RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Herbalife is committed to setting the standard by which all nutrition companies are measured. The company is advancing the science of nutrition through scientific research conducted around the world. Since 2003 they increased the research and development expenditures dramatically to advance the product-development process.

Quality Assurance

Product integrity, safety and efficacy have always been Herbalife’s top priorities. Investing in new technology and research is a part of company commitment to providing innovative, science-based nutrition products. Ingredients used in the products are also found in many other foods. The materials (including botanical ingredients) are globally sourced from reputable suppliers and all products are manufactured in accordance with previously established quality standards. Product quality is verified inside a in-house laboratory with state-of-the-art testing equipment. The Herbalife quality team then conducts regular audits and inspections of suppliers and contract manufacturers to ensure compliance.

Manufacturing

Herbalife complies with the applicable requirements of all regulatory bodies wherever we do business. In the United States, all products comply with and are labeled according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. Outside of the United States, they comply with and are regulated by the various ministries of health and food standards agencies where the company does business. Through the acquisition of assets at Micelle Laboratories, a California contract manufacturer of food and dietary supplements, the company is able to enhance the global product development and supply chain to better support all the dedicated independent Distributors. It allows the company to increase the speed to market for new products while controlling quality along each step of the manufacturing process, from raw ingredients to finished products – part of the company ongoing commitment to excellence.

Clinical Studies

There are currently several clinical studies that are being conducted with major universities around the world in order to benchmark the efficacy of various products. Three clinical studies using our Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix were done: one at UCLA*, United States, one at the University of Ulm, Germany and one at Seoul National University Hospital in Korea. The studies conducted demonstrated that drinking Formula 1 shakes every day as meal replacements is an effective way to manage weight. A clinical study using Niteworks was also conducted at UCLA which concluded that the anaerobic threshold in men between the ages of 50 and 73 increased when drinking Niteworks every night. 

* The University of California does not endorse specific products or services as a matter of policy.

Nutrition Advisory Board (NAB)

As an extension of the company commitment to quality and scientific integrity, Herbalife has established a Nutrition Advisory Board (NAB)  consisting of leading food and health specialists in charge of:

• education and training of independent Herbalife distributors worldwide and in China
• share among the Herbalife employees and staff the basis for keeping a healthy, active lifestyle and adequate nutrition, including the purpose and use of Herbalife® products
• stand behind the Herbalife® products and facilitate their development, production and compliance with local authorities

Our mission for nutrition is at the heart of everything we do. 

Through our Seed to Feed commitment, we ensure the benefits, safety, purity and consistency of Herbalife® products. 

Seed to Feed is a global initiative that touches every Herbalife market and product variety. It’s how the company refers to the expert staff, state-of-the-art processes, quality control systems and advanced technology that the company owns and partner manufacturing facilities around the world. 

Five Components of Seed to Feed Philosophy:

1. Great Ingredients: Careful selection of ingredient and suppliers.
2. Nutrition Based Science: Products based on years of established nutrition science.
3. Thorough Testing: Multiple rounds of rigorous in-process testing.
4. Manufactured with Care: State-of-the-art blending, compression, packaging and manufacturing.
5. Nutrition Delivered to You: Use of advanced technology to monitor conditions during product storage and transport and to ensure quality throughout the product shelf life.

The Seed to Feed initiative begins with the desire for complete traceability of the active ingredients in Herbalife products. 

The company partner directly with farmers in Mexico for Aloe, and in China to source teas and certain botanicals. Additionally, the company developed strategic sourcing arrangements with several of the largest producers of both macro and micronutrients to ensure the identity and purity of every ingredient.

Today, across all operations, Herbalife has more than 300 employees with science degrees and over 35 Ph.Ds. on staff. Pretty amazing to think about how far the company came!