Update 7/10/20. Plexus Slim is billed as an “affordable weight management product” that boasts “no ill side effects” based on “extensive clinical research.” Impressive, but does PlexusSlim work or is it a scam? And does it really have no side effects? I was tipped off to Plexus Slim by one of the readers of this website. After looking at its ingredients, I wanted to write a review of Plexus Slim because of the words used to describe the product and because Plexus Slim seemed to have ingredients that I have never heard of before. Let's see what we can discover about this weight loss drink. Also read my review of the Plexus Accelerator Plus (Accelerator +) and Plexus Boost, Plexus ProBio5 and Plexus Hunger Control after you read this, for additional information.
Update: The formula for Plexus Slim was changed a bit since this review was written so also read the review of the new plexus slim formula.
Who Makes Plexus Slim?
According to the Better Business Bureau, the company that makes Plexus Slim – Plexus Worldwide Inc. – was started in 2005 in Arizona. The address of the company is 7440 E. Karen Dr. #400, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.
Update. PlexusWorldWide.com, the company website, now lists this corporate address: 15649 N. Greenway Hayden Loop Scottsdale, AZ 85260. Googling this address shows a large building that says “Plexus Slim” on the outside. That's good.
Update. The Better Business Bureau now lists this address for the company: 9145 E Pima Center Pkwy Scottsdale, AZ 85258-4627
The BBB gives Plexus Slim a rating of “A+” See the BBB file for updates and other information.
To buy Plexus Slim it looks like you either have to buy it from the company or through a PlexusSlim distributor. They call Plexus Slim distributors “Ambassadors“. On the Plexus Slim website, they have a calendar of Plexus Slim events.
These events serve not only to sell Plexus Slim but also to recruit new Ambassadors. Plexus Slim has a multi-level marketing (MLM) aspect to it.
I have no problem with MLM. If the product is reputable, MLM allows people to make an income which can be significant.
Plexus Slim Nutrition Information
In an effort to keep this review up to date, here are the ingredients in Plexus Slim as they appeared in 2016. According to the label shown on the product website, each packet of Plexus Slim has the following nutrition information and ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount Per Serving | Percent Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 10 calories | |
| Total Carbohydrdate | 3 grams | 1% DV |
| Chromium Polynicotinate | 200 micrograms | 167% DV |
| Plexus Slim Blend (composed of the following) | 530 mg | N/A |
| Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract | ||
| Green Coffee Bean Extract | ||
| Alpha Lipoic Acid |
In the table above, N/A means no daily value established.
Each of the ingredients will be summarized below. I will leave in the summaries of the ingredients present in the original plexus slim formula too to help others doing their own research.
See the review of the new plexus slim formula too.
Plexus Slim Ingredients
Polydextrose
This is a type of soluble fiber. In theory, this might help weight loss since it has no calories and is a type of fiber. Polydextrose might cause gas and bloating.
Citric Acid
In some products, citric acid is used as a preservative and to enhance flavor. While it naturally occurs in citrus fruits, its use in foods/ supplements may be from natural or synthetic means.
Beet Root
If Plexus Slim uses the entire beetroot, the fiber content of the beetroot might help foster some weight loss because it adds bulk to the stomach contents. That said, I can't locate any evidence that beetroot helps people lose weight. The product label states the beetroot is to give the product color. Beets do have a red color. Beetroot probably contributes to the pink color of the product.
Beets and beetroot juice have gotten attention from the scientific community because of their ability to raise nitric oxide, a compound that can relax blood vessels, allowing blood to more easily travel through the body. See my review of SuperBeets for more on this topic.
Grape Skin Extract
Grape skin contains phytonutrients such as proanthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins which act as antioxidants. While this is very good, does grape skin extract help people lose weight? Other than having some fiber (which might act as a laxative) I can't find any proof that it does.
Update. I'm told Plexus Slim no longer contains grape skin extract
Lo Han Extract
The scientific name for this ingredient is Siraitia grosvenorii. This is also called “lou han guo” and “monk fruit.” By either name, it's often used as a sweetener. This ingredient, like steveia below, is likely added for flavoring.
Stevia
This is a sweetener. Some supplement companies may call it by another name -“rebaudioside A.”
Stevia is added to many low-calorie foods. In theory, using low calorie (or no-calorie) sweeteners might help weight loss but I'm not sure if this is the answer. There are MANY low-calorie foods and beverages on the US market, yet Americans are not slimmer than they were, say, in the 1980s.
Natural Flavors
They don't tell us what these natural flavors are. To be fair, most companies don't. They don't have to under the law. Regardless, I doubt any of them play a role in weight loss.
Green Coffee Bean
This is also called Chlorogenic Acid. One study published in 2010 noted that chlorogenic acid helped weight loss and increased fat burning when in rats that were fed a high-fat diet (37% of calories from fat).
This is interesting even though it's a rat study. Another rat study also noted that mulberries (which also contain chlorogenic acid) helped the weight loss. But was it the chlorogenic acid – or all the other stuff mulberries?
In one small study 16 overweight people were given either a placebo or different amounts of green coffee extract (which contains chlorogenic acid) at either 700 mg or 1050 mg day for 6 weeks (each person was given each treatment for 6 weeks).
People getting the green coffee extract (both dosage amounts) were shown to have significant reductions in body weight, body mass and percent body fat compared to placebo. The type of green coffee extract used in this study was supplied by Applied Food Sciences Inc.
Retracted
It sounds great BUT, the study has been “retracted.” This means it should not be considered as evidence due to errors with how the study was performed. In the words of the authors, the study was retracted because the authors could not “assure the validity of the data.” Click here to read the retraction.
See the Green Bean Coffee Review for more information.
See the weight loss supplement scam review.
Rosmarinic Acid
This is a plant chemical found in many herbs, including rosemary. This is probably where Rosmarinic Acid gets its name from. Rosmarinic acid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. I was unable to find any studies showing that Rosmarinic Acid helps weight loss in humans or animals.
Hydroxycinnamic Acid
This compound is an antioxidant but whether or not it contributes to weight loss needs further study.
Garcinia Cambogia
This was originally called “Citrin K” when I first reviewed Plexus Slim. Garcinia cambogia is found in MANY weight loss supplements because of some research that it might reduce appetite and help weight loss. Right now, I think all anyone can say is maybe it works or maybe it doesn't work.
In this study, 500 mg of garcinia Cambogia did not help people lose weight. I mention this because if this study is correct, then it might take more than 500 mg of garcinia Cambogia if it's going to work. The entire proprietary blend in Plexus Slim adds up to 530 mg. While Garcinia Cambogia is the first ingredient listed – which presumably means it makes up the most of the blend – how much that equates to, I cannot say.
See the Garcinia Cambogia review
Also, read the review of supplements linked to liver failure.
Alpha-lipoic Acid
This is an antioxidant and it helps it turn carbs into energy. It can also help regenerate other antioxidants, which is pretty snazzy.
There are a few studies of alpha-lipoic acid and weight loss. In one study, alpha-lipoic acid was randomly given to 360 obese people for 20 weeks. Half got a placebo and half got alpha-lipoic acid (either 1200 mg/day or 1800 
In another study, 1127 overweight people were given 800 mg of alpha-lipoic acid a day for 4 months. This study noted that alpha-lipoic acid, at the dosage given, helped people lose about 8% of their body weight over 4 months.
So if you were 200 pounds, alpha lipoic acid might help you lose about 200 x .08 = 16 pounds. That is a significant amount in my book.
One possible problem with this study though was that it doesn't appear that there was a placebo group to compare the weight loss too. I was also unable to determine (because I only read the summary of the study) if people combined alpha-lipoic acid with eating fewer calories (I think they might have ).
Alpha-lipoic acid is the last ingredient listed in the proprietary blend. As such, it likely makes up the least of the 530 mg total.
Oxypregnane Steroidal Glycoside
This is a pretty fancy name but you have heard of this stuff before. Oxypregnane steroidal glycoside – is just a fancy way of saying Hoodia! Here is a study that proves that both names mean the same thing.
I think they call it Oxypregnane steroidal glycoside because they are trying to make the product sound different and special. In reality, it's just hoodia Gordonii.
The other fancy name for hoodia is P57AS3 – you have probably seen this listed in other supplements as “P57“.
I've already reviewed hoodia and weight loss. Other supplements that I've reviewed previously that contain hoodia include the
For at least 10 years, hoodia Gordonii has been in more weight loss supplements than you can shake a stick at – but there is no good proof that hoodia supplements help people lose weight.
Study. Researchers gave hoodia or a placebo to 50 overweight people for 2 weeks. The people in the study were allowed to eat as much as they wanted from a menu provided by the researchers. Results: hoodia did not cause any weight loss.
While no serious side effects were reported, researchers did note that people who got hoodia had higher blood pressures and heart rates compared to people who got the placebo. Hoodia also seems to cause elevations in bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase. What caused these changes I do not know.
Update. Plexus slim no longer contains hoodia. See my review on the New Plexus Slim Formula for more info on how it has changed.
Chromium Polynicotinate
Plexus slim contains a type of chromium they call “amino nicotinate”. This is fancy talk for “chromium nicotinate”. (it is now called “chromium polynicotinate on the label).
You may have heard Dr. Oz talk about chromium polynicotinate on TV. I reviewed what Dr Oz had to say about this form of chromium and I am guessing that this is why Plexus Slim includes chromium nicotinate over the sometimes more popular, chromium picolinate.
Chromium may help lower blood sugar levels but as for its effects on weight loss, I am highly skeptical. For more on chromium, see my reviews of chromium weight loss research and chromium polynicotinate.
Blood Sugar Lowering Ingredients
As a quick reference, the following ingredients might reduce blood sugar:
- Alpha-lipoic acid
- Chromium nicotinate (now called chromium polynicotinate)
Fiber Ingredients
As a quick reference, the following ingredients all might add fiber to Plexus Slim:
- Polydextrose
- Grape skin (no longer in plexus slim) See my review of the new PS formula.
- Hoodia (maybe. no longer in Plexus Slim)
How Much Does Plexus Slim Cost?
One of the slogans for Plexus Slim is “At last, an affordable weight management product.” I guess that depends on how you define “affordable”. On the Plexus Slim website, they have different prices depending on whether you want to buy it just once or be billed each month automatically.
If you want to buy Plexus Slim one time only, its $84.95. If you want to be billed automatically at the 15th of each month, Plexus Slim is $79.95/ month.
Is Plexus Slim OK When Breast-Feeding?
Some women have wondered if they can take Plexus Slim while they are breastfeeding? That's not something I would recommend because if any of the ingredients in Plexus Slim pass into breast milk, then their baby will be getting those ingredients too.
I don't know for sure if any of the ingredients do get absorbed into breast milk, so I do recommend that women take the ingredients in Plexus Slim to their doctor to see if they can get a better answer.
How Much Caffeine?
The Plexus Slim Nutrition label states that it has less than 2% of naturally occurring caffeine. My guess is that the caffeine comes from the green coffee bean extract because this statement is listed next to the green coffee bean ingredient on the label. I'm not sure how much 2% natural caffeine equals.
Plexus Slim and ADHD
Since writing this review I've heard that this product may be marketed to help Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A search on Google reveals several testimonials from people saying that it helps. I became curious and searched for “Plexus ADHD research.” I searched Google for this phrase and I also searched the National Library of Medicine too.
I saw no clinical studies on this topic. Therefore, whether it Plexus helps ADHD or not is unknown as far as I can tell. Nobody appears to have undertaken the chore of taking this stuff into the lab and actually tried to really see if it helps or not.
The same thing also seems to be true for bipolar disorder and depression. I cannot find any evidence Plexus Slim directly helps either of these conditions either.
Having said that, lack of evidence doesn't necessarily mean something does not work. Rather, it just means that it seems that, other than testimonials (from people most of us don't know), there doesn't seem to be any good proof for it yet.
How To Contact Plexus Slim
PlexusWorldWide lists this contact phone number: 480-998-3490 which people can call 6 AM-6 PM (PST) Monday -Friday and 9 AM-2 PM (PST) on Saturday.
How To Return Plexus Slim
Plexus Slim products come with a 60-day money-back guarantee. For those who purchased from Plexus Ambassadors, contact that person for details on how to return the product, or call the company itself at 480-998-3490.
Does Plexus Slim Have Any Side Effects?
On the Q and A page of the Plexus Slim website (question 7) where it's asked: “Will Plexus Slim interfere or react with any medications or other supplements?” the makers say: ” No. Extensive clinical research has demonstrated no ill side effects with any medications or other supplements.”
Where is all the “extensive clinical research” on Plexus Slim? As far as I can tell, Plexus Slim has NEVER been tested in published studies to see if it interacts with any medication or health condition.
The only study I've seen on Plexus Slim is a summary of a study they show on their website. This is a study from 2008 where they gave the product to 8 people with type II diabetes. Yes, improvements were seen in blood sugar, body weight and other things, but this is not a published, peer reviewed study. As such, there is a lot we are not told about how this study was conducted. It may be the best study in the world, but if we can't see how it was conducted, then it can't be duplicated by other scientists.
That said, in healthy people, I think Plexus Slim (the pink drink product) is safe. Below are some theoretical side effects based on its ingredients.
Grape skin. Some components of grape skin might interfere with medications such as Coumadin (a blood thinner). I'm not aware of any human evidence of this, but because blood thinners can intact with many things, its best to talk to a doctor about this. Update. grape skin is no longer in plexus slim
Chlorogenic acid. This compound might raise homocysteine levels in humans. Homocysteine is a somewhat controversial molecule because some feel it might be linked to heart disease.
See my review of chlorogenic acid for more info.
Citrin K/ Garcinia cambogia. There is some controversial evidence that Garcinia Cambogia may be linked to liver problems. Personally, I'm not yet convinced it does this. For more info on this see my review of garcinia Cambogia.
Alpha-lipoic acid. This ingredient appears to lower blood sugar. Because of this, alpha-lipoic acid might interfere with insulin and other diabetes medications. Alpha-lipoic acid seems to reduce thyroid hormone levels. This can be a problem for people who take Levothyroxin for hypothyroidism (low thyroid).
Hoodia. As I reported in my book on supplements hoodia Gordonii seems to share some chemical similarity to a class of heart drugs called cardiac glycosides. In fact, if you Google “Hoodia and cardiac glycosides.” I don’t know the clinical significance of this. That said, if you have heart or blood pressure issues please see your cardiologist before using any hoodia supplement, just to be safe.
Chromium may lower blood sugar levels. While this can be a good thing, it also means chromium might interact with blood-sugar-lowering medications. This might – in theory – make blood sugar levels to too low.
As a general, blanket statement, I would be cautious if you have any problems with your heart, blood pressure, kidneys, liver, mental disorders, diabetes or digestive problems. I would not recommend Plexus Slim if you had bariatric surgery either. To their credit, the makers of Plexus Slim do say to see your doctor first if you are pregnant. I agree with this.
The Plexus Slim Accelerator
Update: The Accelerator formula has changed significantly and the product is now called Plexus Accelerator Plus (Accelerator +). Do read my review of the Plexus Accelerator Plus for additional information on the new product.
This is another product sold on the Plexus Slim website. The word “accelerator” is a tip-off that this product is a stimulant.
The Plexus Slim Accelerator contains trace minerals, calcium, and magnesium from seaweed (both are useless for weight loss) and vitamin B6 (useless for weight loss). The accelerator also has a “proprietary blend” of:
- Dark Chocolate – won't help weight loss, unless it has caffeine
- Natural Caffeine – natural or not, it's caffeine!
- Green Tea Extract – probably has caffeine or EGCG
- Vanadium Chelate. This is the fancy name for Vanadium. It won't help weight loss.
- B-Phenylethylamine HCl – might act as a neuro-chemical. Avoid if you take antidepressants.
The Plexus Slim Accelerator also has an ingredient called GeranaX. GeranaX is a reference to geranium oil. Geranium oil is controversial in some circles because it is thought by some to be a natural source of a stimulant called Dimethylamylamineor “DMAA. ” It's scientific name is 1,3 Dimethylamylamine and its also called Methylhexaneamine.
The name “GeranaX” is a made-up word. In other words, the name GeranaX holds no scientific meaning.
Geranium has been the subject by scrutiny by the military, whose research finds that geranium does not contain DMAA. Oddly, the supplement 411 website still lists “geranium” as an alternative name for DMAA in its listings. Currently, it is controversial if geranium is a source of DMAA or not.
As of July 2013, the Australian government warned people about the Plexus Slim Accelerator because they say it had DMAA. This link goes to the Australian government website that discusses the Plexus Slim Accelerator and DMAA.
- In April of 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter about DMAA.
- Here is a New York Times article on DMAA for more information.
The ingredient DMAA seems to act like ephedra or bitter orange (synephrine) which are potent stimulants. As such, it may raise blood pressure and heart rate to dangerous levels. Here is a case report of a 21-year-old man who suffered a stroke after taking 2 DMAA pills.
This does not mean plexus slim will do this. It would depend on whether DMAA really is in geranium and also which part of the plant was used (root, stems ect).
Di methy amyl amine “looks” like amphetamines (“speed”). This may be why question 6 of the Plexus Slim Q and A page mentions that this ingredient may cause a positive result on a drug test for amphetamines. Here is a study showing that dimethylamylamine causes false positive drug tests for amphetamines.
Plexus Slim Bio-Cleanse
This is a laxative. Always remember, the word “cleanse” means laxative. The Plexus Slim Bio Cleanse supplement lives up to its laxative name because it contains magnesium, which is indeed a laxative. Remember “Milk of Magnesia.” Either way, laxatives don't cause any weight loss other than mostly water (and of course, poo). The Plexus Slim website lists 2 prices for this product – $29.95 or $39.95 -both of which are too pricey for me.
Plexus Boost
Here is my review of Plexus Boost. I cover a lot of information in this review and I also compare it to the ingredients in Accelerator Plus as well.
Plexus Slim Fast Relief
The Fast Relief product appears to be a pain relief formula that exists in both a cream
For more information, see the review of Omega XL.
Will Plexus Slim Work?
Honestly, I'm not if it works because Plexus Slim – itself- has no published proof. If you read the comments below, you'll see some people do say it's helped them lose weight. If it works, is it because of the unique blend of ingredients in Plexus Slim or is it because of just a few key ingredients alone?
Here are Plexus Supplements on Amazon
Howard, the side effects issue with PS has been re hashed over and over and, in my opinion, a dead horse. I will say this, based on your opinion of side effects, I would not allow you, as a healthcare provider, to even touch one of my love ones. As a healthcare provider you should be focusing on proper diet, and exercise instead of some fly-by-night weight-loss product, which are a dime a dozen.
If PS was your business, then why do you remind us of THEIR policies and procedures. I would think if you owned your own business, it would be YOUR policies and procedures.
Here is the deception, and the one you and others have bought into: YOUR DO NOT OWN YOUR OWN BUSINESS AS IT PERTAINS TO MULTI-LEVEL MARKETING. Yet, the promoters deceive you in believing this.
In MLMs, you do not own your own business, you do not own the product, and you are not in control of your destiny. The company holds all the strings–product supply, computer tracking, commissions, collections, customer service, order fulfillment, publicity, compliance, public relations, comp plan, everything. All you own is a position in a long line of distributors. You do not control the product you sell, the comp plan, what the company does or does not do, the money that is paid . . . distributors own nothing other than the opportunity to sign more distributors and manage the existing downline. You are at the mercy of the company, upline, downline, media, and government.
In your statements:
“People make excuses?” Yes, we do, because they are legitimate excuses!
“People accusing PS of being a “scam”? Yes, because it is what it is!
“People being negative”? Not hardly, just unlike you, “free-thinkers”, whom MLMers feel threatened.
Every statement you make end with “getting paid to do so”. Howard , as a healthcare provider, what is more important, the safety and well-being of people, or money. It is obvious which is more important to you.
At one point you mention that you had been “burned” financially by many other MLM companies. What makes you think PS is, or will be any different. Its very own marketing design dictates that it is doomed to failure. Just a matter of time.
Question: Why do people constantly lose money at MLM, then go back for more. It’s like running into a brick wall, backing off, bandaging your head and running back into that wall again. I just can’t understand that, and never will.
“Question: Why do people constantly lose money at MLM, then go back for more. It’s like running into a brick wall, backing off, bandaging your head and running back into that wall again. I just can’t understand that, and never will.”
I grew up in the MLM culture (my parents weren’t distributors, but they worked in a corporate office which gave me an inside look at this very interesting business scheme). I can tell you this much – it attracts people who want a lot but are only willing to invest a little. Specifically, when you have your own business & are legitimately self-employed, you have 100% of the risk but reap 100% of the reward. MLM offers a skewed sort opportunity, which by its nature, attracts the not-so-legit type.
Yes, I realize this is a blanket statement, but it’s all I’ve seen (although I do have hopes of having my stereotype proven wrong at some point). The sad thing is that those who have profited or been close to those raking in the bucks, seem to get a “bug” that keeps them running after the proverbial carrot. It reminds me of a gambling addiction.
This does not make sense to me either, but it is a legitimate problem that I’ve seen time & time again.
P.S. Joe, I meant to ask… If the FDA doesn’t regulate herbs & vitamins, is it possible that there are other undisclosed ingredients in PS or other supplements? The extremely high number of positive reviews from PS (not just for weight loss, but for a whole range of health related issues) got me wondering if Plexus put something else in Slim…? Not to be paranoid, but theoretically, is this possible?
I know several people personally who have had their auto immune, BP & diabetic meds lowered per their doctor’s orders following lab results post Slim. And I don’t doubt the 100’s of testimonies of similar experiences… But it makes me wonder – what’s going on? I’m hesitant to believe that the ingredients listed are responsible for all of this. Thoughts?
Mel, I think PS contains what its label says. I believe the effects people experience after they take PS – lowered blood sugar, lower blood pressure, less aches/pains – is mostly because they lost weight. Weight loss can do all these things, even if PS is not used.
There are cases of supplements containing undisclosed ingredients (weight loss drugs like sibutramine. see my review of Slim Trim U ) I dont believe PS is one of them.
Thanks Joe, I appreciate your info & feedback. Off to read about Omega XL… 🙂
Mel, sounds good -and get comfy because its a long one! 🙂
For the sake of proper disclosure I am currently signed up with Plexus as an Ambassador to get the wholesale price on Fast Relief (Joe, please let me know if you ever do a review on the green lipped mussel), BUT I have never tried Slim, nor do I intend to.
With that being said, I just wanted to follow up with the following report… When I asked my upline for specific studies re: PS, I was referred to the Plexus website where they conducted their own study on 8 people. Period. End of report. This was stated previous comment, but I was curious to verify this information for myself, and yes indeed, this is the official “study”.
As far as PS originally being developed for diabetics and miraculously test subjects started loosing weight = today’s PS slim, this same “study” was sited. 8 people were tested by their own “doctors” (I use “__” because I am unsure of actual credentials). Sorry Plexus, I’m not buying it. Literally – I’m not going to buy it.
If people want to try PS, no judgement. If you have great results, awesome!!! But for me, whether it’s the FDA or peers encouraging me to consume something new & exciting, I’m not inclined without proper research.
Mel, yes I actually just reviewed green lipped mussel. I also noticed that it’s in one of the plexus slim products as well, a pain relief formula (Fast Relief). As I understand it the PS fast relief product comes in both a pill and cream formula. The pain research I saw on green-lipped mussel is for orally taken products.
The green lipped mussel product most people have heard of – via TV infomercials is called Omega XL. Here is my green lipped mussel review.
These 2 ingredients are NOT in Plexus Slim:
Rosmarinic Acid. This is a plant chemical found in many herbs, including rosemary. This is probably where Rosmarinic Acid gets its name from. Rosmarinic acid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. I was unable to find any studies showing that Rosmarinic Acid helps weight loss in humans or animals.
Hydroxycinnamic acid. This is another plant chemical and I cant find any research specifically linking it to weight loss.
Sammie, they were in PS when I reviewed it. Anybody know why they were taken out?
Richard
It’s hard not to feel your frustrations in your investigation of PS. I to have been there as an ambassador, and like you, should give me credibility to speak freely about PS and the method through which it is distributed.
I used to say to myself these people must be”stupid” or “ignorant” to believe these testimonials, and the presentations of what I learned to call “rah-rah people. I realized that most people brought to the meeting were very intelligent, but something had happened in their lives that had put them in a situation where they were not only uninformed, or misinformed about PS, but desperate to listen to any “lies” that may help them be successful with the “business opportunity”. I have found multi-level marketing companies to breed on the “uninformed”, and, or the “desperate”. As I have mentioned before, this interferes with “rational thinking”, thus decision making. This is through my own personal experience with PS and other MLM companies. I am not a Psy. or any other healthcare provider.
Richard, here is just one of the ridiculous claims I heard at a meeting. A very over-weight person made the claim that PS had not only reduced the symptoms of her fibromyalgia, but in her mind had all but cured it. I questioned this, and asked for clinical data supporting her claim. I was told I was being negative, and that was no place for negativity. I calmly gathered my belongings, had a good laugh, and walked out the door. My journey in studying MLM products, and marketing design, and how it deceives good and descent people had begun. Thank you, PS for allowing me keep my money.
Nicole
The claims you have heard about PS, or the PS Accelerator (Per FDA, can no longer be produced or sold) are not only against federal regulations, but PS policies and procedures. I would be very careful here, and let the people who are making these claims to be careful. As Joe stated, you can not make these sort of claims about a product without proper clinical data backing it. Joe states, there is none.
Here is the information provided by PS from there policies and procedures.
SECTION C.
The only claims and representations an Ambassador may make regarding Products are those found in the literature distributed by the Company. Any third-party material used for Ambassador Business must comply with all federal and local laws and regulations. An Ambassador may not make any express or implied health or medical claims of any kind relating to any Product except for those claims, if any, that are published in Company literature approved for the country in which the claims are presented. Under no circumstances may an Ambassador prescribe any Product as suitable for a particular ailment. No claims may be made as to therapeutic or curative properties of any Product offered by the Company.
The claims are as false as the product. At those “insider” meetings, ambassadors are well trained to overcome every objective & every resistance. It is not about the product. It is all about recruiting others into your downline.
I heard recently that Plexus can be used to treat ADHD in children. My son has been struggling for a few years but I’m not interested in putting him on ADHD meds. Just wondering if anyone had any information on it. Thanks!
Nicole, there is no evidence plexus slim helps ADHD. the plexus slim accelerator is a stimulant, is that what people might say might help ADHD – or is it the weight loss shake?
Nicole & Joe,
The Plexus Slim drink has Alpha Lipoic Acid which has been shown to help those with ADHD. Nicole, do not give your child the Plexus accelerator. No one under age 18 should use it. It has natural caffeine in it and this would only raise your child’s hyperactivity levels. And, always consult your child’s physician prior to giving him ANY supplement.
Nicole, if you choose to try Alpha Lipoic Acid for your child’s ADHD, go to WebMd for info. Trust the medical professionals, not someone who attended a 2-hour training session and will say anything to line her pockets. Maria, find your integrity compass. SHAME ON YOU.
Nicole, NO, Plexus Slim will not help your child’s ADHD and whoever sold you on this is as brainwashed as are all the ambassadors. As a former ambassador (I joined to get in on the “inside trading,” I can absolutely testify Plexus Slim is a scam and worthless.
The tactics used to sell this product are nothing short of mind control which is a task very easy to accomplish. Do not be deceived. It is all about the money and ambassadors will say anything to suck victims into their scam.
Wakeup
It is a shame about your friend and how his attitudes have changed because of his recent exposure to PS. The new ambassadors are the ones who come on board and seem to be enthused the most. As I have said before, they let enthusiasm interfere with rational thinking, just like your friend. Selling a product such as PS, and not having the knowledge to so, just makes a bumbling fool of yourself, the product, and the company.
And, by the way, think of the word “cult” when anyone approaches you in respect to MLM. MLM carries so many similarities. Notice the change in your friend’s personality.
Little off subject, but I think most will agree it is hard to discuss PS, or any other MLM product without addressing the marketing, and business opportunity side since both play upon the other.
Pete, as a former ambassador (joined to get the facts on “inside trading”) I can absolutely testify that PS is a total scam. The tactics used to sell this junk are all lies, the testimonies highly fabricated.
At one of those Hip-Hip-Hooray meetings, a lady gets up there and was elated that in 12 months she had lost 35 pounds. Not a single person mentioned that cost her $2,160.00 (180.00 X 12 = $2,160.00) or 61.71 per pound. Hello, is there intelligent life in the land of Plexus Slim zombies.
Notes: Stevia may be “natural” but it is linked to liver and chromosome damage, far worse evidence of actual harm caused than for either Splenda or Nutrasweet (though people give reasons why these sweeteners should be harmful, there is no evidence that they are.)
Elevated homocysteine levels are correlated with increased cardiac risk, but lowering homocysteine with high dose folic acid does not decrease cardiac risk. This is similar to the finding that lowering triglycerides with fish oil does not decrease cardiac risk , even though elevated triglycerides are associated with increased cardiac risk. Correlations do not always indicate a cause and effect relationship.
J.D. I agree even though Stevia is from a plant it, like anything else that is rather new, has potential unreported dangers and side effects. We were on a camp out and a friend put it in his coffee for the first time. He went into anaphylactic shock and had to be rushed to the hospital. It turns out he was allergic to Stevia.
What turns me off most from Multi-level marketing “health” products like this is how blindly dishonest the sellers can be. I don’t mean to offend but this is a fact with everyone I have known to sell things like this. They are totally unwilling to admit any potential negative to the product which is especially dangerous when its being sold as a health product…something you ingest. It’s dishonest to ever claim something is side effect or has no negatives or that its been tested to be safe for medications when in reality its not.
When it’s a person’s income and they are taught talking points or trained on how to peddle it things can get blindly dishonest. The seller often doesn’t even realize how dishonest they are because they just parrot what they are told to make the money.
I have a good friend who started selling Plexus and he went from being a reasonable level headed intelligently skeptical well researched person to completely fanatically unwilling to admit the product might not be a total miracle drug or even consider any negatives about it.
The catch is he has only tried it for a week but his entire motivation and enthusiasm was from the talking points and personal testimonials of others who have taken it. It feels like he has been brainwashed but much of his blindness comes from his desire to make money and hearing about those who do.
He sounds EXACTLY like Maria and has the same unfounded illogical arguments. He will say doctors say its safe and I will say what doctors and he will just go blank faced. He will say studies have been done to prove it works and I will ask what studies and he will just go blank faced…so on and so on.
Apparently I, according to him, must try it to understand how great it is. They start to sound like back alley drug pushers when they say things like that. “Come on just try it …everyone’s doing it …you will feel great man” seriously if that is all they have its scary.
My community has a Facebook page very similar to Craigslist. I saw an “ambassador” advertising this product this morning, so I decided to research a bit because I am intrigued when others advocate “healthy” lifestyle options.
I am a very healthy 29 year old woman and a BIG advocate for drinking green juice, but I take a beta-blocker because I have a naturally rapid heart rate. I don’t drink caffeine at all. It makes me feel nervous that this product (mostly the accelerant) is out there for the uninformed.
I understand that it may curb your hunger, but you won’t get the nutrition your body needs from a powder drink. If you need some kind of weight loss shake, go to your local grocery store. Buy spinach or kale, cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, carrots, and apples. Blend. Drink. Walk. Jog. Your doctor (if you have a legit one) will kiss your feet at your next checkup.
I took PS for only 4 days and started feeling really strange. I decided to not continue it because of that feeling and I have been having withdrawals for 2 days. Constantly looking for a garbage can just in case. Nausea, light headed, strange muscle spasms. I will never take it again. It just isn’t worth it.
I would be curious to see what symptoms someone has if they are on it for months and then come off of it. I am sticking to eating healthy and exercise.
Be careful about eating too much soy. There was a lady that mentioned she adds the soy to her morning shake. There have been studies now saying that too much soy can cause cancer and should only be consumed in small amounts. It is also high in estrogen, so boys should not consume too much of it, especially young ones.
Kim, I think the soy/cancer connection is complicated and controversial. I can’t find any published evidence that soy “causes” cancer in humans. I am more leary of soy supplements -which tend to contain only the things people “think” is the active ingredients – rather than soy (the whole food).
And here I was about to stretch my budget to try and afford plexus slim. Thank you so much for the helpful review of it.
Beth, Glad I was able to help.
This is only one review. How can you base a decision on one review? What about results? This person reviewed and seems to think it will work. She even directs people here.
http://skinnywithfiber.org/plexus-slim/
Christa, yes I’m aware of her site and happy she linked to me. The web is large enough for more than one PS review 🙂
Hello Joe, thank you for this excellent research. I was willing to try PS until I read your review. Like many I have trouble with loosing wt. I am a RN working 12 hour shifts. I do my best at eating right & work out 5 days a week. I recently started shakeology. I’m on wk 4 with no drop in wt. I recently had my hormones tested, but my levels are all within normal limits. I’m thinking of trying Garcinia Cambogia. Is there a particular website you recommend where I can purchase it through? I’m very concerned with counterfeit products.
Hi Carol, I have reviewed shakeology, here is my review in case you missed it:
http://supplementclarity.com/shakeology-review/
I also have a review of garcinia cambogia as well:
http://supplementclarity.com/garcinia-cambigoa-hca-review-weight-loss-research/
Are you writing down how many calories you are eating? studies do show that can help. I really try not to recommend specific products/websites to get stuff, but as a rule, I prefer to deal with companies that I have heard of because I think they should have, over time, built up a reputation and not want to jeopardize that.
On my personal site I have listed 13 different things that might help you. These might work with garacinia cambogia or work by themselves. Here is the link:
http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
I got about halfway through the comments and decided Maria was such an idiot I didn’t want to read anymore, nor will I consider trying Plexus for any reason. Good grief…
In my research of Multi-Level Marketing, (MLM) as it pertains to weight-loss products, and other potions such as PS, I came across an interesting article by “Stephen Barrett, MD.
http://www.consumerfraudreporting.org/cfr.php?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/mlm.html
Simply…..a low fat diet with a few laps around a track a day…….tada!!! No crap that costs stoopid amounts of money….no “diets”………no “energy pills”…….it really does work. I’m 52 years old and have been a size 8 for years, (after zooming up to an 18, for about a year) all because I got off my lazy butt and didn’t cram everything I wanted to into my mouth…….SIMPLE!!!
If it were that easy, everyone would do it, but sometimes that extra boost is what’s needed. I wish I could have done what you have done. I’ve tried, but no avail. We’re not all made the same.
Thanks Joe for your detailed info on the ingredients. A friend on FB is now peddling this after being on it for 2 weeks with reasonable results for her (personally I think 2 wks is a little too soon to be joining up buy hey each to their own lol). To all you that have tried it and it works for you, GREAT im pleased for all of you. For those that have wasted my time and internet usage with your raves and rants about Joe – FFS re read the info he has there.
He hasn’t slammed it, hasn’t told ppl not to buy it. He simply listed all the ingredients in the product and explained what they do/don’t do and in words that most of the general public can understand. That is great for ppl like me who do not have the time to google every big word to see what it means ect.
I didn’t come to this page to read testimonials as unless I personally know you they mean sweet FA to me. As for Christa?? well good riddance!!! As a low income single parent on a Disability pension it would be cheaper for me to join an exclusive gym for half the cost of this product so yes for many of us it is overpriced.
Just because something is advertised as “natural” or “good for you” it doesn’t always mean that it is and just like you should do with any prescribed medications, over the counter and natural remedies should be checked with your chemist or GP for reactions with current medications too.
Again big thanks Joe for your time and effort and I will be back to visit your page when I get more internet credit.
Janine, thanks for your kind words and I am happy I was able to help you.
I didn’t mean to offend. Sorry. And Joe I apologize as well.
Christa, no worries 🙂
This is EXACTLY the information I was looking for re: PS. Thank you!!! I feel you did an excellent job of breaking down the ingredient list & potential side effects (with studies to back them). I have to say, I just signed up with Plexus to get the wholesale price on their Fast Relief and have heard all the buzz about Slim. I am always hesitant to ingest anything – period. The fact that it’s for weight loss makes me even more weary.
As we all know, an expert is NOT someone who tries something and talk about it. It is: “A person who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of or skill in a particular area”. That being said, if Plexus DID have all the stats and research to back up the claims, I would be a lot more likely to try PS. The lack of clear and concise information is the biggest reason I don’t feel comfortable taking it.
Truth be told, I’ve been feeling great lately. What to know what I’ve been drinking? Water.
Thanks again Joe – I really appreciate the information 🙂
Mel, you are very welcome 🙂
Howard
I appreciate your apology. This is a site for opinions, and I try to respect people’s opinions, as long as they respect mine. Few get critical of Joe’s review and call it biased. How is it biased when every statement he makes is based on the scientific data that is available. He presents the data with his opinion. He presents the positive and the negative of PS, and allows a person to make up their own minds as to whether PS is right for them. This is why his supplements sites are so
popular.
Howard, as you know, as a health provider selling product in open containers opens up the door for a lot of dangerous situations, and as you state contamination is just one. I really believe that most distributors are good people, and mean well. But, this is a prime example of the lack of training PS and other MLM give the ambassadors.
The meetings that the upline, or the company has is not for training, but in reality, for recruitment, because like most MLM companies, recruitment, not product drives the company. When a distributor, or anybody is not properly trained on a product that goes into a person’s body, that person could be harmed.
In my opinion, selling PS on Ebay is a waste of time and money. You may sell a few PS, but don’t expect to quit your day job. The prices of PS on Ebay, are all over the board with the lowest I saw being $83.00 for a combination of PS and PS Accelerator. (30-day). Does that make sense when the retail cost of PS being about $84.00, and the retail of PS Accelerator being about $38.88. Even if you bought wholesale, you are selling the products for less. The only way this makes sense is if the company allowed this person to buy in bulk, with prices below wholesale, or as you say they bought a lot of inventory, the distributor wants out and willing to dump the products and take a loss.
Either way, not fair to the people like yourself who play by the rules. In my experience, the very few people who are successful in MLM do not play by the rules. Howard if you think PS does no know about this, you are mistaken. I know for a fact, many people have complained about the Ebay situation to PS for months. Why isn’t something being done to protect the ambassadors. Your guess is as good as mine.
Howard, by the way, and, you know this, without nurses, doctors would fall all over themselves, nurses are who hold the clinics, and hospitals together, and I respect your profession tremendously. Have a great day!
Pete
I agree with everything you have said in the above reply and yes the doctors would not do even a little bit of the work they expect Nurses to do.
Anyway I have read through a lot of the other statements about PS and you’re right again he does make some comments for and against and when all is said and done those people who choose not to take it were most likely leaning towards not taking it anyway.
Not only that people are entitled to their opinions. Just because I or anyone else does not like it is of no concern to anyone! Now I will admit that the product is fairly expensive but by comparison to other methods of weight loss here in Australia it is cheap.
As far as MLM companies go I have lost a lot of money with most as you have stated that people do and I would have been sceptical about this one except my wife was and is having a great result with the weight loss also.
Even though I do sell it I take it more for the weight loss help than the money. I am one of those that is not able to leave my job yet but I do earn enough to pay for my stock and I do that every month for the time being.
To date I have suffered no ill side effects and hopefully I won’t. If there is any problem with the product in the future I am smart enough to know to stop taking the product until I get things checked out. By the way either you or Joe made a comment that you did not think doctors would check this out thoroughly but Mine did. Most would not but mine did!
So I am going to continue to take these products despite anything else. I appreciate yours and joe’s opinions and also respect them. thanks for caring enough to have a different opinion.