The Results Speak for Themselves
Shaklee users showed significantly better health than sample groups.
Let’s Break Down the Proof
Study Objectives
In this cross-sectional study, we examined the benefits of 20+ years of Shaklee supplement use. We compared Shaklee supplement users with non-supplement users and those who used a single multivitamin from other brands by assessing nutrient levels in their blood, and biomarkers reflecting various aspects of health.
This study followed up with people who participated in Landmark 1 to find out if the health benefits they originally experienced were still present 10 years later. It also explored new markers of health to further improve our understanding of the impact of long-term supplement use.
Study Details
To understand the relationship between supplementation and health, the Landmark Study was conducted in collaboration with researchers from the University of California, Berkeley.
Gladys Block, PhD., renowned researcher and Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health Nutrition at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health, helped lead the research team in its efforts.
Using a cross-sectional study design, researchers obtained information from online questionnaires, on-site physical examinations, and bloodwork from a sample of 278 long-term users of multiple dietary supplements that were manufactured by Shaklee Corporation. Data for matched non-users and single multivitamin supplement users were obtained from the largest and longest running national health and nutrition survey, known as the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001–2002 and NHANES III 1988–1994.
The researchers then compared nutrient levels in the blood, health biomarkers, and self-assessed health status between the three groups. The results were adjusted to account for a few potential variables like age, gender, education, income, and body mass index (BMI).
Dietary supplements consumed daily by more than 50% of the multiple supplement users included a multivitamin/mineral, B-complex, vitamins C and E, carotenoids, calcium with vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoids, coenzyme Q10 with resveratrol, glucosamine, an herbal immune supplement, a probiotic supplement (women), and a soy protein supplement (men).
Researchers looked at the health biomarkers and medication use in 156 people who had been taking Shaklee supplements for 30+ years (an additional 10 years of multiple supplement use) compared to 806 people who did not use any supplements.
Higher Levels of Key Nutrients in BloodIron, folate, and vitamins A, C, and E levels compared to non-Shaklee multivitamin users and supplement non-users.
Shaklee supplement users had:
Why this matters
There's a common belief that when people take supplements the nutrients aren't absorbed. Since the people who take Shaklee supplements have higher nutrient levels in their bloodstream, this shows that the nutrients were effectively absorbed by their bodies.
Based on NHANES data, many people have suboptimal levels of most vitamins and minerals. But Shaklee supplement users do not, which means that supplementation is an effective way to fill nutrition gaps.
Better Markers of Heart Health
Shaklee supplement users had:
Why this matters
LDL is often called "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in the walls of arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
HDL is known as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the blood, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Triglycerides are a type of fat. When you eat, your body converts excess calories into triglycerides for storage. High levels can increase your risk of heart disease.
Better Markers of Cognitive Health and Inflammation Shaklee supplement users had:
Why this matters
Homocysteine is formed when our bodies break down methionine, an amino acid found in food. High levels of homocysteine can be harmful and are associated with heart disease and cognitive decline.
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein produced by your liver in response to inflammation. Elevated levels in the bloodstream indicate inflammation or infection in the body.
Healthier Markers of Blood Sugar Control and Weight Management Shaklee supplement users had:
Better Glycemic Control
Healthier Weight
Why this matters
Blood glucose(blood sugar) is the main sugar found in your blood. It comes from the food you eat, and it’s your body's primary source of energy. High levels of glucose in your blood can lead to health issues like diabetes and complications such as cardiovascular disease and nerve damage.
Insulin is a hormone produced in response to the food you eat that helps regulate blood sugar levels. When your body doesn't respond properly to insulin, it has to make even more insulin to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
HbA1c (hemoglobin A1c) is a measure of average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months. It is a measure of long-term blood sugar control and is used to monitor diabetes management. Lower HbA1c levels indicate better blood sugar control and reduced risk of diabetes-related issues.
BMI (Body Mass Index) uses height and weight to assess body fat levels and classify individuals as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. A higher BMI generally suggests higher body fat levels.
Very Good to Excellent Health 
of Shaklee supplement users rated their health as “very good” to “excellent”
How does that compare?
56% of non-Shaklee multivitamin users rated their health as “very good” to “excellent.”
49% of supplement non-users rated their health as “very good” to “excellent.”
A Lower Risk of Elevated Blood Pressure and DiabetesShaklee supplement users had:
Why this matters
Lowering the risk of elevated blood pressure and diabetes is important for maintaining good health. It helps reduce the likelihood of developing various chronic health conditions.
Significantly Lower Medication UsageWhy this matters
Low medication use is a meaningful indicator of health and wellness because it shows the effective management of health through lifestyle choices.
Meet Our Science & Research Team
James R. Brooks, PhD, CFS
Executive Vice President, Research & Development
James (Jim) Brooks, PhD, CFS, heads Shaklee's Global R&D team and leads the effort to bring breakthrough products that embody the Shaklee difference to our...
Dr. Hong Wang MD, PhD
Research Director, Research & Development
Dr. Wang is responsible for new product research and development projects and supports claims development and substantiation for nutritional products. He...
...received his medical degree from National Taiwan University Medical School and is a board-certified Internist in Taiwan. He also earned his Ph.D. degree in human nutrition from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Wang has extensive experience in research and development in natural products, nutraceuticals and medical foods.
Maciej Chichlowski, PhD
Senior Director, Nutrition Research
Dr. Maciej Chichlowski provides the scientific evaluation of new products and concepts and conducts scientific reviews and assessments of new nutritional and...
Dr. Jamie McManus, MD
Chairman, Medical Affairs, Health Sciences & Education
Dr. Jamie McManus is responsible for leading Shaklee clinical research efforts in support of product development and Ambassador education. Prior to joining...
Dr. Erin Barrett, PhD
Sr. Director, Scientific Affairs & Product Innovation
Erin is an expert in nutrition, metabolic biochemistry, and associated diseases, including obesity and diabetes. At Shaklee, Erin is responsible for translating science...
Les Wong
Scientific Affairs & Product Education
Les's primary objective is to support the ideation, development, and scientific substantiation for Shaklee nutritional products that are safe and effective...
**Data for non-users was obtained from NHANES 1988–1994, NHANES 2001-2002, and NHANES 2007-2010.
‡Percentages reflect Shaklee supplement users compared with non-supplement users. Data for non-users was obtained from NHANES 2001-2002 and NHANES 1988-1994.
§Percentages reflect Shaklee supplement users compared with non-supplement users. Data for non-users was obtained from NHANES 2007-2010.
