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
Topic | Question | Answer |
Recommended Use | Where do I go online to see the Recommended Use for each product? |
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Nutritional Label | Where do I go online to see the nutritional label for each product? |
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Shelf Life | 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. |
Nutrient Absorption | 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. |
Testing and Certified Free Trade | 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. |
Consult Physician | 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, What if I have a medical, injury, illness, pregnancy, nursing, or allergy concern about a Plexus® product or the ingredients? to learn more. |
Recommended Use | 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. |
National Sanitation Foundation | 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 pursue this certification. |
Natural Product Number (NPN) | Do Plexus Products have an NPN? | All products classified as Natural Health Products (NHP) have an NPN. They are located front and center on the label of all our NHP products. Products classified as foods, and NFR products don’t have the NPN. |
Label | 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 great health benefits. |
Ingredients
Do Plexus products contain the following ingredients? (Please note product ingredients can be found on the product labels or Nutrition Facts.
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. |
Raspberry | Raspberry may be present in some Plexus products. |
Rice | Rice protein (not rice) is used in Protein+ 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 is also present in other products including Joyome Multi-Action Collagen Complex, Collagen Bone Broth Soup and Collagen Soup. |
Porcine | Porcine may be present in some Plexus products. |
Soy | No. (Excluding VitalBiome) |
Tomato | Tomato may be present in some Plexus products and is noted on applicable product labels. |
Ingredients FAQs
Topic | Question | Answer |
Common Allergens | Where do I find a list of the common allergens for each product? |
The Product Attribute sheet lists the common allergen information and directions for all products. To access this information, click Product Attribute Sheet or Brand Ambassadors can access this tool through the below steps:
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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. |
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 What if I have a medical, injury, illness, pregnancy, nursing, or allergy concern about a Plexus® product or the ingredients? for more information. |
Polydextrose | Is polydextrose a prebiotic? |
Polydextrose is an ingredient in Slim Hunger Control for fibre and satiety (the feeling of fullness) and is considered to have prebiotic effects.* |
Freeze-Dried Probiotics | 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 are as indicated. |
Aspartame | Do Plexus products contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame? |
No. Plexus does not use artificial sweeteners like aspartame. |
Citric Acid | Is the citric acid in Slim derived from a mold pathogen? |
No. The citric acid in Slim 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. |
Vitamin D and Vitamin 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. |
Copper | Why is there copper in some Plexus products (such as XFactor+)? |
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.* |
Probiotic Products | Can Plexus probiotic products cause any negative physical symptoms or a "detox effect?" |
Plexus probiotics help to reduce unwanted 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. |
Grass Fed Cows | Does the whey in Plexus products come from grass fed cows? |
Plexus whey is sourced from cows fed a vegetarian diet, including grass. |
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. |
Non-GMO | 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. |
Product Containers | 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. |
Formulation of Products | 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). |
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. |
Labeling Practices
Topic | Question | Answer |
Nutrition Label | Why do the nutrition labels of some Plexus products, especially in Canada, have recommendations such as: |
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. |
Product Label | 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 regulatory agencies. 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
Topic | Question | Answer |
Manufacturing Process | 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. The 11 major allergens are tested prior to release of batches to ensure that there are no concerns of cross-contamination. Our products are also tested for gluten on the finished goods to ensure that no gluten is contained within the product. We are required to list any products that may have contact with any of the 11 major allergens on the label. If a product contains a major allergen as defined by Health Canada, it will be listed on the label. Also, common allergen information for all products can be viewed on the Product Attribute Sheet. |
Prop 65 | 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. |
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. |
Halal or Kosher | 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. |
Sourced Ingredients | 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. |
Safety Claims | What measures does Plexus® take to ensure product label & claims are met? |
Plexus products are designed by industry and nutritional experts, including Ph.D.'s and our Scientific Advisory Board and researchers. Each ingredient is reviewed for safety and efficacy. Plexus products are manufactured in cGMP and FDA inspected manufacturing plants, and we hold these plants accountable to our strict QA standards. Each ingredient is tested for potency and purity to our standards before use. We test during manufacturing to ensure consistency, and we test at the end of manufacturing to ensure we meet label claims. This includes testing for heavy metals, which is routine for all Plexus products and raw materials prior to release, per federal regulations. |
Storage and Usage Inquiries
Topic | Question | Answer |
Usage | 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. This will allow you and your doctor to agree on the best approach for your specific case. 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 to ensure the efficacy of our products. By showing our labels to your medical professional, they can help ensure your needs are met and Natural Health Products are consumed as safely and effectively as possible. |
Storage | How should someone store Plexus® products or how could heat/cold affect efficacy? | 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. Always follow the storage instructions on the label of each product, as they were written according to careful research and testing of our products. 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. |
XFactor Kids | Can Plexus Worldwide products be given to children? | Plexus products are for adults 18 or older, with the exception of XFactor Kids, HydroPlex, and Greens. Always follow the suggested use on product labels. |
Capsules | Can Plexus capsules be opened and then consumed? | Plexus recommends consumers follow the directions, 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 CA or VitalBiome. |
Mixing | How long after mixing should I consume Plexus drinks? | All Plexus drinks should be consumed within 30 minutes for maximum benefit. |
Expiration Date | Can I use Plexus products beyond the expiration date? | Plexus recommends the products be used before the expiration date for best efficacy and/or flavour. Although products can be safely consumed past the expiration date, it’s possible the potency, flavour, or amount of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients may diminish over time. |
Plexus Products | Can I give Plexus Worldwide products to my pet? | No. Plexus products aren't formulated for pets. |
Flavours
Topic: | Question: | Answer: |
Natural Flavours | What are natural flavours? | Natural flavours are ingredients derived from plants or animals that are used to add flavour or aroma to food and dietary supplements. They are derived from natural sources like plants and their extracts different from artificial flavours, which are entirely synthetic and not derived from natural sources. |
Natural Flavours | Are natural flavours regulated? | All ingredients with a flavouring non-medicinal purpose must be food safe and be included in one of the following lists or comply with one of the following sets of regulations: (1) Comply with the definition of flavour set out in B.10.005 of the Food and Drug Regulations; (2) GRAS Substances Database; (3) CFR Title 21 part 182; (4). |
Natural Flavours | Why does Plexus use natural flavours? | Plexus uses natural flavours to enhance the appeal of products while meeting consumer demand for more natural and healthier ingredients. |
Natural Flavours | What are examples of natural flavours? |
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