I recently experienced the decision-making process of evaluating 3 Multi-Level Supplement Companies – all specifically focused on Antioxidants. Not being an expert in Network Marketing added to my comparison “shopping” chore – though as a Chiropractor, the science involved in the products were more familiar to me.

There were 4 areas of each Network Marketing Company that I wanted to compare:

1) the PRODUCT
2) the PEOPLE involved
3) the RESEARCH
4) the BUSINESS/INCOME Structure

My research wasn’t perfect by any means and I only personally tried 2 of the 3 products (ASEA & Protandim). However, by talking with others more experienced and knowledgeable in both the business and technical aspects, I felt my conclusions gave me a fair picture of comparing “apples with apples”.

The PRODUCT – All 3 companies pursue increasing antioxidant action in the body (quenching free radicals) though utilize different means of reaching that goal. Both LifeVantage/Protandim and MAX GXL, for instance, have tested the increase of Glutathione (a powerful free radical scavenger) related to their respective products. ASEA had research that showed the increase of VO2 Max subsequent to taking their product.

ASEA’s product is a liquid (taste like pool water, chlorine smell) in a 32 ounce bottle costing approximately $40 and a consumer could use 1-4 bottles per month based on the seriousness of the health challenge. MAX GXL ran about $70 to $170 per month, again depending on the severity of the problem. LifeVantage’s Protandim (30 pills, 1/day) ran about $48 per month, and that amount could be doubled if a person was taxing the body through heavy exercise and/or illness. All figures are approximate and serious investors should do their own due diligence.

The reason they differ in their monthly costs is that they have different mechanisms of action. MAX GXL has a patented delivery system for its antioxidants, while ASEA uses reactive oxygen species to increase antioxidants. LifeVantage/Protandim is the most cost effective in that it stimulates the body to increase its own production of antioxidant enzymes. These enzymes actually work many more times effectively, quenching a million free radicals per enzyme every second.

The PEOPLE – The standout research scientist among ASEA, LifeVantage, and MAX GXL is Dr. Joe McCord, Chief Scientist for Lifevantage. A winner of the Elliot Cresson Award (now known as the Benjamin Franklin Medal) Dr. McCord shares this distinction with Henry Ford, and Alexander Graham Bell as well as other notables. The Franklin Institute says,

“Among science’s highest honors, The Franklin Institute Awards identify individuals whose great innovation has benefited humanity, advanced science, launched new fields of inquiry, and deepened our understanding of the universe.”

The business management of all 3 marketing companies seem to be manned with strong, accomplished, and experienced managers, though not much time was spent on researching this aspect as much as relying on the opinions of independent business advisors.

The RESEARCH – Rare among supplement companies is Peer Reviewed Research studies on a specific product. This type of research is the gold standard which medical doctors use, depending on this information (and product) to use and trust. Major drug companies sponsor these studies to sell their wares.

The LifeVantage is the only company that has 9 Peer Reviewed studies of the product Protandim, and these were independent research not paid for by the company. Many more independent studies by universities are in process for Protandim.

The BUSINESS – In this area of analysis I relied on more experienced Network Marketing people and an independent business consultant. The IRS has questioned in the past the binary form of multi-level marketing, as being a pyramid-like scheme, more devoted to selling distributorships than real products. This is an area where each person must do his or her own due diligence. ASEA has a binary structure; LifeVantage a uni-level matrix, and MAX GXL structure is unknown to me. Although I did not find out about the percentage payouts of ASEA and MAX GXL, LifeVantage is just under 60%.

Lastly, remember all the network marketers have their best foot forward, “romancing” their prospective new distributors and customers. Temper their rush “to the altar” with your own research, ask others more experienced for their input and remember like any long-term relationship – it takes a lot of work. I think I chose the best candidate in LIfevantage, for its product is supported by research, a high level scientific experience, and credibility and performance.