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?
Joe says
Mrs Atkins, I’m so sorry to hear about your health issues. Does your doctor give you any advice or options on weight loss. Since you do not have insurance have you contacted a local hospital about this? Many hospitals run free weight loss / diabetes education classes. They are often run by dietitians and some even have a supervised exercise program that can be tailored to your needs. Many hospitals also have a “patient advocate” who can help point you in the right direction.
If the hospital does not pan out, call your doctors office and explain your problems to the staff. They may have options for you. Don’t let your lack of insurance stop you from going to your doctors. They are in the business of helping people. They will not turn you away.
In spite of your health problems you are only 26 years old. I believe with help you can safely lose the weight you need. Be patient, ask questions and I feel the answer will manifest itself. It will take time but I believe in you.
mrs.atkins says
well i guess i just got saved from being ripped off. i am a 26 yr old with heart failure and type ll diabetes and I’m 215 lbs. my doc said i need to be at least 145 lbs for my size, so i was gonna take glucosulin till i found this. i also have lots of water retention and a serious upper abdominal hernia that’s keeps me from exercising they way i need to. i am tired all the time and i don’t have insurance so i haven’t been able to get back to the doc yet. any other ideas on how i can loose weight?
D.Parker says
All of the Glucosalin ingredients are available for less money at health food stores like GNC. Glucosalin is NOT a very good deal!!
Joe says
Bob, thanks for taking the time to write and I do hope Glucosulin works for you. I know everyone who has read your words appreciates what you have sacrificed in defense of America. I know I do.
Do keep me posted if Glucosulin works for you. If not, my hope is that you would seek out someone at the VA or other organization who can help you.
Bob Darigan says
I am a Type II that is seriously overweight and disabled due to years of abusing my body in service to my country. I have problems being able to do exercise and some days, getting out of bed is a problem. I bought into the TV hype being desperate to lose weight; I hope I didn’t make to big a mistake in purchasing ‘Glusosulin’.
I assumed from the name that it was a product that would work well and I am surprised now (not then) that I didn’t receive any drug interaction warnings. I wasn’t asked about current meds or anything.
I just started taking the product today (just before I found your website) and have decided for now, to continue with it for a week or two. I will monitor my blood sugar much more often than I have been (more than three times a day while on Glucosulin) and at the end of that period, I will notify you of the results – not only to my BS, but my weight as well. I will check back in around the first of May. Until then, wish me luck…
Joe says
Mary I’m so sorry the Glucosulin sales people did that to you. If you gave them a credit card you can call your credit card company and dispute the charge. That should stop the payment.
Don’t lose hope. Its good you want to make a change and lose 40 pounds. I dont think Glucosulin or any weight loss supplement is the long term answer. See if tomorrow you can eat something healthy and take a 20 min walk. See if you can do that for a few weeks.
If you don’t know what foods are healthy, go back to your doctor and ask him/her to give you a referral to a “registered dietitian”. They can put you on a healthy eating plan to help you lose the weight.
mary pierce says
i called the number to get product my doctor told me i had to lose 40lbs. i am a diabetic and thinking that it would work the representative i talk to were very pushy and not really talking about the products he was more into the coupons, trying to get more money, so i called to cancel and she told me it takes 3 to 4 weeks its all a lie and they should be ashamed of their self i am going to see if its something about people leading people on to get people money its all a lie.
Joe says
Jenny, thank you sooo much for telling me about this! You have opened my eyes to something I had not considered. Yes it does make total sense that fiber -especially any fiber that expands -would be bad for those who have had lap band or gastric bypass surgery. I will be keeping this in mind when I review other similar weight loss products and will be sure to mention this moving forward.
Jenny when did you have your gastric by pass and how much weight have you lost so far? Im just curious since you said it did not cure your type II diabetes. While everybody is different, I’m wondering if the gastric by pass might help your type II diabetes in time as you continue to lose weight.
You are exercising yes? remember exercise helps by ramping up the number sugar receptors that do not need insulin to work. This helps lower your blood sugar.
Jenny says
Joe,
Here is an extra twist that you may want to consider/investigate. I am type II and had gastric bypass (not the lap band – total gastric bypass) and while I thought this product sounded good, I am so glad I found the information here.
My GB surgery did not cure my type II as recently reported in the media, so I am still on insulin and Metformin.
After finding out that the “active ingredient” here is fiber, I will not be trying it. Sure it makes you feel full, because of the expansion of the fiber. Food that expands after you swallow it can be very difficult for GB folks.
Some times it can be as simple as hard bread, like a bagel. I can no longer eat many types of pasta. One binge on a bag of gummy worms (yes, I know, bad in soooo many ways) left me moaning on the couch one day for 4 hours. Could not force them to exit 🙂 and with no digestive juices in my stomach, all I could do was wait for them to dissolve on their own.
Probably more than you wanted to know, but in the interest of sharing information, thought this could add to your database.
Things that swell up in your stomach are not always the best move. And gastric bypass and Lap Bands are more and more common.
BB11498 says
1. Look on glucosulin.com, see the terms and conditions, find out that to return, you need to send it back to
Health Resource
Returns Department
41 Canal St.
Lewiston, ME 04240
1a. as an aside, learn that you must be dealing with a billionaire moth&$^#%$(#, at least in his own mind. The terms and conditions state that “All materials, including without limitation, graphics, images, HTML, codes, multimedia clips, Java codes, logos, button icons, banners and software, contained in this site are the copyrighted property of Health Resource.”
slight problem. “Health Resource” is not the name of a person or a corporation, and therefore cannot “own” property. Also, the Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Discover logos are on the site, so this (bleep) must think he owns the copyright to those logos, if not the entire companies. wow.
2. Google the return address. Find Great Lakes Fulfillment Services. Colon flow. Acai Advanced. Glucosulin. So on, So forth. You’ll also find some other companies that rent space there, not affiliated with this guy. You can tell that because they actually give people something for their money.
3. Go to ripoffreport.com (one of my favorite sites). search for glucosulin…colon flow…acai advanced…, and find reports that end in -GLF (Great lakes Fulfillment).
4. Go to the Maine Secretary of State website, search for Great Lakes Fulfillment. Find Arnold C Macdonald listed.
5. Go to dexknows, search for arnold c macdonald in lewiston maine. Find an address and phone number.
Joe says
Yes, Id be interested in how you found the name address and info of the person.
Joe says
TJ thanks for your comments. Rest assured all of the reviews I write are based on science, logic and rational thought. I never accept payment from any supplement company for reviews I write. Let me know if Glucosulin worked for your dad.
TJ says
i was very impressed with the review, even though i was skeptical of the truthfulness in it, at first. it sounded like you really knew your stuff, and i was absolutely convinced when i read something to the effect of “people should ask themselves ‘can i get these fibers from fruits and veggies?'” i know now that this review can be trusted and i can assure my father that it looks safe, as he has just ordered the trial offer himself. sorry to hear about the troubles with money i am hearing about this. I’ll be sure to tell him to watch his account history. thanks for the help and info EVERYONE!!
Joe says
Eric, I would agree with your points for weight loss except #6 – people do not need a supplement to support weight loss efforts. If steps 1-5 work, then no weight loss supplement is needed.
Lynn says
From the knowledge I have I agree with Joe and others that I don’t see the overall product – glucosulin being of much benefit but…
One comment made that I do not agree with stated: “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.”
THE ULTIMATE METABOLISM by Scott Rigden, MD and PERFECT WEIGHT by Jordan Rubin will outline reasons showing why some much more is involved than reducing calories. Functional medicine is what we all need to be focused on. I think the medical profession has a lot to learn in the area of prevention and causes of disease and metabolism!
Eric says
It cracks me up all you knuckle heads knocking the product when you failed to disclose your complete lack of self control, your Mc Donalds eating habits and your couch potato lifestyles. The product is to help “support” your weight loss efforts not “be” the weight loss magic bullet. Loosing weight is simple.
1. Exercise 1 hr “everyday” with intervals of all out bursts and not at the same pace the whole hour.
2. Eat only foods that are not in a box or a package, i.e roast chicken, raw fruits, steamed vegetables, salads etc.
3. Eat 500 calories less than you need to maintain your weight example 200lb man needs to eat 3600 calories to maintain weight so eat 3100.
4. Sleep as long as your body needs to.
5. Reduce stress
6. Add a supplement to help support your weight loss efforts.
Susan says
I was considering purchasing this product but now that I have read the reviews, I have changed my mind. Thank you everyone for your input.
the butlers says
the product is what it is, results pending, the individual that sells people are cons flying below radar, 2.seniors,taken advantage of. the butlers.
Joe says
Hi Pam thanks for taking the time to write and i am glad I was able to help. Here is something I wrote about how to cure type II diabetes.
http://www.joe-cannon.com/home/wp/can-type-ii-diabetes-be-cured/
Please pass this along to your boyfriend. I think this will help him much more than Glucosulin or any diabetes supplement.
Pam from Terre Haute, Indiana says
I found your sight while looking up the website for Glucosulin. My boyfriend saw the commercial several times and asked me to order it for him. He has Type II diabetes and takes glucophage. After reading the ingredients and your explanation of the drug interactions I was appalled at the deceptive nature of the commercial and exorbitant price. I generally am skeptical of anything sold on TV but was willing to check it out for him. Thank you so much for exposing the truth.