“I tried taking this for too long – I even reordered once, thinking I just needed to give it a chance. Nope, it just never did anything and I feel dumb for spending so much money.”
Replenex Review: Don’t Buy Before You Read This!
What is it?
Replenex is a brand of joint health supplements that is recommended for weekend athletes, individuals with repetitive motion stress, and people looking to counteract the effects of aging. Their website claims that Replenex provides natural connective system support while also functioning as an anti-inflammatory and pain reducer. They have a variety of formulations to accommodate different needs, and their family of products comes in regular, extra strength, and in a pink lemonade drink mix form.
Our team of nutritional experts has performed a series of tests on the leading brands of joint health supplements, and the product that performed the best is called Flexitrinol. Flexitrinol was the most successful at increasing users’ range of motion and overall flexibility while at the same time decreasing their inflammation and pain levels. Click here to read more about the tests why Flexitrinol was so successful.
Replenex Ingredients and Side Effects
| Vitamin C | Manganese | Chondroitin | MSM | Devil’s Claw |
| Ginger | Chokeberry | Angelica Gigas | Turmeric | Green Tea |
Vitamin C: One of the most basic chemicals in the human body and a vital component to overall health and wellness. There are no negative side effects associated with consuming normal quantities of vitamin C.
Manganese: An essential trace element that the body needs for metabolism and antioxidant function. Manganese is safe for human consumption when taken in reasonable doses.
Chondroitin: A popular chemical in many joint health supplements because of its ability to help reduce inflammation while also increasing synovial fluid (the viscous material that lubricates and cushions joints). Chondroitin is considered safe for human consumption and has no known serious side effects.
MSM: Short for methylsulfonylmethane, another additive that appears frequently in joint health blends. MSM is derived from green plants and is used as an anti-inflammatory agent. MSM is safe and there are no known side effects associated with its consumption.
Devil’s Claw: An herb with hook-shaped fruit that is used as an anti-inflammatory agent in traditional African medicine. There is very little data from western scientists about the effects of devil’s claw, however it has been used in the past to treat back pain and osteoarthritis. Doctors estimate that about 8% of people that take devil’s claw will get diarrhea, and other side effects could potentially include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Ringing in the ears
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of senses
- Menstrual problems
Ginger: Traditionally used as flavoring or scenting agent in food and household products, some cultures have also used ginger as a medicinal aid. It has mostly been applied in the treatment of stomach and digestive disorders such as motion sickness, morning sickness and intestinal gas. There is very little information about the actual biological effects of ginger, but some side effects that could possibly be associated with its consumption include:
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Skin irritation
- Bleeding problems
- Increased menstrual flow
- Complications with diabetes
Chokeberry: A fad superfruit that is known for its high antioxidant levels and very sour taste. Chokeberries have not been widely studied so the extent of their medicinal value is unknown, as is whether or not there are any side effects associated with their consumption.
Angelica Gigas: Another herbal ingredient with little clinical data supporting its medicinal value. Some people have used angelica gigs in the treatment of heartburn, anorexia, and premature ejaculation. There has not been enough research done to say conclusively if there are any side effects associated with angelica gigas consumption or not.
Turmeric: Turmeric is similar to ginger in that it is generally known as a food additive, however some people have used it medicinally. Practitioners of the eastern medicinal school of thought known as Ayurveda have applied turmeric to cases of heartburn, jaundice, IBS, and it is also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. Side effects that could be connected to turmeric consumption include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Abnormal heart rhythms
Green Tea: Traditionally consumed as a beverage with energy-giving properties and occasionally used medicinally by some cultures. Green tea is high in antioxidants and polyphenols and has been used to treat genital warts, depression, and inflammatory bowel disease. The only negative side effects related to green tea are due to its mild caffeine content, however there is not enough in Replenex that it should affect anyone except those with the most extreme caffeine sensitivities.
EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this supplement with a proven joint pain pill such as Flexitrinol for better results.
Replenex Quality of Ingredients
It is difficult to know how effective Replenex may be for any given consumer. Its ingredients are a blend of basic, reliable joint health products like glucosamine, manganese, chondroitin, and MSM and a bunch of untested herbs that may or may not have medicinal value, such as turmeric, devil’s claw, and angelica gigas.
If those ingredients do have medicinal value it may or may not be related in any way to joint health, though many have shown indications of anti-inflammatory properties.
What’s more concerning is the lack of long-term data about daily consumption of these ingredients. There are no 5- or 10-year studies about the prolonged effects of exposure to these additives, which means the possibility of serious long-term health consequences cannot be ruled out.
The Price and Quality of Replenex
The price of Replenex can be difficult to assess, mainly due to the membership-program of their manufacturer, Melaleuca. Melaleuca does not sell Replenex through their website, or even quote prices, to anyone that does not register for their program. Looking through other online sellers and second-hand supplement retailers, it seems that consumers should expect to pay somewhere in this range:
- 1 90-count bottle of Replenex extra strength: $40.96
Replenex is indicated for use 3-6 times a day, so one should expect a bottle to last between two weeks and a month. This makes Replenex on the slightly more expensive side of the supplement scale.
Business of Replenex
Replenex is manufactured by Melaleuca, a multi-level marketing program that is similar to Amway and Espial. Their contact information is listed as:
Phone Number: (208) 522-0700
Address: 4609 W 65 th S
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Email: Melaleuca does not make an email address public, however they do have a live chat feature on their website that can be used similarly.
Melaleuca as a company has come under some scrutiny recently. A glance at their Better Business Bureau profile shows that there have been hundreds of formal complaints filed against the company over the last few years. Many of those complaints are regarding the products themselves, either due to ineffectiveness or negative side effects, and many are about the customer service and the business practices of Melaleuca.
The multi-level marketing model of business has been criticized as a pyramid scheme that takes advantage of its clients. Detractors say that there is less focus on making money by selling superior products but instead by profiteering off of members of your own organization.
Melaleuca is currently being sued in several different cases by former Independent Marketing Executives (what they call their sales representatives) who are alleging that the company misrepresents themselves, their products, and their profitability while attempting to coerce prospective IME’s to sign up.
Customer Opinions of Replenex
Objective online reviews of Replenex are hard to find. Since Melaleuca controls their distribution and doesn’t allow as many independent retailers to carry their products, true third-party accounts by users are more rare than they are with more traditionally marketed products. There are a number of supplement review sites that have been able to gather opinions of the product, and these are some common themes found in those reviews:
“Smelled awful and gave me headaches. I quit taking it before I noticed if it did anything.”
“I tried taking this for too long – I even reordered once, thinking I just needed to give it a chance. Nope, it just never did anything and I feel dumb for spending so much money.”
In addition to the reviews of the products, there was an inordinate amount of negative feedback directed at the company themselves. There were hundreds of current and former IME’s complaining about their experiences with accounts similar to these:
“I signed up with these guys after a friend convinced me we could make money. Their products were terrible, no one would buy them, and when I tried to get refunds they ignored me and just keep charging me for new products.”
“This company is like the Hotel California – you can sign up, but you can never leave.”
“THIS COMPANY IS A TOTAL FRAUD. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.”
How Does Replenex Compare?
- Product Name
- User Rating
- Good Company Reputation
- Quality Ingredients
- Money Back Guarantee
- Flexitrinol (Editor’s Choice)
- 97/100
Conclusion – Does Replenex Work?
It is difficult to determine if Replenex will be effective for any given consumer. Their ingredient base is so unstudied that it would be irresponsible of our panel of experts to make a definitive assessment either way. They do caution that with unknown supplements there is always a degree of risk, especially in regard to long-term consumption.
There is definitive evidence to say that Melaleuca is not upfront with all of their pricing and purchasing policies, and that consumers are encouraged to read all fine print before getting involved with their program. Research previous users experiences before deciding to commit for yourself.
Our experts recommend Flexitrinol as the most reliably effective joint health supplement on the market today. Flexitrinol uses a proven blend of ingredients to naturally improve joint health and reduce the effects of inflammation. Click here to learn more about what makes Flexitrinol so effective.
3 Responses to Replenex Review
I have been using Replenex for two months now and my joints are working much better than before I took it.
My husband has used this product for at least 7 years. He swears ny the benefit he gets. Previous, he had pain from golfing. Now he don’t. He has stopped for a while and found after a while the pain returned. He is back using it again with remarkable results.
My daughter was using Replenex for some time. I was having some hip problems, limping, pain. Had x-rays which did show problems. I started taking two relenex a day and within a week, showed improvement. I now do not have the pain and walk without a limp. She swears by it and has found even not taking them for one day she notices a difference. I do not see any problems with it.
Replenex contains a proprietary blend of natural ingredients often used in joint health support supplements. The product label for the supplement is shown on the website but while all ingredients are listed, the amounts used in the blend are not disclosed. The formula contains several key ingredients that are thought to help build stronger joints including Devil’s Claw, Ginger Root Extract, and Chokeberry Fruit Extract which are said to prevent further breakdown of cartilage, even as the joints age. However, there is no indication as to how soon results may be experienced when taken at the recommended dose of 3 tablets daily, although as with any product of this type, results will vary for every individual depending on individuals general health.
- Replenex ingredients are listed
- Dosage instructions are provided
- All company contact details are shown
The formula is also high in antioxidants, which work to destroy free radicals and lower oxidative stress. It may fix damage to the joints and cartilage and protect it from potentially harmful agents.
- The manufacturer does not provide the complete ingredient list.
- You have to become a member to purchase on the official website.
- There’s little product information on the manufacturer’s website.
Based on the ingredients we know, it may be a safe product. However, we don’t have the complete list. There may be fillers or additives that we’re not aware of.
Some health conditions preclude taking this product, like bleeding disorders, asthma, prostate cancer, varicose veins and circulation problems, diabetes, glaucoma, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or an allergy to shellfish.
You may buy this product on the manufacturer’s official website if you become a member. It’s also for sale on Amazon, eBay, and from a couple of other online retailers.
They also have a worldwide network of sales representatives. The price is quite reasonable for the market and even a little below average.
The manufacturer does not provide this information but based on the fact that there are 90 capsules in a one-month supply, the dosage must be three capsules daily.
Hopefully, there are more specific directions on the bottle. Do not take more than the daily dosage suggested for any reason.
The manufacturer is offering a satisfaction guarantee. If you are not happy with the product, send it back within several weeks of the purchase with the receipt. You should get a full refund, exchange, or credit as you choose, minus the shipping and handling charges.
Based on what we know about Replenex, it includes a solid collection of substances that have some research backing their efficacy. However, without a complete list, we don’t know if the ingredients that appear to be missing are included, like hyaluronic acid. The price for this supplement is quite reasonable, at or even below the market average.
Some of the ingredients in this formula may lead to mild side effects. For example, glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM could cause diarrhea, bloating, stomach upset, and nausea. Ginger could lead to gas, heartburn, upset stomach, and mouth irritation.
The product is priced quite reasonably for the market, and there were many Replenex Reviews that said it worked well for them. However, without knowing all of the ingredients we can’t say whether this product is worth it.
It’s important to have all of the relevant information about anything you are going to put into your body.
“As a Melaleuca member I know this is a great product. Please get in touch with me and I can explain the company and sign you up for only $1!”
Replenex Review: Is It Safe?
Replenex is a nutritional supplement that is supposed to help to support the cartilage in the joints. By doing so, it’s intended to help people stay mobile and flexible, and to reduce pain in people who have osteoarthritis.
This product is gluten-free, and contains no soy or wheat products. As of now, the best product for reducing inflammation and pain in joints is Flexitrinol, an all-natural supplement. It was developed to address the root causes of pain and inflammation in the joints. Expert reviewers have given Flexitrinol high ratings, and have singled it out for its effectiveness and its highly-positive customer response.
How does Replenex work?
The focus of this product is to restore and maintain the health of joint cartilage. When the cartilage and collagen in the joints wears down, it causes inflammation and pain and becomes osteoarthritis. This product contains ingredients that are supposed to help joints retain more cartilage by providing the molecular building blocks the body is supposed to be able to use to create more cartilage, which staves off the deterioration people with osteoarthritis face. The primary active ingredients also help cartilage stay shock-absorbent, so that the joints don’t have to get hit with the full force of every movement and step, which can add to inflammation and pain as well.
Additional ingredients act like pain killers, providing holistic anesthetic properties and helping to stimulate the body’s natural immune response, which is how it deals with inflammation. Other ingredients focus on helping cells maintain their health by acting as antioxidants, stopping the processes that lead to cellular degeneration.
Top Benefits: Ingredients are all-natural, most seem to help with inflammation and joint health in some way.
Negatives: You can’t buy it without signing up for a monthly membership to a multilevel marketing company and agreeing to be charged automatically on a monthly basis.
Who Makes This Supplement?
Replenex is made by Melaleuca, a membership-only health supplement company. Their contact information is as follows:
Address: 4609 West 65 th St, Idaho Falls ID, 83402
Phone Number: (208) 522-0700
Email: None provided.
The only place we found selling Replenex was the product’s main website, which you need to be a member of to buy. A version of this product was once available on Amazon, but it’s been discontinued there.
What’s inside of it and are there side effects?
The ingredients in this product all come from plant or shellfish sources, so while it doesn’t contain any soy or gluten, people with shellfish allergies will have to be wary of this product. The formula is fairly simple, containing ingredients that are common in natural joint health supplements.
The tablets are meant to be taken 3 times daily, which is reasonable to expect from a nutritional supplement.
The following is a list of the main ingredients in this product:
Glucosamine Hydrochloride: A supplement extracted from shellfish products, and a common ingredient in joint health pills. Glucosamine is prescribed for it’s ability to strengthen the cushions that surround the joints. These cushions keep the joints protected from shock and protect the cartilage as well. There are actually two forms of glucosamine, sulfate and hydrochloride, and experts typically say the sulfate version works better. This is because “sulfate” part is the main thing that’s supposed to work on the joints.
Ginger: A root that’s used for natural medicinal remedies, mainly including involving the treatment of stomach problems like nausea. It’s not clear why it was included in this supplement, however, since it doesn’t have to do with joint health.
Green Tea Leaf: An anti-inflammatory, that is supposed to work by reducing the production of prostaglandins, the molecules that cause inflammation in the first place. It also contains antioxidants for improved cell health.
Bromelain: An enzyme found in pineapples, on that’s been used in natural medicine as a muscle relaxant and an anti-inflammatory. It’s supposed to also work as a natural anesthetic, for providing pain relief. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to work when taken by itself (according to WebMD), and there isn’t much evidence for any of its other medicinal benefits.
Papain: Derived from papayas, this enzyme is supposed to help with inflammation as well. People with allergies to latex are advised not to use it, and unfortunately it comes with some side effects, including:
- Throat damage, stomach irritation, lowered blood sugar
- Birth defects and fetal poisoning
What’s good about Replenex?
This product contains some ingredients that are pretty popular in the world of natural joint health, mainly glucosamine. The ingredients all come from natural sources, something many people find to be an important factor in what sort of health projects they choose to consume. The product doesn’t contain any common food allergens like soy, dairy, and gluten (although it does include shellfish), so people with sensitivities to such things will be in luck.
The dosage size is also reasonable, with customers expected to take one pill three times a day. This is in contrast to some supplements for joint pain,which require people to take as many as 5, 6, or 8 pills every day.
What’s bad about Replenex?
This product has a lot of problems with it.
To start off, we’ll address the ingredients. While this product contains glucosamine, it contains the “hydrochloride” version of it, instead of the “sulfate” version that’s considered the superior version. As a result, this form of glucosamine may not be as effective as other supplements with contain the better version that has more support for it working. It also contains a few ingredients that have very little science backing them up, including bromelain, which is only used by naturopaths and has no scientifically-sound clinical trials saying that it’s effective for treating inflammation and pain. It also contains papain, an ingredient that comes with lots of dangerous side effects and is especially dangerous for women who are pregnant. Not only that, but evidence for it working for inflammation is slim at best.
There is no price available on the website for this product, which leads to the second problem: the company itself. Melaleuca represents itself as a members-only exclusive health supplement club, but in reality it appears to be a multilevel marketing scheme. It claims on the website that all members are referred by existing members, and that you need to sign up in order to be eligible to buy the products they sell. They have a page dedicated to telling people about how much they can earn by selling their products directly. Because it appears you can’t just buy the products anywhere, you’re stuck with buying it from a representative or from the member’s only website.
If you sign up for a membership, we learned that you will be obligated to commit to a monthly expenditure on their products, and that if you don’t choose what is sent to you, they will send you things (even those you may not need). This appears to be the only way to “buy” Replenex. Many people have expressed dismay on the Better Business Bureau page for this practice, as it forces customers to spend money they may not want to spend on things they may not need.
Multilevel marketing schemes have been criticized as deriving most of their money from their salespeople buying product to resell, as opposed to on the merits of the quality of the products themselves.
What do customers think about Replenex?
The website has no customer reviews of the product, and we couldn’t find any reviews of it anywhere except a defunct Amazon page where the item is no longer sold. The reaction was mixed:
“It didn’t arrive like they promised it would, so I got a refund.”
“This helped me with my knee pain. Thanks!”
“The price isn’t any good!”
“As a Melaleuca member I know this is a great product. Please get in touch with me and I can explain the company and sign you up for only $1!”
This last one doesn’t seem to be a real review, more likely a post by a Melaleuca member who is trying to use Amazon as a way to sign more people up for Melaleuca in order to get a referral fee.
Conclusion
Replenex may very well be a natural supplement, but it doesn’t have a lot going for it. On the one hand, it contains an inferior form of glucosamine (glucosamine hydrochloride), making it potentially less effective than other products that contain glucosamine sulfate. It contains two major ingredients that have very little proof of working (bromelain and papain), the latter of which comes with some awful side effects when used too much, including throat erosion and dangers to pregnancy.
The main problem, though, is the way to buy it. Since it appears to only be available for people who sign up to become “members” of Melaleuca and have to pay monthly fees, there’s no simple way to just purchase the product, making getting it a hassle.
The lack of positive customer responses only further helps the case that this is not a great product.
People looking for joint health supplements are better off buying products from companies that just let you purchase the products without getting you roped into some sort of auto-charge, multilevel marketing scheme.
Our joint product of choice is Flexitrinol. Compared to the competition, it’s the best all-natural, effective alternative. Flexitrinol has gotten great reviews from customers and health experts for its quality.