Are you interested in LifeVantage MLM?  Are LifeVantage products worth the money? Have you read the reviews on them? 

The anti-aging industry is booming with continual interest worldwide. The total market value of the anti-aging market worldwide is expected to grow from around 50 billion U.S. dollars in 2018 to over 66 billion dollars by 2023. So the anti-aging products business opportunity is growing with the industry and selling anti-aging products from home or online is also making money for tons of people.  A lot of companies are getting in on this huge opportunity.

LifeVantage is trying to capitalize on everyone’s desire to look and feel younger.  But does LifeVantage Protandim really work? I’ll answer these questions and more in my unbiased LifeVantage review.

Someone may have just introduced to you some “amazing” anti-aging products by LifeVantage or even the ability or promise of making money with these amazing products.

Firstly, well done for taking some time to do your own research before buying into any “life changing” product.

That’s a great way to avoid scams and instead focus on honest and legitimate ways to make money online!

To be honest and transparent with you, I don’t have any relationship with LifeVantage so I’m not here to pitch their business opportunity or any of their products to you.

Instead, after doing extensive research, I’m here to give you an independent third party review on this company and show you exactly what you really need to be aware about this company to make your own informed choices. So I will answer the all important question “Can You Really Make Money With LifeVantage?” in a number of ways: 

• On the health side, I’ll cover how effective are the LifeVantage products, do LifeVantage products work, competitors to LifeVantage, the science, and are LifeVantage products worth the money. 
• Then, on the business side, I’ll review the full opportunity breakdown and compensation plan
• I’ll also cover the pros and cons of LifeVantage and whether the LifeVantage network marketing opportunity is a good fit for you.

So that you have the full and complete picture to answer can you really make money with LifeVantage, for yourself.

LifeVantage Review Summary

Company/Product name: LifeVantage Corporation

Product Type: Anti-aging Health and Wellness Multi-Level Marketing(MLM)/Network Marketing Company

Price: $50 + Enrollment packs up to $1,250

Founder: Publicly Traded Company (CEO: Darren Jensen), Nasdaq (LFVN)

Best For: Recruiters, New Market Openings and Top 1.5% Distributors

Summary:  LifeVantage has some unique and interesting anti-aging products. They are science-based anti-aging products with the ultimate goal of ”biohacking the human body to live longer.” However, these are quite controversial at the same time and have solid competition. The main thing to know about the LifeVantage business opportunity is that it’s just like a typical MLM company which has expensive startup costs and relies heavily on recruiting, face-to-face selling and training others to recruit.

Rating: 25/100

What is LifeVantage MLM?

So firstly, what is LifeVantage about?

LifeVantage is one of many nutraceutical companies.  LifeVantage’s angle in this industry is they claim to be the leader in “Nrf2 science”. Thіѕ Nrf2 рrоtеіn “serves аѕ a “mаѕtеr rеgulаtоr” оf thе bоdу’ѕ аntіоxіdаnt response” and “аlѕо rеgulаtеd gеnеѕ involved іn thе рrоduсtіоn оf a wіdе range оf аntіоxіdаnt еnzуmеѕ”. “(including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione, and catalase), and detoxification or ‘‘stress-response’’ genes.”  “In effect, Nrf2 activation enables our cells to make their own “medicines” to help us survive – аnd thrіvе – in ѕtrеѕѕful ѕіtuаtіоnѕ.” (Source: Nrf2 science)

That’s a lot of science, but basically this can help you to reduce free radicals in your body, improve your health and potentially live longer.

In plain language, so what are the benefits for you?

Our body ages because our cells get oxidized due to normal ageing from wear and tear and all the chemicals, pollution and stressors we face in our daily lives.  Think of it like a cut apple or avocado turning brown, that’s oxidation caused by rogue unstable molecules called free radicals. Smoking cigarettes is a sad example, with 69 different chemicals in a cigarette, this oxidation is like extreme rusting inside your body.  That’s why people who smoke age so much faster.

So that’s why you’ve probably heard a lot of companies and people talking about antioxidants when they’re promoting supplements that improve our health.  It is widely accepted that antioxidants are good and we don’t get enough from our vegetables, fruits and food alone.  That’s why around 75% of people take supplements.

So, LifeVantage is basically trying to reduce “oxidative stress” and aging to our body through their science-based anti-aging products. Thеу describe аll this as “nеw ѕсіеnсе саllеd nutrigenomics; rеѕеаrсhіng, tеѕtіng, and creating рrоduсtѕ tо address thе bіосhеmісаl еffесtѕ оf aging, wіth thе ultіmаtе gоаl оf biohacking thе humаn bоdу tо live lоngеr.” (source: LifeVantage.com)

Is it really true and do they deliver what they promise? You can see for yourself very soon.

Some Background On LifeVantage First…

LifeVantage was incorporated in June 1988 under the name Andraplex Corporation. They changed their corporate name to Yaak River Resources, Inc. in January 1992, and subsequently changed it again in October 2004 to LifeLine Therapuetics, Inc. And in March 2005, they acquired all of the outstanding common stock and finally changed their name to LifeVantage Corporation in 2006.

LifeVantage started as a traditional retail company. The three founders were Bill Driscoll, Paul Myhill and Dr. Joe McCord.

Later on, in 2009 they adopted the Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) business model as a way of generating more sales by direct selling and where people (distributors) start recruiting people into the system and sell products.  If you want to learn more about their origins and history, or what is LifeVantage Protandim, simply look up protandim on Wikipedia.

At present, LifeVantage is a publicly traded company on Nasdaq with the symbol “LFVN”.

What really got my attention is one of the industry’s good scientists Dr Brian Dixon with a Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology joined LifeVantage as Senior Vice President of Research & Development.  Dr Brian Dixon was previously with the industry’s leading cellular nutrition company USANA Health Sciences as Executive Director of Scientific and Clinical Affairs.

USANA has a team of about sixty scientists dedicated to innovation, science, research and development (R&D) to produce the best products for all people that work at the cellular level. So Dr Dixon was one of many and can be replaced in such a large team.  But I’m curious, did he leave because of his past studies, or career progression/money, or are LifeVantage really trying to up their game and quality of products?

Dr Dixon earned a Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology from Oregon State University’s Linus Pauling Institute, where his research focused on the underlying biochemical and cellular mechanisms of aging, including Nrf2.

Whatever the reason for Dr Dixon leaving it’s fair to say given his background he should over the next few years (given a free hand) improve the quality and competitiveness of LifeVantage’s products.

Is there a market for their products?

Yes!  This simple Google Trends search shows there is a healthy interest Worldwide for anti-aging products or services.  It also shows that the North American and key asian markets where anti-aging is most popular.

Also the anti-aging niche is part of the growing and broader “$300 Billion anti-aging health and wellness industry” according to one of their promotional video’s.

What are LifeVantage Products?

Being a health and wellness MLM company, their products revolve around looking younger, getting healthier and fighting the effects of aging.

They have a solid product line that covers all these aspects, even your pet dog!

These are their main products:

Protandim (Nutritionals) – This is their flagship product and also the foundation of their science that’s reflected throughout their product range.  This is also the most controversial. It’s basically a dietary supplement and claims that “Protandim Nrf2 and NRF1 Synergizers effectively reduce oxidative stress and support mitochondria function to fight the effects of aging.” It is also available for dogs!  So if you believe that is true, you’re more likely to buy the rest of the product range below.

TrueScience (Beauty) –  This skin care regimen is scientifically formulated with Nrf2 technology to create healthier and more radiant looking skin from the inside out.  This includes facial cleanser, perfecting lotion, eye serum and anti-aging cream. Also a Hair Care System scientifically engineered with Nrf2 ingredients.

AXIO (Energy) – Energy drink specifically formulated to give energy to your mind, as well as your physical body. It claims to give long-lasting mental clarity, heightened concentration, and sharper focus without the stressful jitters often experienced with energy drinks.  Again it is engineered with Nrf2 ingredients including B Vitamins, Magnesium, Caffeine Anhydrous, DMAE, Great Tea Extract, Pine Bark Extract, L-Theanine and Quercetin. It also comes in a Decaf version.

PhysIQ (Fitness) – Supplements and powders that help you lose weight, burn fat and supplement protein.  PhysIQ claims to be scientifically engineered specifically to keep your body optimizes for health as a “biohacker’s approach to weight management”.

Pets – Petandim for Dogs is the dog-friendly formula of Protandim Nrf2 Synergizer based on anti-aging science.

Overall, the products from LifeVantage in comparison with the competition mentioned below are not as unique as the company implies. The marketing of their whole product range is around this “Nrf2 pathway”.  But they have stiff competition even on their key selling point.  I have reviewed health and wellness companies like this in depth for many years.

The product range appears to be “same old, same old” but with their unique spin being the “Nrf2 science and pathway” to counter oxidative stress leading to better health and even addressing the biochemical effects of aging.

LifeVantage MLM Review – What About LifeVantage Product Quality?

In doing proper due diligence of the products or LifeVantage MLM opportunity, next let’s look at the common questions around quality:

1. Competition – How Does The LifeVantage Product Range Compare?
2. Are The LifeVantage Products Reliable?

This is the extent of the research I’m willing to do before I put an alternative product into my mouth.  I value the health of my family, my readers and myself very highly, how about you?

Competition – How Does The LifeVantage Product Range Compare?

In comparison, let’s do a quick comparison of other leading companies in the industry:

1. LifeVantage vs USANA Health Sciences

Founded by a double Ph.D scientist in 1992, USANA Health Sciences produces pharmaceutical grade nutritional supplements that are rated the number 1 multivitamin/antioxidant supplement by the independent study “Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements” by Nutrisearch. USANA also has cellular skin health products, personal care products, energy, and metabolic control foods (weight management).  So they already cover the same product range as LifeVantage except for dogs. 

USANA’s unique advantage is that they are the cellular nutrition company, leaders in the industry in optimal health at the cellular level, so how are LifeVantage’s products any better than the industry leader?

LifeVantage Protandim didn’t make the grade for the independent Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements study by Nutriseach based on a compilation of the recommended daily nutritional intakes of 12 independent nutritional authorities.  Why? It doesn’t appear to be a multivitamin/antioxidant as such so is not independently rated by Nutriseach.  Rather Protandim Nrf2 is an “activator” and seems to be a different product category yet still claims antioxidant benefits, confused?

Look, the LifeVantage Protandim Nrf2 Synergizer may still have health benefits.  One of their sales tool audio’s “LifeVantage – Breakthrough Opportunity” says

“Protandim іѕ ѕсіеntіfісаllу рrоvеn to slow сеllulаr dаmаgе саuѕеd by free rаdісаlѕ. Taking one Protandim one time per day for 30 days turns on these anti-aging enzymes in your body. Your own enzymes eliminate free radicals at a rate of one million to one.”

Dr. Joe McCord:
“One molecule of superoxide dismutase (SOD) can react with up to one million free radicals per second every second.”

The good news for people taking USANA products, USANA’s Cellsentials contains InCelligence technology® which effect the Nrf2 pathway and a lot lot more.

Here is some information from the USANA Nutrition Science team to explain their unique InCelligence technology®:

It is definitely true that cell signaling and Nrf2 are not brand new concepts, and there are other products on the market that claim to have cell signaling compounds and also talk about it. However, USANA took it another step forward with our blend, and we are effecting several pathways including Nrf2, PPAR, NFbK, mTOR, and potentially more (we still have ongoing studies).

Also this from one of the USANA blogs explaining the revolutionary InCelligence® Complex.

“While there are many health-optimizing pathways that the InCelligence Complex supports, there are two key processes it was designed to promote:”

• “Endogenous antioxidant protection: Our bodies are equipped with a naturally powerful defense system that can protect against damaging oxidative stress: antioxidants that are produced within our cells, such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The InCelligence Complex contains nutrients that proactively support the production of these endogenous antioxidants in addition to providing their own antioxidant activity. When combined with the additional antioxidants in the formula, including coenzyme Q10, beta carotene, and vitamins C, and E, Vita-Antioxidant with the InCelligence Complex provides significantly higher levels of protection.”
• “2. Mitochondrial renewal through mitophagy…” (Extract from Source: InCelligence® Complex: 8 Ingredients)

So as you can see USANA’s CellSentials InCelligence Complex includes the benefits that Protandim claim and also Max International (claiming benefits from Glutathione) for that matter…

2. LifeVantage vs Jeunesse

These two companies look surprisingly similar. Jeunesse was founded by a couple of MLM suits in 2009.  They both are trying to get a foothold by:

• Focusing on anti-aging products
• Competing in the health and wellness niche, “trying to help people look and feel young”.
• Supposedly both are science based products for both skin care and anti-aging,
• Large startup costs, larger than many in the industry. $1,250 for those serious about LifeVantage and $1,050 to $2,050+ at the higher end for Jeunesse
• Big focus on recruiting, top recruiters love them
• Their compensation plans are also very similar

Both have plenty of controversy, mixed reviews and lawsuits too. Jeunesse has much bigger sales, passing $1.46Bn in 2018.  Whereas LifeVantage was around $226M in 2018-19 financial year.  Both have been using the MLM model since 2009, however Jeunesse has sales 6 to 7 times that of LifeVantage.  What does that suggest about LifeVantage and their product quality in comparison?

3. LifeVantage vs Max International

Founded by a corporate suit in 2006, Max International is centred on harnessing the “life-changing benefits of Glutathione – the body’s master anti-oxidant.” “Max’s patented science and supplements support the natural production of glutathione and a healthier lifestyle.”  (Source: Max International – The Glutathione Company)

So that is their approach to keeping your body healthy and young.

The Max International product range is similar to LifeVantage except for the Skin Care, Hair Care and Dogs.  So in the Glutathione versus Nrf2 approach to fighting oxidative stress, which is the better of these in what appears to be the battle for second, third to fifth place?

4. LifeVantage vs Young Living

Founded by a farmer and master distiller in 1993, Young Living is clearly the leading essential oils company.  In addition, they also have excellent products in Home and Personal Care, Wellness products, Healthy and Fit, and Beauty products.

They are slightly different to LifeVantage because they don’t have a specific product marketed as “anti-aging”.  However they do have NingXia Red a powerful antioxidant and essential oils product.  This product has an Oxygen-Radical-Absorbency-Capacity (ORAC, created by USDA researchers) score of 30,000 compared with antioxidant superfood blueberry at 2,400.  So NingXia Red is a powerful antioxidant that helps to reduce oxidative stress, and implicitly, aging to our body. In addition, they have a diverse product range with products that can be used all throughout a health conscious person’s home, body and life, so they are a reputable competitor of LifeVantage.

5. LifeVantage vs Isagenix

Founded by an experienced supplement manufacturer and formulator who does not appear to have any scientific training and two MLM corporate suits in 2002, Isagenix leads with weight loss, with the secondary product categories of performance, essential oils and fourthly Vitality & Well-Being (supplements).

Isagenix packages up products nicely so appear to be a nice earner for those who can sell them. However when you look at their multivitamins they are incredibly lower compared to USANA, at 2.5 Star rating by Nutrisearch.  Whereas USANA receives 5 Stars and the Platinum Standard for commitment to Quality, Integrity, and Community and is Editor’s Choice.

With Isagenix, I noticed that since the last time I reviewed Isagenix back in 2015, they have since added Essential Oils.  Really, they’re a weight loss products and powders specialist. Are they trying to copy Young Living? Their range also includes “Ageless Actives” so are they trying to get in on the anti-aging market too? Well I guess if there is money to be made for the MLM founders, Isagenix will follow that path.  Next!

6. LifeVantage vs Others

The list goes on and on with Nu Skin, Youngevity, Shaklee, Forever Living, Herbalife, and even health food stores offering products that claim similar benefits.  Is it hard for you and your potential customers to know where LifeVantage rates, second, third or even lower?

Are The LifeVantage Products Reliable?

You can find a lot on your own by Googling “Protandim Research” or something to that effect. Aside from the products themselves, the company history and record with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (for example) would be of interest if you were trying to build a business (I would think).

The company was warned by the FDA that it must stop suggesting that Protandim could prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. Numerous statements on the company website constituted misbranding and violated FDA regulations.  The claims on the websites www.nrf2science.com, www.lifevantage.com, and www.protandim.com were all exposed.

The FDA warning letter was part of a broad sweep against allegedly “Illegally Sold Cancer Treatments.”  These are serious issues LifeVantage. Why does LifeVantage not make its response to the FDA public?

The LifeVantage website states “The FDA warning letter from April 2017 is available on the FDA’s website. Our subsequent discussions and communications with the FDA are confidential. The FDA is not obligated to update its website when a matter is resolved – that is rarely the case and our matter is no exception. We did, however, receive confirmation from the FDA indicating that the issues set forth in the warning letter have been fully resolved. The concern in releasing this information is that we do not want to imply that the FDA endorses our company or products – as it does not.”

In a nutshell, even if the Protandim worked as claimed it does NOT replace the need or benefit of foundational essential nutrients. The great thing about the USANA’s CellSentials is that their cell-signaling complex (comparable intended function to Protandim) is just a part of their formula, not the entire product.

It appears that LifeVantage deserve credit for at least doing some research on their own product, although most of their studies have been in vitro or cell culture, and they really haven’t done any comparative studies to indicate that their formula has a unique benefit.

The primary idea was that the ingredients in Protandim work by stimulating Nrf2, a transcriptional factor that activates most of the body’s endogenous antioxidants.  While this is a good thing, there are numerous nutrients and compounds that are known to do this.

So the main question is whether there are better, more complete products that also accomplish the same thing, or would you have to take Protandim itself along with a good multivitamin/mineral supplement? 

Protandim by itself, even if it does what it claims, does not replace the need for basic nutrients found in a foundational product like the USANA’s CellSentials or HealthPak (or even a Centrum, for that matter).

Also from the five ingredients contained in Protandim:

1. The three ingredients with credible health benefits are Milk Thistle, Turmeric and Green Tea Extract.  These are all in USANA’s Hepasil DTX as only part of the InCelligence Detox-Support Complex for liver cleansing and liver health.
2. Two of these credible ingredients, Turmeric and Green Tea Extract are a mere part of the InCelligence Complex within USANA’s CellSentials.  So these two are only part of the 40+ ingredients in Cellsentials which more importantly provides essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, plus additional key nutrients. The exclusive InCelligence Complex, made using USANA’s patent-pending USANA InCelligence Technology®, goes beyond nourishing the body. It also helps activate your body’s natural ability to respond to stress and keep your cells healthy.* (Source: Ask the Scientists)
   (*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.)
3. What is concerning however, let’s look at what WebMD has to say about the other 2 ingredients:
   • Bacopa Extract is often found in memory supplements, but there is “limited scientific research to support these (common) uses.”  Also WebMD claims that it carries “a higher risk of drug interactions” and is not recommended “until further study is conducted.” (Source: WebMD.com)
   • Ashwagandha root and berry are a traditional Ayurvedic medicine in India. WebMD notes “there’s some early evidence that ashwagandha affects the immune system and helps reduce swelling from both arthritis and fluid retention. However, the practical benefits and risks for people aren’t clear yet.” (Source: WebMD.com)

What about LifeVantage Protandim Product Testimonials?

None of LifeVantage’s products are FDA approved!
However, there are loads of LifeVantage Protandim reviews and positive product testimonials in Facebook Groups and online.

My view on these testimonials…

Can you really trust people who are also selling those products to you? So you need to do your own research.

That’s why you are here. And my research does show some real concerns, controversial viewpoints and hard-hitting truths.  I was curious so googled for the LifeVantage response to the FDA letter.  It lead me to this WE UNDERSTAND THAT LIFEVANTAGE RECEIVED A WARNING LETTER FROM THE FDA, WHAT IS THIS ABOUT?  This is light on detail, they claim the issues have been fully resolved but don’t show any proof of this.

The Science

LifeVantage tries to stand apart from the crowd by emphasizing that the company is promoting “biohacking” and “nutrigenomics”.

What is “nutrigenomics”? “Nutrigenomics is an emerging science which investigates a certain area of nutrition that uses molecular tools to search access and understand the several responses obtained through a certain diet applied between individual and population groups.” (Source: ScienceDirect). So, it makes sense to then ask whether there is real science here or just neuroscience.

When it comes to health products that claim to “be all you need”, I’m naturally a skeptic. I mean, there are products out there that can promote health and even arguably better products that provide optimal nutrition at the cellular level.  Of course, many of the store bought ones probably do nothing at all.

On their website, LifeVantage makes these claims about the support for their product:

Also on one of the websites promoting LifeVantage, I noticed these claims:

“Reduces Oxidative Stress on Average of 40% in 30 Days”
“13 International Patents”
“26 Published Peer Reviewed Studies”

Sure, this may seem impressive…

Firstly, that website is out of date.  In November 2019, there was a corporate Facebook Post “Our scientific colleague, Dr. Christina Beer, was working on a research project. She found FOUR additional scientific, peer-reviewed studies on our Protandim Nrf2 Synergizer. That brings the total number of scientific studies on this one product alone to 31.”

But look what I’ve found when looking into a few of these studies.

Firstly from PubMed:

• “Longer lifespan in male mice treated with a weakly estrogenic agonist, an antioxidant, an α-glucosidase inhibitor or a Nrf2-inducer.” (Source: Pubmed)

Notable findings “a mixture of botanical extracts that activate Nrf2, extended median lifespan in males only”.  It is important to note that  this study was in mice, not humans. It found that Protandim led to a “7% increase in median lifespan of males when data were pooled across sites, but the effect was not statistically significant.” It did not significantly increase the median survival of female mice. And it did not increase maximum lifespan. Most importantly, what happens in mice may not apply to humans.

• “The induction of human superoxide dismutase and catalase in vivo: a fundamentally new approach to antioxidant therapy” (Source: Pubmed)

This seems to be the most favourable one for humans.  However it is worth noting that this is only one non-randomized, non-controlled human trial that was carried out by the company in 2006 and found that TBARS (thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances) declined by 40% with Protandim. TBARS is a measure of oxidative stress in laboratories. LifeVantage and its distributors are assuming that those findings are valid, although they have never been replicated. Why not?

It seems that customers are willing to disregard the negative evidence from human trials and prefer to rely on animal studies and in vitro studies

• Look at this next human study. I’m a runner and athlete, so this study on a human trial in athletes caught my eye.  What is surprising is the distributor sites promoting this stuff include it in their “31 Published Peer Reviewed Studies”. It’s a negative study, wow!?

“Protandim® did not (1) alter 5-km running time, (2) lower TBARS at rest (3) raise antioxidant enzyme concentrations compared to placebo (with exception of SOD in those ≥ 35 years old) or, (4) affect quality of life compared to placebo.” (Source: Pubmed)

However this study has negative results, so why is it not mentioned on the LifeVantage Protandim website?

• “Influence of Nrf2 activators on subcellular skeletal muscle protein and DNA synthesis rates after 6 weeks of milk protein feeding in older adults” (Source: Pubmed)

This recent human study “suggested that Protandim may enhance proteostatic mechanisms of skeletal muscle contractile proteins after 6 weeks of milk protein feeding in older adults.” This was a small study which only looked at laboratory tests.  It’s important to note that it didn’t report any kind of clinical improvement.

Another concern is manufacturing processes and contamination. There has already been one recall due to metal fragments in their turmeric.

Also from Google Scholar:

Here’s the first study shown on their website, published in Free Radical Biology & Medicine.

This one seems to be used to try to back up their claims. Protandim is claimed to have been clinically proven to produce a 300% increase in glutathione in rats, a key antioxidant and anti-aging factor, as published in the “Free Radical Biology & Medicine” journal.

The other studies in this journal are, this published study is related to early stage pathology of vein-graft disease,

Other studies that caught my attention are:

• this Journal of Dietary Supplements study is related to mice suffering from Muscular Dystrophy.
• I also came across this Circulation Journal article that relates to pulmonary arterial hypertension in rats.

In other words, if Protandim works at all, most of its clinical studies have been performed on mice and in vitro, and only in reference to very specific conditions.  Would you want to see more studies on humans?

Also, there are some questions to be asked about Dr. Joe McCord’s real involvement in the development of Protandim. What concerns me is that he co-authored seven studies on the product, some of which I’ve mentioned above.  These were during his stint working for this MLM company from 2006 to 2013. So are these rodent studies truly independent?

In summary: 

1. Most of their studies have been in vitro or cell culture, or in rodents, and they really haven’t done any comparative studies to indicate that their formula has a unique benefit.  Their big two seem to be  “a 300% increase in glutathione, a key antioxidant and anti-aging factor” in rats and “reduce oxidative stress by 40% in 30 days” (TBARS).

2. There have only been three studies in humans, two of which were negative. And Consumer Lab was not impressed. And another review cites “very little clinical evidence.”

3. Studies are only general. The site and team distributor sites do also have a longer list of studies, but honestly after scanning through these, I’m still not impressed. Are there any that impress you? Some of those studies take a fairly theoretical stance or talk about antioxidants or Nrf2 in general. The studies on the company’s product seem limited and they even cite some studies that found no benefit.

This can leave anyone wondering whether Protandim is any better than a store bought anti-oxidant?

4. Nrf2 is NOT unique to Protandim or LifeVantage.  Also remember that Protandim does not have a monopoly on Nrf2.  It’s in some competitors products, some leading products effect the Nrf2 pathway and a lot lot more.

5. Patents. The company uses these patents as further “evidence” that their product really works.  But realistically, does having these patents mean anything at all?  You see, getting a patent means that you have a unique product or process that you want to protect. It’s important to realize that this does not mean that the process or even the products are good in any reality. Certainly here, the existence of patents does not mean that the products from LifeVantage really work. They can seem impressive to the untrained eye and certainly seem to add to the hype up of their product even more.

6. Side Effects.  Protandim claims to be generally side effect-free, although some users have reported gastrointestinal disturbances (i.e. diarrhea, stomach ache, vomiting) or sometimes as a headache, or even a rash on the hands or feet. If this occurs to you, the manufacturer recommends immediately discontinuing use.  This is pretty heavy, so please consider asking your doctor before trying this on your own health.

Please consider this question…

Do you want to get involved in such a controversial company and product even though people may be making money and it may sound very attractive?

So when you dig deeper looking at the products, there’s a lack of evidence that Protandim and the products from LifeVantage really offer significant health benefits. But, would you know this from their website?  There’s so much hype there, that it can confuse people.

Protandim Review: Protandim Nrf2 and Nrf1 Reivew – my personal Experience and Protandim Testimonial

In doing this research and contacting a few of the LifeVantage distributors, naturally being MLM recruiters they wanted to recruit me into LifeVantage. After doing all of the research in writing this article I was unimpressed by the products, science and business opportunity. However to be fair, to satisfy my curiosity and to make this a complete and honest Protandim review, I decided to try their products.

So on 8th of March 2021, I gave up my existing nutritional regime and started with Protandim Nrf2 with 2 bottles being a 60 day supply. Then on 30 March 2021 I added a Protandim Nrf1 with 1 bottle being a 30 day supply.

For complete disclosure, I stopped using my existing nutritional regime of USANA Health Sciences CellSentials, Proflavanol C 100, CoQuinone 100 (CoQ10), Poly C, CopaPrime+ (brain) and Young Living’s Ninxgia Red. However given I still run, do an outdoor bootcamp, surf and other fitness activities, I kept using USANA Health Sciences Procosa (joints), MagneCal D (Muscles and bones) and BiOmega fish oil.

My Personal Protandim Testimonial

I started on 8th of March 2021 with only the Protandim Nrf2 and had a headache on day 4 but this passed. I also felt very low on energy in the second week of taking them. I noticed clearly a lower energy and vitality compared to my existing nutritional regime. That is when I complimented this with Protandim Nrf1 which has CoQ10 and to really test the Protandim Dual synergizer to see what they can do to my physical and mental well being.

The rest of my product experience was a big surprise and concern

I was going to the toilet all the time. Often having big bouts of diarrhea, pretty well every morning for those 60 days. At the time I did not know what was going on. I was worried and at the time did not know the cause.

About me physically, I have always been very lean and fit. I am 6 foot 2 inches tall (189cm) and for most of my adult life have weighed 169-176 pounds (77-80kg). What was alarming was that with the gut and bowel problems in March and April of 2021 I dropped to 158 pounds (72kg)! This was the lightest and weakest I have ever been in my entire adult life. A few people were noticing my weight loss too and commenting about my deterioration.

My return to good health

After my 60 days trial experience was over I went back to my previous nutritional regime on 8th of May 2021. I was unimpressed at the time but I also didn’t attribute the Lifevantage Protandim products to my gut and bowel issues. I had made no other changes to my diet and eat healthy foods.

After stopping Lifevantage Protandim products and returning to my previous nutritional regime, my daily gut problems and diarrhea stopped. I started gaining weight again and am now back to my normal healthy “playing weight” of 170 pounds (77.4 kg). At the time I didn’t know exactly why but after a few weeks I put 2 and 2 together and realised that it must have been the Lifevantage Protandim products! I have made no other changes to my diet and nutritional regime other than adding Lifevantage Protrandim products and then stopping Lifevantage Protandim products. Why did they cause me serious gut and bowel problems? I’m not alone, if you see above I had reported on these common side effects that many others experience before experiencing this myself.

There are a lot of positives from the Lifevantage protandum experience. I am now back to full health, back to my healthy weight and gut/bowel condition and have my energy back. I mean I was too light and weaker at the concerning 158 pounds and feel much better at 170 pounds. I learned so much and now know for sure that there are serious concerns for LifeVantage – their products and their consumers. I am healthy again and so glad that the Lifevantage product experience is finished!

Are LifeVantage products worth the money?

Pricing

Firstly, do you want to buy the products? Do they even work? Will they make your health worse (like me above) or better?

Also ask yourself can I sell the products to my family and friends?

The biggest part of joining and running an MLM business such as LifeVantage is trying to sell their products and recruit people to do the same.

The prices of these products are pretty expensive. Also, the website makes the buying process a bit off-putting.  You can see the pricing, add to cart BUT when you “checkout”, that’s when they make you jump through hoops…

This is how you start.  Say if you wanted to try LifeVantage Protandim Nrf2 Synergizer at US$50.99 retail for 30 tablets or US$40.99 if you commit to ordering every month.

Then when you click “Add to Cart” you see this. What the?  I just want to try the product first.

Even if you say no here, you get a second prompt similar to the first one above.  Can you see how many abandoned shopping carts LifeVantage must get?

Ok so let’s say I say “I don’t have a distributor” twice then I finally get to the shopping retail (one-time purchase) or regular monthly options.  However, you can find some information about the products on Amazon. For example, here is one listing for the Protandim bottles.

As you can see the reviews are 3 or 4 stars and within that there are noticeable negative reviews.  There are tons of LifeVantage distributors trying to get rid of their excess stock. This leaves anyone wondering:

• Why bother joining their elaborate MLM system?
• Why are so many people trying to sell products on Amazon?

Often there are distributors of an MLM company end up with more products than they can sell because of the monthly order “autoship” requirement.

There’s even a three pack there for US$119.99, so that indicates the lowest cost is around $40 per bottle for a 30 day supply.  But ask yourself, Is that even worth it for a supplement with only 5 ingredients?

Sure, I know some people do pay that much for supplements, but most don’t. So, the prices of the products are going to make it that much more difficult to make sales as a distributor.

Sure some people pay for QUALITY supplements, but are the LifeVantage products unique and worth the money?  Clearly if you want to try and see if they are worth if for you, then you can easily try them buy buying online through Amazon, eBay etc. That is entirely up to you.

So given it’s easy enough to get products without joining, LifeVantage for the products, then the next question could also be how can I get the best Nrf2?

As I mentioned earlier, Nrf2 is NOT unique to Protandim or LifeVantage.  For example, USANA’s Cellsentials contains InCelligence technology® which effect the Nrf2 pathway and a lot lot more.

Here is some more information from the USANA Nutrition Science team on their unique InCelligence technology®:

“It is definitely true that cell signaling and Nrf2 are not brand new concepts, and there are other products on the market that claim to have cell signaling compounds and also talk about it. However, USANA took it another step forward with our blend, and we are effecting several pathways including Nrf2, PPAR, NFbK, mTOR, and potentially more (we still have ongoing studies). We’ve been working on these new products and the concept for years. It took quite some time to find the right dosages, forms and combinations to be effective with multiple pathways at a dosage we could legitimately provide in a product.

Our formulas are quite different from others on the market, and keep in mind that this is but a “piece” of our CellSentials (we also provide nutrients that nourish i.e. vitamins and minerals) whereas for “other” companies it may be their entire product. One other difference between our products is that our InCelligence blend details the dosages and forms (i.e. green tea standardized to EGCG content), and we are using more bioavailable forms of certain things like the Meriva where some companies are not, making other products potentially far less effective.

Keep in mind that even if most of these products do something similar to what they claim, most contain no other nutrients and would not replace the need or benefit of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and other phytonutrients that are contained in the CellSentials.

The following link is a recent original USANA study that was presented at the World Congress on Redox Medicine and Nutrition:

Ask the Scientists – Health and Science Education – Nrf2

The following link provides all the information available on clinical research done by USANA, collaboration with other institutions, and patent information.

Ask The Scientists USANA Research

We have no argument against the real benefit and function of endogenous enzymes like SOD, catalase, and glutathione being of immense import.  Our products and a healthy diet provide the building blocks for these enzymes as well as providing additional nutritional and antioxidant benefits.  It is likely that the Cellsentials would increase glutathione levels due to several building blocks provided by the product (vitamin E, selenium, N-acetyl L-cysteine), but we haven’t specifically tested it for this.  However, we do have a very specific study on the Hepasil DTX product and its effect on glutathione and vitamin C levels, both acutely and chronically. See the following page on our science webpage:

Hepasil DTX science“

That’s a solid response and appears resounding proof that CellSentials are a better choice than Protandim, if you do the research.

There are some positives for LifeVantage’s Protandim however.  The current LiveVantage Senior Vice President of Research & Development Dr Brian Dixon (Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology) joined LifeVantage in July 2019.  Dr Brian Dixon was previously with the industry’s leading cellular nutrition company USANA Health Sciences as Executive Director of Scientific and Clinical Affairs.

In the video in this post explaining the power of InCelligence, if you scroll half way down the post, in the video Dr Dixon explains this power for cellular health and yes he was one of the 60 scientists involved in this revolutionary product.  He may be able to improve LifeVantage’s products. (Source: Ask the Scientists).

What About The LifeVantage Business Opportunity?

If you’ve read this far in the review, why would want to go further?  Well, there’s some, possible reasons:

• Their website and team websites are slick sites and marketed well
• They may appeal to some health conscious people.  Not everyone is going to be like me and do extensive research into their “31 Published Peer Reviewed Studies” and find some of the ones they promote are even negative.
• Even if people do research, and require solid independent evidence to support their claims they may not dig deep enough as I did to find out that they are pretty lacking in this area.
• Their marketing terminology like “biohacking” and “anti-aging” and their line of “LifeVantage develops nutraceutical products, including Protandim, that leverage the company’s expertise and that are intended to deliver significant health benefits to consumers.”
• They have a new decent scientist with the Senior Vice President of Research & Development.  Perhaps he can improve their products and work on getting some more solid science or independent studies to back them up.
• Notably “anti-aging” is a big market, so if you have a product that MAY work but could, if well marketed, earn you some money?
• Some people are impressed by testimonials.  Remember Donny Osmond? Here’s what Donny had to say “…close to the fountain of youth. I am thankful for being introduced to Protandim”

Ok, so if you see any opportunity here for you, let’s look at the Opportunity Breakdown.  Here are some key factors to consider:

• LifeVantage is a typical MLM company. This means for any attempt to make money, you’ll need to navigate through their complicated compensation plan.
• You can earn a commission by selling their products or by recruiting people into the LifeVantage MLM system.
• However, in order for you to become a distributor of LifeVantage, you need to go through some steps and “invest” a fair chunk of money initially and with ongoing months subscription orders.
• To start things, you need to purchase the $50 Starter Kit which has some training materials for you to get started with your business and samples.
• This is the only mandatory requirement to qualify as a LifeVantage distributor, then you must also purchase their products.
• How can you ever promote their products without first trying them out yourself?

How Much Does It Cost to Join LifeVantage?

You can do this online or on a “Independent Distributor Application” Form.  The online process is tricky to follow but essential you do this:
1. Purchase the $50 Start Kit (this has some samples),

2. Purchase one of their 3 different Enrollment Pack’s (discounted product packages).

All the Enrollment Pack’s explain that you can “save money” over the retail price and the regular order “subscription” price.  Your options are:

Silver Pack (US$300) – This is 250 PV (Personal Volume)

Gold Pack ($600) – This is 500 PV

Platinum Pack ($1,200) – This is 1,000 PV

These options and the products within each Pack vary considerably between different countries e.g. USA and Australia.  So for the USA you don’t even get the Protandim Nrf2 Synergizer OR the Protandim NRF1 Synergizer UNLESS you buy the Platinum Pack.  Whereas the Australian Enrolment Packs all include Protandim Nrf2 Synergizer AND the Protandim NRF1 Synergizers.

The savings over retail list price start 27% and up to 38%, so this may appeal if you really like the products.

So you’ll get various products that you can sell.  The prices of these Enrolment Packs do seem high compared to some other MLM companies. The big problem with buying these large Enrollment Packs is that you don’t know what is going to be the best selling products for you, and you might get stuck with some products you can’t sell. Some may even resort to Amazon, eBay and other online market places as they realize they have more products than they wanted.

When you Start Your LifeVantage Business

First the Start Kit for $50

Then an Enrollment Kit for $300, $600 or $1,200

Can you see how your costs are pretty high up front?

The two people promoting this to me were encouraging the Platinum Pack (34+ products), so that’s a very big upfront cost in comparison to the industry. By way of comparison, look at these two solid alternatives that are standouts in their respective niche’s:

• USANA Health Sciences (Cellular Nutrition/supplements, Skin Health/Personal Care, Weight Management, Energy) Start Kit $9.95 and equivalent entry pack $280, “ultimate” top pack $740 (20+ products).
• Young Living (Essential Oils, Wellness, Home/Cleaning, and Beauty/Personal Care) Starter Basic Kit $45 or Starter Premium Product Kits $150-170 (around 15 products)

Why? They told me the upfront bonus for anyone you personally sponsor as Customer and distributor is 40%.  OK so I see why they are promoting this to me, they can earn a lot more when they ask people to buy the biggest pack.

That’s not all, there’s more costs…

Let’s say I’m interested in this “anti-aging” niche, I already have a whopping $1,250 of products in my Distributor Shopping Cart. What is next?

Just like every other MLM company, you still need to meet the “subscription oder” monthly order/volume requirement so that you are eligible for commission by keeping your business “active”.  Looking at this, the 40 point minimums are Protandim Nrf2 Synergizer for $41, and Protandim Nrf1 Synergizer for $50, so this may not be so expensive IF the products work.  But I already have combined 4 of these products and lots of everything else.  Also to maximize their compensation plan, the previous compensation plan video said: “You’ll want to maintain at least 200 points of PV every single month to maximize all of your bonuses and commissions”.  The requirement from March 2023 is 150 points of PV every single month. Whoa!

So with large start-up costs, that’s one of the reasons why many innocent people get themselves further into debt by starting an MLM business with LifeVantage (there are much cheaper alternatives).  It also explains why there’s so much LifeVantage product on Amazon, eBay and online market places.

When it doesn’t work out in the end for so many people, that’s why they call it a scam.

Many people still ask what is the LifeVantage scam? Can you make money with LifeVantage?  Let’s explore this…

Can you Really Make Money with LifeVantage?

To understand if this is possible for you, you’ll need to understand this complex MLM pay structure.  So let’s take a look at it…

Opportunity Breakdown (LifeVantage Compensation Plan)

You can possibly earn income from LifeVantage in 8 different ways:

• Smart Start Bonus
• Launch Bonus
• Unilevel Commissions
• Pacesetter Program
• Generational Matching Bonus
• Elite Bonus Pool
• Rank Achievement Bonus
• Extra Business Centers

Like I’ve said, MLM compensation plans can be very complicated and hard to understand.  This one is particularly complex, so I’ll break it down as simply as I can for you. It was incredibly complicated and they changed it further in March 2023 and it’s still…….complicated!

If you want to learn more from the LifeVantage official compensation plan if you prefer a video explanation. It’s almost 23 minutes due to its complexity:

Here’s the full Compensation Plan PDF for your reference.

Having studied and understanding it fully now.  I can see that it is broken down into three broad categories of potential income: regular ongoing income, recruiting income, and super recruiters income.  Those are my descriptions to best understand them and I’ll show you what you would need to do to get them.

1. Potential regular ongoing income

The main ongoing one for chasing residual income is their Unilevel Commissions (formerly called Royalty Commissions and in the video).  Here is the eyeful explaining this that was the Compensation plan up until 1 March 2023:

What this means is they pay this to 9 levels deep. It is a bit confusing why this starts at only 2% then goes to 5%, peaks at 9% for 3rd level than drops back to 5%.  This is designed for those who recruit or train to recruit for three levels deep and deeper.

The breakdown is: the 1st level are your personally enrolled people and smallest level. They make this your smallest percentage. This then encourages you to teach those people how to recruit so once they enroll people, and the next level does the same, the biggest payout (9%) kicks in and rewards new people and encourages “duplication”. This attempts to ensure the new person stays involved by potentially paying them soon with the 5% then 9%.

The key takeaway is if you can recruit at least your first level and either recruit more or have your team recruit more, then you generally get paid 5% (with a few variations as shown in the table above).

Note the impact on the pricing of products for those at the bottom of this “tree”. The unilevel payout, once the people at the top rank advance and capitalize on all 9 levels (2,5,9,5,5,5,5,5,2) is 43% total.  When you are just starting out or your customers, when you buy the highly priced products you are effectively paying for the commissions of others.

New LifeVantage Compensation Plan 2023

This Lifevantage plan claims to be ‘enhanced’ by the ‘Presidential’ guy in the video. Take a look at this eyeful…

The key takeaways for you and anyone considering joining this LifeVantage MLM scheme are:

• The monthly personal volume (PV) requirement increased from 100 to 150 per month
• You don’t get paid anything on the people you recruit unless you meet the 150 per month Sales Volume Requirement (SVR) of sales to your customers. If you meet these first 2 requirements then you can get 5% off the people you recruit at first level.
• To increase that Level 1 earning percentage you need to sell more (SVR), have your group sell more (GSV) and you are also limited by the maximum volume rule (MVR) from any one leg.
• Yes the percentages for first 3 levels of 2% then 5% then 9% have changed from the super low 2% and illogical ‘third level deep recruiting’ peak of 9% to a higher percentage on your first level but with increasing personal volume consumed, personal volume sold, group sales volume etc. In short, you now need to spend a lot more and sell a lot more.
• It is still fricking complicated!

2. Selling Income

This one is from the new Lifevantage Compensation plan from March 2023.

• Personal Sales Bonus

When your personal Customer sales total 500 Sales Volume (SV) points a month. Whoa! That is a lot of products to sell. But if you do, then you get 5% bonus for this and this is tiered from this Onyx 5%, Emerald 10% (1,000 – <2,000) , Sapphire 15% (2,000 – <4,000) then Diamond 20% (>4,000) Levels.

3. Recruiting income

The main ones for recruiting other distributors are these:

• Smart Start Bonus (Rank Advancement Track/Accelerator Track from March 2023)

This is their front loaded recruiting bonus for enticing new people to buy one of their packs.  The bigger the pack the bigger the bonus. So this is really an upfront recruiters bonus of 40% for anyone you recruit (personally sponsor) as a distributor and also customers (only those on monthly subscriptions).  So a distributor told me “Sponsor 4 people on the Platinum pack (1,000pts) and you get US$1,600”. You get this bonus also on any products purchased by a customer within their first calendar month.

Wow, wouldn’t that be awesome to get $1,600!?  What could you spend that on? A vacation, pay all your utilities, saving towards a new car, etc.

But hold on, so to get that you’ve got to find and convince 4 people to buy 4 Platinum/Start Packs at $1,250 each.  What will they do with the 34+ products? How will they get their money back? Can you look them in the eye and do this?

If you can do those things, you’ll like the Launch Bonus and other’s for people who love recruiting.

But there is another catch.  You must have personal volume of 200 PV a month.  They allow this to be a personal minimum that you must buy of 40 PV and if you can find 4 personally enrolled customers who buy monthly they can make up the other 160 PV.  If you can’t do this, you will have to pay the whole $210-$250 plus shipping/taxes yourself. You could only do 100 PV a month but that only gives you 30% for this recruiting bonus.  If less than 100 PV a month you don’t get this bonus.

From March 2023, this appears to have changed to now be you earn $100 when you rank advance to ‘Senior Consultant 1’ during your Fast Track Period ( your enrolment month plus 3 months). There is another potential $50 bonus called Accelerator Track.

• Pacesetter Program Bonus (I can’t see this one anymore from March 2023)

This “The Pacesetter Program” is an Incentive to get to Pro 3 in the 1st 90 days after enrollment and get up to an extra $700 bonuses.  This encourages early recruitment and maintaining the organisational volume of 5,000 OV per month for 2 months to get the full bonus. This is not shown on the Compensation Plan, it is a permanent promotion.

4. Super Recruiters income

• Launch Bonus (Fast Track Bonuses from March 2023)

The next bonus recruiters will love is this Launch Bonus.  The Unilevel diagram shows their ranking system, so you need to be a Pro 3 or higher before being eligible for this.  That same diagram shows you need a regular minimum monthly sales of 5,000 OV (Organisational Volume of Team).  This is simply put as all of the Commissionable Volume that happens in your entire organization. So at 40 points for a bottle of either of the Protandim’s, you and your downlines need to be selling around 125 bottles of this.  Every month to even be eligible.

Anyway so if you can do all that AND have the Personal Volume requirement of 200 PV every month, then you can get $50 every time someone in your organization buys a $1,250 Platinum Pack.  This flows up to all Pro 3 to Pro 9 people at $50 every Platinum Pack, then drops off for the big earners Pro 10 and above (see these in that Unilevel table above). It’s less for the Gold and Silver packs, so it’s another reason why their reps wanted me to buy the big Platinum Pack….

So to get this you have to recruit or sell heavily to get that 5,000 Organisational Volume, but then it’s a nice little earner from other’s efforts for big earners up higher in their “enrolment tree”.  So these uplines are motivated to help their new reps recruit just like they did so they can get $50 every Platinum Pack.

All in all, this is designed to ensure recruiting activity, which encourages Distributors to participate in recruiting and if they can, they will last longer.

From March 2023, for every 3 customers you enrolled during your enrolment month plus 3 months (‘fast track months’) you earn $50. For each recruiter ‘consultant’ you recruit during your fast track months you can earn $50.

Rank Advancement Track – if you are paid as Senior Consultant 1 or higher, you can earn a one-time $50 Enroller Bonus anytime your newly recruited consultant earns a Rank Advancement Bonus. Then if they earn a Accelerator Track bonus, you can also get $25.

These are all the new Fast Track Bonuses.

• Generational Matching Bonus (Mentor Bonus from March 2023)

This one also starts at rank of Pro 3 rank, and you are able to earn a 10% match of your personally-enrolled Distributors’ Unilevel Commissions for first generation and then 5% from the people they enroll down to 5 levels deep (5th Generation) if you meet their requirements.

From March 2023, it seems you can earn 15% of all your new Consultant’s Commissionable Volume (CV).

The other ones that are advanced or start at the higher levels are:

• Leadership Match from March 2023

From March 2023, it seems that this is now the Leadership Match where you can be paid as Managing Consultant 2 or higher in the month. This is the sixth of their 15 levels. You can start by earning 7% on the first generation. There is a complicated table in the compensation plan you can look at (if you haven’t lost interest in the LifeVantage compensation plan already).

• Elite Bonus Pool (seems this is Leadership Pool from March 2023)

This one starts for “Elite” ranks, meaning rank of Pro 7 or higher. From March 2023, it starts from Executive Consultant, which is the 11th of their 15 ranks.

• Achievement Bonus (I can’t see this one anymore from March 2023)

Once you have achieved the sales and group volume necessary to reach the ranks of MASTER PRO 10 or higher.
Wow, so this starts at 1,000,000 minimum monthly Organisational Volume.  If you exclude the recruiting Platinum Pack, that would be 25,000 bottles of their Protandim being sold through your organisation monthly

• Extra Business Centers (I can’t see this one anymore from March 2023)

Once you have achieved the sales and group organizational volume to reach the PREMIER PRO 5 ranking, you are eligible to apply for an additional BUSINESS CENTER. This essentially allows you to become a Distributor again under yourself.

These are complex and for their big earners and basically how you can earn commissions on two levels, yourself and your new business centre distributorship.  You can read more here.

Key Takeaways from the LifeVantage Compensation Plan

• The company has developed this complex plan quite cleverly to entice people to chase ranks and income.
• There are complex leg requirements to achieve each rank.  See the “Min/Max% per Leg” on the Unilevel Commission table highlighted above.
• It really incentivises those who join to chase the rank of Pro 3 initially and to recruit or train to recruit to three levels deep and beyond.
• You’re encouraged to buy the $1,250 ProPack and the 200 monthly PV of $210 to 250 (but you can recruit personal customers to buy up to 160 points (80%) of this for you).
• More incentives as you chase rank higher notably the ELITE ranks of Pro 7 and higher and even more at MASTER ranks of Pro 10.
• The LifeVantage MLM bonuses are tricky. They are tied to your overall success. That includes the people you have recruited and the team you “build” (train to recruit) below you. You have to make a lot of progress in the company to see most of these bonuses. This approach ends up working well for LifeVantage, as it means that they only have to pay a small number of people the bonuses.
• From March 2023, they overhauled it, obviously it wasn’t working. Getting 2% on your first level under the old system was incredible low. It can be higher in the new scheme BUT you have to buy a lot more (PC) and sell a lot more (SVR), can you do that?
• If you like this product, can sell this product in the “Anti-Aging” niche with their marketing terminology, love recruiting and training others to recruit, you could possibly make some dollars here.

Can You Really Make Money With Lifevantage?

Pros and Cons of LifeVantage MLM

Pros of LifeVantage

1. Products May Work (For Some)

Even though there are so many negative reviews, LifeVantage’s products appear to still work. According to some people.

I can’t say much about the reliability of their products because this is very subjective.  However, I encourage you to read this entire review, do your own research if you want and “Buyer Beware.”

Let’s look at comments from their satisfied customers:

This may or may not by real and is from Better Business Bureau (BBB) which has very mixed reviews.  Some are positive and some are negative.  This appears more objective and credible source than the many Facebook Groups setup by distributors for Lifevantage Protandim reviews and more.  I encourage you to read the BBB reviews yourself and make up your own mind.

The effectiveness claimed is very subjective, refer to objective sources in Cons #1 below.

2. Profitable Public Listed Company

Also, as I mentioned in the beginning, LifeVantage is a public listed and traded company (Nasdaq (LFVN)).

So, that separates themselves apart from some MLM companies in the same “Anti-aging” niche and gives them some credibility.

Cons of LifeVantage

1. The Products

Whilst the compensation plan may look appealing, there are some serious considerations that people need to be aware of before even contemplating taking the products.  Science-Based Medicine have written on the warnings of Protandim many times. This article, highlights the risks of side-effects, multiple flaws in their studies, protocol violation, and other irregularities.  The conclusion highlights the reasons for concerns and comments should also be essential reading if you even considering taking their products.  It’s best to be “buyer beware” as it is your health that is at stake. Author Harriet Hall, MD writes about pseudoscience and questionable medical practices.

2. The Products May Struggle To Compete With The Solid Competition

If you have read this far in the review, you’ll realise that USANA Health Sciences is in a different class to LifeVantage in terms of products, manufacturing, founder, science, athletes, awards etc.  Well what about the other competition in the battle for second place even the top 10.

See the written analysis in section above “Competition – How Does The LifeVantage Product Range Compare?”, I touched on LifeVantage vs Jeunesse and LifeVantage vs Max International that are perhaps the most similar.  Also there is LifeVantage vs Nu Skin (anti-aging) How are LifeVantage any better than these three companies or even others?

Then when you go further down, what about for example Youngevity, Rodan + Fields (Skin care dermatologists backed), Younique (Skin Care), Ariix (Personal care, cosmetics etc), and even Pruvit (Ketones).

Can you see how much competition LifeVantage has against the other companies?  What is so special about LifeVantage against the other companies?

3. Expensive to Get Started

As mentioned above, the upfront cost of $50 plus the Platinum Pack $1,200 that their reps want you to buy are pretty high up front?

The two people promoting this to me were encouraging this Platinum Pack (34+ products), so that’s a very big upfront cost in comparison to the industry. I’ve highlighted earlier above, there are two solid alternatives that are standouts in their respective niche’s that are both substantially cheaper.

Why do they want you to buy the Platinum Pack totalling $1,250?  Here’s what I was told, It’s “recommended for those who want to build the biggest businesses. They have looked at the Income Disclosure Statement and advised they want to make Pro 5 income or greater.”

But consider this, the person you may be talking to is likely to receive 40% bonus on your starter products. Also, before you “invest”, perhaps ask yourself how can you use or sell those 34 products?

4. High Monthly Costs Before You Can Earn 100% of The Commissions

To get the full benefits of their compensation plan you need to have monthly personal volume of 200 PV. This costs around $210 to $250 every month.  You must buy a minimum of 40 PV yourself but you can recruit personal customers to buy the other 80% of this for you. Experienced recruiters can do this, can you?

If you can’t, $210-$250 every month can be a very real issue for those that are struggling with day to day costs.

If you can’t achieve these purchases every month, you’ll lose any points accumulated and can’t earn any commissions. So like many in the industry, to get paid, you have to “pay to play”.

5. What About The LifeVantage Business Opportunity? Can You Make Money with LifeVantage? Success Chances are all up to you, but…

Ok so you’ve read this far and want to know can you make money with LifeVantage? This is the real challenge. LifeVantage’s own income disclosure reports indicate – probably not, let me explain why.

Because of the complex compensation plan, to have better chances of regular income you have to recruit or train to recruit at least three levels deep and beyond.  And ideally train others to do the same. Think about that for a moment, could you ever do that?

6. Most Associates Earn Almost Nothing 

With 8 ways of potentially earning money, and if you can get your downlines recruiting for you, the opportunity might seem like a possible way to earn money. However, a big issue with the compensation plans for so many MLM’s is they get complicated quickly.  Particularly with what may appear attractive in “theory”, however in “reality” they are harshly different from each other.

Check out these statistics that highlight that people struggle to make money with LifeVantage with only a minuscule percentage of people make full-time earnings:

When you look at the stats, the average monthly commissions for the top seven ranks may get you excited. However, let’s look at reality.  Almost 73% of their paid distributors earn less than $636 average monthly commissions. The whole table only adds up to 76.74% for these “paid distributors”, so the 23.21% balance must by unpaid distributors earning nothing.  So that makes it almost 96% that earn less than the $636 monthly.

Looking at the higher end for those same 2 columns, less than 1.5% of total associates made more than $2,922 per month.

This means that your chances of earning a full-time income with LifeVantages are extremely low. With these statistics, what are your chances of making the top 1.5% and making decent money?

So these income statistics show it is very hard for people to make a full-time living or even make enough money to recover their initial investment costs.

According to FTC, pyramid schemes are businesses that focus on recruiting instead of providing products or services.  I know that LifeVantage does have its own products that people are required to buy, but really? For what appears to be similar in nature to a “pyramid scheme in disguise” with less than 1.5% of all distributors earning anything decent, what do you think the FTC would think of this?

Looking at these numbers, it comes as no surprise that in January 2018, a class action lawsuit was filed against LifeVantage in Connecticut alleging that the company and certain of its executives were operating an illegal pyramid scheme in violation of the federal Racketeer Influenced & Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, federal securities laws, and the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act. The latest I could find on this lawsuit is here.

Also, these statistics don’t take into account how much work is actually involved in earning this money. This isn’t a passive business and you will need to actively recruit, sell, promote the company, and train others to recruit etc. to have any chance of success.  And you must be constantly doing all these things.

7. Recruiting

Do you like recruiting? Like so many home based businesses, you have to be diligent and consistent to grow your business. To have any chance of success in growing any MLM especially LifeVantage, you have to be recruiting right from the start to have any chance of getting your money back.

The biggest challenge with any MLM is that most people start out with a limited number of people they can actually recruit. Specifically, the ideal is for you to recruit or train to recruit to three levels deep, so then you are supposed to help those newbies to then go and recruit more.

Perhaps what the LifeVantage distributor may present to you is like the “textbook ideal scenario”.  Something like, if you join, you can eventually help people you recruited to recruit others.

However, the reality is that not all people can recruit, even if you can right? So you’ll have the burden of constantly trying to find and recruit additional people yourself. Just thinking about this, how does that make you feel?

It’s a real juggling act.

Recruiting others, trying to train newbies to recruit, and making sales in this type of MLM company is forever challenging.   Plus knowing that according to LifeVantages own income statistics (refer here to read more on “Most Associates Earn Almost Nothing” above):

• only 1.5% of all distributors ever make the big dollars.
• almost 96% of people that you could find will earn less than the $636 monthly.

How does that make you feel?

Plus even if you can go through with that in good conscience, you ideally want these people to be promoting in different markets, like different cities and even countries. If not, they will just be directly competing with each other.  How is that sustainable?

Is LifeVantage a Scam?

LifeVantage is a publicly traded company on the Nasdaq (LFVN) so it shouldn’t be a scam.  It’s SEC filings show they have revenue more than $225 million and growing.

So, it does seem to be a legitimate MLM company.

Is LifeVantage a pyramid scheme? Technically, you cannot make money just by recruiting people, rather its Distributors will only earn points once someone buys an enrollment pack of products or other products.

So are you wondering about the LifeVantage Pyramid Scheme or is LifeVantage legit?  Firstly, you need to understand that pyramid schemes are illegal and are a waste of your precious money and time.

Overall and at the corporate level, it’s worth noting that there have been a number of lawsuits raised.  Notably LifeVantage faces Pyramid Scheme Lawsuit. I suggest you read this yourself and also monitor the status from LifeVantage in its SEC filings (see “Class Action Lawsuit”) and also search for “lawsuit”, and make up your own mind.

Product-wise, LifeVantage and Protandim are very controversial and subjective.

Their marketing terminology includes “biohacking” and “nutrigenomics”. But no matter what spin any marketing puts on it, at the end of the day, Protandim has just 5 ingredients and claim to be “leaders in Nrf2 technologies”, but are they?

Nrf2 is NOT unique to Protandim or LifeVantage.  Also remember that Protandim does not have a monopoly on Nrf2.  It’s in some competitors products, with the standout being USANA’s Cellsentials containing InCelligence technology® which effect the Nrf2 pathway and a lot lot more.

Do the products even work?  I’ve covered in detail above the many factors for you to consider, credible alternatives, and will leave it up to you.  If you still want to take Protandim etc. you could consult with your Doctor first.

Are the products overpriced?

When you look at their compensation plan, how does this impact on pricing?

Notably the impact on the pricing of products for those at the bottom of this “tree”. Consider how the total commissions and bonuses paid are reflected in the product pricing that you or your customers would pay for.

• The unilevel payout, when the people at the top rank advance and capitalize on all 9 levels is 43% total.
• Elite Bonus Pools total at 4%,
• It’s not clear the totals for the others, but when you consider:
  • 40% (or 30%) for every enrolment pack
  • Up to $700 paid to distributors hitting the Pacesetter Program targets
  • Launch bonuses are $50 for 7 levels then $25-$10
  • Generational matching bonus 10% to 5% on the unilevel commissions of others
  • Achievement bonuses of $100,000, $250,000 and $500,000 for the top 3 ranks
• So adding all that up, It must be around the 50-55% that people “can potentially earn”?

So when you are just starting out or your customers, when you buy the highly priced products you are effectively paying for the commissions of others as well as all the other bonuses etc in the 8 types of income of around 50-55%.

How does that make you feel?

Income-wise, the company’s video’s and promotional materials show some people are making money, so it is possible.  Actually some super recruiters get really excited by this.

So even if you can find a way to believe in their product (I looked everywhere and couldn’t get there), you MUST be a good salesperson, able to recruit, and do all the face-to-face selling of “the opportunity”.

Personally, I know this is not for me.

How about you?  If you are interested in running a MLM business, I wouldn’t recommend LifeVantage, simply because you have better options.

For example, you can check out USANA Health Sciences.

They don’t have controversial products, are product-oriented, backed by solid science, and the world class industry leaders.

What is LifeVantage’s BBB rating?…Accreditation “THIS BUSINESS IS NOT BBB ACCREDITED” and the Customer Complaints and Customer Reviews sections highlight many concerns.

What about the negative LifeVantage reviews online?

These are often from LifeVantage distributors that got started, but perhaps were not trained the right way.  So because it didn’t work for them some of them call it a scam. Only you can make up your own mind on whether the LifeVantage business opportunity or products are worthy of your money.

I know that every company, good and bad gets these.  There are people that just like to complain so I don’t see value in reading through the hundreds of negative reviews.  However, here are a couple that I feel are worth sharing.

So I go to the LifeVantage Facebook Page, take a look at the Reviews and was surprised to see this one near the top:

There are a couple of things concerning here.  Firstly after well over one month, no one has responded to this poor person.  She’s been a loyal customer since the beginning, for 14 years and why doesn’t somebody help her?  She raises issues about being charged more for her Protandim.

So, is LifeVantage a scam or is it a legit business opportunity for you?

Well, to be completely fair. I am not a LifeVantage customer nor am I one of their distributors. Furthermore, I do not endorse the LifeVantage business or LifeVantage products in any way. However I did do a 60 day trial of the LifeVantage Protandim products to make this a complete and comprehensive LifeVantage review and you can read about my Protandim Testimonial above.

I have spent a good amount of time researching the website, reading testimonials, and studying information on the Internet to get to the bottom of what LifeVantage really does. This is because shiny programs just like this have tricked me in the past, and I want to keep others from going down the same path I did. If you’d like to learn “How to Detect an Online Marketing Scam” then click the highlighted text.

So what is the LifeVantage scam?  Can you answer this yourself now?

So My Question to You is…Can YOU Really Make Money With LifeVantage?

In this LifeVantage MLM review, I have done extensive research, and shown you where you can do further research if you choose.

I’ve given you an independent third party review on this company and shown you exactly what you really need to be aware about this company to make your own informed choices.

In assessing any MLM or online business opportunity it is best to consider the Company, Products, Timing and Compensation as objectively as you can. 

I’ve covered these in detail in this post.   I will add for your considerations on timing.  There are two aspects to consider here:

• Timing for the MLM industry.  Are people making money in this industry?  Can you make money in MLM or are there other opportunities better fit for you?  I’ve covered above the income statistics in detail so you can make up your own mind. 
• Timing for you specifically with this LifeVantage MLM in your country.  Are they about to launch? Or are they established? Most importantly can you do better than the almost 96% that earn less than the $636 monthly shown on the LifeVantage earnings disclosure?  Only you can answer that.

So you know have full information with the Compensation Plan and opportunity breakdown, and all the pros and cons of LifeVantage.  You can now answer that question I posed to you in a fully informed way. 

One last consideration for you.  Is a LifeVantage distributor is trying to recruit you to join the LifeVantage MLM system?  Here are three more questions for you to consider:

1. Is it for real?
2. Can you do this?
3. Will you help me?

So you have the full and complete picture and eyes wide open if you’ve read this far.
So…Can YOU REALLY money with LifeVantage?

If you’ve decided YES then congratulations.  I have a bonus suggestion…

What if You Want to Take Your LifeVantage Business to the Next Level, My Suggestion for You…

I can help you.  Where I can really help is with building websites and internet marketing. The BEST way to reach any potential customers is by having a website.  No matter how you look at it, there are vastly more people on the internet than people you know personally. Yes over 4 billion people online out there.

There’s lots of money to be made in health and wellness, and many people happily run full-time or part-time businesses in this booming health and wellness industry. There are many angles and many business models. As someone enthusiastic about anti-aging, biohacking and health and wellness, you need to figure out the best way that suits you to promote your products if you choose to start this type of business.

Running a blog around anti-aging or health and wellness (or any of their marketing terms) can be a vehicle to drive massive sales online for your LifeVantage business. Your website is your gateway to the world and that’s where I can help you take this to a whole new level.  The fact you’re reading this article right now shows that it works. Even if you already have your own online or offline business with LifeVantage or any business.  If you want to grow it big, My Top Free Recommendation can teach and show you how to build it up.  I’d be your personal coach and mentor to help you do this.

Either way, I’m happy to help you with whatever you decide and answer any questions you may have.

For those of you who are more interested to make money online in any niche instead of through an MLM system, check out my guide here!

Network Marketing VS Affiliate Marketing

Health, Wellness and nutrition are booming industries, and LifeVantage may have good products and is possibly one of the better companies in this industry, if they can stand out with their “biohacking” and “nutrigenomics” angles of the “anti-aging” niche.  But there are many companies selling in anti-aging and health and wellness. Statistically, the MLM business model may only work for a few people at the top, however you too could be successful.

If you’ve read this far in the post, may I suggest three options:

• Firstly, if you love these aspects of preventative health, sure try the products to start with, see if they work for you. From my review above, you may consider Protandim products or even the recommended Cellsentials for Optimal Cellular Nutrition at wholesale customer price (and choose your country). Try them for 3 – 6 months and then perhaps Protandim if you still want and see how they compare for you.  Do you notice any positive health benefits on you? I decided to do this myself, and have tried both Protandim Nrf2 Synergizer and Protandum Nrf1 and assessed the 30 day health benefits they claim in my 60 day trial. You can read my Protandim testimonial above.
• If you do like the people side, and this does involve recruiting, then you could consider this as a LifeVantage network marketing business opportunity.  If this is you, you’ll want to partner with some good leaders that can help you with the best chances of success. Please ask or email me at [email protected] if you’d me to put you in touch with someone.
• If you would rather a much more passive work from home strategy and a clearer pathway to making money online you should get started with affiliate marketing. There’s no recruiting!! Also no complex compensation plans that statistically not many people earn from. Plus, no downlines and no relying on a team of people to earn a consistent income.  So you don’t have to stress out about all that “people” stuff.

It is easy to get started with affiliate marketing, you get to choose what you promote and there’s a whole lot less restrictions. You can promote ANY products at all that you want, and from ANY company. You have control. You’re the boss.

So whether you choose to build a LifeVantage business online or Affiliate Marketing, having your own website and online business will drive sales online for you.

Running a blog around topics such as anti-aging, health, fitness, weight loss or lifestyle can be a vehicle to drive sales online for your LifeVantage business or your affiliate marketing business. Your website is your gateway to the world and that’s where I can help you take this to a whole new level.  The fact you’re reading this article right now shows that it works.

Even if you already have a successful offline or online business and you’re looking to grow it, My Top Free Recommendation can teach you how to grow it. If you choose to promote LifeVantage, you can also learn all about YouTube and social media marketing on the inside.  I’d be your personal coach and mentor to help you do this.

Don’t know where to start? The online community I’m a part of is, in my opinion, the best training platform and mentoring community to build your own successful online business. I’ve had only positives from it, and it’s 100% free to try.

The choice is up to you and your future could be exciting!

Feedback

What questions do you have for me? Did this LifeVantage review answer your questions and concerns? Let me know what you think. Share your experiences. Are you a LifeVantage associate and can you really make money with LifeVantage? How’d you do it? Is there anything I should add to this review? Feel free to let me know by sharing your viewpoints in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you.

About John Stanley

Jоhn is a Fаthеr, Huѕbаnd, Entrерrеnеur аnd Internet Mаrkеtіng Suрроrt Cоасh. Evеr since hе ѕtаrtеd his Onlіnе Business he loves working frоm аnуwhеrе and the laptop lifestyle. Thіѕ mеаnѕ bеіng closer to оur сhіld аѕ ѕhе grоwѕ uр. Whеn hе’ѕ not buіldіng wеbѕіtеѕ, hе’ѕ ѕреndіng рrесіоuѕ time with оur lіttlе girl аnd fаmіlу, еxеrсіѕіng аnd еnjоуѕ traveling. Follow mе: Webtalk· Twitter· Instagram· Facebook