Frequently Asked Questions

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↑topWhat is PGX?  (click to see answer)

PGX® (PolyGlycopleX®) is a unique complex of highly-purified, water-soluble polysaccharides (plant fibres) developed using advanced EnviroSimplex® technology. This technology combines these natural compounds in a very specific ratio making PGX an effective weight loss aid and dietary supplement. PGX was invented by researchers at InovoBiologic Inc, Calgary after many years of extensive research. PGX is available in Ultra Matrix soft gelatin capsules as PGX Daily, as well as in granules, meal replacement powder and capsules.

↑topWhere can I buy PGX?   (click to see answer)

PGX products are available in stores throughout North America that sell natural health products. Select Where to Buy under the About PGX main menu, enter an address and click the find nearest button to see the nearest locations.

↑topWhat is PGX Daily?  (click to see answer)

PGX technology has produced PGX Daily Ultra Matrix Softgels - an advanced delivery system for optimum results. ‘Ultra Matrix’ refers to PGX granules suspended in a matrix of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) - healthy fats from purified coconut oil. PGX Daily disperses and becomes viscous slowly in the stomach and digestive tract. Most other fibres do not become as viscous as PGX, become viscous too quickly or do not become viscous at all. PGX Daily maintains its viscosity throughout the entire digestive tract (including the colon) which means that the glycemic index and subsequent blood sugar regulation is greater. Also, thanks to the thermogenic properties of the MCTs in the capsule, PGX Daily can result in an extra 25 – 50 calories burned daily.

↑topHow do I use PGX?  (click to see answer)

To enjoy the full benefits of PGX, try to take some before each and every meal. Be sure to drink at least 250 mL (8 oz) of water per 2.5 gram serving of PGX. Start with 1 to 2 softgel capsule of PGX Daily before each meal and increase by 1 capsule per meal every 2 to 3 days. If you are prone to digestive upset, increase the dose at a slower rate to give your body time to adjust. Some people find 2-3 softgels or 2.5 grams of PGX granules to be effective. Others require the maximum dose is 6 softgels of PGX Daily or 5 grams of PGX granules in order to reduce portion size. Continue to increase the dosage until you experience a significant reduction in hunger and between-meal food cravings. Do not exceed 6 softgels or 5 grams up to three times per day.

↑topDoes PGX have side effects?   (click to see answer)

PGX is a highly concentrated and highly effective form of fibre. It can take time for your body to adjust. To avoid minor side effects, such as increased gas, bloating, loose stools or constipation, it is best to start with small amounts of PGX and then gradually increase your intake as your body adjusts. If you take PGX consistently, and increase the dose gradually, it is likely that you will be able to consume a highly effective dose, without these effects, within a few days to a week. To decrease any possible side effects, it is important to drink a large glass of water with each dose of PGX.

↑topWhy should I incorporate PGX into my diet?   (click to see answer)

PGX is an excellent source of dietary fibre. In 2004, the average person in Canada and the United States consumed about 13 g of dietary fibre per day (Statistics Canada, 2005). The dietary reference intake of fibre for those 19 to 50 years old is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men. Unfortunately, to achieve the greatest benefit, the dosage required (e.g. 20 grams of more) is often difficult to achieve with other fibre supplements. Moreover, it is difficult to obtain highly viscous fibres from our day-to-day food choices. In contrast, PGX is an easy and convenient way to add viscous soluble fibre to your diet.

↑topHow fast can I expect to lose weight?   (click to see answer)

Participants in a study who exercised and followed a 1,200 calorie/day diet lost on average 1-2 lbs per week. This is considered healthy weight loss. For some people weight loss is not immediate, while many people lose more weight depending upon their consistent use of PGX and other lifestyle factors. PGX makes following a calorie restricted diet easy because it controls appetite due to its water solubility (absorbs many times its weight in water) and its ability to reduce and diminish cravings for starchy and sugary foods.

↑topHow do I know PGX is working? How much do I have to use to lose weight?  (click to see answer)

It is recommended that you start with a lower dose of PGX for the first 3 to 7 days to see how your body adjusts to the increase in fibre intake. An increased amount of PGX, to its active dosage (10-15 grams per day or 2.5 - 5 grams per meal) will produce noticeable reductions in appetite and cravings. Many people who have just started taking PGX feel energized and notice their clothes fit better even though they have not changed anything else except taking PGX everyday.

↑topCan I take PGX if I'm on medication(s)?  (click to see answer)

If you are currently on medication, it is important to speak to your health care practitioner prior to taking PGX. While PGX is made of 100% natural products, it can slow the rate of absorption of foods and therefore it can theoretically do the same with medications. It is recommended that any oral medication be taken 1 hour before PGX and/or 2 to 3 hours after consuming PGX softgels or granules

↑topCan I take PGX with other supplements?   (click to see answer)

There is no problem taking PGX along with all your supplements including essential fatty acids (EFAs) and multivitamins/multiminerals. PGX slows down the rate of absorption of foods, vitamins or supplements, but overall absorption of nutrients is enhanced because nutrients are more gradually introduced to the gastrointestinal system and blood sugar levels are balanced when taking PGX.

↑topDoes PGX contain gluten?  (click to see answer)

PGX softgels and PGX granules are wheat/gluten free. While we make every effort to ensure that our raw materials do not contain gluten, it is possible that some products may contain trace amounts if there are products with gluten being processed in the same manufacturing facility where the raw materials are produced. PGX meal replacement drink mix products cannot be stated as gluten or wheat free.

↑topIf PGX is fibre how can I get constipated?  (click to see answer)

PGX can only cause constipation if your water intake is not adequate for the amount of PGX you are consuming. PGX expands to hold many times its weight in water. You need to drink LOTS of water when using PGX — at least 250 mL (8 oz) of water per 2.5 grams (2-3 softgels). It is also important to eat smaller amounts of food regularly and take PGX according to label directions. Be sure to take in adequate fresh water — not drinks such as coffee or alcohol that can cause you to lose water. During the day you may want to drink non-caffeinated herbal teas, vegetable juice or diluted fruit juice (watch the sugar content of juices). Also, be sure to take PGX consistently. Do not skip days and, if you are prone to constipation, take PGX at the same time every day.

↑topWhat can I do if I experience constipation?  (click to see answer)

While using PGX Daily it is necessary that sufficient amounts of water be consumed in order for the fibre to expand and perform the intended functions, and to avoid constipation. Some relief may be attained by taking a natural laxative, probiotics, magnesium citrate, or vitamin C.

↑topWhat can I do about gas and bloating?  (click to see answer)

Reduce the amount of PGX you are taking and once you feel comfortable (no gas or bloating) gradually increase the amount over a few days (3-7 days). These side effects are temporary with most people and completely subside after a week or more of use.  You may also want to take probiotic supplements (friendly intestinal bacteria) to enhance the health of your gastrointestinal tract.

↑topAfter taking PGX is it possible to still be hungry?  (click to see answer)

For some people, yes. One explanation is that when blood sugar has been out of control or imbalanced for a long time, and the body has not been using insulin properly, the brain can still send out powerful messages to eat. When you take PGX every day these strong messages become weaker. The inappropriate messages to eat are no longer needed when blood sugar becomes balanced and the brain is satisfied it will get the glucose required to function.

↑topI've tried other diets. How is PGX different?  (click to see answer)

PGX isn't a diet, but it can make any weight loss plan or diet work better. Research has shown that people who gain weight and have difficulty losing weight, often spend much of their day on a ‘blood sugar roller coaster’ with blood sugar alternately surging and plummeting, leaving them tired or irritable and leading to frequent and unhealthy food cravings. PGX helps re-train your body and eliminate the blood sugar roller coaster so you don't crave "bad foods" and so you can better control your appetite. With PGX you can achieve lasting results.

↑topHow does PGX control cravings?  (click to see answer)

Often blood sugar levels can make our bodies crave sugar and starchy foods. Blood sugar levels rise and fall naturally, but rapid changes are harmful and create many of the cravings we experience. When blood sugar levels drop, our brain tells us to eat and often we look for foods with lots of sugars, fats and starches in order to raise sugar levels. By balancing blood sugar levels, the brain is no longer demanding fast energy and you will be less likely to crave food.

↑topDoes PGX contain caffeine or other stimulants?  (click to see answer)

No. PGX is a natural, non-addictive dietary supplement containing no caffeine or other stimulants.

↑topHow do I know if my blood sugar is "out of balance"?  (click to see answer)

Your doctor can do tests to determine whether or not your blood sugar levels are within normal range. The indicators you can see and feel yourself include: 

• cravings - especially sweets and carbohydrates. 
• feeling tired and irritable for no apparent reason. 
• gaining weight in spite of an unchanged diet or lifestyle 
• feeling hungry again shortly after eating 

Read Hunger Free Forever, and Natural Ways to Prevent and Treat Diabetes, by doctors Michael Lyon and Michael Murray for more information on how blood sugar affects your health.

↑topHow does PGX lower the glycemic index of meals and why is this important?  (click to see answer)

Glycemic Index (GI) is a way of indicating how fast a particular food is turned into energy by the body. High GI foods are digested quickly and raise blood sugar fast. Low GI foods are converted to glucose more slowly. PGX slows down the rate at which all food is digested, lowering after-meal blood sugar and virtually lowering the glycemic index of any food. Clinical studies show that high after-meal blood sugar levels are a major factor for heart disease risk.

↑topHow long does a person have to take PGX?  (click to see answer)

After initial weight loss goals have been achieved, a lower "maintenance" dose of PGX can effectively help control weight, appetite, blood sugar and cholesterol for life. PGX is non-habit forming but many people find that its effects — increased self esteem, a healthy weight, and more energy — are quite "addictive".

↑topWhat research is there to support PGX benefits and effectiveness?   (click to see answer)

PGX is the result of many years of intensive clinical and laboratory research with universities from around the world and specialized research organizations in collaboration with the Canadian Center for Functional Medicine. After years of research involving thousands of participants it is clear that adding PGX to meals can: balance blood sugar, reduce the glycemic index of foods, restore insulin sensitivity (a key factor in weight control), curb food cravings and lower cholesterol levels.

Learn more

↑topIs PGX suitable for use by children?  (click to see answer)

Yes. With PGX softgels half the adult dose is recommended for children 9 years of age and older, or 1 to 3 softgels before each meal until the child notices a reduction in hunger and between-meal food cravings. However, children have unique developmental nutritional requirements. PGX suppresses appetite and you should consult a qualified health care practitioner before giving PGX to your child.

↑topWho should not use PGX?  (click to see answer)

• Anyone who cannot compensate for a large water intake, such as someone with renal disease or congestive heart failure. 
• Anyone who is taking a large number of medications that must be taken with food and/or without food, unless advised by their health care practititoner. 
• Anyone who has difficulty swallowing, including people with gastrointestinal disorders, and those with esophageal stenosis, or pre-existing bowel abnormalities such as GI strictures or impaired mobility, as they may be at risk for esophageal or intestinal blockages or obstruction. Such people should consult their health care practitioner before use 
• Pregnant or lactating women should discuss PGX use with their health care practitioner. 
• Anyone under 18 years of age should discuss PGX use with their health care practitioner.

If you have any concerns,  consult your health care practitioner.

— NOTE —

Consult a qualified health care practitioner before making any change in your diet or medications.
Since PGX slows the rate of food absorption, it may do the same with medications. Oral medications should be taken one hour before using PGX or two to three hours afterward.

People with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels regularly when using PGX. It may lead to a reduced need for diabetes medications.

Do not take PGX immediately before bed to ensure proper digestion.
If you experience chest pain, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or vomiting after taking this product, seek immediate medical attention.

↑topDoes PGX contain psyllium (a type of fibre)?  (click to see answer)

No. PGX is a unique novel complex of selected, highly viscous soluble polysaccharides (plant fibres) that act synergistically to develop a higher level of viscosity and expansion with water than with the same quantity of any currently know single fibre.