Product Questions
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.ca/products.
- Select the desired product.
- Look under the Overview tab (below the product image).
- View
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 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 flavour. Although products can be safely consumed past the expiration date, it’s possible the flavour 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.
Do Plexus Products have a NPN number?
All of our Products have an NPN number. They are located front and center on the label of all our products. Our NFR products are not approved by Health Canada and therefor don’t have the NPN number.
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 its 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. |
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Nuts |
No. |
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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 uses natural flavours, 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. |
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Bovine |
Bovine gelatin is used for the MegaX and Probio 5 capsules. |
|
Porcine |
No. |
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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.ca/products.
- Select the desired product.
- Click the Nutrition tab (below the product image).
- Click 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 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
- Use the search function (CTRL-F) for Product Attribute Sheet.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Storage and Usage Inquiries
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.
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.