Product Questions | General FAQs about Plexus Products

General Questions about Plexus Products

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.

Table of Contents:

Locating Resources
Shelf Life, Nutrients, and Certifications
Ingredients At-A-Glance
Formula Questions
Sweeteners, Flavors, & Other Ingredients
Vitamins
Ingredient Purity
Length of Use
Manufacturing
Safety Testing and Prop 65 Standards
Storage and Usage
Organic Certification

 

Locating Resources

Here's where to find label, usage, allergen, and other general information about Plexus Products. 

When it Comes to:	The Facts are:
Where to view the suggested use for each product:	Go to https://plexusworldwide.com/products. Select the desired product from Shop. Click Open Product Label Gallery.  View Usage on Nutritional Label.
Where you can find 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 from Shop. Click Open Product Label Gallery.  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 to 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.
Medical, pregnant, nursing, or allergy concerns:	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 question.

Ingredients At-A-Glance

This table shows whether Plexus products generally contain the following ingredients (product ingredients can be found on the product labels or Supplement Facts).

Ingredient:	Is the ingredient in Plexus products?
Gluten	If noted as gluten-free on the labels, the product is gluten-free. Most Plexus products are gluten-free.
Nuts	Plexus products do not contain peanuts. Tree nuts such as coconut, almond and cashew are present in some Plexus products and are noted on the label. Most Plexus products do not contain tree nuts.
Pineapple	Pineapple may be present in some Plexus products and is noted on applicable product labels.
Milk	Milk Whey protein (from milk) is used in some Plexus products. Whey protein tends to contain lower amounts of lactose, or none at all. Casein (from milk) is not used in Plexus products.
Raspberry	Raspberry may be present in some Plexus products.
Rice	Rice protein (not rice) is used in Lean and other products as a flowing agent.
Flour	Flour may be present in some Plexus products and is noted on applicable product labels.
Bovine	Bovine gelatin is used in capsules for MegaX, Probio and others. Bovine is also present in other products including Joyome Multi-Action Collagen Complex, Collagen Bone Broth Soup and Collagen Soup.
Porcine	ProBio5 uses a gelatin capsule that may be a combination of porcine/bovine materials.
Soy	No. (Excluding Vitalbiome)
Tomato	Tomato may be present in some Plexus products and is noted on applicable product labels.

 

Formula Questions

Frequently asked questions about Plexus product formulations include:

Topic	Question	Answer
Maltodextrin	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.
Polydextrose	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.*
Probiotic cultures	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.
Probiotic Detox	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.
Corn	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 FAQ on medical concerns.
Vegan	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.
Vegan vs Vegetarian	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.

 

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).

What if I have a medical, injury, illness, pregnancy, nursing, or allergy concern about a Plexus product or the ingredients?

At Plexus, your wellness is important to us and we’re committed to helping people lead happy, healthy lives. However, we cannot give medical advice. It’s very important to discuss this topic with your medical professional, since everyone’s health history and needs are different. 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. The same is true for anyone who is taking prescription medications, pregnant, or nursing. You should also read and follow any instructions and warnings provided with our products.

We suggest showing the Plexus product label to your medical professional. As a necessary step to protect our brand, we’re unable to provide details of smaller quantity ingredients or their amounts, as these are part of our proprietary blend. Rest assured, our labels provide thorough product information to keep our consumers as informed as possible. Extensive quality control measures are in place to ensure the highest-quality products. Plexus also partners with the best scientists to research our ingredients and, in other cases, to conduct clinical studies to ensure the safety and efficacy of our products. By showing our labels to your medical professional, they can help ensure your needs are met and dietary supplements are consumed as safely and effectively as possible. As a necessary step to protect our brand, we’re unable to provide details of smaller quantity ingredients or their amounts, as these are part of our proprietary blend. Rest assured, our labels provide thorough product information to keep our consumers as informed as possible. Extensive quality control measures are in place to ensure the highest-quality products. Plexus also partners with the best scientists to research our ingredients and, in other cases, to conduct clinical studies to ensure the safety and efficacy of our products. By showing our labels to your medical professional, they can help ensure your needs are met and dietary supplements are consumed as safely and effectively as possible.

 

 

Sweeteners, Flavors, & Other Ingredients

Frequently asked questions about sweeteners, flavors, & other ingredients include:

Topic	Question	Answer
Natural Flavors	What are natural flavors?	Natural flavors are ingredients derived from plants or animals that are used to add flavor or aroma to food and dietary supplements. They are derived from natural sources like plants and their extracts different from artificial flavors, which are entirely synthetic and not derived from natural sources.
Natural Flavors	Are natural flavors regulated?	Yes, as defined by the Food and Drug Administration (CFR 101.22), the term natural flavor or natural flavoring means 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, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.
Natural Flavors	Why does Plexus use natural flavors?	Plexus uses natural flavors to enhance the appeal of products while meeting consumer demand for more natural and healthier ingredients.
Natural Flavors	What are examples of natural flavors?	Fruit extracts: These are derived from various fruits and are used to add fruity flavors to foods. Herb extracts: These are derived from herbs and spices and are used to add savory or spicy flavors to foods. Vanilla extract: This is derived from vanilla beans and is used to add a sweet and aromatic flavor to foods. Cocoa powder: This is derived from roasted cocoa beans and is used to add a greater chocolate flavor to foods. Citrus extracts: These are derived from citrus fruits like lemons and oranges and are used to add a tangy flavor to foods.
Collagen Sweetener	What ingredients are used as a sweetener in the Joyome Collagen?	Our collagen contains lucuma, a fruit powder, that can contribute to some minor sweetness in the flavor.
No Artificials	Do Plexus products contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame?	No. Plexus does not use artificial sweeteners like aspartame.
Mango in Slim	Is there Mango in either of the Slims?	There is no Mango in either of these products.
Aloe Leaf in XFactor	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.
Stevia Leaf Extract	Does Plexus products contain sweeteners such as Stevia Leaf Extract?	Stevia Leaf Extract is used in all Plexus products that feature a flavor component (non-capsules) - Lean, Active, Hydrate, Slim, Greens, MegaKids MBA, X-Factor Kids, and Sleep.

 

 

Vitamins

Frequently asked questions about vitamins include:

Topic	Question	Answer
D vs D3	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.
Ascorbic Acid	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.
Citric Acid	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.
Citric Acid	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.
Blackcurrant	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.
Copper	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.*

 

Manufacturing

Frequently asked questions relating to the manufacturing process for Plexus products include:

Topic:	Question:	Answer:
Heavy Metal Testing	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.
Sourcing	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.
Good Manufacturing Practices	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.

 

 

Safety Testing and Prop 65 Standards

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). The cleaning and sanitation process is a scientifically validated method for testing for potential contaminants and removing any potential ingredients from previous runs on the line. This is a normal practice for any food, drug, or cosmetic manufacturer in the United States. We also require a robust allergen control program that involves testing the contact surface between product runs to check for residual contact with raw materials.

We are required to list any products that may have contact with any of the eight major allergens on the label. If a product contains a major allergen as defined by the Food and Drug Administration, it will be listed on the label. Also, common allergen information for all products can be viewed on the Product Attribute Sheet.

Who does the Plexus Product Testing?

Plexus products are tested at microbiology and chemistry laboratories which are ISO 17025 accredited and adhere to AOAC, USP, Compendial, FDA and USDA standards. Additionally, Plexus performs audits on each lab to assure they meet our quality standards. As a final check on the laboratories, Plexus will confirm the data received by one laboratory by sending the sample to a separate laboratory for comparison.

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 also 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, and
• 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.

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Storage and Usage Inquiries 

Frequently asked questions about how to store, prepare, and consume Plexus products include:

Topic:	Question:	Answer:
Storage	How do I store Plexus Products?	Plexus factors shipping time and common environmental conditions into our expected shelf life and efficacy, but we realize things can sometimes go awry with individual package handlers. We recommend keeping an eye on your tracking and arranging for someone to pick up your mail if you’re going to be unavailable when it's delivered. Upon delivery, keep your products tightly sealed in a cool, dry environment. Our products are formulated to meet their product claims for the entire shelf life; however, prolonged exposure to excessive heat may affect the products, reducing the product's efficacy and longevity. To find the current suggested storage for any product: Always follow the storage instructions on the label of each found on the back of the nutritional label of the product.
Temperature	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.
Refrigeration	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.
Country Differences	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.
Children	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.
Consistency	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.
Recycling	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.
Opening Capsules	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.
Consuming	How long after mixing should I consume Plexus drinks?	All Plexus drinks should be consumed within 30 minutes for maximum benefit.
Expiration	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.
Pets	Can I give Plexus Worldwide products to my pet?	No. Plexus products aren't formulated for pets.

 

 

Organic Certification

The following four questions explain why Plexus products adhere to an impeccable standard of quality without the need for organic certification: 

1. Why are the raw materials used in Plexus products not 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), and
• 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.

2. Are the raw materials used in Plexus products of 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.