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Reliv Review - 18 Things You Need to Know

Reliv – “Get healthier. Live happier.” Or so the company claims. Turn right, turn left, go straight – it doesn’t matter because wherever you seem to go these days, there’s a supplement company. The question is: does Reliv International rev our engines? We jumped right into the ingredients, side effects and scientific research. Then we read through as many customer reviews as we possibly could. Finally, we compiled our information to bring you the bottom line.

Reliv can be purchased through their Official Site.

Reliv Readers: Noom is offering our readers a risk-free trial, for a limited time. Click here for more information!
Overview

What is Reliv?

Reliv Inc., headquartered in Chesterfield, Missouri, operates as a wellness-focused company, specializing in the production of nutritional supplements. Adopting a multi-level marketing approach, the company has forged a global presence with independent distributors spanning 16 countries. These distributors are offered the opportunity to purchase nutritional products with the aim of enhancing personal well-being or kickstarting a reselling venture.

Reliv’s overarching mission is framed as nourishing the world, with their product range purportedly designed to furnish balanced nutrition, thereby contributing to a healthier lifestyle and overall well-being.

Among Reliv’s product lineup are three weight-loss supplements: Active, Burn, and Purify. Focusing on Burn, a fat burner within this assortment, its key components include garcinia cambogia, cissus quadrangularis, and green tea extract. What does research say these ingredients can do for your weight?

  • Nutricion Hospitalaria – “… studies suggest positive results about the effectiveness of the GC on the weight loss process. However, the ideal dosage has not been well established yet.”
  • A Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics – “Of the herbal medicines trialled in ≤3 randomized controlled trials, statistically and clinically significant weight loss compared to placebo was reported for Irvingia gabonensisCissus quadrangularis, and Sphaeranthus indicus combined with Garcinia mangostana, among others, but these findings should be interpreted cautiously because of the small number of studies, generally poor methodological quality, and poor reporting of the herbal medicine interventions.”
  • Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews – Though many studies have concluded that green tea will, in fact, promote weight loss, not all authors agree. “Green tea preparations appear to induce a small, statistically non-significant weight loss in overweight or obese adults. Because the amount of weight loss is small, it is not likely to be clinically important. Green tea had no significant effect on the maintenance of weight loss.”

Reliv Competitors

Product
Rating
Review
Plexus Slim
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Isagenix
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Juice Plus+
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Shakeology
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Noom
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Other similar products: Optimal Weight 5&1 Plan, Pure Protein

How Did Reliv Start?

Founded by Sandy and Robert L. Montgomery in 1988, Reliv emerged from the personal experiences of the Montgomerys, who were prompted to delve into the realm of health and nutrition following the untimely deaths of both of their parents. The realization of the pivotal role that good health plays led them to explore the concept of nutritional products.

During a nutrition event, the Montgomerys crossed paths with Dr. Theodore Kalogris, who shared a formula he had developed in the early 1980s. Intrigued by the potential health benefits, the Montgomerys decided to experiment with the formula, eventually asserting its substantial impact on their well-being.

In 1988, Robert and Sandy co-founded Reliv, drawing inspiration from the positive health outcomes resulting from Dr. Theodore Kalogris’ nutritional discoveries. Reliv Classic, based on Dr. Ted’s formula, became the company’s flagship product. From its humble beginnings, Reliv has grown into a globally recognized entity with over 60,000 distributors. Noteworthy is the company’s A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau website, accredited since March 25, 2012, with just one complaint closed in the last three years.

Reliv Weight Loss Products

Reliv weight loss supplements and programs include:

  • Active – plant-based protein
  • Purify – probiotic cleanse and metabolism support
  • Burn – activate metabolism
  • Fit3 Workouts
  • Fit3 Nutrition
Claims

Reliv Claims

They design their products to help you lead a healthy lifestyle and improve your wellbeing by balancing nutrition.

The supplements claim to deliver a balanced and complete blend of minerals, vitamins, proteins, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that provide your body with the required nourishment.

Ingredients

Reliv Ingredients

Reliv Inc. has evolved and prides itself in the manufacture of numerous products such as vitamins, powders, and shakes. Each product is different and contains various ingredients depending on its functions in your body. Some of the ingredients in their products include:

  • Non-GMO soy flour
  • Whey protein isolate
  • Carica papaya
  • Ascophyllum nodosum

Recently, Reliv launched a new product called Reliv Now containing LunaRich, a soy “superfood.”

According to NutrientsCarica papaya could have beneficial effects on the glucose metabolism. Frontiers in Nutrition noted that whey protein did not effect endurance from athletic training, while the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine found that whey protein could stimulate protein synthesis.

Does Reliv Work?

The company has broken down how its products work into four categories.

Bioavailability

Your body benefits from easily absorbable products.

Synergism

Reliv understands that your body benefits more when you blend nutrients. The nutritional supplement contains vitamin C, whose primary function is to reinforce the performance of Vitamin E. Vitamin D, on the other hand, helps your body to absorb calcium easier, according to the NIH National Resource Center.

How does Reliv work

Optimal Nutrition

It seeks to provide your body with more nutrients.

Quality Ingredients

The products allegedly come from credible suppliers, and they take them through a strict testing procedure during the manufacturing process. They manufacture their products in a factory owned by the company.

Even though Reliv provides what they consider evidence of effectiveness, we cannot categorically state whether or not the products work because any research they share is on ingredients or plans – not specific to Reliv.

However, we can state that there are various Reliv complaints, with many users saying that the products didn’t work. Others complained about developing allergies after taking specific Reliv products containing soy. Then some said the taste was off the mark or they experienced some side effects after that.

On a more positive note, some users said they mixed Reliv Classic with their smoothies to improve the taste.

Benefits & Results

Reliv Benefits and Results

Reliv has a team of experts who have carried out research to determine the products’ benefits and results and have listed the findings according to each ingredient as follows.

LunaRich soy powder augments the health benefits of soy to your body. Soy protein penetrates through your body to naturally nourish it with soy’s dynamic properties.

Pycnogenol is a natural antioxidant that comes with numerous health benefits. It helps your body fight inflammation, enhances blood circulation, safeguards your skin from ultraviolet exposure, and lowers blood glucose.

Details on Reliv and Weight Loss

Reliv has a fitness program they call Fit3. They designed it to help you achieve and maintain a healthy and fit body. They reiterate the importance of postponing your intentions, especially when you urge to indulge in unhealthy eating.

Assuming you get gratification from consuming a sugar-loaded pancake:

  • Will you feel the same way in an hour?
  • Are you going to regret exposing your body to high sugar levels?
  • Will you be feeling sluggish and exhausted?

Reliv believes that making such considerations can prevent you from indulging in unhealthy eating habits.

The Fit3 program consists of three products. They are:

  • Active
  • Burn
  • Purify

The Fit3 Purify, for instance, promises to cleanse your body, helping you maintain peak performance. It contains various ingredients that, according to Reliv, are all-natural:

  • According to The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, the liver produces glutathione, which helps improve liver health and the immune system.
  • A probiotic is a blend of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus that maximizes healthy bacteria in your gut and enhances digestive tract health.
  • Peppermint leaves that they claim to improve liver function and improve digestive tract health.
  • Bupleurum root extracts to detoxify the liver and improve its performance.
  • Asparagus root extracts that act as an antioxidant and is responsible for enhancing liver health.
  • Artichoke leaf extracts that reduce oxidation of fat in the liver cells.

It is unclear whether and how the products included in the Fit3 program help with weight loss. Perhaps you can find more information from your Reliv distributor. The Fit3 products are currently unavailable on their website, indicating a possible discontinuation of the Fit3 product line.

Reliv and weight loss

You should try to exercise and consult your nutritionist for healthy diet recommendations, states WebMD. If you have to supplement the diet, seek guidance from your doctor or dietician.

Directions

How to Take Reliv Products

Reliv products come in different forms, such as powders and capsules. You can swallow the capsules with water or your favorite drink.

For the powder, you can blend it with juice or prepare a protein shake.

The good thing about Reliv vitamins is their convenience and portability. You can prepare the shakes in advance and drink them on the go.

Side Effects

Potential Reliv Side Effects

Some of the Reliv shakes contain soy. Soy is an allergen, and some people complain of allergic symptoms after consuming soy products. According to customer reviews, some people experienced:

  • Upset stomach
  • Nausea
  • Shakiness
  • Itchy skin
Product Warnings

Reliv Product Warnings

You may want to avoid their products if you are soy-intolerant. Additionally, before you take any dietary supplements, it is important to research and learn about each ingredient, and its function advises the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.

Lawsuits

Any Reliv Lawsuits?

In 2010, the Environmental Research Center served the company with a letter, notifying them of their failure to inform their consumers that some of their products could expose them to lead poisoning.

In 2013, complaints on the presence of lead in Reliv’s nutritional supplement were filed in court. The company responded, saying that they had fully complied with the health and safety code.

The company would later be earmarked, citing unethical reasons. Reliv has since revised its formula to ensure that lead contents were within the recommended levels.

Cost & Where To Buy

Reliv Cost and Where To Buy

The company’s product prices are average for some people. Others, though, think differently. Prices range from $30-330 per supplement or kit.

There are various online stores where you can purchase Reliv at reasonable prices. These include Amazon, eBay, and individual distributors. You can also buy it on the official website.

Reliv Effectiveness

While supplements may nourish your body with specific nutrients, they cannot replace a healthy meal. This means that not having a healthy diet can deprive your body of essential nutrients.

If you choose to take Reliv products or any dietary supplements, they should be part of a nutritious diet. Incorporate sufficient fruits and vegetables, and remember to drink adequate water, says Dietary Supplements and the American Journal of Pharmaceutical Design

Complaints

Reliv Complaints

There are various complaints from both consumers and distributors. Some consumers were not comfortable with the taste, while others claimed that the products made them feel dizzy or itchy.

Some of these complaints can be due to soy intolerance or allergies from other ingredients.

Regulation of Reliv Vitamins

The FDA describes dietary supplements as products containing a dietary ingredient that you would take by mouth. Dietary ingredients include:

  • Amino acids
  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Herbs

The FDA advises you to consult your health practitioner before taking these supplements since the ingredients may have potent biological effects that can pose health risks to human beings.

Reliv

MLM

Reliv’s MLM Model

The company uses a multi-level marketing model, but distributor earnings seem lackluster, with management getting the lion’s share of the profits. This is a regular phenomenon with MLM companies, which is very often an unsustainable business model.

Its distributors are selling its line without qualifications to sell health products.

Since the beginning of the decade, the company has been in decline, with drops in its sales and distributor retention rates, Seeking Alpha reports.

What Users Are Saying

What Users Are Saying

“I have had great experiences with Reliv. I had headaches and muscle soreness that hindered the quality of my life for years. Since I started taking the Reliv products, I can enjoy my day feeling so good and watch my loved ones around me be blessed with feeling great with the products as well.”

“The reliv classic gave me and my husband severe indigestion. The rep said it was not the Reliv but for sure it was. Horrible company with bad customer service..”

“Good products.I think they do help. The multi level marketing gives me caution. Do they want to help me or are they pressured to make quotas and money? I am leaning toward a more tailored approach from a naturalistic provider who knows my specific needs through a comprehensive assessment,scientific research based knowledge and lab studies. I am spending over 300 a month even with 30 percent off just for my own 6 products. I am not entirely satisfied with the general guidance I have received. I need more scientific Un biased information to guide my supplement intake.”

Bottom Line

The Bottom Line on Reliv Products

Are we going to suggest you run to your nearest sales rep and pick up some Reliv products? It’s impressive to see a company operating for so long, and we find the prices to be reasonable, but we’re just not able to fully support them. The ineffectiveness of their products and the trust issues when dealing with random “sales reps” kind of leaves us with a bad taste in our mouths.

If you want to lose weight, we suggest a program that is backed by multiple clinical studies.

Among the best weight-loss systems we’ve found this year is called Noom. Noom offers its users extensive food and exercise tracking, human coaching, personalized meal plans, and more to help you lose weight the right way.

The makers of Noom are so confident that they are offering Dietspotlight readers a free trial offer for a limited time. That’s something that gets us pumped.

Learn More About Noom »
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Reliv

Q:
What is Reliv?
A:

Reliv is a company that sells nutritional supplements and weight loss products. Their product lines include supplements claiming to provide balanced nutrition as well as a Fit3 program consisting of supplements meant to aid with weight loss and fitness. The ingredients include soy protein, antioxidants like pycnogenol, and various herbs and extracts. However, there is little evidence to support the claimed benefits of these products.

Q:
What are Reliv products?
A:

Some of Reliv’s products include Defense, Reliv Now, Reliv Classic, and LunaRich X.

Q:
What are the weight-loss supplements offered by Reliv?
A:

The weight-loss supplements offered by Reliv are Active, Burn, and Purify.

Q:
What are Reliv's claims?
A:

Reliv’s products are designed to provide a balanced and complete blend of minerals, vitamins, proteins, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that nourish the body and improve overall wellbeing.

Q:
What are the side effects of Reliv?
A:

Some users have said that they have had to urinate more frequently.

Q:
Where can I buy Reliv?
A:

Reliv can be purchased using their Official Site.

Q:
Does Reliv work?
A:

Many users have written that they feel healthier by detoxing their body by frequently using this product. Their overall health and well being has increased significantly.

Q:
How does Reliv work?
A:

According to Reliv, their supplements provide balanced and complete nutrition through ingredients like soy protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The Fit3 weight loss program uses supplements meant to “cleanse,” “burn,” and “purify” the body to aid weight loss and fitness. However, there is no strong scientific evidence that these supplements work as claimed or lead to meaningful benefits. The ingredient amounts and processes are not backed by rigorous studies.

Q:
What is the price of Reliv?
A:

The price for a month supply of Reliv is approximately $30.00.

Q:
Where can I buy Reliv?
A:

This product is available through their parent website at https://reliv.com and is also available through major online retailers such as Amazon.

Q:
How should I take Reliv?
A:

One pill should be taken three times a day by mouth and rinsed down with water.

Q:
How do I contact Reliv customer service?
A:

Customer service for this product is located here Reliv International Inc Headquarters 136 Chesterfield Ind Blvd Chesterfield, MO 63005.

They can be reached by email, phone, and fax.

  • Email: comments@relivinc.com
  • Phone: 800 RELIV US (735.4887)
  • Fax: 636.537.9753
Q:
Can I return Reliv?
A:

Returns are handled either through https://reliv.com or the online merchant where the product was purchased.

Q:
What are the most common complaints about Reliv?
A:

The most common complaint is that the pill has a bitter taste to it which some users find unpleasant.

Q:
Is Reliv FDA approved?
A:

Reliv products are not approved by the FDA.

Q:
Is Reliv an MLM?
A:

Reliv is an MLM company that started in 1988.

Q:
What are the benefits of Reliv?
A:

Reliv is a dietary supplement from the Reliv International that contains a unique blend of vitamins, minerals and plant-based nutrients. The main benefit of Reliv is its ability to help promote overall health and well-being. It contains an array of ingredients such as vitamin B12, biotin, chromium, lutein and resveratrol which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, Reliv also contains key minerals like zinc, magnesium and potassium which can help support healthy metabolism and energy levels. Studies have also suggested that regular consumption of Reliv may be beneficial in promoting cognitive function, maintaining bone health and improving skin appearance. With its rich combination of potent ingredients, Reliv offers a wide range of benefits for anyone looking to improve their overall health.

Q:
Is Reliv safe?
A:

The safety of Reliv is unknown since the products have not been rigorously tested. While the company claims they are safe, there is no strong evidence to support this or to show the supplements are effective. The lack of disclosure around ingredients and amounts also makes the risks unclear. Due to the unknowns, it is best to avoid supplements like Reliv that lack scientific evidence of benefits and safety. You should talk to your doctor before taking Reliv or any supplement.

16 Reliv Reviews

  • Do Relive products go bad??
    Stacey Pittman (Verified Purchase)

    Do Reliv products go bad? I have like 5 canisters that I found in my pantry. They still have the seal on them. I was just wondering if I can open them and use them?

    Reply
    • Summer Banks FNS, SPT

      Is there a date printed anywhere on the packaging?

      Reply
  • I started taking a blood thinner and htn medication
    Anonymous (Verified Purchase)

    what medications are contraindicated with reversage by reliv?

    Reply
    • Summer Banks FNS, SPT

      Please run this question by your primary healthcare provider. We cannot answer questions that are medical in nature. Thanks!

      Reply
  • Carol Nielander (Verified Purchase)

    This causes sores in the corner of my mouth. Is there something i could add to make it less acidic

    Reply
    • Montana (Editor)

      Hello Carol. If this product is causing you to experience sores, it may be best to discontinue use and seek help from a medical professional.

      Reply
  • Is safe for pregnant women?
    Anonymous

    Is reliv safe for pregnant women in her first trimester of pregnancy?

    Reply
    • Luis (Editor)

      We recommend consulting with your primary care physician before taking this supplement to make sure it is safe for you.

      Reply
  • Anonymous

    My daughter was taken reliv (chocolate flavor) buts seens she taken in 1week i already mix reliv on her milk also on her food when she take some meal.. The distributor said that its okay if i also mix what ever my daughter like or any type of her hobby! And sudden i observed my daughter she had a side effect on her
    My baby can even talk she 2yr old but she know how she feel if she hurt or not get feeling well. She tell me that she feel itchy, having a stomach cramss.. And she got fever why?? Can anyone explain it…

    Reply
    • Anonymous

      She might have an allergy to soy, or other ingredients.

      Reply
  • Sugar free Innergize ??? Please!
    Lauretta Dane (Verified Purchase)

    I have Reliv about 15 year. We have stopped using the Innergize because of its high sugar content. With all the Diabetic population & those watching their sugar content…. and the current “Keto” diet. With you being health conscience, my question is why you haven’t develop an Innergize with a natural sage sugar free sweettner like Monkfruit or powdered Stevia. Not the Stevia That has filllers like Dextrose as a number one ingredient. “Thin Healthy Momma” has developed a Pure Stevia powder that is Amazing. Just wondering why You haven’t, as a health oriented company been able to come up with a sugar free (healthy sugar alcohol) for Innergize??? If you ever do then I will probably begin purchasing energize again. If you ever do then I will probably begin purchasing Innergize again.

    Reply
    • Carla Pence

      Good news Lauretta! Reliv now has a new lemon-lime Innergize with low sugar! YUM YUM

      As a former nurse who has taken Reliv for 19 years I can say it has given me energy and wellness I never had prior. It was not an overnight success – but a gradual improvement.
      Now 60, my husband and I do not use any daily prescription drugs. Consuming total and complete nutrition daily is our “go to” for prevention. ❤️

      Reply
  • Marilyn (Verified Purchase)

    I’ve been using Reliv products for 20 years now. Started taking them in my mid 40’s to help combat chronic fatigue. The products helped eliminate my afternoon naps, also helped eliminate mood swings due to menstrual cycles. Husband also takes the products. We are both in our mid 60’s now and take no prescription drugs. Does it work for everybody? There is no “one size fits all”. But it definitely works for us and we consider it a good investment for our health.

    Reply
  • Not Really Impressed
    Raymie (Verified Purchase)

    I have been using two Reliv products for about 3 months. My distributors came on strong as friends initially. Then they sold me on the product. I told them it wasn’t working and was advised to add a 3rd product. I’m now spending over $150 / month but don’t really see much improvement. I wanted to see if there was a marked difference, so I quit taking it and experienced shakes, extreme fatigue and dizziness. I returned to taking the products but still have the same pre-product symptoms – i.e. no real advantage. So, I am looking at the competitors.

    Reply
  • Reliv Withdrawal
    Sey Samera (Verified Purchase)

    My son has ASD. This supplement for kids had wide range of promises that it helps kids with this kind of disorder. I made him drink Reliv for 6 months. Nothing has ever changed. He is still a picky eater ,still have tantrums and still have trouble sleeping. I decided to quit giving him Reliv. And for a week, he experienced terrible withdrawal effects such as vomitting, lack of appetite, difficulty sleeping and worse tantrums. He is fine now. Still coping up with his condition. But whatever ingredient is in Reliv, I would confidently say that it isn’t natural. It seemed like my son had a drug withdrawal.

    Reply
    • Leslie

      I took reliv for more than a year. It gave me energy after about 3 months of being on it. Also got on a product of theirs called gluc affect. This product lowered my glucose from 119 to 86. Got off reliv because my husband was skeptical about it. He’s skeptical about everything pretty much. He paid for my reliv. Got back on it when I got a job. Got off of it because I wanted to lose weight and couldn’t afford both programs. Reliv works. I am going to go back on it because I have health issues and I know that reliv will resolve them. I forgot about reliv after being off of it for a while and through prayer for relief of my physical health problems God reminded me of reliv. I’m going to get back on it as soon as possible. God heals in many different ways and one of the ways He uses is reliv. I am so thankful for the reliv product.

      Reply
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