about the name; it’s misleading. I was curious whether this was a product that would help Type I’s as well as II’s, but the official website addresses neither specifically. While I’ve never had a weight problem (Type I is an immune system problem, as opposed to Type II), in the past two years I’ve gained some weight and would like to drop it. Based on your info, I’m guessing there’s a better way; but Glucosulin should be marketed under a more honest name, and the site should do a better job of disclosing it’s real purpose.
Hi Amy, thanks for your comments on Glucosulin. There have been a few studies on chromium picolinate over the years showing it may help blood sugar levels. The response may vary between people. Here is one study to pass along to your endocrinologist
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7882815?dopt=Abstract
Been trying it on and off for a few weeks, it really fills me up and pushes things thru my system (fiber) so I’m OK with it. I wouldn’t call it a miracle nor do I think it’s necessarily lowering blood sugar though. I asked my endocrinologist and he noted the chromium piccolinate only (I don’t think he knew about the fiber part), said that it really has never been shown to lower sugars but people seem to think it does.
I’m on metformin which I like to think takes care of the blood sugar part. Anyway, I have not had troubles with the return policy, may keep what’s left and send empty bottles back to avoid the commitment to monthly costs as I’m not sure it’s worth the cost if I can just buy fiber from the health food store and call it a day! Note – I was on Victoza for a while – really bad for me – this is a new drug for type II – just fyi.
Zeke. You are correct. Here is my review of Lipozene
http://supplementclarity.com/lipozene-review/
I bet this is made by the same cons that made Lipozene and Propolene. Those were also glorified glucomannan pills sold in TV commercials.
Elaine, so sorry to hear that you lost money on Glucosulin. Others have said they have had similar problems with it. I know you are disgusted by what you went through but I know you wont be taken again – and that’s something to be glad of.
This is a joke, It was to be the trial off and they took 55.97 out of my account. And I can’t get my money back. Do not order this like I did.
Jacqueline, never give anybody (insurance company, health club, supplement company etc) access to your bank account This means dont use your debit card either. This lets them do exactly what happened to you.
If you must use a credit card use a credit card that is not tied to your bank account. That way your bank account is protected.
Barbara, you can call the Glucosulin company and ask them if they will send you a free trial.
This is WHY you shouldn’t purchase products on TV in my personal opinion! Most of these things are a SCAM…and yes, even I have been burnt by a HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANY ( United Health)….they didn’t fulfill my Health insurance medications (AFTER I signed up this company said that they couldn’t provide a certain medication….and yes, I too had to CHANGE my bank account because they took $231.00 out for TWO months ! …and never gave me a refund. Although this has nothing to do with the Glucosulin product, as I said above, if you can’t purchase it from a drug store or ask your Dr. then I wouldn’t try it ….period.
Just my opinion of course !
I had the same problem as SHAY. I will never get In that fix again.
Can i get the 30 free day trial? i am interested
How can I get Glucosulin I’am a diabetic and how does it work
I was about to order the Glucosulin, but i do not want to experience the money back or cancellation policy if I’m not satisfied with the product. I did once go thru the same situation with another product regarding a free trial, but they cooperated with me and deposited my monies back into my account; it’s how you talk to people and it’s all about paying attention to details. I do not even want to go thru this situation again and for my testimonial, can i get a free trial 1st to actually show it to my doctor/pharmacist to see if they approve and if so, I’ll purchase the product.
Deanne, here is my Glucotor v.2 review for you.
here is the link to my review
http://supplementclarity.com/glucotor-review/
I’m one of the people that actually sell Glucosulin. If you are considering purchasing from over the phone, be sure that you listen carefully to what the operator is telling you and the billing terms. We repeat the total and break down the terms of the 30 day agreement 3 times in every call, that is required when there is a purchase. Every call is taped and most of the time a Supervisor is monitoring it. Legally we must get a CLEAR YES OR NO on all autoshipments and totals. These calls are gone through with a fine tooth comb and pulled and re-examined if the customer calls in about a complaint.
So when calling any company, you need to be careful what you’re saying yes to. It legally binds you to what that rep has said.
Joe and all others who have commented,
Glad I found this site, I had thought of ordering. Saw the add, and just the way it is worded it makes it sound like a free clinical trial of a new drug. Making it way more important sounding. Joe, your review was reasonable and appears accurate, If a person wants to expand their stomach will healthy filler there’s far cheaper ways to do it.
To everyone that has been having trouble, it is extremely common among products like this. I have spent years helping hundreds of people deal with marginally legitimate companies. I have seen billing like this go on for months even with repeated requests to stop by the customer. I have had this happen to me several times with other companies where requests to cancel a monthly service go largely unnoticed.
One way to deal with such companies that I have found to be extremely successful is to have your attorney write a letter. I have had a dozen situations resolved that way over the last 10 years. and saved or recovered $1000s from long distance phone companies, to car repair, to a situation just like what is described there.
Joe, I don’t know if I can make this recommendation without your deleting it but I hope so. The company I have used which provides excellent service by giving unlimited access to attorneys across the nation for a few pennys a day is Prepaid Legal Services. I’ve used them for 10 years.
No one needs to put up with the kind of abuse I’ve read here, regardless if the product works excellent or not.
— Ken
Deanne, thanks for the heads up Ill take a look at it and review it for you in the near future.