Tranont is a multi-level marketing (MLM) company based in Utah that sells a range of products, including nutritional supplements, beauty products, tax and wealth management advice, scented candles, and CBD-based bath products. Founded in 2013 by Lorne Berry, Russ Losee, and Scott Bland, Tranont aims to "impact 1 billion lives" by offering products and business opportunities. One of their nutritional supplements is Tranont Transform, which is marketed for its potential to improve gut health and aid in weight management.
Understanding Tranont's Approach to Health
Tranont emphasizes the importance of gut health, asserting that the body’s gut balance can significantly impact skin, mood, weight, immunity, and brain function. While the significance of gut health is acknowledged, the company's claims are often made without sufficient scientific evidence.
Red Flags in Marketing Tactics
Tranont, like many MLMs, uses marketing tactics that raise concerns. The company often uses words like "transformation" and "own your own business," which are common red flags in the MLM industry. MLMs are a $42 billion industry, yet only 25% of MLM salespeople earn money. MLMs also tend to target women. Associates who reach targets even become ‘Jeep Earners’ and are rewarded with a Jeep embellished with Tranont’s logo! As Abby Langer, a Registered Dietitian, notes, the focus is often more on sales and recruitment than on genuine health and wellness.
Tranont Transform: Claims vs. Reality
Tranont Transform is marketed as a product that can help with blood sugar and weight loss issues. However, it's important to approach these claims with skepticism. The product is $65 for a 10-day supply.
Proprietary Blends and Lack of Transparency
Tranont's nutrition products often use "proprietary blends," which means the company does not have to disclose the exact amount of each ingredient. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess the true efficacy and safety of the products.
Read also: Analyzing Tranont Weight Loss
Questionable Claims About Blood Sugar Transformation
One of the most concerning claims about Tranont Transform is that it can "transform" sugar into fiber. This claim is misleading, as sugar cannot simply be converted into fiber. While there is ongoing research into using enzymes to make sugar healthier, this research is still in its early stages and primarily focused on animal studies.
Tranont Enrich: Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics
Tranont Enrich is another product designed to support digestive health. It claims to optimize digestion, increase nutrient absorption, and improve metabolism.
The Role of Enzymes
Enrich offers a full-spectrum enzyme blend to help support healthy digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall wellness. Since proteins, plant fibers, carbohydrates and fats are all broken down differently, you need a wide spectrum of enzymes to optimize digestion. The product includes a blend of digestive enzymes such as amylase, sucrase, and protease.
Probiotics: Quality and Efficacy
While probiotics can be beneficial for gut health, the quality and efficacy of the probiotics in Enrich are questionable. Some probiotics may not survive the acidic environment of the stomach, rendering them ineffective.
Potential Side Effects and Safety Concerns
The use of dietary supplements, including those sold by Tranont, carries potential risks. It's crucial to be aware of these risks and to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplement.
Read also: Does Tranont Weight Loss Really Work?
Liver Toxicity
Some ingredients commonly found in weight loss supplements and fat burners have been associated with liver toxicity. A case study detailed a previously healthy 28-year-old female bodybuilder who developed fulminant hepatic failure requiring a liver transplant after taking a multi-ingredient supplement containing usnic acid, green tea extract, and guggul tree extract.
Usnic Acid
Usnic acid, derived from lichen species, is used in some weight loss supplements. It has been linked to liver-related adverse events, including mild hepatic toxicity, chemical hepatitis, and liver failure. Usnic acid has been shown to uncouple oxidative phosphorylation, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibited ATP synthesis.
Green Tea Extract
Green tea extracts, often marketed for weight loss, have also been associated with liver damage. Some studies have shown that epigallocatechin-3-gallate, a key constituent of green tea extracts, can cause mitochondrial toxicity and the formation of reactive oxygen species.
Gum Guggul
Gum guggul, an extract from the Commiphora mukul plant, is used for its hypolipidemic properties. Side effects can include skin rashes, irregular menstruation, diarrhea, headache, mild nausea, and, in high doses, liver toxicity.
Regulatory Oversight
It’s important to note that the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements in the same way as drugs. Manufacturers are not required to provide safety data to the FDA, which means that the safety and efficacy of supplements are not always rigorously tested.
Read also: Are Transform Pills Safe?
Customer Reviews and Complaints
Customer reviews of Tranont products are mixed. Some customers report positive experiences, such as weight loss, increased energy, and improved focus. For example, one customer stated they have been on the DHS system for four months and have lost 31 pounds so far and the inches are melting off. They feel fantastic, are sleeping better, are more focused and have more energy to get through the day. Another customer with autoimmune issues reported that they have found the answer for their symptoms, with hair growing back and a loss of 50lbs using the daily health system.
However, many other customers report negative experiences, including a lack of noticeable results, poor customer service, and concerns about the company's business practices. Some customers have described Tranont as a "scam," citing high prices and aggressive sales tactics.
Common Complaints
- Lack of results: Some users reported no noticeable difference in their body, no increased energy and no weight loss after trying Tranont Transform.
- High costs: Several customers mentioned that the products are too expensive.
- Poor customer service: Multiple reviewers expressed dissatisfaction with Tranont's customer service, citing issues such as order errors and unhelpful support.
- MLM concerns: Some reviewers cautioned against supporting the company due to its multi-level marketing structure, describing it as a pyramid scheme.
Alternative Options and Recommendations
If you are considering using Tranont products, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks. Here are some recommendations:
- Consult with a Healthcare Professional: Before taking any new supplement, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can help you determine if the supplement is safe for you and if it will interact with any medications you are taking.
- Focus on a Balanced Diet: A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is crucial for overall health and well-being.
- Be Skeptical of Marketing Claims: Be wary of exaggerated claims and promises of quick results. Look for products that are backed by scientific evidence and have transparent ingredient lists.
- Consider Alternative Brands: There are many reputable brands of digestive enzymes and probiotics available. Look for products that have been independently tested for quality and purity.