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
Apparently its convention week for the ambassadors – Las Vegas this year. Funny to watch the downlines sit at home another year.
The PS convention in Las Vegas this week, 12-16, is just another money making scam that benefits no-one but the company. Not like the trip to Hawaii each year where the company picks up the tab for the far and in-between Emeralds, and Diamonds, each person pays a registration fee of $80.00, and ALL other expenses. Hotel, Air, food, incidentals, etc. (4-5 days). This could add up to hundreds, or even thousands of dollars being put on the good old credit card. The majority of these people are already struggling financially, or they probably would not be there.
Here is what is told to the downlines: “You must go if you are serious about growing your business”. Not to worry about the money, you will make it back, and more when you return”. This almost always ends up in financial heartbreak.
That’s right folks, pay the company a fee, plus expenses to go to learn how to sell THEIR products. Does that make sense?
They launched a new product. Well, not new-new but kinda new. They are claiming that “Block” works immediately rather than the 30 minutes it used to work. No mention from Plexus that this product is unsafe for diabetics, the same people they push their poison on.
Some ditz posted about how she is in the top 2% of Plexus by being a Gold ambassador. Think about that for a minute. The 2nd level up on the Plexus ranking is Gold. And that is the top 2%. So 98% of all people who sign up will never get past the 2nd level of ranking. This is truly a pyramid scheme.
Has it come to mind that the main reason PS changed the formulation of the “Block” was due to it being one of the products that was found to contain lead… and conveniently called it a new product. I bet the majority of the ambassadors are not even familiar with the lead situation.
I would love to see the information on if, and how the Block is absorbed in the body, and works in 30 minutes. I’m putting my money on more deception. lol
They say about 12,000 people are attending the convention in Las Vegas. Based on stats, 80% will have dropped out, or quit in 1-2 years, and only about 2% will make enough money after expenses to sustain any type of lifestyle. That would be about 240 ambassadors out of 12,000. Not very encouraging if you ask me!
Pete, the “Block” product is no different than any other carb-blocker. I’m not sure it was on the list of products that contained lead but when they rolled it out, it sure vanished from their lineup pretty quickly.
All it is – white kidney beans. These products have existed before Plexus and have been shown to be utterly worthless. The one thing that it usually results in is a lot of gas and abdominal pain.
The worst part of this product is the side effects that it can have on diabetics. Fiddling with things that affect your glucose level can have a major effect on diabetics and is dangerous at best. But that won’t stop ambassadors from trying to push it.
Another product they rolled out – “Edge”. Wow, another catchy name. The pitch is how everyone is always fatigued and tired. Wanna guess what’s in this stuff? First, caffeine. Also, an ingredient call Theacrine, which is supposed to be an alternative to caffeine. So why did Plexus put caffeine in there? Who knows? The more the merrier. Not a lot of studies on Theacrine, so we’ll just see which ambassadors try it first. There are plenty of willing guinea pigs for them to see if it is dangerous or not.
Looks like PS is doing what most MLM companies do when market saturation has occurred or will occur soon. They desperately search for new markets. They are now directing their marketing efforts toward the men market. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOogTr7jfy8
Uh…”Real Men” don’t really need to drink anything, to be quite honest. I don’t see any top athletes or sports competitors jumping for joy over Plexus. Whatever moronic ambassador it was that put that sham video together should be publicly ridiculed – some of the before/after shots were hilarious. Not much of a change if we’re brutally honest.
That is what desperate looks like.
Michael
I stand corrected. The two PS products noted for containing lead were the PS Fast Relief, and the 96 Protein Pack, not the Block.
My apologies to all!
Michael, the Block DOES contain lead. It was on the list.
http://pinkdrinkscamalert.blogspot.com/2016/03/what-is-plexus-worldwide-hiding-from.html
http://oag.ca.gov/system/files/prop65/notices/2015-00849.pdf
Aren’t all OTC or MLM supplements the same as far as FDA? They don’t support any correct? Isn’t SPark from Advocare the same type of drink? Any thoughts on spark?
Hi Cheryl, here is my review of the Spark Drink.
The FDA doesn’t test or approve any dietary supplement before they are sold. Companies cant make specific disease claims for their products (like “helps osteoporosis) but they can say how the products are used in the body (like “supports healthy bones”).
I used “Spark” for about 6 months. I had tremendous energy and dropped 15 pounds. I was also jittery and very impulsive. Here is the scary part…. I developed severe kidney stones in that time period (I have no history or family history of this) that required two surgeries and ended up with a month long stay in the hospital due to sepsis.
Steer clear of these products containing “medical meth”. They are not a long term solution to a healthy lifestyle and can be quite dangerous.
The MLM is a sad, sad way to prey on people, lose friends and alienate family.
Put down the remote, pick up your tennis shoes, get moving and then eat a salad. Cheers!
Interesting.
The proposed order settling the FTC’s charges prohibits the defendants from:
1) claiming that any dietary supplement, food, or drug causes weight loss, sustained weight loss, or loss of belly fat; boosts metabolism; relieves hot flashes, night sweats, and other specific symptoms of menopause; or cures, mitigates, or treats any disease, unless they have human clinical testing that meets certain requirements and is sufficient to substantiate that the claims are true,
2) making any misleading or unsubstantiated claim about the health benefits or efficacy of any dietary supplement, food, or drug;
3) misrepresenting the results of any test of the product;
4) misrepresenting any material fact about the product or any material terms and conditions of any offer for it; and
5) failing to disclose any material connections (such as financial relationships) they have with endorsers. They also are subject to a $40 million judgment, all but $250,000 of which will be suspended based on their inability to pay.
The FTC is making strides…well baby steps anyway. Who’s Next?
Read the article here: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2016/05/marketers-dietary-supplement-amberen-settle-ftc-charges-regarding
Anonymous, thanks for that. It refers to Amberen, a menopause supplement.
Here is my Amberen review in case anyone wants to take a look
“2) making any misleading or unsubstantiated claim about the health benefits or efficacy of any dietary supplement, food, or drug;”
So a statement like this:
“(my mother uses slim and she has been type 1 diabetic for 30 years, and she has cut insulin usage in her pump in half) and she uses the nerve support and all of her feeling is back in her fingers.”
or this:
“it’s a natural anti-inflammatory and pain reliever and it has made a huge difference with my tennis elbow and my husbands back pain (he has degenerative disc disease)”
…those probably don’t follow those kind of guidelines, right?
Michael, those are definitely unsubstantiated claims as far as I can tell. if a company makes them then I think they are unsubstantial claims. if a person/individual makes them, then I wonder if they fall under a “testimony?”
It is a testimonial, yet goes directly against Plexus’ own ambassador contract:
Unethical Activity
I7. Making unapproved claims about the Product
Plexus tells their ambassadors that they may make no claims about any of the products “other than those contained in officially approved corporate literature and videos.”
Either we have ambassadors directly disregarding the contract or Plexus has at some point told them it’s OK to say these things. If it is a case of ambassadors disregarding, then clearly Plexus is allowing their contracts to be breached and they are complicit with these claims. Otherwise, we have to believe that during training sessions or recruitment, they are instructed to embellish and exaggerate in order to recruit others.
Michael, then that is a good point then.
Also:
“C. Product Claims. The only claims and representations 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.”
I tried gettting an answer to a question (I was an ambassador at the time) and guess what? They never did answer it! Sonya Dudley told them a bunch of crap about me and I was a “nut case”, so the next communication I got was a termination letter, LOL. I had already quit as I was selling nothing. They fired me on “heresay”. They really are a poor excuse for a company! If you want to read about my nightmare and warn others, you’ll find it here: http://pinkdrinkscamalert.blogspot.com/p/my-pinkwashed-journey-nightmare-on-pink.html
And why would anyone pay that kind of money a month when you can get the same thing at Walmart for $18? https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bjLIMHTHp7s/Vv3Le-X-bvI/AAAAAAAABxs/w1r6RdleI4oCrx_2rrpLL1iGYBnmbRpRg/s1600/plexus-omni-pink.png
Oh and the all about health garbage? Wonder about that when their CEO smokes cigarettes! Go here and scroll to bottom: http://pinkdrinkscamalert.blogspot.com/2015/08/pink-drink-miracles.html
I hope you get your money back, keep us posted on this pathetic excuse of a company.
Products are fine and all. It’s Plexus Customer Service is the worst customer service ever. Part of my order didn’t show up, so after calling and being on hold for half an hour until I could actually speak with someone, I just told them I wanted a refund on the missing items. No problem right, rep got it done and said it would be posted in 3-5 business days and I’d have the refund.
Eight business days later, no refund. So I email in because I wasn’t going to wait for half an hour again to talk to someone. Now I find out that it takes a full credit cycle, a month, before the refund is issued. So, pissed off as I am, I ask for the corporate number or the supervisor and all I get is avoidance. Customer service is what makes a company, and from dealing with this shifty service, I’m done with the company.
I work in Customer service and issue refunds when necessary. Most financial institutions only take 7-10 business days to issue the refund, we have gotten this information straight from the credit card companies. Today is the 15th business day.
This company is a joke! And guess what..I still have not gotten a response from a supervisor or from corporate. I would of just returned all the crap from Plexus if it didn’t take a month to get a refund, but for that long, what’s the use.
Mary, your experience is pretty much the same as a majority of all the 600+ complaints filed with the BBB.
“They do not answer their phone, but give an email address and say to call later. I have called numerous times and cannot get a representative on the phone. I have emailed the address given numerous times since Nov. I get NO reply back.”
“The agreement said to contact Plexus for authorization to return…but for 45 days the phone system will not allow calls, hangs up on you, tells you to try again later,etc. You can’t GET an authorization (sp) to return.”
“Upon receipt of the order, I notified Plexus Customer Service via email that I needed to do a return. This was over a month ago, and I still have no response. I also attempted calling several times. No one ever answered after hours of holding. I also sent them a certified letter within the 5 day notice period. From the tracking number, I know they received it. I got no response (violation of Section 6, subsection L of Plexus Policies and Procedures). ”
” I have called plexus with no answer and have been on hold for over an hour at various times with no answer. I have emailed the company on,y (sp) to recurve (sp) an email back stating to call the company. Half the time I cLl,(sp) they say call later, too busy.”
” Their customer service is non-existent. I’ve emailed and called many many times over the past 6 weeks and have yet to get a single response through email or phone. There’s no one on the other end of their “customer support” line. It’s all fake!”
This company has its Diamond ambassadors braying all over FB about how much money the company rakes in, how it is such a great company to be a part of, and how they take care of their customers. This company, apparently laced with cash, cannot hire customer service reps to handle the avalanche of calls coming in, be it ambassadors cancelling, getting refunds, or trying to find where their orders are. If you are one of those calling to complain about their products, you are all but guaranteed to be ignored by these folks.
The truth is that the company is overwhelmed by people abandoning Plexus or trying to get out of their ambassador agreements. Don’t believe it? Go to the BBB website and see for yourself.
Mary
Remember while this is all happening, they are continuing to hit your credit card. That is why you should be cautious of any company that request you be put on auto-ship where your credit card is punched each month. Just a scam within a scam!
Im not sure how supplements an be called poison. So something approved by the FDA is safe? really? Statins for one, pain meds for two? Oh yeah Cigarettes are approved by the FDA? They’ve done a great job keeping people safe! HAHAHA
Teresa,
Please cite where the FDA has “approved” cigarettes. I’ll help you out. Here is a link to the FDA’s tobacco section – http://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/default.htm
One of the statements I came across – “Tobacco products are harmful, yet widely used, consumer products that are responsible for severe health problems in both users and non-users. These health problems include cancer, lung disease, and heart disease, which often lead to death.”
You’re going to need a towel to get that egg off your face, Teresa.
Learn what the FDA does before coming in here and spouting off.
Oh, and their CEO smokes cigarettes. Great advertisement about the “be healthy”! LOL http://pinkdrinkscamalert.blogspot.com/2015/08/pink-drink-miracles.html
I pulled this from the FTC website, sounds an awful lot like Plexus!
Supplements Claiming to be Cures
Promises for a quick cure or solution for a serious health problem may be hard to resist — but supplements claiming to shrink tumors, cure insomnia, cure impotency, treat Alzheimer’s disease, or prevent severe memory loss aren’t proven. Besides cheating you out of your money, they also may hurt your health.
Under Federal law, dietary supplements can’t be promoted for the treatment of a disease because they aren’t proven to be safe and effective.
Treat weight loss products with suspicion, too. Claims that you can eat all you want and still lose weight effortlessly just aren’t true. To lose weight — and keep it off — you have to eat fewer calories and increase your activity.
Other tip-offs to a fraud include:
Claims that one product does it all and cures a wide variety of health problems.
“Proven to treat rheumatism, arthritis, infections, prostate problems, ulcers, cancer, heart trouble, hardening of the arteries and more.”
Suggestions the product can treat or cure diseases.
“Shrinks tumors,” “Cures impotency,” or “Prevents severe memory loss.”
Words like scientific breakthrough, miraculous cure, exclusive product, secret ingredient, or ancient remedy.
“A revolutionary innovation formulated by using proven principles of natural health-based medical science.”
Misleading use of scientific-sounding terms.
“Molecule multiplicity,” “glucose metabolism,” “thermogenesis,” or “insulin receptor sites.”
Phony references to Nobel Prize winning technology or science.
“Nobel Prize Winning Technology,” or “Developed by two times Nobel prize winner.”
Undocumented testimonials by patients or doctors claiming miraculous results.
“My husband has Alzheimer’s disease. He began eating a teaspoonful of this product each day. And now, in just 22 days, he mowed the grass, cleaned out the garage, weeded the flower beds, and we take our morning walk again.”
Limited availability and a need to pay in advance.
“Hurry. This offer will not last. Send us a check now to reserve your supply.”
Promises of no-risk “money-back guarantees.
“If after 30 days you have not lost at least 4 pounds each week, your uncashed check will be returned to you.”
The FTC is beginning to take action.
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2016/05/marketers-simple-pure-supplements-settle-ftc-court-action
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206476310925583&set=a.1216890421430.2031508.1203948954&type=3
Please notice the percentages at the bottom. Not very many received this income. Amazing!!
To put the PS income in the proper perspective:
73 Diamonds= 73 x .04= 2.9 of 73 make the top listed dollars
47 Sapphires= 47 x .03= 1.4 of 47 makes top listed dollars
195 Emeralds= 195 x.11= 21 of 195 make top listed dollars.
If you take that farther:
300,000 ambassadors
Diamond
2.9 of 300K will make top Diamond dollar= 0.00000967
Sapphire
1.4 of 300K will make top Sapphire dollar= 0.00000467
Emerald
195 of 300K will make top Emerald dollars= 0.00065
These numbers are based on my previous post reflecting the average income at PS.
And, these numbers are installed in the marketing model, and the percentages will never change. Does not matter how many recruits you add, or lose.
Hey Pete. I hope all is well my friend.
So just under 90% lose money? It’s my understanding that you have to be a ‘customer’ to qualify for commision. I am not sure what the minimum order is to stay qualified, but if it’s $80/month then customers ambassadors are paying $900.00/year to make less than $500.00/year before taxes! I’m not that smart but that doesn’t sound good, especially if you are one of the just under 90%.
Anonymous
Actually, based on experts, Jon Taylor, and Robert Fitzpatrick, the loss rate is about 99%. Your thinking is right-on.
If you are to become an ambassador, and qualify for commissions, you are required to average at least $100 per month of purchases.
I can’t imagine how these people sleep at night. I could never pull 10 friends into a business venture where the odds of anyone of them making money is 10% at best. But morals, integrity and dignity aren’t traits exhibited by everyone.
If you sign up and become an ambassador you aren’t required to sell or buy any certain amount a month. You have the option at anytime to sign up for commission, then you have to either buy or sell $100 a month, so most wait until they have a few clients to cover that before they sign up and you can stop commission at anytime and just order wholesale whenever you want.
Plexus was originally a breast health company and Plexus slim was created to help type 2 diabetics (my mother uses slim and she has been type 1 diabetic for 30 years, and she has cut insulin usage in her pump in half) and she uses the nerve support and all of her feeling is back in her fingers.
I use the Plexus Ease capsules and Ease cream, it’s a natural anti-inflammatory and pain reliever and it has made a huge difference with my tennis elbow and my husbands back pain (he has degenerative disc disease)
I have only had a couple of mishaps in 4 years with customer service and those were during company moves, and they fixed the mistake within a week, I’m sure some have had worse issues that’s just my experience.
I don’t push Plexus as a business I have my own business and it keeps me busy enough but Plexus has been very beneficial for me and others that I know.
Heather
I mean, we’ve had some weak sauce dumped on us in the past but Heather’s post should qualify as one of the top 10 weak sauce posts of all time.
That Plexus Ease product you speak of – that was one of the products that contained lead. That garbage you spout off about breasts and diabetes – completely false and has been discredited numerous times over.
Heather, trip on over to the BBB website and see what others are saying about customer service. Plexus has been blaming all of this on a supposed computer problem for months now. A company that boasts of making cash hand over fist can’t handle a computer issue? Please.
Heather
Doesn’t make sense to pay the $34.95 each year to become an ambassador and not be involved in commissions. You don’t have to be an ambassador to get a better price. Preferred customer. Well, at least you, and others, think you are getting a better price.
You make no sense. In this situation you talk about, do you give your credit card to these people to control. Warning, this usually comes back to haunt you. Sounds like you are exactly what PS is looking for.
No ps tests. They test only essential oils. I am curious if any consumer groups would be willing to get plexus tested. I would love to see a chemical analysis of it.
Curiousconsumer
I doubt that any consumer group without some kind of interest in PS would spend the money to have the product analyzed. It can be a costly endeavor depending on the test. Any lab could probably do the test, so if you have a friend in that area, you may want to ask them for a favor.
So, I am in a few consumer groups for essential oils where group together funds to get 3rd party testing done to check quality and a few have come back as adulterated. So, it got me thinking, has anyone considered starting a campaign or finding a consumer group that will be willing to test the slim and see if it is truly what it says it is?
I also was curious if anyone knew the name of any other company that may be affiliated with PS, I want to look at port examiner records and see if they are getting any of their ingredients from overseas. I would be quite interested to see what is found in plexus slim.
CuriousConsumer
What type of testing has your group been performing on PS?
Should the FDA be notified if people are giving this to children under 18? And at the very least, child and family services?
I think any ambassador FB post or social media showing kids taking this stuff should be sent in to the FDA. Short of physical and mental abuse, having a child ingest this garbage seems to be one of the most outrageous things a parent can do. Of particular concern are those who claim it controls ADHD issues. And there are tons of them posting this crap. Its one thing to be naïve as an adult and get sucked into this cult. Its another when you bring an innocent kid a message that they need an unregulated supplement to cure their ailments.
I know of someone giving this to their severely disabled five year old. He has so many problems that he is one of the few children that has been diagnosed with undiagnosed syndrome. She used other non approved homeopathy as well and she mentioned today on Facebook that her child’s many, many, doctors and specialist were not aware of the therapies and supplements she uses. Any idea how I would notify the fda, maybe, anonymously?.
Hi Crystal, since the woman is doing this on her own, I dont know if reporting the company would do anything. The FDA does have an adverse event reporting system: http://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/ReportAdverseEvent/
Here is another page of the FDA site: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/HowToReport/ucm085680.htm
Here is another page of their site: http://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm381317.htm
Other than that I am not sure.
If she posted this on Facebook, take a screenshot and send it to CPS.
Michael thank you so much for sharing that! I kinda think she was trying hard not to laugh. Anyway, I posted it on my blog with kudos to you at the bottom. 🙂 http://pinkdrinkscamalert.blogspot.com/2016/04/the-truth-about-plexus-products.html
Plexus is not “poison” and it’s not a scam.
Not every product or medicine is going to work the same for all people.
There are Blood Pressure medicines that will work for some people and not for others, so why would you think that a wellness product is going to work the same for everyone????
My daughter has Lupus and RA and has been on Plexus TriPlex and Ease for 7 months and has such improved health. She’s no longer on Prescription medications that have horrible side effects, like killing her organs!!! I didn’t just start her on Plexus without first consulting her doctor and many specialists.
Her 6 month lab results are better than they have ever been. She is able to lead a normal life, which she wasn’t before Plexus.
My husband is off blood pressure medicine and diabetic medication, after having been on both for 20+ years. only difference is Plexus.
Plexus works for us and the many many many other folks that are still taking the supplements. But, just because it didn’t work for some of you doesn’t make it “poison” and just because it works for us, doesn’t mean its going to work for you!!!!!
Hi Stephanie, Thanks much for sharing. May I ask a couple of questions:
1. did your husband lose weight while taking plexus?
2. what specific plexus supplements was your daughter taking that helped her lupus and RA? Did she also lose weight?
Just curious.
She already stated above that her daughter was taking Plexus TriPlex and Ease.
Melanie, thanks for the assist. I missed that part.
So, giving her daughter an appetite suppressant, laxative, and a probiotic cures an inflammatory disease how again?
Just because her daughter is benefitting from this product… it doesn’t mean she is “cured” of any disease. Yeesh. Lighten up.
The mom clearly was only stating the promising and positive effects of whatever ingredients are in the product.
Rachel,
What she is doing is violating FTC guidelines as well as her Plexus Ambassador contract. You claim she was “only stating the promising and positive effects”. She was implying that this product CURED her daughter’s and her husband’s health issues. Read it again, with me:
“and has such improved health.”
“Her 6 month lab results are better than they have ever been. She is able to lead a normal life, which she wasn’t before Plexus.”
“My husband is off blood pressure medicine and diabetic medication, after having been on both for 20+ years. only difference is Plexus.”
That’s not “promising & positive” wording. It’s implying that if you take this product, you will be cured. Doll it up with the standard “just because it didn’t work for some” disclaimer but it is still a representation that this product cured ailments – a claim that has no scientific or tangible basis for making. I dare say that if it was such a miraculous turnaround, perhaps these people were misdiagnosed in the first place.
Stephanie
Where have you been? “Lead”, which was found to be in some Plexus products for years, is “poison”. And, a pyramid scheme, as PS is, is a scam. Real safe products, and real good company!. lol By the way check the BBB on Plexus Worldwide, and it will give you information on how great the company really is. Wow
And, Joe, don’t expect a response from Stephanie. She is a new recruit and only quoting what she is hearing from their “terrific” jewels” lol
Pete, thanks, if she is new, I hope she writes back. We’ll see.
Stephanie writes:
“I didn’t just start her on Plexus without first consulting her doctor and many specialists.”
Yes, you did. No reputable doctor or specialist would sign off on untested, unregulated, and potentially harmful supplements that don’t have any ingredient that has been proven to do the things you claim. As an ambassador, you should know that making claims in the manner you have is a direct violation of your agreement. Shame on you for giving this garbage to your child and presenting it as no big deal, even a miracle cure.
“There are Blood Pressure medicines that will work for some people and not for others, so why would you think that a wellness product is going to work the same for everyone????”
The major difference here is that you are talking about products that have peer-reviewed studies that will allow doctors to decide which medication would work best. These medications have also gone through a screening and quality control process and are regulated. To date, Plexus has never, let me repeat this, never disclosed the manufacturing location of its products nor has it subjected its products to any quality control research. There has been lead contamination, banned products, and incredibly dangerous compounds found in Plexus products. Ask your upline to explain Yerba Mate and Higenamine.
“Plexus works for us and the many many many other folks that are still taking the supplements.”
Of course it does. How else can you possibly sell it to others? Exactly how does one prove “wellness” anyhow? I would counter that because Plexus is experiencing constant returns of their product (please see the BBB complaint list that grows daily), your assertion of “many many many” (sp) is nothing more than you towing the talking points from your upline. Plexus cannot currently handle the volume of calls and emails from people attempting to return products and get out of their ambassador contracts. If you don’t believe this, call and try to return the garbage you currently have. Let us know how that works out for you.
Not a very glowing review from the Cooper Clinic:
http://www.wfaa.com/features/what-is-plexus-/143077180
Now, for those of you not familiar with the Cooper Clinic, these folks are the real deal when it comes to health and weight loss. They know what works and what doesn’t. This lady calls it like she sees it and has more qualifications in her pinkie toe than the collective ambassador legions. She’s absolutely right – too expensive and no research backing this trash. She even mentions the old 8-person study that was exposed as a fraud and used a formulation that doesn’t exist.
Is the growth rate that the ambassadors and PS brag about REAL, or just another illusion presented by both to help booster recruitment?
Here is what Robert Fitzpatrick, a well- known expert on MLM, says about MLM growth in general.
“Referring to growth, I employ the phrase, “as it is conventionally understood,” because MLMs do not grow according to how that term is conventionally used in business. MLMs that “grow” are only outpacing attrition each year.
There is no large base of salespeople or customers upon which to “grow.” There are no loyal or repeat customers of any consequence. Only if recruiting outpaces attrition, can revenues be larger YOY. The sales force and the customers did not grow. They were replaced. Collapse occurred more slowly than recruiting accelerated, and the scheme was thus able to give an outward appearance of organic growth, unless one looks more closely.
Real growth requires success and satisfaction of earlier buyers and salespeople. MLMs, however, leave almost total failure, abandonment and disappointment in their wake.
Mr. Fitzpatrick also stated, “growth of MLM as experience over the past few years is over, finished, due to saturation in the US, as well as world markets.”
You’ll never, ever get a Plexus ambassador to accurately tell you how many underlines bailed vs. what they pick up in a month. Apparently, there is so much attrition that Plexus can’t even keep up with phone calls/emails from folks wanting to stop doing business with them.
So I took plexus for a few weeks. I did lose an inch or 2 around my stomach, but I didn’t lose any weight. I actually gained weight! They have a 60 day money back guarantee, so I was going to return what I had ordered and try the accelerator pills with the plexus drink.
However, I tried calling several times and sent several emails with no response! When I tried calling, the automatic response was that they were so busy that I needed to call back, and it would disconnect my call.
I emailed several times within a few days of each other, and the priority was treated low! I warned them, in the email, if they didn’t respond to my email by Monday, I would take measures by going to social media! I thought there would be no risk in trying plexus bc they have a 60 day money back guarantee, and it would be great if you could get on touch with someone!
I spent around $150 of which I now see I will never get back! Plexus worked for my sister, mom, and others, but they were taking something different than I was.
If you are afraid of plexus not working but you decided to try any way bc of their money back guarantee, don’t do it!!!!!! YOU WILL NEVER GET IN TOUCH WITH ANYONE TO GET YOUR MONEY BACK AND THAT’S THE WAY THEY WANT IT!!!!
Plexus will never get my money again, and I only hope they haven’t done this too many times and they won’t ever do it again! Spread the word so they will stop doing this!!!! DON’T LET PLEXUS GET AWAY WITH RIPPING PEOPLE OFF WITH FALSE HOPE OF MONEY BACK GUARANTEE!!!!!
First, go to the BBB website and see all of the complaints that are basically the same as yours. People sitting on the phone and never getting through to anyone. Add your complaint to the list and make sure your voice is heard.
Ambassadors will preach on about how Plexus is “debt free” and “one of the fastest growing companies”, etc. That doesn’t seem to jive when everyone trying to contact them can’t even get a representative on the phone or get an email response.
My guess is that all of the recent storms that have hit Plexus (lead lawsuit, Alfred Pettersen’s suit, etc.) has put these people on their heels. They played big by opening the new building in Arizona yet they don’t have an infrastructure for a call center? Not looking good for them.
I’m not sure why I wasn’t able to reply under Meredith’s post, but ….
Meredith thank you for speaking up! Post this everywhere you can! If people don’t speak up, then their deceptive unethical behavior continues.
Michael you are absolutely right, the BBB list of complaints is growing at a rapid rate. Tick tock! 🙂
Here are more places you can post your complaint: http://pinkdrinkscamalert.blogspot.com/p/resources-to-file-complaints.html
I was on phone waiting about a hour before someone answered to cancel my subscription so I won’t keep getting charged. Plexus isn’t agreeing with me. I have had a headache for 3 weeks and actually gained weight. I don’t feel any better and have no more energy. It hasn’t worked the wonders for me like others. I hope I can get my refund.
I guess they get people to buy it and offer a money back guarantee knowing they have no way to return it because no one will answer. Not happy at all with them
missy
Not honoring their return goods policies in a timely matter, or even at all, is a very common tactic utilized by PS, and other MLM companies to keep the bucks rolling in.
There must be a convention coming up soon. Gotta keep those bills in the bank somehow.
Missy these are the kinds of things that should be reported to the FTC. They don’t view highly a company that does not honor their guarantee. That is “deceptive marketing”, one of many from that company. You can contact TINA here: https://www.truthinadvertising.org/alert-us/
And, Jim
You need to get Joe’s book on smoothies. Making one tonight.
Pete, its not my book on smoothies, its just a book I that I like 🙂
Jim
Robert Fitzpatrick, and John Taylor are the ones that changed my thinking on MLM companies such as PS. Read Robert Fitzpatrick’s book, “False Prophets”, it will really open your eyes.
Any individual considering entering any MLM business should invest one hour listening to this podcast.
Years of research, Robert Fitzpatrick is an authority on the MLM business model.
https://www.listenmoneymatters.com/pyramid-and-multi-level-marketing-schemes-with-robert-fitzpatrick/