Update 5/16/20. What is Vemma? Is Vemma really the “Worlds Most Powerful liquid Antioxidant” or is Vemma a scam? These are some of the questions I've been asked lately, so I decided to do a Vemma review. When I went to the Vemma nutrition website, I discovered that Vemma is more than a supplement company. The company also has a multi-level marketing aspect to it, where people can have their own Vemma vitamin drink business and sell products to others. Other supplements I've reviewed previously that have a multilevel marketing business part include Shakeology, TriVita, and Juice Plus. Let’s leave the MLM part alone and just focus on Vemma itself. The CEO of Vemma says that it is “physician formulated” and “blends Eastern and Western Philosophies” and that Vemma contains “plant-based mysterious elements like OPCs and EGCGs. Currently, Vemma offers 6 different supplements but their flagship product is just called “Vemma”. What I want to do here is review science behind Vemma and see what we can discover.
Also, see the review of Vemma Bode Meal Replacement Shake.
Who Makes Vemma?
The supplement is a product of Vemma Nutrition Company. The address for the company is 8322 East Hartford Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85255. A check of Google Images shows that this address leads to a rather large building that says “Vemma” on the outside.
On the science page of Vemma.com, it's mentioned that the company“owns, operates, and oversees” the facility that makes the supplement. That's good. The facility is located in Tempe Az. So this is a USA-made supplement. That's good too.
Most supplement companies appear, to me, to exist only on paper, outsourcing the production and distribution of their products to 3rd party entities. So, to me, it's rare to see a company that makes its own stuff.
There is also another Vemma location that appears to be dedicated to its energy drink, called Verve. The address for that building is 3732 Virginia Beach Blvd Virginia Beach, VA 23452.
According to the Better Business Bureau, the company has been in business since 2007. See the BBB file for updates and more information.
Vemma Research
In a video on the product's website -vemma.com – the CEO of Vemma says he has put “hundreds of thousands of dollars into clinical science to prove what Vemma can do for you and your family.” Two studies posted on their science page. These studies are:
Journal of Medicinal Food. Study name: Effect of a Mangosteen Dietary Supplement on Human Immune Function: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. This study involved 59 people
and
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Study name: Bioavailability and Antioxidant Effects of a Xanthone-Rich Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) Product in Humans. This study involved 20 people.
Looking over the studies I noticed that:
1. Both of these studies are published in health journals in 2009 and are peer-reviewed. That’s good.
2. Both studies involved humans, which is also good.
3. One of the studies notes that Vemma:
- increased T helper cells (an immune system cell) and other aspects of immunity
- reduced CRP levels (a marker for cellular inflammation)
- improved overall feelings of health
Study Summary
Of these two studies, one basically says that the ingredients in Vemma can be absorbed by the body and the other finds the supplement can help the immune system, lower inflammation and help us feel better.
So, while that's less proof than I'd like, it's good when a company helps support research on its own products because this is rare. I look forward to other Vemma studies.
Vemma Ingredients
So, the supplement has a lot of vitamins and minerals. While that's good, you'd also find those in many other health drinks so I won’t review them all here because I have written about many of them in other posts (Tip: use the search box on this site to find out more about the vitamins).
Vemma has 1000 IUs of vitamin D. I usually recommend people to get their vitamin D levels checked because low levels appear to increase the risk of various health problems. The RDA for vitamin D was recently increased to 600IUs.
I noticed that Vemma only contained one type of vitamin E – alpha-tocopherol. There are 8 different types of vitamin E. Alpha-tocopherol is the most common in the body. The other types of vitamin E are also anti-oxidants. To be fair, most supplements also only contain alpha-tocopherol.
The main ingredients in Vemma vitamin drinks are said to be:
- Mangosteen
- Aloe Vera
- Green tea
All 3 of these ingredients ads up to 25.2 grams (that’s a little less than 1 ounce)
Let’s look at the research on each separately
Mangosteen
I believe mangosteen (scientific name Garcinia mangostana) is the main active ingredient in Vemma because mangosteen is mentioned in the title of both of the Vemma studies conducted so far. Mangosteen is sometimes marketed in other products as Xango Juice.
Mangosteen does have some antioxidant effects. We, humans, make antioxidants naturally and they are in fruits and vegetables as well as “superfoods” like mangosteen. That said, I should mention that there is no good proof that mangosteen is a better antioxidant than what you would find in other fruits. Mangosteen is a different kind of fruit and as such can be a part of a healthy diet, but whether its better than other fruits, I don't think so.
In this review of mangosteen juice ads, the researcher compares the supplement ads to the clinical research. It's an interesting read for those who are interested.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera appears to have antioxidant and antibacterial properties. There is also some evidence that parts of aloe vera may have an effect on lowering insulin levels and weight loss. Other studies appear to show that aloe vera may help lower cholesterol and LDL levels as well as hemoglobin A1C levels (a marker for diabetes progression).
These studies are not on Vemma but on other aloe vera preparations, some of which may not be available to the public.
Studies showing positive effects do not use much, only about a half an ounce per day. This is important to keep in mind, given that aloe vera can be a laxative. I have no proof that one brand is better than another.
Here is a brand of aloe juice on Amazon that has several positive reviews.
Green Tea
Green tea gets a lot of attention from researchers. There is research showing that green tea may help various forms of cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and even weight loss and heart disease. Does that mean Vemma might do some of these things too? This is currently unknown.
While it's the EGCG in green tea that often gets a lot of attention, it's important to remember that there is a lot of other things in green tea that may have beneficial effects. As such, it's good to drink tea as opposed to individual green tea ingredients that appear “sexy” to researchers.
The green tea used in Vemma is decaffeinated so it should not keep anyone awake at night.
Vemma Side Effects
The supplement has been around a long time and is likely ok in most healthy people. If your not healthy here are some things to consider.
- Start with less than recommended for the first week
- Stop taking at least 2 weeks before having surgery
- talk to your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding
As far as I can see, very little human research has been conducted on mangosteen. Most mangosteen research is basically performed on isolated cells in a test tube or lab animals. When eaten as food, it is likely safe for most people. As for mangosteen supplements, side effects will probably vary by the health of the person, medications they take, and how much mangosteen the supplement contains.
Mangosteen may have a blood thinner effect due to its effect on the enzyme cyclooxygenase which does many things – including playing a role in blood clotting. This may be an issue for people who take blood thinner medications.
There is a report of a man who became sick using a mangosteen supplement every day for a year. The mangosteen supplement appeared to alter the acidity of the body, causing the man to vomit, have abdominal pain, and have rapid breathing. These are symptoms of a condition called lactic acidosis.
This doesn't mean Vemma will do the same thing. It probably won’t but it’s worth pointing out just in case anyone else experiences these symptoms with other mangosteen products.
- Some cancer therapies – like radiation therapy – kill cancer cells because they create free radicals. This is a good use of free radicals. Since antioxidants neutralize free radicals, would antioxidant supplements be bad for someone getting treated for cancer? This is a very BIG– and important – question that people must discuss with their doctor. This is true for all supplements.
- The question about mangosteen and cancer treatment has also been addressed by others, so do take this caution seriously if you have cancer. Given the complexity of cancer and cancer therapies, the decision to use antioxidant supplements is best decided by an oncologist who knows about these sorts of things.
- Aloe vera may be a blood thinner. Speak to your doctor if you take blood thinner meds. Aloe vera might also lower blood sugar so be careful if you are a diabetic. There is not much proof on either of these side effects but be aware of them just in case.
As is listed on the Vemma FAQ sheet, the supplement contains a little lithium. This may be due to its natural occurrence in the food. Lithium is sometimes used by doctors to treat manic depression. I'm sure Vemma only has a little lithium but I wonder if this might be a problem in people who were taking lithium or other anti-depressants? What about supplements that might have similar effects ? When in doubt, ask your doctor about this for more information.
There are isolated case reports of lithium supplement toxicity. Some research finds lithium may cause the heart to beat irregularly. Would Vemma do this? I don't know.
Vemma also has a little Vanadium. Vanadium (as vanadyl sulfate) used to be popular among weight lifters until they figured out it didn’t work for them. Vanadium may lower blood sugar levels which means it might interact with diabetes medications.
How Much Does Vemma Cost?
A bottle sells for about $30. By the time you read this, the price may be different so check for yourself.
Here's Vemma on Amazon too.
Vemma And The FTC
In August 2015 the Federal Trade Commission took action against Vemma alleging that the company was basically a Pyramid Scheme. The FTC alleged that Vemma specifically marketed itself to college students and other young adults with the prospect of getting rich selling Vemma supplements. In 2019 the company agreed to refund 2 million to affiliates who lost money on the supplement
Does Vemma Work?
While I like that there are a couple of studies on Vemma, right now, the research isn't where I'd like it to be. There is some interesting research on mangosteen, but most of what I see involves test tubes or lab animal research. As such, I'm not sure if Vemma is better than other mangosteen products. I hear that new Vemma research is in the works and I will add those studies to this review as I become aware of them. For now, I'm on the fence as to whether Vemma promotes health any better than just eating more “regular” fruits and vegetables. See the review of the Vemma Bode Meal Replacement Shake.
What do you think?
Will says
Thanks for putting together such an in-depth review of Vemma’s formula. I had heard that they did clinical trials and it’s good to hear more about them. It’s interesting that more research hasn’t been done on mangosteen as it’s considered a super fruit and seems to be showing up in more and more places.
Joe says
Will, thanks. Somebody just commented above that they are gearing up for research on Verve.
Bob says
I have been on the Vemma for 2 months now and have to admit it is making me feel better. I have also been trying the Bode the last month for breakfast and love how easy it is to have that full feeling until my snack at mid morning. I also bought Verve and like it much better than any energy drink I have had.
OK—-NOW the PROBLEM. You can go broke with this stuff. No thanks to getting others to join. I’m just not into that and I stay way too busy to try to get others to join. I will tell them about how good I feel but I am not selling it.
I have cut my Vemma back to Mon-Fri and take 1 ounce instead of 2. I take my regular vitamins on the weekends. I have cut my shake back to 1 serving instead of 2. I do not drink a whole can of Verve. I take half and save the other half for the next day. I do like this stuff but would have to get a part time job to stay with it.
Does anyone feel the same way?
Has anyone found a substitute that is cheaper?
Jenine says
I agree it is expensive. I bought a bag of chocolate and vanilla. My order came with the chocolate bag i ordered. The vanilla they sent me the packets instead. They were out of the vanilla in a bag. Bag you get more servings, unless you split the packets into two servings. I love the taste of both. However, i haven’t lost any weight. I have finished the chocolate and am now cutting the packets into two. I didn’t try any of the other products because of price. I would like to continue taking these products…but if the price was lower..that would be great. I don’t sale these products either. I know my friends wouldn’t pay for products so costly. Sad, but true.
RaShann Southard says
I have been a Verve drinker for two and a half years. I drink one in the am and one about mid day. I no longer take a multivitamin and I have been sick one or two times since I have started drinking Verve, compared to having colds, etc. two or three times a year prior. It has just enough pick me up to make you feel good, but not like a 5 hr energy drink where you feel jacked up. I love Verve, and no, I do not sell it I just drink it! I now consider myself a Verve advocate and highly recommend people try it. I feel better at age 46 than I felt in my 30’s since drinking Verve.
Bigdaddy71! says
It’s amusing that people get hung up on Lithium and Vanadium. Which are present in plants grown in soil as minerals, ie naturally occurring. However, no one has pointed out Gallium, Barium, Aluminum, tin, Cadmium (like NiCad batteries), etc. All found naturally occurring in soil and plant minerals.
I believe that Vemma has just listed everything that was naturally found in the mineral content of the plant based extract. Not like the researchers involved in the development of the product have “snuck” in Lithium and Vanadium to see how many people will take it, and not know it. Come on, hang your hat on something else, for instance why not look up the research study done by NIH in 2011 on mangosteen extract. This study shows in vitro reduction of cancer cell growth among other properties of the constituents of the “superfruit.”
Also, I do know of diabetics on Vemma how have reduced or stopped there medication, whether it has potent medicinal properties against insulin resistance or it just makes people pay attention to their health it has worked for some. As always, see out advice from your primary care provider to ensure no cross reactivity with your current medications before starting.
As for being pregnant; Vemma is ok to take when your pregnant, it actually says on the bottle to check “with your healthcare provider prior to using if nursing or pregnant.” The Verve products contain Taurine and should not be used while pregnant or nursing.
Side note – I wouldn’t have expected to Lo Harry to be a pregnant female from the posting name, ha, ha. Good luck with the product, I think it can do great things for people, if taken appropriately with a good exercise plan.
Joe says
Bigdaddy71!, I was kind of surprised at the attention litium received also. yes it does occur naturally and if it was listed because the makers wanted to list everything then that makes sense to me. I still think people with health issues/pregnant should talk to their doctor first for this and any other supplements.
Kimmy says
What is the comparison between this and napolea? I’m lookin for something to help with inflammation and pain.
Joe says
Hi Kimmy, Ive never directly compaired Vemma and Nopalea but I do have a Nopalea review you can check out.
Marie D. says
Also, it sounds like you might be gluten intolerant. I’ve had a lot of those same symptoms and when I stopped eating gluten, my aches and pains went away. With the help of my holistic doctor, I learned that gluten and dairy products were causing inflammation in my body which caused these symptoms and others. Maybe worth a try.
anonymous says
Hey how’s it going?
Just wondering but why was my comment deleted? Do I need to post it again and everyday subsequently as it’s deleted? From the looks of it Joe, my words shook you.
Joe says
Anonymous, I looked at your comment but the link you provided did not work and since you sent your comment – as well as this one – as an anonymous person I was not sure whether you were a spammer or not. Lawyers would not post as anonymous people threatening lawsuits.
Are you an attorney representing Vemma and are you threatening to sue me because of something in my Vemma review? If yes posting an anonymous comment on my website is not the place to do that.
If you are reaching out to me because I said Vemma contained lithium, I made this statement based on the fact that the Vemma website lists litium as an ingredient. The link provided in my Vemma review reflects this and, to clear this up further, I updated my review with a screen shot from the Vemma FAQ page that shows where lithium is listed. Why would they list lithium in the ingredients list if it is not present?
Please document where you think I was wrong with my Vemma review. As always, I am happy to update my reviews when new information comes to light or when I am proven wrong. I also like to know who I am talking to so please list your name and contact information if you are going to attempt to continue this dialog.
Nicole says
I looked on the bottle after reading that you saw the ingredient ‘Lithium’ but did not see this listed. Could you please explain more why you have stated this is an ingredient? Am I overlooking something?
Thanks
Joe says
Nicole, lithium is listed on the website. I linked to the FAQ sheet in my review. here is the link http://www.vemma.com/next/faq.cfm
I dont think there is much in it for what its worth.
Kate says
Hi, Pam. I have not experience this, just the opposite I lots more energy. I’ve been on bode program and shakes for 31 days & lost 15 lbs. The app from Chris Powell is great, It has help out the most! So give it some time before you quit!
Pam says
I have been on it a week and I feel so tired. Certainly more than usual. Has anyone else experienced this?
Jenine says
I read about this in an ad on facebook. If you spent 4.95 you received a shake sample and video. It didn’t taste bad and the video was inspirational. I decided to order. I just received my package. I ordered a bag of chocolate and vanilla. They were out of vanilla in a bag, so they sent me the box instead for the same price. The box was a few bucks more, so i thought that was nice that they sent it instead of making me wait. I just had my first chocolate shake. Not bad. I hope that this product picks me up a bit and helps me lose weight. I would like to lose 15 pounds.
Ron says
I am Brand Partner and really like the verve, it really gives a good energy! I am still learning in details what you can find in the products, but the taste is good, and the first effects i got were really good!
Ryan says
I’m a poor eating, no fruit-getting, veggie hating, lazy 38 year old man with various mental illnesses. So yeah, I’m probably going to die soon. so be it.. I read a little about Vemma, and I figured I’d give it a try and see what it was about. The one thing going for me is that the money isn’t an issue, which is good because after 80 dollars for a fridge brick (30 2 oz servings) that equals $2.66 per serving.
now, $2.66 per serving – I know many people that drink more than that in coffee and tea each day at Starbucks or whatever, so no – it’s not cheap, but I don’t drink coffee or smoke, so I guess this is my daily cost. So be it.
Fridge pack came from vemma directly – shipping was very quick. I put the brick in my fridge and decided I would start drinking the stuff the next morning.
Next morning came, and with my morning meds I grabbed one of the little bottles, shook it extensively, and tore off the safety seal over the top of the bottle. I smelled the liquid, kind of fruity. not bad. The color – orangish…looked vaguely vegetable like. I frowned a bit. I’ve drank worse at bars, so – ok, down the hatch. Not too bad. A bit of an aftertaste. I then filled the bottle up about half way with water – and drank that too, in order to make sure I was getting all of what was in the bottle.
I’ve been drinking this stuff for about 1.5 weeks now. I can say that I’ve noticed a change in my head, things don’t seem so negative. I would say that there is a change in my mood. Also, I’ve noticed lately less cravings for bad food, and that I’m ok with less food intake. now. Energy levels – not sure if they are up, but they certainly aren’t down. I can say that I feel better, but i need more time to really assess this. Right now – I don’t feel worse than I did previously and that’s a good thing.
I tried to find more research on Vemma out there, does it work, etc? but unfortunately the only thing I can find is ALWAYS tied to their marketing and business platform. I don’t care if they are MLA or whatever, It’s possible they have a good product and a crafty business plan. I don’t care. I don’t care about how they market this stuff. How is the actual beverage?? VERY FEW answer this. Everything out there that is negative is generally related to them being a MLA, NOT NOT NOT to the actual product itself.
So my first impressions as a lazy near middle ager — I’m sure I could do worse, and this so far has had more effect than any previous vitamins and supplements I’ve tried. I’m curious what I’ll say in a few weeks from now. Who knows, maybe this stuff will get me back into the gym. Is it worth my $2.66 per day? That is relative. It depends on what $2.66 is worth to you to begin with. Is it better than that expensive cup of coffee or a pack of cigarettes every 3 days, – Yes, yes it is. Is it better than a gym membership (@ 1 dollar a day!) – Nowhere near it. Is it a easy way to get vitamins into your system? Very much so.
So there is my honest no holds barred experience. I wish there were more of these out there.
Joe says
Thanks Ryan, I appreciate you taking the time to write and sharing your experience with Vemma
Bob says
ok. Thanks for the help.
Bob says
Ok. We all just want to be healthier. I have tried Vemma for 1 week and have restored energy and just feel better. If we all had the time to eat healthier we would. I am not a brand partner. I just have purchased the Vemma and some of the energy drinks. Have not felt this good in a long time.
I see where some people have said you can cut back to 1 oz. If this is true then it would certainly help with the cost of Vemma. Little pricy and cutting back to 1 oz would be great. Can you tell me if this is true?
Joe says
Bob, I have no idea if taking only 1 oz of Vemma would still give you the same benefits. You can always try it and see how you feel. you should know in a few weeks at most Id think.
Ann says
Joe just curious in earlier statements you mentioned that the bottle says to star with 2oz then go to 1 oz.. Do you stay on 1oz from then on ?? also I take a added b12 tablet a day for added energy . Should I continue to take the b12 or is the vema drink alone enough for energy? Thanks
Joe says
Hi Ann, If I understand their directions correct it looks like 1 oz is the maintenance amount that people would stay on for the long term as they use Vemma. I am not sure how much vitamin B12 is in vemma so Id say experiment and see if you feel any different if you just use Vemma for a few days. Get your vitamin B12 levels checked. Its possible you may not be lacking in it. I do know people who tell me vitamin B12 helps their energy levels, this is also a vitamin that we store a few years worth of in our body.
Sebastian says
The Vemma formula contains 15 mcg of Vitamin B12. I just read it on a can of Verve that contains a 2oz shot of the Vemma formula.
Joe says
Sebastian, ok. Verve is an energy drink and they often contain vitamin B12. Verve is a different product than the Vemma product I reviewed.
Rasmus says
I can’t figure out if you like the product or think it’s lame.. Are you’re pointing out that they maybe exaggerating a little or what?
Im not that good at English, but thank you for at good Vemma review
Joe says
Rasmus, I just wanted to present facts that most other reviews don’t mention so you an make up your own mind. Glad you found my Vemma review helpful 🙂
Patti Kennedy says
Joe – have you done any research on ISOTONIX supplements.
They are sold by Market America and I have heard they have
very positive health results. The company has been around for quite some time ??
Patti
Joe says
Hi Patti, Isotonix is on my list to review. I have reviewed their claim about them being more bio-available here
http://supplementclarity.com/isotonix-supplements-are-they-more-bioavalable/
I hope to have a more comprehensive review in the near future.
Anonymous says
Hello. I am just wondering if you are familiar with Akea Essentials and how it compares to Veema. Do you know how they compare in essential minerals, vitamins and ingredients in the body? I have a friend that sells each and want use one of them. Any suggestions?
Joe says
Ive never heard of Akea essentials but looked it up for you. I didn’t see anything that said what was in it and there was a page that said “fueled by science” but I didn’t see any science listed. I cant tell if Akea has any research on Akea itself. based on that, Im a little skeptical. its a whole food supplement. As far as Ive been able to determine, the product that has the bulk of the research is Juice Plus
Jim says
In some ways Vemma’s attempts at full disclosure create confusion. Remember, many of the above listed minerals like lithium are not added ingredients. They are naturally occurring.
If you eat a salad where the greens were grown on an organic farm you’re ingesting some lithium. We’re talking minute amounts here. So perspective is important.
And if it’s worth anything, I’m not a Vemma sales person. Overall I really do like their products and what they are trying to do with their product line. Though I do wish there was a bit of variety, that not everything was mangosteen-based, for example. Simply for variety. Not for flavor variety, but for bio-availability.
The other thing I have seen is people taking too much product. Don’t replace your 8-oz morning glass of orange juice with an 8-oz glass of Vemma. You only take 1 to 2 oz of Vemma a day.
Same with Verve. If you drink 6 cans of soda, don’t shift to 6 cans of Verve. Give up the soft drinks and instead drink one Verve and five glasses of water.
Not trying to preach. Just know that it’s not only what you ingest that is important, but how much you ingest that is important too.
Caire says
I did the Vemma Bode Burn program for about 5 weeks. I was happy with the results, but certainly not blown away. However, I had to stop drinking the bode burns because they gave me horrible stomach aches. Not sure what is causing the stomach problems– though I have always had a sensitive stomach. Has anyone else experienced this?
Anonymous says
I have looked at the fact sheets and ingredients in Vemma and I do not see where it says it has Lithium or Vanadium in it. Please tell me where you found this. What is the amount of these in Vemma? What amount of these chemicals considered to be unsafe? Could it be that there are such small traces of these things that they are not harmful? I am a Vemma Brand Partner and I need to know these things. Thank you! John B.
Joe says
Anonymous, on this vemma page it lists lithium as an ingredient http://www.vemma.com/next/faq.cfm
I don’t know how much it has. Lithium is listed in the middle of the ingredients list so I don’t think it has a lot. If you find out, I hope you will let me know.