Article 0633
Plexus is committed to making products of exceptional quality and helping people lead happy, healthy lives. All of our ingredients are listed on the labels, and we've provided additional informational tools for Brand Ambassadors in the Virtual Office. Check specific product pages in the Help Center and the FAQs below for common questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Where do I go online to see the Suggested Use for each product?
- Go to https://plexusworldwide.com/products.
- Select the desired product.
- Look under the Overview tab (below the product image).
- View Usage.
Do Plexus nutritional products have the usual shelf life (expiration date) of two years?
Yes, the usual shelf life for Plexus nutritional products is two years, common for the industry.
How quickly do Plexus nutrients absorb?
Absorption rates can be impacted by foods taken with the product. An empty stomach generally allows faster absorption of the nutrients (typically within 30 minutes). Plexus recommends following the suggested use on the label.
Are Plexus product ingredients natural or synthetic?
Plexus formulates with natural ingredients, and does not use artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. We comply with label regulations in the USA and Globally. There is no consistent or reliable definition of the terms "natural" or "synthetic", nor do regulatory agencies provide such a definition. Plexus focuses on meeting or exceeding all objective standards for quality and safety, and making sure our labels contain all ingredients found in the product.
Are Plexus products tested on animals? Are Plexus products certified Free Trade?
Plexus products are not tested on animals. We are not certified Free Trade.
What should I do if I have a medical or allergy concern about the products? What if I am pregnant or nursing?
Anyone who has an allergy, injury, illness, or other medical condition should always consult with a physician prior to taking Plexus products or starting any exercise regimen. View full article.
Is it okay to use a Plexus product beyond the expiration date?
Plexus recommends the products be used within the expiration date for best efficacy and flavor. Although products can be safely consumed past the expiration date, it’s possible the flavor and amount of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients may diminish over time.
Why are Plexus products not certified by NSF (National Sanitation Foundation)?
Plexus has many manufacturing quality controls in place, and has made a business decision to not pay for this certification.
Why would a Plexus product label vary slightly from one country to another?
Plexus products are labeled to be compliant with the unique requirements in each country. Each country has it’s own unique requirement for how ingredients can be listed on a label, and also have regulations and requirements for what claims and marketing copy can be listed on the label. We work globally with legal and regulatory teams to ensure Plexus meets all regulatory standards in each country. While there might be slight variations in the formula of a Plexus product to meet the requirements of a certain country, our products are formulated to deliver the same great health benefits.
Ingredients
Do Plexus products contain the following ingredients? (Please note product ingredients can be found on the product labels or Supplement Facts.
| Gluten | If noted as gluten-free on the labels, the product is gluten-free. Most Plexus shakes and supplements are gluten-free. |
| Potato | No. |
| Nuts | No. |
| Pineapple | No. |
| Milk | Whey protein (from milk) is used in Plexus shakes. Whey protein tends to contain lower amounts of lactose, or none at all. Casein (from milk) is not used in Plexus products. |
| Raspberry | Slim Microbiome Activating uses natural flavors, including raspberry. However, the protein component of raspberry isn't used. |
| Rice | Rice protein (not rice) is used in Lean and other products as a flowing agent. |
| Flour | No. |
| Bovine | Bovine gelatin is used for the MegaX and Probio 5 capsules. |
| Porcine | No. |
| Soy | No. (Excluding Vitalbiome) |
| Tomato | No. |
How do I find the product labels or Supplement Facts on the website?
To view the nutrition facts for a product:
- Go to https://plexusworldwide.com/products.
- Select the desired product.
- Click the Nutrition tab (below the product image).
- Click Label.
- To save the image of the nutrition label for printing, right click (command click on Mac; long press on mobile device).
- Select “Save image as."
Where do I find a suggested regimen for taking multiple Plexus nutritional products?
The Plexus Product Regimen Recommendation can be a helpful guide when combining a variety of Plexus products into your daily regimen. However, the priority is always to follow the directions on the labels.
Where do I find a list of the common allergens for each product?
The Product Attribute sheet lists the common allergen information and suggested use for all products. To access this information, click Product Attribute Sheet or Brand Ambassadors can access this tool through the below steps:
- Login to Brand Ambassador Virtual Office.
- Click Sharing Plexus drop down.
- Click Tools.
- Use the search function (CTRL-F) for Product Attribute Sheet.
What ingredients are used as a sweetener in the Joyome Collagen
Why does Plexus use maltodextrin in some products?
The health and nutraceutical industry use maltodextrin because it is 100% easily digestible carbohydrate, is naturally produced in the body, and is used in adult and sports nutrition products.
What products contain or have ingredients sourced from corn?
Our labels include all ingredients and sources as applicable on the labels, which ingredients are tested for identity, purity, strength, and composition. For those with concerns about maltodextrin, it is a starch and not a protein. Typically, the proteins that could cause an allergic reaction are not present in the finished product. The possibility of an allergic reaction is very small. However, we recommend that if you have an allergy to corn, please consult your physician prior to use. View our article on medical concerns.
Is polydextrose a prebiotic?
Polydextrose is an ingredient in Slim Hunger Control for fiber and satiety (the feeling of fullness) and is considered to have prebiotic effects.*
Are the probiotics in Plexus products live cultures? Are they freeze-dried?
We use a freeze-dried probiotic in our products, allowing benefits that do not require refrigeration. The CFU count is based on the reconstituted freeze-dried probiotics, not what was put in prior to freeze-drying; the potency and viability of all product strains is as indicated.
Do Plexus products contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame?
No. Plexus does not use artificial sweeteners like aspartame.
Is there Mango in either of the Slims?
There is no Mango in either of these products.
What is the difference between vitamin D and vitamin D3?
Vitamin D3 is a form of vitamin D called cholecalciferol and is identical to the form of vitamin D the human body produces naturally in the skin. Several of our products contain vitamin D3.
Why is there copper in some Plexus products (such as XFactor Plus)?
Copper is a key nutrient that the body needs to be healthy. Copper plays a key role in helping the body form collagen and is an integral component to help the mitochondria utilize oxygen for energy. There are approximately a dozen proteins that require copper for their function. It is found in all body tissues and plays a role in making red blood cells, maintaining nerve cells, and maintaining the immune system.*
Can Plexus probiotic products cause any negative physical symptoms or a "detox effect?"
Plexus probiotics help to reduce or remove bad bacteria and support the growth of good probiotic bacteria in the gut. Some users may experience some gas or rumbling the first day or two from using a probiotic, but otherwise shouldn’t experience negative physical symptoms. Most users experience beneficial intestinal changes such as improved regularity and better overall feeling and gut health.*
Of course, anyone who has an allergy, injury, illness, or other medical condition should always consult with a physician prior to taking Plexus products or starting any exercise regimen.
Does the whey in Plexus products come from grass fed cows?
Plexus whey is sourced from cows fed a vegetarian diet, including grass.
Are Plexus® products vegan?
Many of our products are vegetarian or vegan. We do not pay to certify, however, as we are subject to extensive requirements for global legal and regulatory agencies. The ingredients and claims are on the website, and we encourage you to review there.
What is the difference between "vegan" and "vegetarian" on Plexus product labels?
For the purposes of labeling our products, Plexus follows the following definitions:
- Vegetarian products do not contain meat, poultry, or seafood, but may contain animal-derived products (such as eggs and/or dairy).
- Vegan products do not contain animal ingredients or animal by-products (such as beeswax, honey, lanolin from wool, or animal fats/lipids).
Plexus ingredient labels include all materials found in the product.
Are Plexus® products non-GMO?
Plexus formulates with non-GMO ingredients whenever possible. Our product labels and website state which products are non-GMO, and we provide all documentation necessary for our labels to make that claim. Plexus does not pay an outside agency to certify non-GMO, since we already work with legal and regulatory agencies globally.
Are Plexus® product containers free of parabens, synthetics, and BPA?
All of our packaging bottles, caps and bags are made from synthetic materials and are BPA free. Parabens, or esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid, are preservatives that are sometimes used in food and cosmetic formulations. Plexus Worldwide products are not formulated with parabens and thus do not contain parabens.
Why does Plexus® formulate products a certain way?
At Plexus, we strive to be as natural as possible and formulate high quality products that deliver results. Each product is formulated to deliver a specific benefit and to meet the regulations of the countries in which we market them. Certain proprietary details of Plexus internal business decisions are kept confidential in order to remain competitive. For those interested in more information on our products and why they’re formulated as they are, there’s a wealth of additional information available in the Help Center product articles (at helpcenter.plexusworldwide.com) and our Virtual Office shareables (Virtual Office > Sharing Plexus > Tools).
How is the ascorbic acid in Plexus products derived?
The ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is scientifically formulated (not from fruit). Anyone with allergy concerns should consult their physician prior to taking Plexus products.
How is the citric acid in Plexus products derived?
Citric acid in Plexus products is derived from starch fermented by micro-organisms (not fruit), which produce citric acid. Anyone with allergy concerns should consult their physician prior to taking Plexus products.
Is the citric acid in Slim derived from a mold pathogen?
No. The citric acid in Slim Microbiome Activating and Slim Hunger Control is derived from starch fermented by micro-organisms that are commonly used in fermented food processes and are not in any way associated with pathogenic molds.
Do Plexus products contain hormones?
No. Plexus products do not contain hormones. Plexus ingredient labels include all materials found in the product.
Is the Blackcurrant fruit extract equal to Iron?
The Blackcurrant fruit extract we use is not standardized for Iron. There will be very little (possible none) Iron from the Blackcurrant.
XFactor includes aloe leaf in the ingredients. Does that include the aloe latex part of the leaf?
XFactor Plus uses the inner leaf aloe vera. This part of the plant does not contain aloe latex.
XFactor Original uses a whole leaf/inner leaf blend. Aloe latex is part of the whole leaf portion.
In short, it depends on which formula you use.
Are the Green Lipped Mussel in Ease Capsules farm raised or wild caught?
The Green Lipped Mussel powder in Plexus Ease capsules is derived from farmed aquaculture mussels grown from wild-caught spat.
What ingredients comprise "Natural Flavors" as displayed on a product ingredient label?
For an ingredient to be considered a “Natural Flavor” it must meet the following definition under FDA Regulations:
"The essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material,… or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional. Natural flavors include the natural essence or extractives obtained from plants…”
While Plexus is unable to share certain details of amounts, trace ingredients, and specific manufacturing techniques of our proprietary blend, we meet or exceed this and all other regulatory standards and guidelines for product safety and efficacy.
Labeling Practices
Why do the nutrition labels of some Plexus products, especially in Canada, have recommendations such as:
- "Consult a healthcare practitioner for prolonged use or for use beyond 4 weeks" or
- "Consult a physician if you take Bio Cleanse for more than 7 days"?
With respect to Canadian products specifically, many of our products are regulated as Natural Health Products in Canada, which are treated similarly to OTC-drugs by Health Canada. As such, much of the label text is required by the Non-Prescription and Natural Health Products Directorate (NNHPD) in order for the product to be registered and legally sold. We carefully adhere to Health Canada’s specific labeling requirements.
Why might warnings on Plexus product labels advise consulting a physician after a certain period of use?
Plexus Worldwide complies with governmental regulations in each country in which we operate. The vast majority of warnings on products labels are included because they are specifically required by law. We pride ourselves on meeting or exceeding all regulatory standards and guidelines for product safety and efficacy. Additional warnings may be included on the label to help clarify dose, use, and potential concerns while using a product.
As a company, we design all of our products with safety, efficacy, and quality as our highest priority. With any health supplement, you should always consult your physician prior to use to ensure it fits with your unique health situation.
Manufacturing
What steps does Plexus take to prevent allergen cross-contamination in the manufacturing process?
Plexus manufactures in such a way that our products are NOT subject to cross-contamination from other ingredients such as gluten, nuts, dairy, or shellfish. However, some products are manufactured in a plant that may have those ingredients in storage (as raw materials). For details, view full article.
How are Plexus ingredients chosen and tested for quality?
Plexus product ingredients are specifically chosen for identity, potency, and purity from reputable suppliers that meet our internal quality and safety standards. Ingredients used in Plexus products are routinely tested for:
Physical Characteristics, which include visual, color, odor, taste, and density properties.
Identity, which consists of a chemical purity test or matching an ingredient in a pass/fail fashion to a particular species of botanical or herb.
Potency, which is the concentration of active or marker compounds.
Purity, which is the absence of impurities such as moisture, microbiology, pathogens, heavy metals, residual solvents, pesticides, or mycotoxins.
Why would a Plexus product have a California Prop 65 warning?
California’s Prop 65 (The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986) requires that a warning statement be placed on products that contain levels of ingredients that may potentially have a negative health impact. Natural sources of water, such as rain or ocean, contain dissolved minerals and metals that could require the California warning. Plexus products contain many botanical ingredients which are grown with natural rainwater, so we pay very close attention to California’s standards in this regard. The Prop 65 notification will display on products as required under the California law.
Does Plexus test for heavy metals in their ingredients?
Heavy metal testing is routine for all Plexus products and raw materials prior to releasing the products for sale. The testing is per Federal Regulations.
Are Plexus products Halal or Kosher?
Plexus products use non-GMO ingredients. However, due to the considerable costs and resources needed for certification, Plexus products have not been evaluated or certified as halal or kosher.
Where are the products produced and where are the ingredients sourced from? Are any sourced or produced outside the U.S.?
All products are currently manufactured in the USA. Some details of Plexus manufacturing and sourcing are confidential for proprietary reasons. For details, view full article.
Who formulates the products?
Meet the Research and Development team.
Do Plexus manufacturers hold Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Certifications?
Yes. All of our manufacturers are required to have Good Manufacturing Practices Certifications. In order to remain competitive, Plexus is not able to share GMP certificates outside the company because they list proprietary information.
Storage and Usage Inquiries
Can my Plexus Products be stored in a high temperatures?
Plexus products are formulated to withstand short exposure to high temperature as experienced during shipping in the summer months. Long term storage should be in a relatively cool, dry place as noted on label.
Why do US and Canada products mention different dosages?
US and Canada will have different recommendations for usage, this is due to the regulations around each country.
Can Plexus Worldwide products be given to children?
Plexus products are for adults 18 or older, with the exception of XFactor Kids. Always follow the suggested use on product labels.
If there are small undissolved granules found in Slim, is this okay?
Yes. After mixing Slim, these small fine granules may sometimes be found at the bottom of the bottle; they are part of the ingredients of Slim and are safe to consume.
Is Plexus product packaging recyclable?
Generally recyclable components, such as the shipping cardboard, can be recycled. However, local community requirements may vary and therefore not all Plexus packaging may be recyclable. Plexus recommends checking with your local community to determine the requirements of their recycling program and what types of materials are acceptable.
Can Plexus capsules be opened and then consumed?
Plexus recommends consumers follow the suggested use, which is listed on each label. Though consumers can open the capsules, doing so may reduce the protection offered by the closed capsule, thus negating its stomach acid protection. This is especially important when it comes to Probio 5 or VitalBiome.
How long after mixing should I consume Plexus drinks?
All Plexus drinks should be consumed within 30 minutes for maximum benefit.
Can I use Plexus products beyond the expiration date?
Plexus recommends the products be used before the expiration date for best efficacy and/or flavor. Although products can be safely consumed past the expiration date, it’s possible the potency, flavor, or amount of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients may diminish over time.
Can I give Plexus Worldwide products to my pet?
No. Plexus products aren't formulated for pets.
Can Plexus products be stored in a refrigerator or a freezer?
Yes, Plexus products can be safely stored in a refrigerator or freezer. However, keep in mind that storage in a refrigerator or freezer may cause clumping or changes in texture. If freezing a product, avoid excessive thawing and re-freezing in order to maintain potency of the active ingredients.
Organic
Why aren’t the raw materials used in Plexus products certified organic?
Quality, consistency, and safety are the highest priorities of Plexus in the formulation of our products. As such, USDA-organic-certified ingredients may not be of the high quality Plexus requires and can be difficult to source on a consistent basis (if available at all). They are also traditionally more expensive when compared to crops grown under standard farming conditions. From Plexus’ perspective, using individual ingredients or raw materials that are “certified” organic is primarily for marketing purposes.
Are the raw materials used in Plexus products high quality, even though they’re not certified organic?
Yes, absolutely. Plexus products are precisely formulated, standardized, and laboratory tested for excellent nutrient content. Consumers can be assured that what’s on the label is what’s in the bottle. It’s important to realize that some “organic” ingredients may be of questionable quality and not aligned with Plexus’ rigorous standards.
However, the main reason Plexus does not specifically source from organic-certified ingredients is that there is no obvious advantage to our consumers. While there may be advantages to eating organically grown fruits and vegetables in their original form, because the ingredients are extracted for Plexus products, organically sourced ingredients are not generally relevant for the production of high-quality nutritional supplements.
Does organic certification indicate safer ingredients in dietary supplements?
Not necessarily. The vast majority of ingredients used in dietary supplements are extracted, refined, and purified (which means the nutrients aren’t being consumed as part of the original fruit or vegetable product). Plexus performs quality testing on both raw materials and finished products to ensure their safety and purity, and to ensure they do not contain contaminants (including pesticide residues, heavy metals, organic contaminants, or others). Ingredients are thoroughly tested in the same manner and to the same degree as organically-sourced alternatives.
Do organic fruits and vegetables contain more nutrients than non-organic?
Possibly, but that wouldn’t be helpful to the creation of nutritional supplements. Consider hypothetically that an organically grown orange contains 85 milligrams of Vitamin C, while a traditionally grown version contains only 60 milligrams. In a dietary supplement, 85 milligrams extracted from organically grown oranges provides no more Vitamin C than 85 milligrams extracted from traditional sources. In other words, 85 milligrams of Vitamin C is 85 milligrams of Vitamin C, regardless of the source.
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. |