Updated 6/28/23. GOLO Release is a plant-based nutraceutical supplement that's touted in TV commercials to help with insulin resistance, balance hormones, reduce anxiety, curb hunger and appetite, and is part of the GOLO weight loss and lifestyle program. Some even say the supplement is safe to take with medications. The supplement, which is said to have a 98% customer satisfaction rating, contains a number of logical ingredients that make sense but is there any legit proof GOLO Release works? Equally important, are there any downsides and what can you do if it doesn't work and you want to get a refund?
What Does GOLO Release Do? How Does It Work & What Are The Benefits?
According to the company that makes this supplement, it works by:
- Controlling cravings for sugar
- Stabilizing glucose levels in the blood
- Balancing hormones that are involved in body weight
- Increasing physical stamina and energy levels
- Reducing anxiety and stress
Below, you'll discover the proof for some of these claims including if the Release supplement helps insulin resistance.
GOLO Release TV Commercial
Here's a 60-second advertisement for the supplement courtesy of the BrandStar Youtube channel.
GOLO Release Supplement Facts: What Are The Ingredients?
Each capsule contains the following ingredients. The company recommends 3 capsules per day.
| Amount | Percent Daily Value | |
| Magnesium | 15 mg | 4% |
| Zinc | 10 mg | 91% |
| Chromium | 70 mcg | 200% |
| Proprietary Blend composed of: | 297 mg | |
| Rhodiola extract | ||
| Inositol | ||
| Berberine extract | ||
| Gardenia extract | ||
| Banaba extract | ||
| Salaretin Salacia extract | ||
| Apple extract |
Other ingredients present vegetable cellulose (for the capsule), rice fiber, vegetable magnesium stearate, and silica.
Reformulated GOLO Release Formula
The Nutrition Facts label above is as it appears on the GOLO website. Previously, the supplement contained 30 mg of magnesium and the proprietary blend was 405 mg. So both have been reduced. The order of the ingredients has changed, too. Banaba leaf extract was formally the first ingredient listed. The company has also changed and reduced the number of other ingredients present too. The company states they changed the formula in 2017 to make the capsules smaller and make them vegetarian.
What Is NOT Present in GOLO Release Diet Pills?
Release diet pills do not contain caffeine, phentermine, or other stimulants to keep you awake at night, nor soy, dairy, gluten, fish, shellfish, eggs, wheat, tree nuts, or peanuts.
Is Release FDA Approved?
In the US, the Food and Drug Administration does not approve dietary supplements before they can be sold to the public. The FDA does, however, enforce guidelines on how supplements should be manufactured and which marketing claims are allowed. GOLO Release is approved by Health Canada, the Canadian equivalent of the FDA.
Where Is GOLO Release Made & Quality Standards
The supplement is manufactured in the United States, although the ingredients may originate in other countries. The company that manufactures the supplement for GOLO performs quality and purity tests on all of the raw ingredients received and there are 3rd party independent testing for purity as well.
How Do You Take GOLO Release: Use Directions
Take 1 soft gel 3 times a day with meals. The company recommends not taking more than 2 pills per meal and no more than 4 pills per day. Do not take Release on an empty stomach, as doing so might lower your blood sugar too much. You can take Release just before, during, or just after eating. The company states if you forget and miss a dose, taking it up to 20 minutes after eating is still ok to use. If you wait longer than 20 minutes, Release is no longer effective, according to the company.
Since a bottle has 90 soft gels, each bottle will last one month if you follow the GOLO instructions of taking only 3 capsules per day. Do not store Release in the freezer. Too much cold or excessive heat might cause damage to the soft gels. The optimum storage temperature is between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) and at 30 to 40 % humidity.
GOLO Release Diet Pills Ingredients Proof
Magnesium 15 mg
Magnesium is an essential trace mineral that is required for over 300 different biochemical reactions in the human body. Given its importance, many people do not eat enough of the recommended amount, which is 400 to 450 mg per day. Studies show magnesium may help fibromyalgia pain, build stronger bones, and might even aid with depression.
Another area magnesium may improve is reducing diabetes risk. Some research suggests having low magnesium raises insulin levels and the risk of developing type II diabetes. Taking the recommended 3 capsules provides 45 mg of this mineral. There is not much magnesium in Release diet pills, so supplement with green leafy foods like spinach, beans, and seeds which are good sources.
Zinc 10 mg
Zinc is a critical mineral that is involved in wound healing and eyesight and appears to reduce the severity of the common cold. People who have type II diabetes tend to be deficient in this important mineral. The recommended amount of dietary zinc to consume ranges from 8 to 11 mg per day for adult women and men respectively. Each capsule of Release contains 10 mg so if using as directed (3 capsules per day), you'd be taking 30 mg of zinc each day. Zinc supplements appear to lower blood sugar levels and triglycerides but might not reduce LDL (bad ) cholesterol levels. Meats, nuts, seeds, and beans are good sources of zinc. The form used in the supplement is zinc bisgycinate. This is a chelated form where zinc is combined with two glycine amino acids. This is done to boost the absorption of zinc.
Chromium 200 mcg
Chromium is a mineral well known to those who have type II diabetes, pre-diabetes, and insulin resistance. Several studies have documented that chromium supplements improve insulin resistance and even lower HbA1c levels in people who have type II diabetes. While encouraging, not all investigations show diabetes benefits with chromium supplements. On the plus side, taking the recommended three gelcaps per day provides 600 micrograms of chromium, which is within the beneficial range for those dealing with blood sugar problems.
On the downside, several studies reveal chromium supplements are unlikely to promote weight loss. The form used in the supplement is chromium nicotinate glycinate, which is a chelated form where the mineral is bound to a vitamin (niacin) and an amino acid (glycine) to improve absorption.
GOLO Release Proprietary Blend (297 mg)
Rhodiola Extract
Rhodiola is the first ingredient listed, making up most of the 297 mg in the proprietary blend. Because it is considered an adaptogen, Rhodiola is thought to help with myriad conditions ranging from fatigue to muscle strength and even increasing longevity. Limited evidence exists for most reasons to use Rhodiola. When it comes to diabetes, laboratory animal studies suggest it may be beneficial in improving some aspects of the disease, but unfortunately, human studies appear to be lacking.
Inositol
Sometimes called vitamin B8, inositol is not a vitamin but rather a sugar alcohol that is found in small amounts in foods like nuts, beans, and fruits such as oranges and grapefruits. Another name for this substance is myo-inositol, although this is not completely identical to inositol. Some research suggests that Myo-inositol may help polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that often goes hand-in-hand with insulin resistance.
Others have reported inositol improves several health issues associated with diabetes such as lowering triglycerides, total cholesterol LDL levels, and blood pressure. To be effective, however, it may be necessary also to eat fewer calories. Taking inositol supplements by itself may not work. Studies showing improvements in diabetes symptoms have used about 2000 mg per day, more than is found in GOLO Release supplements.
Berberine Extract
What we call berberine is actually a substance found in the undergrown roots of various plants such as goldenseal. Of all the reasons people use berberine, the two most studied are improving diabetes symptoms and lowering cholesterol levels. Some research finds berberine reduces blood sugar, insulin resistance, and HBA1c levels in people who have type II diabetes. Other research has even hinted berberine may be as effective as metformin for diabetes management.
In one high-quality study, 24 people with metabolic syndrome (pre-diabetes) who took 1500 mg of berberine each day for 3 months experienced “remission” of metabolic syndrome, which was reported in 9 people (36%) compared to placebo takers. The women taking berberine also benefited from significant reductions in waist circumference, blood sugar, triglycerides, and systolic blood pressure. Animal research suggests berberine exerts a positive influence on microbiome health too.
At issue is whether the GOLO Release supplement has enough berberine to make a significant impact on pre-diabetes. Since GOLO uses a proprietary blend, we don't know how much berberine is being used in the supplement.
Watch this video to see how well berberine lowers cholesterol levels.
Berberine & Weight Loss: Fact or Fiction?
Berberine has gotten quite a reputation on social media due to claims that it is nature's alternative to Ozempic, the popular diabetes drug that also helps people lose body weight. Ozempic, a GLP-agonist, works because it makes the beta cells of the pancreas produce more insulin. Ozempic also slows the exit of food from the stomach, helping people feel full longer. This reduces the urge to eat.
Like Ozempic, berberine also appears to lower blood sugar, similar to Ozempic, by working via its ability to raise GLP-1. Claims that berberine works were fueled by a study showing that when berberine was injected into animals, the animals ate almost 50% less food and gained less body fat. Some human research also suggests that berberine may in fact, help people lose body weight too.
Studies revealing weight reduction with berberine have indicated it may help people lose between 5 and 11 pounds after three months of use. See the Berberine Weight Loss video on my YouTube channel for dosages pros and cons and how it stacks up to Ozempic.
Berberine Weight Loss Review
Gardenia Extract
Also known by its scientific name Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, gardenia belongs to the same family of plants (Rubiaceae) as coffee and quinine. In addition to its use as a natural color pigment (yellow color), this shrub has been the subject of investigations ranging from its potential to help depression and anxiety to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
To date, over 160 natural chemical compounds have been isolated, including iridoid glycosides which are considered one of its chief bioactive substances. One downside to gardenia research is that it mostly involves laboratory animals, not humans.
Geniposide is an extract isolated from gardenia. Animal research suggests geniposide lowers blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreas and may also protect insulin-producing cells too.
Banaba Extract
Lagerstroemia speciosa, better known as banaba, was first studied to improve diabetes in 1940. Substances (extracts) called corosolic acid and ellagitannins are thought to be mostly responsible for its sugar-busting effects. The extract used in Release is standardized to contain 18% corosolic acid. Glusocol, a proprietary form of banana, is a 1% corisolic acid extract of banaba. When given to people
with type II diabetes, Glusocol was demonstrated to drop blood sugar by 30% after just 2 weeks of use. Banaba is thought to work in various ways, including mimicking the action of insulin and ramping up the activity of insulin receptors. In this way, banaba may function similarly to metformin.
Salacia Extract (Salacia reticulata)
Like many of the other ingredients in Release insulin resistance pills, Salacia has a long history of use in Indian medicine. Also called Kothala Himbutu, extracts in the plant inhibit the activity of enzymes such as α-amylase, sucrase and others involved in carbohydrate absorption and breakdown. This means salacia is a carbohydrate blocker that prevents sugars from being absorbed.
If you can't absorb carbs, they can't raise your blood sugar, and you can't store them as fat.
In one study Salacia reduced fasting blood sugar as well as total cholesterol and bad (LDL) cholesterol after just 6 weeks. This investigation used 500 mg of salacia which is more than is found in GOLO Release.
The GOLO Release supplement contains a trademarked extract of salacia called salaretin, which is isolated from the bark of the shrub. Salaretin is manufactured by the Sabina Corporation. The salaretin extract is said to contain optimal combinations of mangiferin and salacinol, two substances thought to lower blood sugar levels.
Apple Extract
Apple skins contain pectin, a soluble fiber that has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels. Is this the extract being used in the Release supplement? In one interesting study, people eating 3 apples a day lost about 2 pounds over the course of three months. Apples have also been shown to reduce inflammation as well. There isn't much apple extract in the Release supplement since it's the final ingredient listed in the proprietary blend.
GOLO Release Diet Pills Scientific Research & Proof
The GOLO website makes the claim that “Several studies conducted between 2009 and 2018 showed:”
- 79% more weight loss
- 206% more inches lost at the waist area
- 67% of people no longer have pre-diabetes
- 17.6% lower cholesterol
- 12.5% lower blood pressure
- 33.9% lower triglyceride levels
Some of the studies involved the GOLO lifestyle program. So what is the proof for GOLO Release diet pills themselves? Let's look at the evidence.
GOLO Release Clinical Studies
So far, it appears there is one scientific investigation as a testimony to the effectiveness of the Release diet pill. In this company-supported study, 68 people who were overweight and obese – some of whom also had type II diabetes – were split into two groups:
- group 1: GOLO weight management program plus a placebo
- group 2: GOLO program plus Release supplement, taken 3 times a day with meals
Results
After five months, people who took the Release supplement along with the GOLO weight loss program:
- Lost twice as much body weight as those who only followed the GOLO program
- Those taking the Release diet pill lost about 13 pounds (6 kg), while those following the GOLO program by itself lost 7.4 pounds (3 kg).
- This represented a loss of 6% body weight in the group taking the diet pill supplement vs a 3% drop in body weight in those who followed the program and took a placebo.
Other benefits seen in those people included significantly reduced waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, and diastolic blood pressure. While blood markers for insulin resistance were also significantly improved, the researchers did not report significant reductions in fasting blood sugar or hemoglobin A1c.
GOLO Release Study Problems
This investigation was the best kind of study to perform, being double-blinded and containing a placebo. However, it suffered from a large dropout rate. At the beginning of the study, there were 68 people but by the end, only 34 people finished. In other words, 50% of the people did not complete the study. This is a testimony to how difficult it is to stay with a weight management program. Another problem was that no group only took the GOLO release supplement – without the lifestyle program.
This begs the question: would you get the same benefits if you took the supplement by itself -without dieting? While reductions in blood sugar and lipids might be expected, weight loss would probably not occur without also eating fewer calories.
GOLO Release vs. Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers ( now called “WW”) has existed since the business started in 1963. That longevity is a testament to its popularity and effectiveness. Weightwatchers has even branched out to include their own brand of protein powders and other products. Clinical studies have also revealed the effectiveness of the program too. Given the popularity of both programs, no studies comparing GOLO to Weight Watchers could be located. So, it's not known which weight loss protocol is superior.
GOLO Release vs. NutriSystem
Nutrisystem has been around since 1976 and even has a variety of low-calorie snacks and weight-loss shakes. Like WeightWatchers, NutriSystem has also been shown in clinical studies to help people lose weight. A downside, though, is that it appears there is no NutriSystem vs. GOLO clinical studies revealing which is the better weight reduction program.
GOLO Release With The Ketogenic Diet?
There's no ingredient in the supplement that is off-limits to those following a keto diet or taking exogenous ketone weight loss supplements or those who do intermittent fasting. Several ingredients in the Release supplement appear to reduce blood sugar levels. Ketogenic diets would also be expected to lower glucose levels too. Might Release + a keto-focused diet lower blood sugar levels too much? This has not been adequately studied.
Those following a low-carb lifestyle approach to diabetes management and weight loss who want to try the supplement may want to consider starting with less than the recommended dosage at first to see how they respond. Those who use a continuous glucose monitor will see changes quickly if they occur. See the side effects section for more insights.
Where Can You Purchase GOLO Release Diet Pills?
As for which stores sell it, if you search Amazon and eBay, you may find it there and if you do, protect yourself and scrutinize the sellers before purchasing to make sure it's legit and not a counterfeit supplement. Also, pay attention to whether it's new/unopened and to the expiration date. This will help ensure you are getting supplements that have no spoiled. Currently, this insulin health supplement is not sold locally at Walmart or Target or GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Costco, Walgreens, CVS, RiteAid, Sam's Club, or supermarkets. Other than resellers on sites like eBay, it appears the only way to buy this supplement is at GOLO.com.
GOLO Release Negative Customer Complaints
Here is a summary of some complaints about the Release supplement listed on the Better Business Bureau and TrustPilot websites. See their respective websites for more insights.
| gained weight when using the supplement. Lost weight when stopped. | jittery feelings | diarrhea and dizziness |
| caused some to feel sick | dehydration | flushing/feeling hot |
| kidney pain | bloating | allergic reaction |
| blood pressure and body weight increased | lost only 3 pounds after using 4 bottles | migraine headache |
| digestion problems | Stomach pains/bathroom issues | rapid heart rate, anxious feelings, dizziness, moody, body aches |
| lost weight at first but then it stopped | the new GOLO formula does not curb appetite as well as the old formula | helps with blood sugar control but not weight loss |
When surveying customer complaints, several people reported gaining weight while taking Release supplements. To be fair, this doesn't make sense as none of the ingredients appear to promote an increase in body mass. Several people also reported having difficulty contacting GOLO customer support. For those having problems, the company does respond to negative customer complaints posted with official consumer reporting companies.
How Much Does GOLO Release Cost?
- 1 bottle: $59.95 (if you want to lose 10 to 20 pounds)
- 2 bottles: $99.90 (if you want to lose 21 to 40 pounds)
- 3 bottles: $119.85 (if you want to lose 41 to 60 pounds)
The weight loss goals next to each bottle is an estimate that is not guaranteed. They may be extrapolated from the Release supplement clinical study summarized above.
When you purchase your supplements, your package will also include these free gifts:
- myGOLO: Online meal plans and recipes
- GOLO For Life Plan: Not sure what this is but the company says you will learn strategies that can change your life.
- Smart Card: GOLO smart card food group system
What About GOLO Go Digest?
GOLO Digest is a supplement consisting of various enzymes that digest proteins, carbs, and fats, ginger, and cinnamon, as well as a unique probation called bacillus subtitles DE 111.
In this video, discover the research on GOLO Go Digest.
Watch on my Youtube channel.
GOLO Release Refund Policy. How To Get Your Money Back If It Doesn't Work For You
All products from GOLO come with a 60-day money-back guarantee. Even if the bottle is empty and you took all the capsules, you can still get a refund. The 60 days begins when you receive the supplement. This is good because it means you have a full two months to see if Release works for you. On the downside, the refund guarantee is only honored for these conditions:
- For your first-time purchase only.
- There is a limit of one return per customer per product.
This is IMPORTANT. You can only get a refund on your first purchase only. If you order additional supplements after your first purchase, you will not get a refund, even if you are within the 60-day refund policy. The company only issues refunds for first-time supplement purchases. When returning the supplement for a refund, also send back all other materials that came with your purchase such as the booklets you received too.
Do not throw away anything that comes with the supplements. You must return everything, including the free GOLO gifts such as the Life Plan, Smart Card Food Group system, etc. If there are supplements remaining in the bottle, return those too.
The GOLO program is popular, so it's strange that its return policy is inferior to other lesser-known companies, such as those that make these supplements:
- Magnesium Breakthrough: 365-day return policy
- Ikiria Lean Belly Juice: 365-day refund policy
- Cholesterol 360: 365-day refund policy
- Altai Balance: 180-day refund policy
- LeanBiome: 180-day refund policy
- SynoGut: 180-day refund policy
These supplements are vastly different than GOLO but they are examples of how some companies give people much better return options.
Who Makes GOLO Release? Better Business Bureau Company Information
GOLO LLC is the name of the company. Another name is AeroTrainer. The company, which was started in 2010 is Better Business Bureau accredited and located at 700 Prides Crossing, Ste 304 Newark, DE 19713. The founder and CEO of GOLO is Chris Lundin. The President of the company is Jennifer Brooks.
The customer support phone number is 800- 730-4656. When this review was created, the BBB rated the company 3.27 out of 5 stars and an A+ rating. The company does respond to customer complaints filed with the BBB, which is very good. See the BBB file for updates and more information.
Trustpilot GOLO Company Information
Trustpilot gives the company 3.6 out of 5 stars and has over 400 customer reviews. Of those, 68% of customers rated the company as “excellent,” and 17% of the testimonials rated GOLO as “bad.” See the file for updates and more insights.
Contact GOLO Customer Service Department
Call 800-730-4656 Monday through Friday 9 AM to 530 PM. The office is closed on weekends.
You can also email customer service 24 hours a day at Support@GOLO.com.
How To Return GOLO Release
To get your money back, do not simply send the supplements back. Rather, first, call the GOLO customer service department at 800-730-4656. Press number 2 for customer support. You can also email the company at Support@GOLO.com. Whichever option you choose, customer service must issue you a return authorization number and give you return instructions.
You must include your name, address, email address, and phone number with your returned items. It takes 7 to 10 business days to process returns and refund your money. IMPORTANT. Return all materials that came with the supplements. Failure to do this may reduce how much money is refunded to you. Shipping & handling charges to return supplements are not included with your refund. That's standard. Return the supplements and all other items to this address:
GOLO, LLC
203 Gabor Drive
Newark, DE 19711
GOLO Insulin Resistance Ingredients
There are many ingredients in this supplement. Here are the ingredients I feel have the best proof for blood sugar and insulin resistance:
- Berberine (I like this brand)
- Chromium (I like this brand)
Of these two ingredients, I feel berberine has the best overall effects on insulin resistance.
GOLO Release Weight Loss Ingredients
While chromium continues to be popular for weight reduction and appetite suppression, its results may vary. Some research suggests berberine may have a modest effect, too. Here are other compounds that may have benefits.
- Glucomannan (see review)
- Caralluma Fimbriata (see review)
- Psyllium (see review)
Here also is a review of 10 weight loss supplements with some clinical evidence. Realize that no supplement is perfect, and the results seen will be best when combined with eating fewer calories and physical activity.
GOLO Release Side Effects and Possible Negative Reactions
Historically, the ingredients in the Release formula don't appear to have negative side effects for most people. The GOLO Release supplement clinical study reported no serious side effects. However, nothing is side-effect free and there are some people who should probably not take this supplement. Your doctor can advise on this. If adverse reactions were to develop, here are some tips to reduce them from occurring in you:
- Start with less for the first week. This could help your body adjust and minimize adverse reactions if they were to occur.
- Do not take it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some of the ingredients may not be safe for babies.
- The supplement is not recommended for those under the age of 18.
- Some of the ingredients may interact with blood thinner medications.
- Stop taking this and other supplements at least 2 weeks before surgery.
- After surgery, ask your doctor when it's okay to resume taking the supplement.
- Rhiodola may affect heart rate. While some research suggests Rhodiola may reduce heart rate, one person reported in the comments that her resting heart rate increased from around 50 beats per minute to 140 beats per minute when she started taking GOLO Release. This may be an anomaly.
- Gardenia may cause diarrhea. Some people have reported diarrhea with GOLO Release.
- Separate taking all supplements from thyroid medications by at least 30 minutes.
- Rhodiola might interfere with how some prescription medications are metabolized. Some drugs may break down too quickly, while others may break down too slowly.
- Berberine may not be safe in people who have received organ transplants.
- Don't take Release at the same time as probiotic supplements. Berberine might reduce how well probiotic supplements work.
- Several ingredients appear to lower blood sugar. While not reported to occur, in theory, GOLO Release may interact with metformin, insulin, and other diabetes medications.
- Banaba might lower blood pressure in people who take hypertension medications.
GOLO Release Pros & Cons
These are my opinions. Yours may be different.
| Pros | Cons |
| A+ BBB rating | Proprietary blend |
| The supplement has been researched | Poor return policy |
| There's research on ingredients | Some report customer support issues |
| Positive testimonials from happy customers |
Does GOLO Release Promote Weight Loss and Reduce Insulin Resistance?
There's no doubt the supplement has its share of happy customer testimonials. But, some report it did not work for them. As with anything having to do with weight loss, results will vary. If you order the Release supplement, be aware of the return policy, which I feel could be improved. While it sounds logical, I believe this is an overly complicated supplement with too many ingredients. If this supplement does improve insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, might the same results be obtained for less money by taking just berberine or chromium?
I like these brands:
- Berberine (I like this brand)
- Chromium (I like this brand)
What Do You Think?
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