Protandim Review 2020: Does It Really Work?

Are you feeling the aging effects of stress and the passing of time?

Perhaps you can see visible signs of aging such as wrinkled skin and dull hair?

Or, you could be suffering from poor digestion, disrupted sleep, low energy levels, and foggy memory.

The underlying issue is often oxidative stress caused by free radicals roaming through your system.

To protect your cells, fight against disease, and stay young in body and mind you need a high-quality antioxidant supplement.

Protandim Nrf1 and Nrf2 by LifeVantage is a duo of antioxidant-rich dietary supplements designed to fight oxidative stress.

They unlock important proteins in the body that stimulate antioxidant production and boost the energy-making ability of cells.

Our Protandim review leaves no stone unturned.

We discuss ingredients, controversies, benefits, side effects, customer experiences, and a final verdict.

Should Protandim be part of your daily supplement routine?

Or, is it snake oil pushed by an iffy company?

Let’s find out.

Read more: 4 Best Nootropic Supplements Reviews

Protandim is a double-set of antioxidant-boosting supplements (Nrf1 and Nrf2) sold by LifeVantage.

Nrf stands for Nuclear Respiratory Factor: a study describes Nrf ¹ as “Nuclear respiratory factors 1 and 2 (NRF-1 and NRF-2) are ubiquitous transcription factors that have been implicated in the control of nuclear genes required for respiration, heme biosynthesis, and mitochondrial DNA transcription and replication”.

Protandim is designed to boost the antioxidant enzymes produced in the body by using herbal ingredients such as ashwagandha and turmeric (Nrf2 Synergizer).

One of the key marketing tags is that Protandim causes a “40% reduction in oxidative stress in 30 days”.

Boosting antioxidants and reducing oxidative stress means the cells can repair more effectively, and signs of aging (both visible and not) are reduced.

LifeVantage also claims that Protandim supports mitochondria production ² (especially Nrf1 Synergizer).

Every cell has mitochondria, responsible for creating ATP, (what our body uses for energy).

This can lead to increased energy levels, boosted productivity, and better mood.

About LifeVantage

LifeVantage is an MLM (multi-level-marketing) company based in Utah.

As well as Protandim they sell nootropics (Axio), probiotics (ProBio) and fish oil (Omega+).

Each Protandim type contains a proprietary blend of natural ingredients.

Like most proprietary blends, the amounts of each ingredient in the blends are not specified.

Nrf1 Synegizer

Proprietary blend (790 mg):

• Acetyl L-Carnitine: an amino acid that boosts mitochondria production.
• Quercetin: boosts ATP (energy) production and teams up with Alpha-Lipoic Acid to fight against free radicals.
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid: helps with glucose-to-energy conversion and protects the entire cell from free radical damage.
• Grape Extract: helps to trigger Nrf1 production, and contains powerful antioxidants called polyphenols (flavonols).
• Coenzyme Q10: found in the mitochondria and helps with ATP (energy) production. It also works as an antioxidant to protect cells from damage.

Nrf2 Synegizer

Calcium 77 mg.

Proprietary blend (675mg):

Ingredients are thought to activate the Nrf2 protein which triggers the cells to create antioxidants.

• Milk thistle extract: contains an antioxidant called silymarin.
• Bacopa extract: antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that may also help to soothe anxiety and stress.
• Ashwagandha extract: an adaptogen, meaning that it helps the body to coast through stressful times without damage to the cells. It also helps to soothe stress, anxiety, and even lowers cortisol levels, (possibly helping with fat loss around the belly).
• Green tea extract: excellent source of antioxidants that support heart and brain health.
• Turmeric extract: contains the strong antioxidant (and anti-inflammatory) compound curcumin.

How Much Caffeine is in Protandim?

Protandim Nrf1 doesn’t contain any caffeine, but Protandim Nrf2 contains a low 1.8 mg of caffeine per capsule.

There is little substantial evidence that Protandim works, as many of the ingredients have insubstantial research-backed evidence.

This study ³ shows interesting results, with very little or no change to the oxidative stress levels of the participants.

In saying that, the ingredients have anecdotal and traditional histories of therapeutic usage.

Here’s how Protandim may work:

• Protandim Nrf1 triggers the production of Nrf1 Proteins that help mitochondria production.
• Better mitochondria production supports sharp cognitive function.
• Increased mitochondria production boosts energy and overall performance.
• Nrf2 Synegizer tells the cells to produce antioxidants to fight free radicals and fight oxidative stress and premature aging.
• Nrf2 Synergizer boosts the Nrf2 protein which triggers cells to produce survival genes which protect the cells against free radical damage.

• Boosts energy.
• Protects cells against oxidative stress.
• Slows down signs of aging.
• Promotes restful sleep.
• Supports sharp cognitive function.

Protandim Nrf1 and Nrf2 can and should be taken together.

Nrf1: take 2 capsules every morning, with food and water.

Nrf2: take 1 capsule every day, with food and water.

In terms of side effects, Protandim says this:

“We do not expect there to be any side effects for the typical Protandim Nrf2 Synergizer consumer…some individuals may have natural allergic responses or sensitivities to one or more of the ingredients…These allergic responses to Protandim Nrf2 Synergizer generally appear as gastrointestinal disturbances (i.e., stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting) or sometimes as a headache or rash on the hands or feet.”

However, we did find one customer review that stated the following side effects:

• Racing heart.
• Trembling or jitters.
• Diarrhea and stomach ache.

Side effects depend on your tolerance to the ingredients.

For example, ashwagandha can sometimes cause headaches and an upset stomach, and even small amounts of caffeine (from green tea) may cause jitters or sleep issues.

Does Protandim Make You Tired?

Protandim Nrf2 contains Bacopa, which can sometimes cause fatigue ⁴.

For this reason, there are concerns about whether Protandim will cause tiredness and loss of energy.

Ashwagandha may also cause sleepiness for some people.

Is Protandim FDA-Approved?

No, because the FDA doesn’t approve supplements.

However, the FDA does assess dietary supplements for health claims and information to ensure everything is above board and based in fact.

As you’ll soon find out, the FDA did indeed snap LifeVantage for making lofty claims.

It depends on what you classify as a scam, and where your opinions lie when it comes to MLM companies.

There have been complaints against LifeVantage (found on BBB) ⁵ relating to credit card payments being processed without customer’s knowledge.

People have also had difficulty stopping or pausing auto-shipping and payments.

When it comes to the product itself, there are very few substantial human studies to prove that Protandim Nrf1 and Nrf2 really work.

Is LifeVantage Involved in Lawsuits?

In 2017 LiveVantage Corporation was warned by the FDA to change their marketing materials as they claimed that Protandim could prevent or treat diseases such as Alzheimer’s, stomach ulcers, cancer, and more.

These claims are unfounded and are not based on any solid scientific facts or research.

When trawling Protandim reviews, many negative reviews focus on the LifeVantage company.

A common theme is that customer credit cards have been charged despite the customer attempting to close or pause their subscription.

For example:

“I had a subscription set up and needed to pause my order for a couple of months. There was not a clear way to do this on their ordering site so I reached via email with zero response back and they continued to charge my credit card. I tried to call them but the outgoing message says to call back during normal hours but doesn’t say what those are. I have finally blocked the charge with my credit card company.”

In terms of Protandim product reviews, it’s hard to come by substantial, detailed reviews.

However, we did find this one that details interesting side effects:

“I ordered Protandim NFR2 supplement from a distributor for LifeVantage. On the second day of taking it, I noticed that my heart was racing and my hands were trembling.”

Be wary of signing up to auto-ship subscriptions (especially when MLM plans are involved) until you’re absolutely sure the product is causing positive change.

Autoship subscriptions are notoriously tricky to get out of.

Money Back Guarantee

You can send back any unopened products to LifeVantage within 30 days of purchasing to get a 100% refund.

To complete a return, you have to get a Return Merchandise Authorization from Distributor Support.

See below how the official site looks like.

The ingredients in Protandim may help to boost antioxidant enzyme production and fight free radicals.

However, the cost is high, especially if you buy both Nrf1 and Nrf2 as it is recommended to do so.

Plus, MLM companies should be approached carefully and LifeVantage has already been proven to make lofty claims that are unsupported by scientific research.

This may suggest that they are more flash than substance, and your money may be better spent elsewhere.

Antioxidants can be found through a balanced diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Plus, reducing alcohol intake and quitting smoking are two of the best ways to fight those free radicals.

There are many other antioxidant supplements on the market for a lower cost and without the strings associated with MLM companies and auto-ship plans.

For further advice on how to acheive antioxidant support and boost energy levels safely, chat to your doctor.

We laid out the facts, will you buy Protandim? Comment below and tell us what you think!

Read next: Prevagen Review 2020: Does It Really Work?