Isagenix Review: An In-Depth Look at the MLM Nutrition Company

Isagenix is a popular multi-level marketing (MLM) company that sells nutritional products designed to support weight loss, lean muscle, and overall wellness. Founded in 2002 by Jim and Kathy Coover, Isagenix has grown into a major player in the competitive health supplement industry.

But are Isagenix products really effective for achieving your health and fitness goals? How do their shakes, cleanses, and collagen drinks measure up in terms of ingredients, research, and customer experiences? In this comprehensive Isagenix review, we‘ll take a detailed look at the company and its top-selling products to help you decide if they‘re worth your money.

About Isagenix

Isagenix was started by couple Jim and Kathy Coover in 2002 in Arizona. The company follows a multi-level marketing (MLM) business structure, with products sold by independent distributors who can earn commissions and bonuses. The Isagenix product line focuses on dietary supplements and meal replacements, with a particular emphasis on weight loss.

According to the Isagenix website, the company‘s stated mission is to "impact world health and free people from physical and financial pain." They aim to accomplish this by combining science-backed products with the support of the Isagenix community.

Isagenix offers a range of nutritional shakes, cleanse drinks, snacks, and supplements containing ingredients like whey protein, plant-based protein, vitamins, minerals, herbs, and digestive enzymes. Some of their most popular items include:

• IsaLean Shakes
• Cleanse for Life drinks
• Ionix Supreme tonics
• Collagen Elixir shots
• Snack bars and treats
• 30 Day Weight Loss System
• 9 Day Cleanse

Isagenix has seen impressive growth and now operates in over 15 markets globally. The company has also received recognition, including being named one of Arizona‘s Most Admired Companies in 2021. However, as with any MLM, it‘s important to look closely at the products and business practices.

Isagenix Collagen Elixir Review

First, let‘s look at one of Isagenix‘s trendiest products – the Collagen Elixir. This liquid collagen supplement comes in small, 2 oz shot bottles with 5 grams of marine collagen peptides. It‘s designed to support healthy skin, hair, nails, and joints.

Ingredients

The key ingredient is collagen sourced from wild-caught cod, haddock, and pollock. Isagenix says this marine collagen has a smaller molecular size that makes it more bioavailable and absorbable than other forms.

In addition to the 5g of collagen, each serving provides:

• 50 mg vitamin C
• 30 mcg biotin
• 3 mg zinc
• Proprietary herbal blend (160 mg) – aloe vera, chamomile, acerola berry, goji berry

Other ingredients include apple juice, natural flavors, stevia leaf extract, and citric acid.

Benefits

So what does the research say about collagen supplementation? A few small studies suggest that taking 2.5-5 grams of collagen peptides daily for 8 weeks may improve skin hydration and elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Vitamin C and zinc also play important roles in collagen synthesis in the body.

There‘s also some evidence collagen supplements can have mild benefits for joint pain and bone density, although more research is needed. The biotin in the elixir may help strengthen hair and nails.

Drawbacks

At nearly $5 per shot, the Isagenix Collagen Elixir is pricy compared to many collagen powders and pills on the market. And while 5 grams is a decent dose, some studies use up to 10 grams to see skin benefits.

Also keep in mind that simply taking a supplement won‘t override the collagen-damaging effects of things like sun exposure, smoking, and eating a diet high in sugar and processed foods. Using sunscreen, eating a balanced diet, and leading a healthy lifestyle are also key for skin and joint health.

Isagenix IsaLean Shake Review

The IsaLean Shake is Isagenix‘s flagship meal replacement product, coming in several flavors like Creamy Dutch Chocolate, Strawberry Cream, and Vanilla Chai. It‘s available in canisters or individual serving packets.

Nutrition Facts

Each shake serving provides:

• 240 calories
• 24 grams protein from whey and milk protein
• 24 g carbs (8g fiber, 11g sugar)
• 5-6 g fat
• 20-23 vitamins and minerals
• Digestive enzymes

The shakes get their protein from a blend of whey protein concentrate and milk protein concentrate. Isagenix says they use undenatured whey sourced from grass-fed cows. The shakes also contain a range of added vitamins and minerals, including 20-35% of the DV for vitamins A, C, E, plus B vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper.

To add flavor and sweetness, the shakes contain fructose, maltodextrin, and the natural sweeteners stevia and monk fruit extract.

Benefits

The IsaLean shakes provide a good amount of protein, fiber, and nutrients that can make them a convenient meal replacement or post-workout shake. Whey protein is one of the most researched supplements and has well-established benefits for building lean muscle, recovery, and appetite control.

Replacing one or two meals per day with a balanced, portion-controlled shake like IsaLean may aid with weight loss, especially when combined with exercise. The high protein content can help preserve muscle and control hunger. The 8 grams of fiber also offers digestive benefits and feelings of fullness.

Drawbacks

One serving of IsaLean contains 11 grams of added sugars, which is quite high considering the American Heart Association recommends a daily limit of 25 g added sugars for women and 36 g for men. The maltodextrin and fructose may also cause blood sugar spikes in some people.

While the shakes are fortified with vitamins and minerals, they shouldn‘t be relied on as your only source of nutrition. You still need to eat plenty of whole foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats as part of a balanced diet. Replacing too many meals with shakes may lead to nutrient deficiencies over time.

Isagenix 9 Day Cleanse Review

The Isagenix 9 Day Cleanse is one of the company‘s most popular programs for starting a weight loss journey. It‘s a structured plan that combines shakes, cleanses, and snacks for the purpose of detoxing and kick-starting fat loss.

What‘s Included

The 9 Day Cleanse comes with:

• 2 canisters of Cleanse for Life powder (a total of 8 "cleanse days")
• 1 canister of IsaLean Shake
• Isagenix Snack Bites
• Natural Accelerator (vitamin and herbal supplements)

On the 4 "cleanse days", you take servings of the Cleanse for Life drink 4 times daily, along with the snacks and accelerator. This is designed to be a very low calorie fast for detoxification. The other 5 "shake days" allow you to have 2 IsaLean shakes, 2 snacks, 2 accelerator capsules, and one 400-600 calorie meal.

Ingredients

The main ingredients in the Cleanse for Life drink include:

• B vitamins
• Aloe vera leaf juice
• Turmeric root extract
• Ashwagandha root extract
• Eleuthero root extract
• Peppermint leaf
• Licorice root
• Pau d‘arco bark extract

The herbal ingredients are meant to support detoxification pathways, reduce stress, and provide antioxidants, although the evidence for their benefits is limited. The snack bites contain protein crisps and nuts, while the Natural Accelerator capsules have cayenne, green tea, cinnamon, ginseng, and kola nut extract.

Do Isagenix Cleanses Work for Weight Loss?

The extremely low calorie intake and laxative effects of the "cleanse days" will almost definitely lead to some quick initial weight loss, but most of this will be water weight rather than fat loss.

While giving your digestive system a short break can feel good mentally, there‘s no scientific evidence that we need expensive supplements and restricted cleanses to detoxify. Your liver, kidneys, and gut do an excellent job of detoxing on their own when you support them with a balanced, plant-rich diet.

As with most crash diets, the 9 Day Cleanse is unlikely to lead to lasting, sustainable weight loss. Rapid weight loss from extreme calorie cutting often leads to rebound weight gain once you resume your normal eating habits. For long-term success, it‘s better to aim for a moderate calorie deficit of 250-500 calories per day, balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity.

Is Isagenix Right for You?

Whether Isagenix products are worth it comes down to your individual goals, budget, and preferences. If you‘re looking for a convenient way to increase your protein intake or replace a meal here and there, the IsaLean shakes may be a reasonable choice. The Collagen Elixir can offer an easy way to supplement, but it‘s not a miracle solution for glowing skin.

However, Isagenix products aren‘t necessary to reach your health and weight goals. Their shakes and supplements are expensive compared to regular whole foods and many other brands. Liquid cleanses also aren‘t backed by science and can do more harm than good.

Approach Isagenix and other MLM wellness companies with a critical eye, as their distributors may make exaggerated claims to make sales. Talk with your doctor before starting any new supplements or major diet changes to make sure they‘re safe and appropriate for you.

Real Isagenix Reviews & Average Rating

To get a sense of how well Isagenix works for real customers, our team analyzed reviews from Amazon, the Better Business Bureau, and Reddit. Here‘s a sampling of positive and negative feedback:

Positive reviews:
"I credit Isagenix for helping me finally lose stubborn belly fat and curb my junk food cravings. The shakes taste great and keep me full for hours. I have so much more energy now too." – Amazon review

"Been using Isagenix products for over a year and have had great results. The cleanses are tough but make me feel amazing after. My skin is clearer and I‘m in the best shape of my life." – Reddit post

Critical reviews:
"Tried the 30 day system and only lost a few pounds, most of which I gained right back. Shakes are overpriced and not that filling. You can find similar products for a fraction of the price." – Amazon review

"Isagenix is an overhyped MLM company. There‘s nothing special about their ingredients, and the health claims are sketchy. You‘re better off eating a balanced diet and avoiding these restrictive shake diets." – Reddit post

Overall, Isagenix products have very positive reviews on their website, but more mixed ratings of about 4/5 stars or B+ ratings on independent sites like Amazon, BBB, and TrustPilot. Many customers report positive experiences with weight loss, energy levels, and overall health. But there are also complaints about the high prices, difficulty canceling auto-ship orders, and persistent sales pitches from distributors.

Where to Buy Isagenix Products

You can purchase Isagenix supplements on their official website, through independent distributors, or on Amazon. Prices vary depending on the product and whether you sign up for autoship:

• IsaLean Shake canister (14 servings): $53.27 retail, $44.00 member price
• Collagen Elixir 10-pack: $47.06 retail, $42.35 member price
• 9 Day Cleanse System: $207.94 retail, $176.75 member price

Shipping is free on orders over $100. Isagenix has a 30-day product money back guarantee on most items.

The Bottom Line

Isagenix offers some decent meal replacement shakes, protein supplements, and collagen products, but they‘re not necessary to build a strong, healthy body. Their famous cleanses aren‘t a wise approach to long-term weight management or detoxification.

Although many Isagenix customers report positive results, keep in mind that these products are just supplements, not magic potions. They should be used in combination with a balanced whole foods diet, regular exercise, stress management, and quality sleep. Make those foundational healthy lifestyle choices your priority, and be very skeptical of any wellness company that promises dramatic transformations from their supplements alone.

As with any pricey MLMs, investigate all costs and policies carefully before you get involved as a distributor or preferred customer. And remember, there are plenty of more affordable, science-backed paths to achieving your health and weight loss goals. It‘s up to you to decide if Isagenix aligns with your values and budget.