Healthy Gut. Slimmer You. Those words are used to describe Plexus Slim, a very popular weight loss and blood sugar lowering supplement. It's been several years since I first reviewed Plexus Slim (The Pink Drink). In that time, the ingredients have changed a bit. In this Plexus Slim review, I'll compare the ingredients in the original formula to what it contains now and also review the science on its ingredients. Along the way, I'll decipher its key ingredients, and try to shed light on side effects too. I don't work for any supplement company so this is not an Ambassador review. Let's see if Plexus Slim is right for you. For additional info, see the original plexus Slim review and the reviews of Plexus Accelerator Plus, Plexus Boost and Plexus ProBio5 Joyome anti-wrinkle cream and Plexus Hunger Control
Plexus Slim Benefits
The Plexus website states the supplement works by providing the following benefits:
- Clinically demonstrated to help you lose weight*
- Promotes the growth of good gut microbes◊*
- Increases Lactobacillus by 365 times and Bifidobacterium by 290 times – contributing to overall health◊*
- Increases the metabolism-enhancing Akkermansia microbes by 250 times◊*
- Supports healthy glucose metabolism*
- Clinically studied XOS prebiotic
- Patent-pending formula
These are pretty interesting benefits but the * and ◊ next to some of the claims direct our attention to the bottom of the page where it says
- *“These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”
- ♢ “The results of an in vitro human gut simulator study suggest that Slim’s formula may have several beneficial effects. Further research, including research conducted in humans, is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.” Basically, they are saying there's no human evidence for these claims.
What's Different In The New Formula
Let's now compare the original Plexus formula (from 2013) to the current ingredients:
| Plexus Slim Original Ingredients | Plexus Slim Current Ingredients |
| Chlorogenic acid | Chromium |
| Citrin K | Xylooligosaccharide |
| Alpha-lipoic acid | Green coffee bean extract |
| Oxypregnane steroidal glycoside | Garcinia Cambogia |
| Chromium (amino nicotinate GTF) | Alpha-lipoic acid |
| Mulberry fruit extract |
Comparing the original ingredients old and current ingredients, we see a few differences
1. Chromium has moved positions. It used to be the last ingredient in the proprietary blend. It appears at the very top of the ingredients list.
This may mean the new Plexus Slim formula has more chromium than it originally had. They also now tell us how much chromium Plexus Slim contains (200 micrograms). See the review of chromium and weight loss.
2. Both the old and new formula contain chromium nicotinate. This is a complex of both chromium and niacin. Chromium is often touted for its ability to help reduce blood sugar levels and while there is some evidence of this, not all studies find it works. For example, in this 2013 study chromium nicotinate did not help people with type 2 diabetes.
3. The ingredient originally called “citrin K” is now called by its more familiar name, garcinia cambogia. See the Garcinia Cambogia review.
4. The current ingredients now contain Xylooligosaccharide, green coffee bean, and Mulberry fruit extract.
5. Grape skin extract used to be in Plexus but no longer. I'm not sure if this makes a significant difference or not in how effective Plexus Slim might be. I was told (unconfirmed reports) this was because people were having allergic reactions to this ingredient.
Summary: Changes To New Formula
- Chromium is the first ingredient listed
- We are told how much chromium is in the new formula
- Added: Xylooligosaccharide, green coffee bean, and Mulberry fruit extract
- Grape skin extract is removed
- Hoodia is removed from the formula
- Garcinia cambogia now called by its more familiar name
Question for Ambassadors: why were grape seed extract and hoodia removed from plexus slim?
Plexus Slim Research
Clinical research specifically on Plexus Slim cannot be located. Neither the Plexus website, National Library of Medicine or ClinicalTrials.gov reveal any clinical studies. Some Plexus Ambassadors may cite research but those studies do not appear to be peer reviewed in medical journals. As such, I discount as being less clinically relevant as we cannot see the entire study and how it was conducted.
Plexus Slim Ingredients
Let's now summarize the of research for the main ingredients in the Pink Drink and see what the science says.
Chromium
The chromium in Plexus chromium polynicotinate. This is basically a form of chromium thought to be better absorbed. Each packet provides 200 micrograms of this mineral. Chromium is probably in this supplement to help reduce blood sugar levels. This makes sense. But, when it comes to weight loss, chromium is a dud. The vast majority of studies since the 1990s show chromium does not work
See the Chromium weight loss review for the evidence.
Xylooligosaccharide
Xylooligosaccharide (also called XOS) is basically long chains of the xylose sugar stuck together. Xylose is often used as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are the food probiotic bacteria eat. Xylose may be used as a way to bolster production of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
When it comes to gut health, the diversity of gut bacteria is important. the more different bacteria, the healthier experts say we are. Two ways to improve gut bacteria diversity is eating more fruits/vegetables and exercise.
Plexus Slim Blend (531 mg)
When it comes to Blends, companies do not have to tell us how much of each ingredient makes up the blend. But we know the first ingredient makes up the most of the blend, while the last ingredient listed makes up the least.
Each packet of plexus slim provides 531 mg of the following ingredients:
1. Green Coffee Bean Extract
Green coffee also goes by the name coffae robusta. Its active ingredient is often said to be an antioxidant called chlorogenic acid. The Plexus Slim label tells us each packet contains 50% chlorogenic acid. Green coffee is popular for weight loss but I remain skeptical.
The favorable research studies are small and there are not many of them. Also, the studies showing it works have used a supplement called Svetol which is not in Plexus Slim.
What makes green coffee controversial is one of the very best weight loss investigations was retracted after it was found to contain serious errors.
This is why green coffee remains a weight loss scam in my book until unbiased and well-designed studies are published.
2. Garcinia Cambogia
Garcinia cambogia, also known as hydroxy citric acid (HCA) is a popular weight loss supplement. When I did a deep dive into the garcina / weight loss research, I concluded it was at best a 50/50 shot at whether it worked or not. I saw just as many clinical studies showing it worked as didn't work.
Many of the studies though were small and had problems with how they were performed. As such, I don't believe anyone can say for sure if it's an effective weight loss aid.
And then there's the big controversy: Does garcinia cambogia cause liver failure? While I feel the risk is low, there is some evidence it might. While in many such reports, people were taking supplements containing many ingredients, we now have a report of liver failure in someone who only took garcinia cambogia. There is no reports of Plexus Slim causing liver problems or elevating liver enzymes.
See the Supplements and Liver Failure review.
3. Alpha Lipoic Acid
Plexus slim is touted to promote healthy glucose metabolism. Alapha lipoic acid is an ingredient which seems to do this. Multiple studies have shown Alpha Lipoic acid can improve the ability of insulin at reducing blood sugar levels. Amounts used in research are usually around 300 mg per day taken for several weeks. While we are not told how much alpha lipoic acid is in the Pink Drink, it's possible it may have close to this amount.
There is also some evidence alpha lipoic acid may help weight loss. Studies tend to use over 600-1000 mg. This is more than is in Plexus Slim.
Here's alpha lipoic acid on Amazon
4. Mulberry Fruit Extract
There are 2 types of mulberry – black and white. Plexus Slim uses white mulberry (Morus alba). Some evidence shows mulberry can reduce blood sugar levels in people with type II diabetes. Some studies use 1000 mg to 5000 mg a day to achieve this effect. Mulberry is also an antioxidant. Some evidence suggest it reduces free radical damage to insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
Because it's a food, mulberry likely has many active compounds which probably have multiple effects other than just blood sugar lowering.
Blood Sugar Lowering Ingredients
Here is a quick review of the ingredients in Plexus Slim which lower blood sugar
- Chromium
- Alpha-lipoic acid
- White mulberry
See above for specifics on each
Weight Loss Ingredients
Here's a quick review of the ingredients in Plexus Slim which might help weight loss
- Garcinia cambogia
Note. my own opinion is garcinia cambogia doesn't work but there are some studies saying I'm wrong. Im not listing green coffee bean until I see better quality studies on it.
What's The Key Ingredient
There is not just one active ingredient in Plexus Slim. Different ingredients do different things. Its worth noting many of the ingredients are likelly present because of their effects on lowering blood sugar levels. However, reduced blood sugar does not necessarily mean weight loss. When it comes to weight loss, I believe results will vary.
Where To Buy
So where can people buy Plexus Slim? Because the company has a multi-level marketing (MLM) component to it, it's sold in stores like Walmart, GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Costco, Target, CVS, Walgreens, korger, Food Lion or RiteAid.
Rather, it can be purchased either from a Plexus Ambassador or directly from PlexusWorldWide.com, the official company website. When ordering Plexus the website, you first have to create an account. When you do, you don't have to provide information on the Plexus ambassador you heard about it from.
I'm not sure how I feel about that.
Because one does not have to provide details on ambassadors means the Plexus website is in competition with Plexus ambassadors for sales. To become a Plexus Ambassador, it costs $34.95 paid annually.
If you are using a Plexus ambassador, you can provide either their phone number or Plexus ID. If you do, then the ambassador will receive credit for your order – using an Ambassador does not add to the price of Plexus Slim.
Here Are There Supplements on Amazon
How Much Is Plexus Slim?
From the plexus website, if you purchase just 1 month of Slim, the cost is $87.95. Shipping and tax may also be added. There is also an autoship program where you'd receive supplements at regular intervals. Purchasing Plexus Slim this way is a little less expensive – $82.95. Shipping charges and tax may also be added.
Here are the prices of their other products:
- Plexus Block : $39.95 (+S/H)
- Plexus Accelerator +: 39.95 (+S/H)
- Plexus Boost: $39.95 (+S/H)
- Plexus 96 Chocolate $35.95 (+S/H)
- Plexus 96 Vanilla $35.95 (+S/H)
- Plexus X Factor $39.95 (+S/H)
- Plexus X Factor Plus: $ 39.95 (+S/H)
- Plexus X Factor Kids $ 34.95 (+S/H)
- Plexus VitalBiome $39.95 (+S/H)
- Plexus ProBio $39.95
- Plexus BioCleanse 120 ct $ 29.95 (+S/H)
- Plexus MegaX $39.95(+S/H)
- Plexus Nerve $47.95 (+S/H)
- Plexus Ease: $44.95 (+S/H)
- Plexus Edge $ 34.95 (+S/H)
- Plexus Ease Cream $$39.95 (+S/H)
- Plexus Body Cream $49.95 (+S/H)
- Plexus Brest Chek Kit $34.95 (+S/H)
These prices reflect if you purchased an item only once. There is a small discount when on the autoship program.
How Many Calories?
Each packet of Plexus Slim has 5 calories. This is an insignificant amount.
Plexus Slim And Gut Health
When Plexus Slim first came out, it was touted for weight loss. The idea of gut health is an evolution of not only the marketing but also the ingredients in the supplement. With the incorporation of the prebiotic, Xylooligosaccharide (XOS), the idea is now Plexus Slim is supposed to help weight loss by altering the composition of the microbiome (that is, better gut health).
While I'm sure XOS will alter the contents of the microbiome in some way, I don't know what effects this would lead to. Would it lead to better health? Would it mean weight loss would occur? I can't say although no clinical studies linking xylooligosaccharide to weight loss in humans could be located when this review was created.
While anything is possible, until Plexus-gut health studies are published, it's hard to know for sure what the benefits might be. It's worth remembering that eating fruits and veggies and exercise have been shown to improve gut health rather quickly.
Does It Have Caffeine?
Plexus Slim is probably pretty low in caffeine. The label says it has 2% natural caffeine. The caffeine probalby comes from the green coffee bean.
Is It Gluten Free?
Yes. Plexus Slim is gluten-free, vegan and non-GMO.
Is Plexus Slim FDA Approved?
The Food and Drug Administration does not approve supplements in the US. There is a law which regulates supplements (DSHEA) but it's often criticized for a number of reasons.
In 2014 PlexusWorldWide did receive a warning letter from the FDA over the language used to describe the benefits of their products Fast Relief ProBio 5 and BioCleanse. Basically the FDA believed the company made statements it should not have made. This sometimes happens with companies. When the FDA sees statements it disagrees with, it reaches out to companies and asks them to change their wording.
See the ProBio 5 Review for more on that supplement.
Plexus Slim Controversies
In 2013 the Australia government's Therapeutic Goods Administration (their FDA) noted Plexus Accelerator 3 day pack contained a banned ingredient called DMAA, which is a stimulant. See the Plexus Accelerator Plus review for more information.
In 2014, the Canadian government also called attention to DMAA as well.
DMAA is no longer found in Plexus supplements.
Is Plexus Doctor Recommended?
I've heard ambassadors say its recommended by medical doctors (MDs/ DOs) but I don't think I've ever encountered a physician who recommended it. That's not to say none do, but I've not met any. My original review has over 2400 testimonials and comments. I don't anyone leaving a comment was a doctor.
If you look at the comments there, you will see some nurses advocating Plexus. Some of them are also Ambassitors which some may say makes them biased. I won't make that call. I'll simply, say I prefer supplements with clinical evidence.
I can understand the challenges faced by doctors who try to get patients to lose weight and blood sugar. It's quite possible some may be OK with a patient trying Plexus Slim for a month or so to see what happens. I'm sure anything which motivates patients is welcomed.
I welcome any physician to leave a comment below about their experiences with this product (positive or not)
Plexus Ambassadors
Plexus Ambassitors (distributors) are those who sell Plexus supplements. These are often people who had a good experience and want to help others. Sometimes they may be people lured into the business with thoughts of making a lot of money.
An advantage going through an Ambassador is they may be able to offer personalized guidance with how to use the products. While I like this, Plexus Ambassadors may or may not have any nutrition background like college degrees or nutrition certifications. So, if you have a medical issue, the guidance you receive will often not be the same as from a doctor, pharmacist or dietitian.
If people have side effects, the solution is to not take another plexus supplement (or any supplement). The correct response -depending on the severity – is to stop taking the supplement and see if the symptoms improve. For very bad side effects, seeing a doctor is in order.
I bring this up not to slam Plexus Ambassitors but rather to help them better deal with side effects that people may bring up from time to time.
Plexus Slim Didn't Work
If you read the comments below, you'll notice some people saying the new Plexus formula does not work the same way as the old formula. Interestingly, when people report to their ambassadors that Plexus Slim didn't work for them, it appears some blame the person. I'm sure not all Ambassadors do this, but if the comments below are believed, some appear to.
I think that's the wrong way of doing this. I also believe its wrong to try to get people to experiment with another product like the Plexus probiotic supplement. (click to read review). That's my 2 cents. Take it for what it is.
Plexus Slim Research
Plexus Ambassadors often mention the supplement was originally was studied ―not for weight loss―but rather for its effects on reducing blood sugar. As proof of this, they cite a clinical trial done on 8 people with type 2 diabetes conducted between June and October 2008.
While the study does not appear to be peer reviewed, it does seem to show that people taking plexus slim had reduced blood sugar and body weight. When looking at the summary of this trial on the PS website, a few things occurred to me:
1. The study refers to these 8 people as “patients.” This makes me wonder if the people were confined to a hospital or clinic? If yes, this is not a real life test of plexus because most people won't be monitored for food intake the way people in hospitals /clinics might be. If anyone can address this question, I'd appreciate it.
2. The study only had 8 people. That’s not a lot of people.
3. The study doesn’t seem to be peer reviewed / published in a medical journal
4. The clinical study used the original plexus slim formula. Since the formula ingredients have been tweaked a bit since its inception, it's hard to know if the results would be relevant to the new formula.
Regardless as to whether the product was originally studied for its effects on blood sugar, there is no doubt that Plexus Slim is marked mostly for weight loss. As proof, the product website used to say this:
” Having trouble losing weight and keeping it off? You're not alone. But don't worry! Finally there is an all-natural, healthy solution to help you lose weight for the long term.”
Notice, there is no mention of blood sugar, only weight loss. In fact, on the benefits section above, notice “Clinically demonstrated to help you lose weight” is the #1 item listed. That said, if plexus slim helps weight loss (by getting people to eat less calories), then I'd expect blood sugar to be reduced also.
Who Makes Plexus Slim?
The company is called Plexus Worldwide, LLC. The address listed with the Better Business Bureau is 9145 E Pima Center Pkwy Scottsdale, AZ 85258-4627. An online search of this address reveals a corporate center. The former address of the company was 7440 E. Karen Dr. #400, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. The BBB states the business was started on Jan 1 2008.
The BBB gave Plexus World Wide a rating of “A+” when this review was created. This was interesting considering 63% of the reviews were negative. My guess is this high rating is based on the company responding to complaints filed with the BBB. See the BBB file for updates and more information.
There were no SiteJabber reviews for the company when this review was created. See the SiteJabber file for updates.
Contact Plexus Slim
The contact number is 480- 998-3490.
Plexus Slim Side Effects
In healthy people, I think this Plexus Slim is safe in the majorly of people who use this supplement. While there are many positive and negative online reviews, I believe in most people, there are no real dangers, espeically for those who are basically healthy. That said, here are some things to consider for those who may not be “healthy.” This list is not complete:
- Start with less than is recommended for the first seek to see how you react
- Stop taking plexus slim at least 2 weeks before having surgery
- Speak to your doctor first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Speak to your pharmacist/ doctor if you take any prescription mediation
- Not intended for people under age 18
- Since it has some caffeine, don't take close to bedtime
- Plexus Slim may reduce blood sugar levels. This may be an issue for some diabetes
- Some reports link garcinia cambogia to liver problems and elevated liver enzymes
- Green coffee extract may reduce blood pressure
- Xylooligosaccharide (XOS) may have a laxative effect in high doses (4grams)
Chromium may reduce thyroid hormone levels when taken at the same time. Separate taking them by at least an hour to reduce this from occurring.
Some evidence suggests chromium may lead to kidney problems. But I think this is rare. I had to search back to 1998 to find a report I felt was relevant. To be safe, speak to your doctor if you have kidney problems before taking chromium supplements.
Some research suggests chlorogenic acid (an ingredient in green coffee) may raise homocysteine. High homocysteine levels are controversial as they may be linked to heart disease. See your doctor if your homocysteine is high for personalized recommendations on this matter.
Leave a comment below if you experienced anything I did not list here.
Plexus Slim Pro & Con
Here is a quick run down of what I liked and didn't like about this supplement. These are my opinions.Yours may be different:
| Pro | Con |
|---|---|
| Company has been in business many years | Expensive |
| Products guaranteed | No clinical research |
| Company responds to complaints | Over-the-top claims |
Does Plexus Slim Work?
I didn't try Plexus Slim and I don't personally know anyone who has tried it. I can only go by the research. Because of its ingredients, I'm fairly sure it will reduce blood sugar levels in some people. But as for weight loss, let's just say results will vary.
I must say that I am very disappointed in the comments here. I expected intelligent diatribe but what I see is the commenters named Michael & Pete insulting everyone who makes comments that in any way promote Plexus. Then, he makes his own recommendations which are equally ridiculous. Does Plexus work? A lot of people believe it does and have lost weight with it.
I also see that your research is somewhat inaccurate as well. The original Accelerator did not contain DMAA. DMAA is a synthetic. Geranium extract is not the same thing although DMAA does attempt to mimic the compounds found in geraniums. As for your discussion of soy lecithin, it is a food emulsifier.
It is used in baby formula and many cereals. The discussions are thin but there is a little evidence that it might have a small effect similar to estrogen.
Jamie, if you read my origional review of plexus http://supplementclarity.com/plexus-slim-review-ingredients-side-effects/
you will see I discussed the DMAA/geranium oil controversy. The US military did not find DMAA in geranium oil however some websites still say they are the same thing. I believe I presented both sides of the issue.
That said why would you want to take something that mimics DMAA given what it has done?
It doesn’t mimic DMAA. They are not even close in what they are said to do. DMAA is a powerful stimulant that can cause heart attacks and blood pressure issues while geranium oil is a mild appetite suppressant. The only thing similar is the fact that DMAA was marketed with the term “geranium extract.”
“The original Accelerator did not contain DMAA. DMAA is a synthetic. Geranium extract is not the same thing although DMAA does attempt to mimic the compounds found in geraniums.”
This is an old talking point from Plexus ambassadors who were challenged on this issue. Let’s just give the benefit of the doubt to Plexus and say they did use Geranium instead of DMAA (there’s no way to substantiate this because they don’t disclose where the product is manufactured). All the ambassadors claimed that Geranium was a “natural stimulant” rather than a synthetic one. The only issue is, geranium extract/oil does not have any compound that has stimulant properties. Most every company touting this artificially adds dimethylamylamine to their supplement while claiming “all natural”.
Let’s not beat around the bush here. The original accelerator did contain DMAA. The Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration found the substance in Accelerator. It has been identified by other organizations as containing DMAA when hiding under the guise of “geranium extract” – http://hprc-online.org/dietary-supplements/files/DMAA_List.pdf
People like Jamie want to come in here and act as if they are outraged that others “insult” people who support Plexus and go on to lie to us all as if we have no ability to research or explore facts about these products. Not everyone is a desperate fool who follows an industry that drains billions of dollars from people who don’t have the intestinal fortitude to do something about their health apart from swallow garbage they don’t have a clue about.
Jamie
If you were even close to being right in your post on the old Accelerator and DMAA issue, the Accelerator, and other products containing DMAA would still be on the market, and not in the garbage cans.
Well, I am not only close, but correct. DMAA is a synthetic and has been banned by the FDA since 2012. GeranaX is an extract but has since been removed from the product because the term “geranium extract” was used in place of DMAA although DMAA does not exist in geraniums. The true extract from the flower is believed to be a mild appetite suppressant while DMAA is a strong stimulant. All of this information can be obtained from the FDA and other sources.
More lying. Jamie, please know what you’re speaking about before you post here.
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-153-ROSE%20GERANIUM%20OIL.aspx?activeIngredientId=153&activeIngredientName=ROSE%20GERANIUM%20OIL
“Rose geranium oil is extracted from the leaves and stem of the rose geranium plant.
Rose geranium oil is sometimes listed on the label of supplements promoted for weight loss, athletic performance, and body building. That’s because supplement manufacturers claim that rose geranium oil contains small amounts of a stimulant drug called dimethylamylamine. However, laboratory analysis shows that this drug probably does not come from rose geranium oil. It is thought that these manufacturers have artificially added this drug to the supplement rather than obtaining it from rose geranium oil.”
Once again, Plexus touted geranium oil/extract/whatever as a weight loss product. Since they have never had their products tested, we must believe that they followed suit with all the other companies who artificially added DMAA. Otherwise, why would they remove it from the market? Why would it have been banned in Australia and Canada. Please do not lie about the ingredients in this product. DMAA was in there. If it wasn’t then Plexus could have continued to use the original product.
So, without evidence that it contained DMAA and proof that you yourself posted that DMAA did not naturally occur in geraniums, you “must” believe it contained it. No, you “must” not. You “want” to believe that. The product was removed from the market simply because of the publicity around DMAA and the people like yourself who “assumed” it contained it.
I would ask you to prove it as you have asked so many others with your vitriolic style and insults. BUT, just to add something, the FDA sent warning letters to companies selling DMAA. Which company is not on that? Plexus.
http://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/QADietarySupplements/ucm346576.htm
Jamie
If you read why the FDA banned DMAA, or whatever you think it is, you should be able to agree with Michael, who was trying desperately to explain to you. I assume you are an ambassador, and getting most your information from your company, or your upline. That would explain your inaccurate posts.
You state, “the reason the FDA took DMAA off the market was due to the publicity it was was receiving from the public” What a ridiculous statement.! It was taken off the market because it was “killing” people. Not to mention the medical problems it was causing.
The reason PS did not get warning letter. Sort of like cutting the head off a snake and the body dies. PS was, and is too small to deal with directly. Send a letter out to the big companies and the little companies get the message real quick. Saves on stamps also. lol
Come on, Jamie, this subject has been beaten into the ground a long time ago.
Jamie writes:
“So, without evidence that it contained DMAA”
Jamie – let’s review something here:
http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2014/37721a-eng.php
“Plexus Slim Accelerator capsules, and Plexus Slim Accelerator 3 Day Trial pack
Product description
These products are promoted for weight loss.
Hazard identified
The Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warned consumers not to use these products as they were found to contain 1,3-dimethylamylamine (DMAA), a drug that is not approved for sale in Canada.”
https://www.tga.gov.au/alert/plexus-slim-accelerator-capsules-and-plexus-slim-accelerator-3-day-trial-pack
“Safety advisory
16 July 2013
Plexus Slim Accelerator capsules and Plexus Slim Accelerator 3 Day Trial pack pose a serious risk to your health and should not be taken.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has tested Plexus Slim Accelerator capsules and Plexus Slim Accelerator 3 Day Trial pack capsules and found that:
•They contain the undeclared banned chemical 1,3-dimethylamylamine (DMAA)
•Consumers are advised that DMAA is listed in Appendix C of the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (SUSMP). Substances within Appendix C are of such danger to health as to warrant prohibition of sale, supply and use.
•Risks associated with its use include high blood pressure, psychiatric disorders, bleeding in the brain and stroke.
Further information about DMAA can be found on the TGA website”
You were saying again, Jamie??
Also NO supplements I’m stores or anywhere are regulated by the FDA. Think of the things the FDA does approve of than the long list of side effects. I bet you don’t question half the crap you all put in your mouth but when it’s all natural you all want studies. Really?
“All Natural”….that’s funny.
Alexa I agree. The FDA approves prescription drugs that harm people and cause major side effects. We are all told if you have side effects stop taking it or talk to a medical professional about changing the dosage. Yet, when natural or holistic products are put out there everyone questions it as if it is cyanide!
I am not an Ambassador – I DO USE Plexus. You want to say paying $125/mo is unreasonable? Let me tell you what I’ve experienced: no more prescriptions that I’ve been told (by Doctors) that I “need”. Well, that has saved me over $250/mo. (seems like I’m in the black here, don’t you think)? Also, I have energy like I did in my 20’s and 30’s – I can’t begin to tell you what that’s done for me. Also, I am starting to lose weight … a bonus. Fortunately, I don’t need to lose much but will enjoy this benefit.
And by the way …. I know Registered Dieticians that take this and recommend it. When you’re passionate about something that works for you – you want to tell everyone. I may become an Ambassador some day for that reason. Not every product is for everyone. Do what works for you. If you do not like it – don’t use the products.
Misti, just curious, can you give me the names of the dietitians you know who take/recommend plexus slim? I’m sure they are out there but none has ever commented here.
Mistit
Another MLM simpleton trying to compare the regulation of FDA approved products to regulation of dietary supplements. They are not the same, and the FDA approved products are way more “scrutinized”. It takes many years of research, and development to bring one product to the market, and that is after the FDA takes the product though 3 stages of development. Efficacy, safety, etc..
During clinical trials, or even after the product has been on the market for a while, if a major side effect is discovered that may caused serious problems or death, the product is taken back to the FDA for evaluation. If found to be a danger to a patient, two instances can occur. 1. Product can taken off the market, or 2. There may be what is called a ‘black box warning” label put on the product. A black box in the product information sheet explaining the dangers. It is up to the doctor to decide to use the product, usually weighing the benefits over the dangers, and explaining to the patient.
Misti, my question to you. Would you rather use a product that goes through the above process, or would you rather use a product like PS that is basically thrown together in a pot, stirred, and put on the market.
That my friend is the difference between FDA regulations, and regulations practiced by the dietary supplement industry,
“Would you rather use a product that goes through the above process, or would you rather use a product like PS that is basically thrown together in a pot, stirred, and put on the market.”
Pete, we all know the answer to this question. People like Misti are so very easily swayed by posts on Facebook and what their friends tell them. What is so telling here is that every person who posts here touting Plexus as the greatest thing ever has the same M.O.
First, they make it very clear they are not an ambassador. Second, they go through a nebulous list of remedies and cures that they are supposedly experiencing. Third, they mention some unsubstantiated doctors or dietitians who tout it as the way to go.
The funniest part – “natural and holistic products”. Where has it ever been confirmed that Plexus is either of these? Because they said it and have it on packaging?
Well, they also said things that the FDA had to warn them about. They also had to reformulate multiple products due to bans in other countries and side effects. Does that sound natural & holistic? People like Misti want to compare medications that have had clinical trials and studies done on them to Plexus?
This shows you the lack of intelligence we’re dealing with here. Not once has Plexus provided any kind of substantive testing of their products. They do not provide any evidence of where their products are manufactured. Yet, people like this will ingest it and promote it to others as if it is the wonder cure that has somehow escaped mankind for decades.
Have you tried it? I suggest trying it before you complain about it.
You know, I haven’t tried cocaine either. For that matter any drugs. I have enough sense to know I don’t need to try them before I complain about them.
Regarding Plexus, I don’t need that garbage. And I certainly don’t need to join a cult whose mission is relying on fools to buy untested products that are made overseas. Instead of making excuses and relying on pills and powders, I’ll eat healthy and exercise.
It does say ,”regulate ” blood sugar
Alexa, actually the FDA DOES regulate supplements. the law that does this is called the dietary supplement health and education act. its been around for over 20 years. supplements are regulated like foods. I discuss this on my FAQ Page.
Actually also, “All natural” is a phrase that is NOT regulated, unfortunately. There have been reports of “natural” supplements that contain synthetic ingredients.
I started taking PS in April of 2012. While I don’t know exactly when the formula changed, I can tell you I went from a size 24 to a size 16 initially. Over this last year the weight has started to creep back. I am back up to a size 20. I didn’t know the formula had changed until the nurse at my doctor’s office (I am insulin dependent) mentioned that they had taken the hoodia g. out of PS. She told be that hoodia g. comes from a tree and the Native Indians would chew it when food was not available to curb their appetite. She suggested that I try to find hoodia as a supplement.
The thing about blaming the person for the changes. I was already on Plexus’ Bio-5 and Bio-Cleanse. It didn’t make a difference as far as weight gain. The Bio-5 was great in helping me not have all the yeast infections diabetics tend to have. Bio-Cleanse was very helpful with the constipation I frequently experienced.
I am disappointed with the formula change because getting the weight off is hard for me and I had decreased the amount of insulin I was using, as well as decreased the amount of cholesterol meds and thyroid meds I was taking. I have tried taking the hoodia in a supplement form, but it is not helping me possibly because I am not aware of how much I was getting before and how it compares to the dosage I am taking now.
Mauri, Ive never been convinced hoodia in supplements helps so what you said was very interesting. There was a study showing that women who got about 1000 mg of hoodia in yogurt ate less than those who didnt. That might give you some idea of how to compare products. here is the study http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/94/5/1171.abstract Its always good to start new supplements with less than is recommended to see how you respond and cut back on any side effects you might have.
While I dont think any brand stands out over others, I do feel its important to find a company that you have heard of. My hope is that if youve heard of them, they probably have been around a while and have some reputation. If they hvae a rep with other people then they may be more likely to be putting quality stuff in their products. If you have a vitamin shoppe in your area ask the person who works there what they feel is the best brand. they may help.
you mentioned you were a diabetic. I assume you are a type II diabetic. if that is so, here are a few things Ive written that may help
http://www.joe-cannon.com/can-type-ii-diabetes-be-cured/
http://www.joe-cannon.com/interview-yolanda-bowles-diabetes-exercise-nutrition-cure-type-ii-diabetes/
Joe, actually I am insulin dependent on an insulin pump which is type I. I developed diabetes at age 23 (my own body attached my beta cells that make insulin).
Mauri, thanks for clearing that up.
Good grief. Another one. All she’s in it for is the promise of money and a Lexus. If you ever want to see how a downline just slaps stuff on a Facebook page after being told by an upline, just visit her page.
Interesting! As a rule I am a very skeptical person. When in September of 2011, I was introduced to Plexus, I didn’t expect it to work!! Basically, I was too depressed, in too much pain (arthritis) over weight, unhappy and giving up!! When you have migraines every other day, can’t sleep, on pain medications, anti inflammatory meds, a tens unit, and struggling to move, you pray!! I prayed for something to work!! At first it did not!! I almost gave up! I was skipping breakfast and lunch thinking that would help make it work, It didn’t! I was told to eat not skip meals, so I did. It started working.
First just a pound the first week. Ok, I thought, maybe it will work?? I continued. First, I noticed I was not needing my pain meds at night. Then, no longer needing the tens unit, no longer did I have to sleep with a pillow between my legs to relieve the pressure in my back! Pounds continued to fall off me.
Within two months, I stopped all meds! No more migraines! I was sleeping all night for the first time in what ten years? Wow! My mood improved, I was happier and healthier! 10 months down the road I lost a total of 65 pounds! My life changed because of Plexus!
To be honest, I care less about your review or any one who is skeptical or negative about Plexus. What I care about is my life! My health! My awesome and amazing changes that have me excited about life again! If negativity keeps you from improving your life or those of loved ones, that’s sad! But regardless of if anyone else tries it, I have!! I love it, I sing praises of it, I share it, I live it! My life will never be the same, THANK GOD.
So, if you give yourself hope, if you don’t listen to negative people who for whatever reason want to steer you away from it, ask yourself this, do I care what others think if my life gets better? If you answer no, TRY Plexus! If pleasing others is more important than your health, life, etc, then listen to them!!
Debbie, thanks for writing and for pointing out that you are distributor. From what you said, it sounded like you started to lose weight because you ate more and stopped skipping meals, not because of plexus slim. Regardless, I’m happy that you are 65 pounds lighter.
I have been trying to research Plexus Slim the drink itself and found the ingredient soy lecithin listed on random Q and A web pages, but not on the actual product label. Can you give me a definitive answer? Does Plexus Slim contain soy lecithin? I was interested in trying the product but I am soy intolerant.
Dawn, honestly I’m not sure. Plexus Slim sometimes changes the ingredients in their supplements. When I googled “does plexus slim have soy lecithin” I did see it mentioned on some websites but to really get to the bottom of this
I recommend you call Plexus World Wide and specially ask them this question.
Here is their phone# 480-998-3490.
you can call M-F 7AM-5PM, MST. Please let me know what they say
Well calling got me nowhere. The customer service rep did not know offhand and asked me to hold while he checked. He came back to say the product label didn’t state that it did. When I then told him I had googled it and websites stated that it did, he said I would need to email the company under product questions to ask bc the manufacturer would be the ones to know.
The thing is I did that MONTHS ago and never received a reply. Just a couple of weeks ago I asked someone that sold it, she didn’t know and said she emailed company to ask and would let me know when she found out. I never heard back from her either.
I don’t know why it’s so hard to get an answer. And in my opinion ALL ingredients should be listed on the label regardless of how insignificant they think they are bc to some they might be very significant.
Dawn, unless you get an answer from the company to resolve this, I’d stay away from it for now. Hopefully the customer service person will have more influence getting the answer than you did. Let me know if you ever hear anything on this. I’m curious too now.
Dawn, this is what so many people fail to realize about these types of products – the lack of regulation and oversight given to the “supplement industry”. A can of beans on the grocery store shelf has more requirement to disclose ingredients than this Plexus stuff.
I am a firm believer that these folks are getting the ingredients from outside the United States. One, for price purposes and two, the ability to skirt manufacturing responsibility & quality control.
The fact that they cannot definitively tell you if soy lecithin (or any other ingredient) is in their product is a major concern. However, the lure of making big money, as described by these “uplines”, is something that turns people so naïve.
I’m glad you are taking the time to look into this and doing your homework before jumping right into it.
I became an ambassador just to get the wholesale prices. But after two weeks I lost 3 inches and at one month I had lost 8 inches and 2 pounds. I am so excited about Plexus Slim and Accelerator that I decided to promote it. I would recommend it to my family who now is starting to use it as well. But we are all newbies… I know that when I google plexus testimonies I see a lot of positive and very very little negative. There are so many Drs. and nurses using these products that they have named it the nurses drink.
Leah, thanks for writing and I’m glad its working for you. I think a lot of the positive things are from plexus distributors but I’m sure also that some are from actual users. Be careful with the accelerator. Here is my accelerator review
Not impressed with adding Drs using it. They are not educated in the area of nutrition.
Linda, that’s an interesting observation. Ive heard many people say the same thing about doctors and nutrition. Yet if a doctor advocates a supplement, that talk stops.
We have over 200 doctors, nurses, dietitians, health nuts, herbalist etc. on our Team that highly approve of the products!
Shannon, so those 200 doctors, nurses dietitians etc are on your team does that mean they are all distributors? So far, I’ve never had a doctor or dietitian chime in here telling me they approved of plexus slim.
I am a nutritionist, herbalist & yoga therapist. I use and love Plexus Slim among many of their other products 🙂
Jen great! are you a registered dietitian?
“Over 200 doctors, nurses, dietitians, health nuts, herbalist etc. on our Team”
Shannon, let us know when we’re supposed to be impressed with that. If memory serves me correctly, Jim Jones had about 900 folks drink cyanide, so you have a ways to go before you really have solid numbers to brag about.
And Joe, you have it right – no legitimate and substantiated doctor would ever recommend stimulants and unregulated chemicals to their patients. As we saw earlier in this thread, the doctor they do hold up has a sordid history of quackery that got busted by the FTC. All of these nebulous “doctors, nurses, dietitians, etc.” are just that. Nothing more than overblown Facebook testimonials that downlines are taught to push. We had one lady on here claiming to be a “medical professional” who turned out to be in nursing school. These people resort to any fabrication possible to legitimize their product and drive sales.
Joe and Mike you have it wrong!!!!!! Everyone of us that are Ambassadors, DO NOT push people to buy the product. Everyone that I know that sells Plexus……uses the product to show people how and that it really works
Peggy, I have to call your comments what they truly are. Lies. Don’t tell me I have it wrong when Facebook is littered with sales pitches that claim it cures auto-immune disorders, ADHD in children, migraines, and virtually every ailment under the sun. Add to that, people like the top ambassador, who takes pleasure in flaunting her earnings and excoriating anyone who disagrees with Plexus. She is basically a cult-like leader who places people beneath her if they are not on the Plexus bandwagon. If you would like examples of what I am claiming, then just ask and I will provide.
I’m sure that there are plenty of people who are ambassadors that don’t engage in this type of behavior but you are incredibly misinformed if you make any claim that this product is not pushed on others by ambassadors.
Shannon, so you are telling me that a whopping 200 nurses endorse this product? (Mind you in 2011, there were some 2,724,570 employed RNs 180,233 APNs (Advance Practice Nurses) in the US. I know that number is somewhere around 3 million for RNs now, as I am an RN.
This does not include LPNs, or retired/unemployed RNs/APNs…this was just RNs and APNs) 200 really doesn’t sound all that significant anymore, does it?
(apologies for a rather late entry, I just found this site and your comments struck me as, IMHO, a sales pitch)
Peggy Batte
Glad to hear that PS, and their other products are working for you. You mentioned in other post that you are an ambassador, so, in my opinion, what you say does not carry much credibility, if any.
Could you please list the doctors you say feel that PS is the best diet supplement out there? I have been around doctors most of my life, and NEVER knew one that would promote a diet supplement over proper eating and exercise. Would you mind also listing the doctors’s specialties. Doctors do not recommend products that have not been proven to be safe, and effective. They open themselves to lawsuits. There is no data out there that proves the safety, and efficacy of PS.
Peggy, you are right, PS doesn’t work on everyone, as a matter of fact since the formulations of PS products have changed, they DON’T work on Most people. You don’t seem to be very educated on you own company, or you would know there are a lot of problems happening with the company.
Peggy, keep this in mind, there are reasons why the PS Pay Points have dropped from about $5.00 to about $2.75. The points are based on profitability and sales. It is obvious that PS is not doing very well, and reason been the products, since reformulated, DO NOT WORK!
As far as you medical conditions improving, don’t know why, or if that even happened. Can you, or you company provide proof that the PS products were responsible for your improvement? And, if true, why does’nt PS spend the money, or borrow the money to do studies to find out. They know the products would be worthless in treating the diseases you mentioned, and others, and “BAM”, there goes the company. Why should they when they have uninformed ambassadors deviating from the truth every time they take a breath.
You probably don’t even realize that just by you mentioning the disease states in your post, you have broken rules and regulations of the FTC, and FDA. The very reason PS received a warning letter from the Feds. PS doesn’t train you very well, do they. lol
Peggy, good luck.
All I smell on this site are sour grapes. Why isn’t this (website removed because it didnt work) Just call that ugly spade what it is; a sad, pathetic, wee man who couldn’t manage to feign to be non-partisan for more than a minute. Just remember that there’s an FDA approved blue pill for that!
*I* challenge you people to show us all of the negative press you can find on PS.
ANNND, begin!
Gwen,
You let us know when we’re supposed to take you seriously. We wouldn’t want you to be disappointed for us not giving you the attention you’re desperately seeking here.
Gwen
Seems like to me the little “blue pill’ is just what’s missing in your life. It could relieve a lot of the frustrations you are obviously experiencing. But, wait, PS ought to be able to handle your situation! lol
Michael
I have heard the same thing. Because Joe’s site is so well known, ambassadors are asked to spread positive attributes of the PS line. I think the ambassadors also realize that Joe will not back down from posting anyone’s comments, for, or against PS. Completely unbiased, and that is what makes a blog interesting.
You have to realize, there are many more people out there that read “Supplement Greek”, and do not post. Can you imagine how big this site would be if they did.
Pete, I had no idea I was so popular with them 🙂
Leah,
Are you OK with promotion of a product that contains Higenamine, an ingredient linked with serious heart-related side effects including arrhythmias and even death? Are you OK with the promotion of Yerba Mate, which has been shown to cause an increase of cancers of the mouth, head and neck, esophagus, bladder, larynx, kidney, and lung and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
There are a ton of preservatives and all kinds of crap in every piece of store bought food we eat. Unless you grow it yourself, it has carcinogens in it!!!
Well, if you look at the results of the products you will see that it helps with heart problems and one of the plexus products helps to combat cancer and the man who designed it did so with this intention in mind.
I personally have seen these products change the lives of many of my friends family and acquaintances.
Also the majority of all medication (mostly chemicals) that doctors prescribe may help with a certain issue, however they often cause several other problems.
Thus far I have yet to see anyone who was on the products consistently for at least 60 days that took them right and drank the proper amount of water, that it has not helped immensely.
Plexus does work! 🙂 It really does. I have seen it so many times in the 10 months that I have have know about it.
Josh, Where are you getting your information from? I ask because since you are a plexus distributor, you know the original “study” of the 8 people had nothing to do with cancer but rather diabetes.
can you show the research that plexus helps cancer and heart problems?
can you show me the documentation that the person who invented plexus slim, created it with cancer in mind? What is that persons name?
what is the “proper amount of water” people should be taking? Has anyone ever compared drinking the “proper amount of water” to drinking water and taking plexus slim to see who loses more weight?
I think you are wrong about plexus slim and cancer/heart disease but you want to show me where you are getting your information from I will be glad to look at it.
You mention the “chemicals” in drugs but you didnt mention the untested stimulants they put in Accelerator and Accelerator Plus. I noticed most of the Accelerator plus ingredients are NOW very different than when I wrote my review. Can you shed light on why they did an about face on the ingredients?
New talking points. Nothing moves product like a good ole cancer scare to intimidate folks into jumping on board.
http://youtu.be/hOf6n_QFhh8
Stacy, The youtube video goes to something by Dr Dennis Harris. Ive never heard of him but I looked him up and according to his wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Harris_%28alternative_medicine%29
In the Alternative Medicine section of that page it said that he “was the subject of a Federal Trade Commission complaint (closed on July 29, 2003 with an order essentially banning his company and its officers from making health claims not backed by scientific evidence) in which the claims and actions of Harris, associates, and the company that produced and marketed the Dr Harris’ Original Snore Formula[7] constituted “unfair or deceptive acts or practices”, including the creation of “false advertisements”, in violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act.[2][3][8]
Stacy, all you did was direct people to your plexus slim website. I looked at it. You don’t quote the name of any studies or where they are published? All you say is “Study #1” and “Study #2.” I appreciate your zeal for plexus slim but may I ask the names of these studies and where they are published?
Joe,
You said “show you some documentation” where a Plexus product is linked with fighting cancer….here ya go;
Plexus X Factor
(after clicking this link, select the 5th document in the top row of docs. The one with the title in green lettering.)
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BxTlsyA0mz94M1NabUdhbTBqN2s&usp=sharing&tid=0BxTlsyA0mz94YUN6dmo0RFNmbGM
Alicia, that’s interesting thanks for sharing. I looked at the document where plexus x factor is said to fight cancer. I noticed
1. The study that is referenced is said to be on 240 “lab animals” but they don’t say which. I assume its mice.
2. The study – so I can see it myself – is never mentioned. This makes it hard to see how well the study is
3. I cant tell if the study is peer reviewed, again, since they don’t give us any publication information
4. the study used aloe alone – not plexus x factor. maybe they work the same but without proof, its hard to say
5. They say the study used 84 million in research grants. that doesn’t necessarily mean plexus slim got 84 million in research grants. It just means that somebody did (if plexus did get these grants let me know)
6. As for the human study that’s mentioned, where is it published? that study I’d like to read. Who is the “colleague of the developer” who did this study? BTW, who invented plexus slim x factor?
I challenge anyone to follow exactly what plexis recommends, that is, drink lots of water , eat right, exercise regularily, BUT without taking any plexis, and see if you dont get the same results and have more money in your bank account.
thank you, that is what I have been saying all along. My friend has had resulst but she doesn’t say that she changed her eating habits and drinks more water. Just says plexus did it.. You can been skinnier but not healthy.
Joe,
In my opinion, you are being very nice in addressing Alicia’s post in reference to the study on Plexus X Factor. You know actually, better than me, that the study would be laughed at by most healthcare professionals. Looks like it has been shot with a shot-gun with so many holes in it.
Tells hardly anything about the design of the study (blind, double-blind. etc.). The authors, Baby Joseph, and S. Justin Raj. Neither one are doctors, or even have a PHD. What qualifies them to perform the study. The study was performed at Malankara College, someplace, I guess, is someplace in Africa.
Come on, now.
And, as you can see, it ends up being nothing more than an advertisement written, I guess, by some ambassador, and to me seems like no part of the so-called study.
Pete, I like to be nice to everybody and my hope is that Alicia thinks about the proof she cited, writes back and addresses some of my questions as well as ask some of her own questions too.
I think we may have our first leak into where Plexus is made. This “Malankara Catholic College” – located in India. Wow, when you think of accuracy in testing and manufacturing of supplements, you think first of India, right?
Another point that needs to be made about this “study” is that is deals with aloe in an unprocessed form – specifically the “gel” that is said to be ingested. Plexus’ X-Factor does not have this. They have their “patented aloe vera blend”, which is most likely ground up, dried aloe leaves. Oh, Plexus touts how they go 5 times beyond what the FDA says constitutes an “Aloe Product”. The problem is…there is no such guideline. In short, Plexus is lying to their “ambassadors” and their ambassadors are spreading the lies. This will end up just like it did with Pro-Bio, with the FDA sending a warning letter as this product is now considered a drug.
Oh, and the FDA also has Aloe under its list of poisonous plants – http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/Plantox/Detail.CFM?ID=2278
Aaaand, its not recognized as safe for OTC use – http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/78n-036L-nfr0004-vol107.pdf
I notice how Alicia specifically directs us to the “Training Call Notes”. The studies they refer to – where are those source documents? Oh, that’s right, they’re aren’t any. Once again, we’re just supposed to trust them that they’re telling the truth.
These people lie and fabricate more (and better) than anything I have ever come across.
And…The Higenamine used in Plexus Boost, sourced from Tangerine Peel and Lotus Seed, has been shown to increase energy. But yes…they jury is still out on the dosing and safety of this when taken by mouth. In some places it says it helps irregular heart beats and other places it says it increases risk.
Stacy, can you show the study that proves that higenamine increases energy in humans? Its a stimulant alright but Id like to see the human research on it. I could not find any human research which was odd since people are taking it. If you can show me the human research, I’ll be glad to update my review.
Joe,
I’ve looked at what Mrs. Dalton offers up on her pages. She is no different from any other ill-informed ambassador who takes her talking points from these meetings that they attend. Case in point – she is one of these who now parrots the “it’s not about the weight loss” talking point. Now, when Plexus first started (and to some extent it still keeps going), we were saturated with before/after photos of people losing weight. Every ad that came up was how people see phenomenal results of weight loss. Now, the talking point changes to “do it for the health.” The more recent talking point was about the financial freedom you gain by being with Plexus. That has gone away as well.
If you look at what this ambassador offers up on her website, it will frighten you. Claims of Plexus being able to stop addictions, curing auto-immune diseases, high blood pressure. It basically becomes a cure-all to this individual. She’s a Diamond Level Ambassador who is friends with the most cut-throat and ruthless Ambassador in McKinney who won $50,000 at this year’s convention. Basically, you will not get a straight answer from her. She is more concerned with the PR side of Plexus being kept positive so her sales keep at the required level.
Joe and Michael…
I have to back out of this conversation. I debated on just leaving – but I wanted to explain that the reason I refuse to discuss Plexus with Michael on this particular forum is because he is lying about my Ambassador status and my up-line / relationship with other Plexus people. “She’s a Diamond Level Ambassador who is friends with the most cut-throat and ruthless Ambassador in McKinney who won $50,000 at this year’s convention.” I don’t know who is talking about. I’m not “friends” with anyone like that. I don’t even know one other single Ambassador personally besides my aunt and my cousin. I didn’t go to the convention. I’ve never attended any sort of convention / event sponsored by Plexus. I’m not a Diamond level Ambassador. He’s assuming or misleading people on this. I can’t tolerate people who stoop to that level to make a point. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. Lying about other people, while being a hypocrite (suggesting that I’m a liar), is too much for me. Thank you for your great website. I love hearing about other’s success.
Stacy Dalton, I’m an Ambassador too. Thanks for your support and comments.
Stacy, Peggy and all the “ambassadors” that promote this ‘stuff’ for fighting cancer…you disgust me! My husband has stage IV cancer, and never, ever, ever has any doctor – oncologist or surgeon – say “hmmm…you know what you should try…” really???
Thank goodness most people realize such claims are ridiculous. But if you still believe in your product’s cancer fighting benefits, you should go to Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NYC and approach all the patients and pitch your product…I’m sure they’ll all appreciate you for providing them with such information.
And while you’re there, ask the doctors and nurses how many times it’s recommended by them.
Patti, I’ll say a prayer tonight for your husband, and you too.
Michael
Nice post on the PS X Factor study. After reviewing who authored the study, Baby Joseph, S. Justin Raj, did you get the feeling you were about to read the study from lyrics of a “Rap” song. No disrespect to those who enjoy Rap music. Is it just me?
It did come across that way. “You’re about to be mesmerized by the sounds of DJ Baby Joseph and MC S. Justin Ray, word to your mother.”
Leah, I have been taking it for 1 month and I have lost 9 inches and 15 lbs. It does work. Only thing I do is stay away from all sugar, drink lots of water and watch the calories. NO EXERCISE.
.
Melanie
Got news for you, honey. You could lose that weight without drinking a drop of that “junk” (my opinion). or taking any of :PS pills, or portions. On top of that save yourself over $100+ a month. Try just staying away from sugar, drink lots of water, and watch the calories. And, of course exercise. Why is that so hard to understand.
I don’t think people realize that losing weight doesn’t necessarily make you healthy. Exercise builds muscle, strengthens your heart, boosts your mood and energy, and the list goes on. If you are following a “diet plan” without workout out your body, you are doing more ill than good. The MOMENT you stop, you’re going to gain the weight back because your metabolism is SLOW. Yes, losing weight is great, but you’re leading yourself down the road toward a really bad health record in the future.
I have been using plexus for several months now. I do notice better sleep has occurred as well as a much needed reduction in blood sugar . Weight loss has not happened. But I have lost inches. I also have more energy.
One thing important thing no one mentions is plexus makes you drink water. Have of the people before didnt drink water. So thats why the blood sugar has been effected. My other question what are you going to do when you stop taking it.
Linda, when you say plexus makes you drink water, do you mean you get thirsty after taking plexus slim or that Plex distributors advocate drinking more water? I have heard of distributors advocating to drink more water but I don’t think Ive heard plexus makes people thirsty.
I think Linda quite literally means you have to mix the Plexus powder into at least 12 oz. of water. The Powder is so sweet that I’d venture most people mix it with far more water than that.
I’d be curious to see if these people maintain their better blood sugar levels by simply continuing to consume the water withOUT Plexus added.
I drink anywhere from 40-70 oz. of water a day, personally. I have just started Plexus today. I will be very curious to see if it has any real affect on me given the amount of water I already consume. Color me doubtful for now.
Can you give an update? I already drink plenty of water too so I’m curious.
Plexus ambassadors advise drinking half your weight in water every day, so if you weigh 200 pounds you should be drinking 100 ounces of water every day, 150 pounds, drink 75 ounces a day. This includes what you mix your Plexus Slim in. It’s not hard to do. I have done one month so far, no weight loss yet, but I have lost 3 inches from my weight.
I’m having my blood sugars tested next week. We;ll see how that goes. I am pre-diabetic, so hoping for good results! Plexus Slim may seem expensive, but if it helps reduce & stabilize my blood sugar, it’s a LOT cheaper that diabetes prescriptions!
Not sure if this has been mentioned before, but…
If this PRODUCT does what those that sell it claim it does, then why hasn’t this company taken the initiative and effort to at least place ads in such things as “Diabetes Journals” or contact the “National Institute of Health” and every other organization, group, government body so on and so forth and say “Hey~Plexus Slim will help your blood sugar levels, reduce your insulin intake, and even get you off of 4 shots of insulin each day!”
We only see this from those that profit from selling this product.
I’m not a doctor, I don’t have diabetes, but I have seen several articles that state that a person can help their diabetes by eating properly, watching their sugary food intake, eliminating stress, and exercising more.
Changes are needed in the way one lives their lives, and spending money on a product that alludes to a person increasing their water intake is not a change that needs to be made.
Drink the water they say you need to drink, without using the product.
I have seen more studies, research, reports and official documents that state that drinking water will help you feel full as in suppress your appetite. that water helps a person lose weight, and that water is a huge key to improving your health.
Don’t fall victim to the pink drink scam
I started using Plexus Products in May of 2014. It is Now December and I have lost 20 lbs and 30 total body inches! The Slim alone helped me to get off all of my prescription Migraine Medication! I believe that is due to the fact that I no longer Crave Coffee and Soda! I never drank water before!!! I crave water with the slim!
And it is Doctor Recommended to drink half your body weigh in ounces of water daily! For me this is about 4-5 bottles so it’s not as much as it sounds and the Slim Makes it so easy!!!
Shannon, Im glad you are doing well. I would mention that “doctor recommended” is a vague phrase that doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme. Doctors used to recommend cigarettes.
Shannon
If you can list 5 M.D’s that support PS over eating right, and exercising, I will gladly send you $5.00. They have to be M.D.’s. You should be able to find at least 5 out of 200 verifiable ones, since they are on your team.
Shannon, you are receiving more BS from PS, which is pretty predictable. Drs. do not deal with this “junk.” The safety and welfare of their patients are too important to “real” doctors.
Pete,
I posted this link a while back. These are MD’s who field questions about any number of medical issues. This link has FAQ’s specifically about Plexus. The general consensus is pretty evident.
https://www.healthtap.com/topics/is-plexus-slim-fda-approved
Pete it is known by doctors!!!My doctor told me it’s the best weight loss supplement out there. I have lost 6 pant sizes in 4 months and 20 pounds. This product really works. Plexus has a 60 day money back guarantee. Check out this website, losethecaboose.com. (Plexus Ambassador website). I live by their products. I have more energy,not depressed, and lost weight. I also use the natural nerve support and pain relief lotion and capsules. I no longer have to be on 2 insulin, take pain meds 6times a day.
These products don’t work for everyone. It depends on the person, their commitment, and whether they have allergies to the product or their stomach may not be able to handle the product.
Peggy,
Be sure to tell your upline that you followed her directions to get in here and spread positive messages about the product. They will be thrilled to see this.
Hmmm…you start drinking water due to the fact that you’re taking this and suddenly your headaches are cured? And you NEVER drank water before? That’s not chronic migraines, that’s chronic dehydration.
When I was in college I suffered from intense headaches at least once or twice a week – head throbbing, photo sensitivity-inducing headaches. I got a CT scan done because I thought there might be something seriously wrong. When it revealed nothing I resigned myself to suffering forever. Then I took voice lessons. My teacher stressed the importance of drinking enough water to keep our vocal cords lubricated, so I began drinking at least two glasses at every meal – and it was like a miracle, my headaches were gone.
Now, years later, if I have a headache, nine times out of ten I’ll realize I haven’t been drinking enough! To borrow a phrase from MythBusters – “Busted!”
Allow me to preface my comment by saying that I have always been highly skeptical of any “miracle” supplement, whether for weight loss or otherwise. In my experience, if it seems too good to be true, it usually is. I was finally inspired to try Plexus because a friend of mine who is a very level-headed person has been using it and had good success with losing weight and inches, plus maintaining a consistent energy level (even as a working mom of a two year old!)
I had lost a considerable amount of weight a couple of years ago the old-fashioned way (restricting calories and LOTS of exercise), but have gained it all back due to several changes in my life and bad choices on my part. It is my hope that Plexus will at least give me the kick-start I need to get motivated toward a healthy lifestyle again. I am not primarily interested in weight loss, but I am at a weight that is beginning to cause problems with normal living (joint pain, back pain, shortness of breath, etc.) so some weight loss is necessary.
I am trying Plexus Slim (just the drink) for 30 days – started on Sunday. I had tried a 7 day trial of the drink and the accelerator, but can’t afford both for a 30 day period. This is purely anecdotal and it may be a placebo effect, but the drink really does seem to help suppress my appetite and keep my blood sugar on a more even keel.
I have not been taking regular blood sugar readings, but the instances of low blood sugar attacks have decreased. If these two effects (decreased appetite and regulated blood sugar) are real and sustainable, that would be a sufficient reason for me to continue using the “pink drink”. Those two effects should also lead to weight loss in the long run. We shall see.
Suppressing the appetite, maybe, but I have been on a very strict portion controlled menu, I have exercised more than I ever have, eat high protein, fiber and all the right stuff… absolutely no change in loosing pounds in fact I gained a half pound…throwing this in the garbage and gong to my doctor for phen phen the only thing that really works.
The reason you gained half a lb is simply because you’re not in a calorie deficit. Even though you are doing all of the above, are you keeping track of every calorie? The only true way (without surgery) to lose weight is to be in a calorie deficit. I would reevaluate what your caloric maintenance level is then work from there.
Could also be as fat loss is occurring muscles gain is simultaneously occurring. A better gauge of success is how the clothes fit, as opposed to the numbers.
Where do you find phen phen now?
Sandy, I believe you can only get Fen Phen from your doctor. Its prescription only.
If you are a member of PS just to take advantage of the ridiculously high priced products, and not for the business opportunity, turn the page. But, for those that are:
Based on the available MLM data, 54% of ALL commissions paid by MLM firms, including PS, go to the top 1% of distributors. Folks, this offers assurance that 99% of the other distributors lose money.
I ask, is this a business opportunity, or pyramid scheme?
Pete,
Ran across some of these gems from Plexus Ambassadors:
“Plexus has been huge for me and my family! I personally have lost 30 + pounds. I am off all meds, including an antidepressant.”
“I love…that my plantar’s faciaitis pain has diminished…that my toenail fungus is being pushed out of my body…that my bursitis in my hip has completely disappeared, that my migraines have disappeared”
“My back pain is gone. My knee pain gone”
“I started my granddaughter on Slim because of weight……..4 1/2 years old”
“no more back, hip, knee or plantar faciitis pain”
“My 13 year old with Alopecia has seen dramatic hair growth, my 11 year old with ADHD finished the school year with straight A’s.”
“I didn’t even realize that I had “brain fog” until it lifted.”
“Better ‘time of the month’ – not so crampy & crabby!”
I have been on this for 2 wks I have been extremely uncomfortably bloated and gained 2lbs I exercise 30 min 5 times a week and 15 the other two and I never eat junk food I count calories and sugar etc. My ambassador just tried to sell me the probiotic!! Ugh!! I am so getting the 60 day money back guarantee
Marissa, the Probios 5 product seems to be the go-to supplement when people say they are not losing weight with plexus slim so your not alone.
@ Pete, You make some a really fantastic point! Why would PS not go the route of having their claims backed up medically since there is a ton of money to be made from that direction? I was originally told that plexus was started by two doctors and was focused towards treating diabetics.
Since I’ve formally worked in the medical field It seems to reason that if any doctor truly had a cure pink drink They would go through the FDA and do clinical studies (because that after all is what doctors rely on) to Substantiate their findings.
Yes there are a lot more hoops to jump through but As big Pharma has shown us there’s so much more money to be made from that angle then from hyping up a bunch of people through supplements…. The answer to this of course is if there is no new “Magic formula ” discovery And it’s just hype
I just got done with a seven day trial Of the slim and the Accelerator. I actually gained 2 pounds Despite it giving me diarrhea faithfully an hour after taking it, My face broke out with acne and I looked worse than I ever did in high school, My stomach bloated and felt as if I was Prego, And it did nothing for curbing my munchies.
I was told to do the yeast test because that was probably my problem, so I did And it came out negative. Very very disappointed in this product. The only good thing I can say is that the program did encourage me to drink adequate amounts of water to properly flush my system.
After Reading a ton of online testimonials, being exposed to a group party And having my questions met with defensiveness, and seeing how my friend who has recently become an ambassador is changing, I’m really inclined to believe that the hype of this is more of an occult type inducement Rather than actual medical one.
Of the ingredients of this product (that are actually listed anyway) The only one that has any kind of substantial history for possibly helping with blood sugar levels is chromium, Which can be purchased for a heck of a lot cheaper Through your health food store.
I really wish the FDA would be more active with regulations with ‘supplements’ so that these companies would actually have to actually thoroughly test products instead of using the human population as their testing ground.
The only reason companies choose a multiple level marketing format Is to do a ‘get as much money upfront as you can before the consequences catch up with you’ type of approach. they will bottom out 100% of the time As the customer base-New ambassadors- diminishes (it’s just a matter of when). After all There is a bottom to the Pyramid . Anyone who has studied business understands this concept. Anyway that’s just my two cents worth.
Mj
Love your approach to the business side of PS. You are right on! What are you doing for the rest of our lives? LOL
Also the concept of market saturation does not seem to cross the minds of those spreading an MLM company. Business wise it is very shady and a big reason I will not ever support it. Oh and Chromium can also be found in beer… I feel this is a worthwhile contribution to the discussion. lol.
Sorry for all of the typos…ex “red and blue die”. Lol. Trying to reply from my phone in the bright sun. 😉
No worries, I understood ya 😉
Joe…BOTH my husband AND my 11 yr old son AND myself have ALL experienced OUTSTANDING results with our blood sugar levels and NOT ONE OF US was overweight in ANY way. My husband is as fit as can be and actually has practically ZERO body fat. My son is an 11 yr old green bean. We all have major blood sugar issues and have GOT to keep up with eating right to maintain.
My son and husband unfortunately, are so bad when their blood sugar is low that they are BEASTS who will not admit it is because they need to eat. They become completely irrational. The ONLY thing I have to do is give them a Plexus Slim “pink drink” and NO exaggeration…within TEN MINUTES they have come back to Earth and reality. I can then get them to eat…AND apologize to me. Lol
How can you tell me that their blood sugar being regulated is NOT from the Plexus Slim and the Plexus Slim ALONE???
Megan, Iam glad for what you are saying and am curious did your doctor ever give you an explanation why all of you have blood sugar issues? Do any of you exercise regularly? Just trying to get idea why all of you have high blood sugar.
Just be be ABSOLUTELY clear…
Plexus Slim is *NOT* intended for the management of low blood sugar. True low blood sugar is a medical emergency that should be managed with fast acting glucose (such as glucose tablets). Low blood sugar can lead to seizures, coma, and death if not treated promptly.
There is not a single ingredient in any Plexus product that should be misconstrued as a way to treat low blood sugar and it is dangerous for anyone to suggest otherwise. For anyone who finds this review, PLEASE do not attempt to manage low blood sugar with any Plexus product.
As the parent of a child with Type 1 Diabetes, I urge you to seek medical attention for your child if you know he has “blood sugar issues”. Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that is 100% deadly if not treated with insulin injections (or an insulin pump infusion).
Most children with “blood sugar issues” have Type 1 Diabetes; however, there is a growing population of overweight, sedentary children who are developing Type 2 Diabetes — the most common form of diabetes, which used to be exclusive to the adult population, but now affects children because they are eating too much sugar and not exercising enough.
Unlike Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes can be managed by making lifestyle changes such as increasing exercise and eating a healthy diet (which will also aid in weight loss) and often through the use of an oral medication.
Either way, “blood sugar issues” are not to be taken lightly. Long term complications such as blindness, heart disease, kidney failure, amputation, and stroke *will be* the devastating impact of poor blood sugar management over time.
Do not rely on a product with no scientific evidence to support the claim when it comes to managing “blood sugar issues” — either high or low. The risk is too great.
Wendy, I agree 100%.
Aloha Marianna…
I just wanted to let you know that BOTH of my children, 9 & 11, are taking Plexus products. My 9 yr old is taking the Probio5 and XFactor vitamin. My 11 yr old; Slim, Probio5, and XFactor. I had all of it approved my their physician beforehand.
Let me start with my 9 yr old…she is allergic to dairy and even the slightest bit would send her system into crazy mode…fatigue, flatulence (horrid smell), moody, stomach pain, etc. She has also been dealing with fatigue, intense allergies, and dark circles under her eyes on and off for years now. After 3 consecutive mos of the Probio5 and XFactor she no longer suffers from the fatigue, allergies, or dark circles AT ALL!! And as for the dairy allergy…now she is able to eat a little here and there with ZERO ISSUES whatsoever. She is SO healthy and balanced and actually asks for veggies and fruits whereas before it was definitely more of a forced issue for sure!!
Now as for my 11 yr old son….Plexus has literally give us our sweet little boy back…after at least 5-6 yrs of total hell! He was BEYOND moody and you never knew what would set him off. Barely any friends, stayed in his room and wouldnt spend time with us, SO mean to his little sister and would not even give her to time of day!!!
He also suffered from horrible allergies, major adhd symptoms, and foul halitosis. Since being on the Slim, Probio5, and XFactor consecutively for the last 3 mos he is now the SWEETEST little boy again. Social and very family oriented, has been invited to sleepovers (no joke) at least 8 times in the last 2 mos or so, not only plays with his little sister all the time but also SNUGGLES WITH HER and shows affection and is very protective of her. NEW KID 100%!!! No more allergies just like his sister annnnnnnd guess what? NO BAD BREATH!!! (come to think of it…maybe thats why he gets invited to sleepovers now! Hahahaha! Kidding.)
Not only did Plexus SAVE my life….but it has kept my babies from being plagued with allergy meds and antibiotics and adhd stimulants…etc! THOSE are the things ruining out children (and all of us) these days. NOT PLEXUS!!!!
“Joe” states that he relies on science…he knows no one personally who had had proven results. Well I PERSONALLY know a TON!!!! I really have NO NEED for any scientific reports actually. And I am even HAPPY that it is not FDA approved….I mean cmon….lets make a book listing all of the POISONS that ARE FDA approved.
People will easily give their kids treats made from carnuba wax and red and blue die that DOES have scientific proof showing the harm they cause…..yet parents still, without researching it first, gladly reach for a pack of Starbursts or TicTacs or Sour Patch Kids without ANY problem or doubt/fear whatsoever! THOSE things…and all of our “FDA APRROVED” medications….and fast food CRAP are what’s slowly and painfully killing our children!!!!
Aloha Marianna
What can be said about your post, except, WOW! Glad for your children. Just curious, are you an Ambassador?
I don’t have a problem with what YOU state in your post, my problem and question would be how would any company, PS, let these MEDICAL claims be unnoticed. You would think the company would have enough confidence in their product to at least spend, or somehow find the money to spend on performing clinical test to prove the claims you are making. Do you not realize the money to be made here?
IS PS effective in treating the claims you make? To you the answer may be yes, but the company knows the real answer, and it is obvious they feel your claims are not real, or just placebo.
Good luck, especially your children. And, if you are exaggerating these claims to sell a bag of this stuff, shame on you.
Pete,
Without a doubt, this is the head ambassador from McKinney I spoke about.
Michael
I personally have a hard time believing Aloha’s post, or at least the majority of it, and would have to witness her claims personally. For the children’s sake, I hope she is telling the whole truth. But, I have heard stranger stories than this one from MLM people just to sell product.
Any sort of proof would be nice, but I can almost assure you we will never hear from her again. If the McKinney ambassador, she needs help!!! LOL
She states, “I really have NO NEED for any scientific reports actually.” That is so incredibly sad but yet so telling with regards to this product and many other so-called “health supplements”.
She illustrates how naïve and careless people become when they are pushed products that claim to do wonders. Joe has provided studies on ingredients in this product that show they do not do what they say they do.
If Plexus truly performed the way these people claim, other companies would fall over themselves to get a slice of the action. People like this do not want to hear that the supplement industry is largely unregulated and that buzz words like “all-natural” and “clinically tested” are nothing more than wallet-emptying hype.
I cannot, for the life of me, understand why any parent would introduce this product or any other into their children’s system. However, when you have hundreds of minions out there touting that it’s OK to do so because they do it, the mindless will follow. I shudder to think of the health issues that these kids will face in later years.
These parents think they are doing such good – do any of us honestly believe a child would want to tell mom that her new-found miracle of life is garbage? Kids want to please their parents, not make them feel bad.
I guess the allure of being part of the “cool crowd” and the promises of making big cash are enough for people to swallow anything fed to them, even at the expense of their own children.
Hi Joe. I read that you would not advise breastfeeding women to take Plexus. However, Plexus states that Plexus slim is safe to drink while breastfeeding. Is there a particular ingredient in the plexus slim that is contraindicated while breastfeeding?
LouAnne,Sure thing. I say that because Plexus Slim has no published peer reviewed scientific evidence to show it is safe while breast feeding. Ask PS for a study showing Plexus slim itself – not its ingredients – is safe while breastfeeding.
As I pointed out on my FAQ Page most supplements have no proof when it comes to pregnancy or breastfeeding. I’m quite surprised PS would say this to be honest.
I have been taking Plexus for at least a year now,i have lost 50 pounds and felt great…then they changed the formula…blaaaaaa I hate it,i don’t even want to purchase it any more and I have several friends that feel the same.There definitely is a difference in the formula I don’t care what anyone says,not to mention the new formula gave me more acne than a young girl going through puberty.
O I almost forgot to mention I am an ambassador for plexus,and when I questioned the formula change the answer I got was the old formula had ingredients in it that was illegal to sell in other countries so they changed it up to sell it worldwide.
This just crossed my FB news feed…
Plexus has a new “surprise product” that will be revealed and available in about 60 days! It is a new even more turbo charged product to help aid in your health and weight loss goals it is available to ambassadors now and I can share with you in about 60 days to purchase. Several ambassadors that have tested it have informed us that it is AWESOME! Even better results than before!
I just ordered mine! I will keep you all posted!!
Wendy, thanks for the heads up. I’ve seen its ingredients. Expect a review 🙂
Per Wendy’s post, ” PS is coming out with a “surprise” product, better than the first one.” First what, PS, or PS Accelerator. Whatever, we know it must be awesome because the research was performed by the “ambassadors” that sell the stuff, and they say so. WHAT???? Hey, PS, spend a few of those bucks you take from people and find out how much awesome. Here we go again folks!
Before long, it’s not going be about the products, it’s going to be HOW those products are sold. Pay attention to the Herbalife investigation, its ruling could change how the whole industry performs, and is regulated. There is possibly bad news for you ambassadors, as well as the MLM industry on the horizon.
I look forward to Joe’s review