Are you a health and fitness enthusiast wondering what all the fuss is about Herbalife? Herbalife is a well-known brand in the world of health and wellness, offering a range of nutritional products that aim to support healthy living. With over 40 years of experience, this company has gained a reputation for producing high-quality supplements, shakes, and snacks designed to help individuals meet their health and fitness goals. This article will review Herbalife’s offerings by examining its history, products, and customer feedback. This way, you can decide whether or not Herbalife is right for you.
What is Herbalife?
Herbalife is a multi-level marketing (MLM) company that produces and sells nutritional and dietary supplements. Herbalife products are exclusive to individual distributors trained to market the Herbalife system. Often, these distributors are also consumers because a considerable part of multi-level marketing is giving positive first-hand reviews to make sales.
In 2016, the USA Federal Trade Commission (FTC) settled with Herbalife. This settlement required Herbalife to prove that 80% of its sales were made to customers outside its distributor network. They faced allegations of operating as a pyramid scheme without giving distributors satisfactory results. This is for the people joining the Herbalife network as distributors. They become members and distributors by entering the Herbalife Member Application and Application with Herbalife. This category of customers is wholesale customers. They can purchase directly from Herbalife at discounts of 25% and can also qualify for higher discounts. They are not allowed to do business with Herbalife products except directly with Herbalife.
Herbalife was established in the 1980s and has a rich history as the world’s largest nutrition company. It is a legitimate company.
Herbalife Product Lines
Herbalife offers products that help dieters achieve their goals by limiting calorie intake through supplements that boost metabolism. The products are sold by distributors online and offline. Herbalife offers a wide variety of products that offer different benefits. You can use a combination of Herbalife products depending on your goal and health needs. Some dieters have developed some helpful product combinations and supplementary meal plans.
Read also: Is the Herbalife Diet Right for You?
Here's a breakdown of Herbalife's main product lines:
- Herbalife Core Nutrition: This product line offers a range of nutritional supplements designed to support overall health and well-being.
- Herbalife Healthy Weight: This product line offers a range of nutritional supplements and meal replacements designed to support weight management goals.
- Specialised nutrition products are designed to meet the specific dietary needs of individuals with unique nutritional requirements due to various medical conditions or lifestyles.
- Herbalife Energy and Fitness: This product line offers a range of nutritional supplements designed to support energy production, stamina, and athletic performance while keeping you hydrated.
- Herbalife Skincare and Hair: This product line offers a range of cosmetic and personal care products designed to support healthy skin and hair. These products are crafted with botanical ingredients, antioxidants, and vitamins to protect, nourish, and rejuvenate the skin and hair.
Popular Products
By far, Herbalife’s most popular product is the Formula 1 Select meal replacement shake. It comes in a variety of flavors, such as French Vanilla, Dutch Chocolate, Cookies n’ Cream, Wild Berry, Café Latte, Banana Caramel, Pralines and Cream, and Natural Vanilla.
Herbalife shakes are fast and easy to prepare. You don’t need any meal prep or even a trip to the supermarket. Herbalife meal replacement shakes are soy-based. A protein from soybeans that supports low cholesterol. The suggested meal plan for weight loss using Herbalife meal replacement shakes is to replace two meals daily with the shakes and eat one low-calorie meal. Herbalife replacement shakes and supplements contain ingredients that aid faster digestion and metabolism.
How the Herbalife Diet Works
The Herbalife diet is designed to help people lose weight by reducing calorie intake with meal replacement shakes and boosting metabolism with supplements.
Following the Herbalife diet is relatively easy. You simply replace two meals each day with Herbalife shakes and take the supplements that come with the program you purchased. There are no dietary restrictions on the Herbalife diet, but people following the diet are generally advised to drink plenty of water and eat small, frequent meals and snacks that include fruits and vegetables. There are no official recommendations for how long to stay on the Herbalife diet, but most people continue until they reach their weight loss goal.
Read also: A Detailed Look at Herbalife
Herbalife Weight Loss Programs
There are three versions to choose from (3):
- Quickstart Program: includes one container each of Formula 1 Select meal-replacement shake, Formula 2 multivitamins, Formula 3 Cell Activator antioxidant capsules, and a powdered Herbal Tea Concentrate
- Advanced Program: includes everything from the Quickstart Program plus two more supplements - Cell-U-Loss for reducing fluid retention and Total Control for boosting your metabolism and energy levels
- Ultimate Program: includes everything from the Advanced Program plus two additional supplements - Snack Defense for blood sugar management and Aminogen for digestion
Ingredients in Herbalife Products
Herbalife products contain a variety of ingredients, including:
- Formula 1 Shake Mix: Soy protein, fructose, cellulose powder, corn bran, guar gum, minerals, rice fiber, soy lecithin, canola oil, carrageenan, medium chain triglycerides, citrus pectin, psyllium husk powder, ginger root powder, proteases of Aspergillus, honey powder, ascorbic acid, dl-alpha tocopherol, papaya fruit, carotene, pantothenate, bromelain, papain powder, folic acid, pyridoxine, thiamine, riboflavin, cholecalciferol, cyanocobalamin and several minerals.
- Formula 2 Multivitamin Complex: Vitamins A, C, D, E, B6 and B12; thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, biotin and pantothenic acid; calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium zinc, selenium, copper, manganese and chromium; potassium, vanadium, lycopene, and proprietary“herbal blend”
- Formula 3 Cell Activator: Alpha lipoic acid (150 mg), aloe vera concentrate (52 mg), shiitake mushroom (15 mg), pomegranate rind extract (11 mg), Rhodiola root extract (10 mg), dried pine bark extract (2 mg), resveratrol (0.9 mg)
- Prolessa Duo: Safflower, palm and oat oils; glucose syrup, sodium caseinate, silicon dioxide, ascorbyl palmitate, phosphates, soy lecithin, tocopherols, natural flavors
- Total Control: Ginger root, green tea leaf, oolong tea leaf, black tea leaf, and pomegranate rind powder extracts
- Cell-U-Loss: Corn silk (134 mg), parsley herb (10 mg), dandelion leaf (10 mg) and asparagus root extracts (5 mg); sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium
- Tri-shield: Vitamin E (2 IU), Neptune Krill Oil (300 mg), Omega-3 fatty acids (45 mg).
- Core Complex with CoQ10 Plus: Vitamin D (600 IU), E (18 IU), B6 (4 mg) and B12 (12 mg), marine lipid complex (fish oil: 1.5 g), phytosterol esters (1.3 g), omega-3 fatty acids (717 mg), Neptune Krill Oil (300 mg), hawthorn fruit extract (30 mg), coenzyme Q10 (100 mg)
- Herbalifeline: Vitamin E (8 IU), marine lipid complex (fish oil: 758 mg), Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish Oil: 336 mg)
- Niteworks Powder Mix: Vitamin C (500 mg), vitamin E (200 IU), folate (400 mcg), calcium (66 mg), proprietary protein blend (L-arginine, L-citruline: 5.2 g), L-taurine (300 mg), lemon balm extract (50 mg), alpha lipoic acid (10 mg)
- Mega Garlic Plus: Vitamin C (70 mg), calcium (44 mg), phosphorus (34 mg), garlic power (600 mg)
- CoQ10 Plus Softgel: Vitamin D (600 IU), coenzyme Q10 (100 mg), docosahexaenoic acid (from Algal oil: 100 mg), Hawthorn fruit extract (30 mg)
- Xtra-Cal Advanced: Vitamin D (134 IU), calcium (334 mg), magnesium (67 mg), zinc (2.5 mg), copper (.33 mg), manganese (.33 mg), boron (167 mg), herbal blend (20 mg) [tumeric root and rose hips powder]
- Woman’s Choice: Soy isoflavone (150 mg), kudzu extract (75 mg), chaste berry extract (40 mg)
- Triple Berry Complex: Cranberry Powder (510 mg), bilberry extract (51 mg), blueberry powder (51 mg)
- Tang Kuei Plus: Vitamin C (8 mg), Tang Kuei root extract (200 mg), passion flower extract (30 mg)
- Ultimate Prostate Formula: Vitamin E (12.5 IU), selenium (12.5 mcg), saw palmetto lipid extract (160 mg), pumpkin seed oil (50 mg), lycopene (tomato extract: 0.5 mg)
- Male Factor 1000: Vitamin C (50 mg), calcium carbonate (96 mg), male factor blend (380 mg): [Green Oat, Nettle Leaf, Sea Buckthorn Juice, Clycine, Dextrose, Asian Ginseng, Eleuthero Extract]
- Prelox Blue: Protein (2 g), L-arginine, aspartic acid, L-taurine, pycnogenol (dried pine bark extract)
- Ultimate Prostate Formula: Vitamin E (12.5 IU), selenium (12.5 mcg), saw palmetto lipid extract (160 mg), pumpkin seed oil (50 mg), lycopene (tomato extract: 0.5 mg)
- Kid’s Shakes: Soy protein, fructose, sugar, maize dextrin, whey protein. Vitamins A, C, D, E, B6, B12, calcium, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc
- Multivites: Vitamins A (2500 IU), C, D, E, B6 and B12, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc
- Kindermins: Vitamin A (1500 IU), C, D, E, B6 and B12, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, calcium, iron (7.5 mg), magnesium, zinc
- Joint Support Advanced: Selenium (23.3 mcg), copper (0.33 mg), manganese (0.67 mg), glucosamine (500 mg), Scutellaria baicalensis extract (160 mg)
- Ocular Defense Formula: Vitamin A (1250 IU), C (80 mg), and E (7.5 IU), selenium (22.5 mcg), copper (0.45 mg), lutein (6 mg).
- Active Fiber Complex: Sugarcane fiber, maize dextrin, maltodextrin, citrus fiber, soy fiber, inulin, carboxymethycellulose, silicon dioxide (total 5 g of fiber)
- Herbal Aloe Powder & Concentrate: Aloe vera concentrate (inner leaf)
- Florafiber: Cellulose powder, microcrystalline cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, stearic acid, apple pectin, psyllium seed, lactobacillus acidophilus
- 21 day Herbal Cleansing Program: Calcium (150 mg), herbal blend of milk thistle extract, insulin, beet root, lactobacillus acidophilus, hesperidin complex, apple pectin, lemon pectin, chamomile extract
- Garden 7 Phytonutrient Supplement: Vitamin A (1676 IU) and C (65 mg), calcium, riboflavin, garlic, carrot, broccoli and spinach powder, Hesperidin, quercetin, grape skin and cranberry extract, allicin, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin
- RoseGuard: Vitamin A (2500 IU), C (30 mg) and E (15 IU), calcium (33 mg), Astragalus root (510 mg), rosemary leaf (210 mg) and turmeric root (80 mg) extracts.
- Schizandra Plus: Vitamin A (2500 IU), C (40 mg), E (20 IU) and B6 (10 mg); calcium (16 mg) and selenium (35 mcg).
Potential Benefits of Herbalife
Herbalife can help you lose weight because the nutritional shakes create a calorie deficit that can result in some weight loss.
- May Contribute to Weight Loss: Studies show that meal replacement shakes may help with weight loss when used for up to 1 year. Research suggests that they may be more effective for short-term weight loss than traditional low calorie diets.
- Convenience: Meal replacement shakes like the ones used in the Herbalife diet can dramatically cut down the time required for meal prep. They don’t even require a trip to the grocery store.
- Easy to Prepare: To make the shake, all you have to do is mix 2 scoops of powder with 8 ounces (240 mL) of nonfat milk and enjoy. You can also blend the powder with ice or fruit for a smoothie-style drink.
- Options for Allergies and Sensitivities: Herbalife offers an alternative meal replacement shake called Protein Drink Mix Select that’s made with pea, rice, and sesame proteins, which could be an option for those with allergies or sensitivities to soy or cow’s milk.
- Non-GMO: Herbalife works for those who wish to avoid GMOs.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Even though Herbalife products have all these great benefits and reviews, there are a few things that could be improved with the products. Some dieters have reported mild to serious health complications after using Herbalife products.
- High Sugar Content: These shakes contain more than the recommended amount of sugar and pose a concern for diabetics and others that are conscious of sugar intake.
- Artificial Ingredients: In addition, artificial flavours, colours, and preservatives can cause reactions in some people.
- Cost: Overall, Herbalife products may be considered pricey compared to similar products. The cost of Herbalife products can vary depending on the product and the location where it is purchased. The pricing of Herbalife products varies depending on the specific product, the region where it is purchased, and the individual distributor. The products are sold through independent distributors who increase the price. You can also buy products directly from the company if you are a Herbalife Preferred Customer. These programs cost roughly $125-$241 per month.
- Restrictive Eating Patterns: Restrictive eating patterns are nearly impossible to maintain over time. Remember that Herbalife products are not realistic as a long-term solution to weight loss.
- Liver Damage: There have been some reports of liver damage associated with using Herbalife products. For example, in 2007, the Israeli Ministry of Health issued a warning about Herbalife products after multiple cases of liver damage were reported in individuals who had used the products. In 2011, a case study was published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology in which a woman developed a liver injury after using Herbalife products for four months. Some Herbalife products are also suspected of containing heavy metals.
- Kidney Problems: Many Herbalife products are high in protein, which could impair kidney function among those with kidney disease. Certain Herbalife products are high in phosphorus and potassium, two nutrients that those with kidney disease should limit. Some Herbalife products contain caffeine, which may increase blood pressure levels and cause kidney damage if consumed in high amounts. Caffeine may also contribute to kidney stones, although the research on this topic is mixed.
- Not FDA-Approved: Herbalife products are not FDA-approved because FDA doesn’t approve non-drug cosmetics, food, or dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness.
- Not Suitable for Everyone: If you are underweight or have any pre-existing eating disorders, like anorexia, starting a Herbalife diet program is inappropriate. Herbalife explicitly states that its products have not been tested for safety of use during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. Herbalife products are formulated to meet the needs of adults. People with allergies, sensitivities, or intolerances to the ingredients in the shakes or supplements should not follow this program.
Other potential side effects
Researchers conducted worldwide have proved that the health mix has various side effects.
Read also: Benefits of Herbalife
- Stress associated with metabolism: The liver plays a major role in maintaining the metabolism of the body. The majority of the products, especially the protein shakes, have a high protein content.
- Dehydration Risk: The presence of some ingredients like caffeine increase the risk of dehydration as it increases the urine output.
- Excessive Nutrient Intake: Overconsumption of Vitamin C leads to the formation of kidney stones in the individual.
- Headaches: Headaches are one of the main side effects of Herbalife products that affect a lot of people.
- Allergic Reaction: The presence of certain products can increase the chances for allergic reactions. The intensity may vary from individual to individual.
Herbalife products may cause liver damage
Lately there has been an increased consumption of herbal preparations, distributed as nutritional supplements, often claimed to be ‘natural’ and harmless. However, as their use is not subjected to strict pre-marketing testing and regulations, their ingredients are not clearly defined and there is no quality control or proof of their effectiveness and safety. A growing body of references accentuate their harmful effects, in particular hepatotoxicity, which varies from minimal hepatogram changes to fulminant hepatitis requiring liver transplantation. This case report describes liver damage that was highly suspected to originate from Herbalife® products consumption. We excluded alcohol, viral, metabolic, autoimmune and neoplastic causes of liver lesions, as well as vascular liver disease, but we noticed a connection between the use of Herbalife® products and liver damage. The exact mechanism of liver damage in our patient was not determined. After removing the Herbalife® products, liver damage resolved and there was no need to perform liver biopsy.
Recommendations for Safe Use
Herbalife products are perceived to be safe for adults to use. Certifications and several positive reviews from existing customers back the safety of the products. However, consulting your healthcare provider to ensure the products are right for you is best.
If you have kidney problems or are prone to developing kidney stones, it’s best to talk with your healthcare provider before starting any supplements that contain caffeine.
Here are some recommendations for safe use:
- It is mandatory that one should consult a medical professional before starting a new dietary supplement, especially if you have any existing issues related to kidney or liver. Consult your medical professional and develop a clear cut idea about the protein that you specially need.
- Make sure that you are drinking a sufficient amount of water to help your kidneys to flush out the toxins in the body and maintain a balance in the electrolytes.
- One should strictly adhere to the instructions listed in the product as well as the usage.
- Carefully observe the list of ingredients. So, it is always advisable to seek a medical opinion before trying these products which are easily available in the markets.