Ikaria Lean Belly Juice: Does It Work? Is it Safe?

Have top scientists finally figured out the real reason why you are struggling to lose weight and unhealthy visceral belly fat? That's what the makers of Ikaria Lean Belly Juice have to say about how effective their supplement is. Ikaria Lean Belly Juice (LBJ) is one of the most popular weight loss supplements today and is said to put your fat burning on cruise control. No doubt you have a lot of questions. In this independent, honest review, discover the ingredients in this weight loss/cleanse supplement, how it's supposed to work, the problems with it, what the research says, possible side effects, safety considerations, pros and cons, the money-back guarantee and how to get a refund if it's not working for you. Affiliate Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links which means if you decide to make a purchase after clicking a link this site will make a small commission. The company pays this not you. See the affiliate disclosure page for more information.

Ikaria Lean Belly Juice Quick Summary

Type of Supplement	Weight loss/cleanse/longevity
Stimulants	None
Pills to swallow	None. It’s a powder
Money-Back Guarantee	6 months (180 days)
Company	Claro Nutrition
Made in the US	Yes
Do fake versions exist?	Yes
Official company website	Leanbellyjuice.com

What Does Ikaria Mean And Where Is It Located?

Ikaria is the largest of the Greek islands located in the Aegean sea. Besides its beauty, Ikaria is renowned for the long lifespan of its inhabitants. Rumors of the population's long life have garnered Ikaraia, along with Okinawa Japan in the list of “Blue Zones” areas of the world where people live unusually long, free from disease and disability.

In 2012, The New York Times published an article titled “The island where people forgot to die” which tells the story of a man named Stamatis Moraitis who, in 1976 was diagnosed with cancer and given 9 months to live. After moving back to his home in Ikaria Greese, he fully recovered, lived decades beyond his diagnosis,  outliving his doctors, and finally dying in 2013 at the age of 98 without a trace of cancer in his body.

The New York Times article makes reference to a “mountain tea” and a mint tea made with dandelions -a common yard weed -and other ingredients consumed daily by people. Could this dandelion mint tea ritual be the idea behind Ikaria Lean Belly Juice? Scroll down and take notice of the first ingredient listed on the supplement Facts label…

How Does Ikaria Lean Belly Juice Work: Mechanism of Action

Deviating from the normal thoughts that gaining excess body fat is a simple matter of calories eaten is greater than calories expended through daily activities, the company website states that being overweight is related to people's cells containing higher amounts of substances called ceramides.

The company that makes Ikeria Juice regards ceramides as the root cause of stubborn fat and visceral fat. As ceramides accumulate in cells, they say, they cause fat to build up around internal organs. As fat builds up, it slows the function of vital organs such as the heart, liver, and pancreas and also reduces your metabolism and your fat-burning hormones (such as adiponectin and leptin) grind to a halt. This causes your body to switch to starvation mode, causing more of what you eat to be turned into fat. The result is that you gain weight.

The company contends that their Lean Belly Juice supplement contains ingredients that target ceramides, dissolving them inside the body so that your metabolism stays high and you become a fat-burning machine. The company also claims Ikaria Juice is the same longevity drink that some of the healthiest and longest live people on Earth drink every morning.

What Are Ceramides And Do They Cause People To Gain Weight?

Contrary to what the company states – that ceramides are foreign toxic lipids -they are a special type of fat that is made in the body naturally. The word “cera” is latin for “wax” which tells you these are waxy substances. They are composed of both fatty acid and sphingosine.

Ceramides are found in the membranes of every cell of your body. You need them. For example, sphingosine, which is part of ceramides is found in sphingomyelin and helps form the fatty coating around nerves (the myelin sheet). This coating degrades in those who have multiple sclerosis.

On the flipside, overproduction of ceramides may not be healthy. Ceramide production is increased through inflammation and oxidative stress – better known as free radical damage. Researchers have observed that when people gain weight, ceramides accumulate in various tissues of the body. The build-up of ceramides in tissues is thought to play a role in several unhealthy and pathogenic functions such as:

• insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar levels
• heart failure
• cancer development
• the destruction of cells (called apoptosis)
• interfering with proper mitochondria function
• reduction in cellular energy levels

While this may sound alarming, it's important to remember most of the evidence for this stems from preliminary proof – in animals and isolated cells. Yes, elevation in ceramides has been observed in overweight humans and those with type II diabetes. But this doesn't necessarily mean reducing ceramide levels in humans leads to health improvements or weight loss.

 

Do Ceramides Reduce Wrinkles?

In the skin, ceramides act like cement, which helps keep skin from drying out from lack of moisture. There are 9 different types of ceramides in the skin which tells us they are important to keeping skin supple. Some cosmetics may contain ceramides in the hopes they might reduce wrinkles. Here's a quick video I put together on the ceramide wrinkle research.

Watch on my Youtube channel if you prefer.

What Are The Nutrition Facts Ingredients in Ikaria Lean Belly Juice?

The Supplement Facts label tells us that Ikaria juice powder contains 31 ingredients combined into 3 different proprietary blends which together, add up to 2450 mg (about 2.4 grams). Each scoop of LBM has 3.02 grams and contains the following ingredients.

	Amount	Percent Daily Value
Metabolic Blend	1000 mg	N/A
Dandelion root powder
Turmeric root powder
Citrus pectin
Green tea leaf extract
Kelp extract
Milk thistle seed extract
Panax ginseng root powder
Black pepper extract
Japanese knotweed
Polyphenol Blend	1000 mg	N/A
Beetroot powder
Hibiscus flower powder
Strawberry juice powder
Acai juice powder
African mango extract
Black currant fruit powder
Blueberry powder
Cranberry powder
Grapefruit powder
Pomegranate powder
Raspberry powder
Digestive Blend	325 mg	N/A
Inulin
Oat fiber powder
9 Strain Probiotic	125 mg (3 Billion CFU)	N/A
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Bifidobacterium lactis
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Lactobacillus fermentum
Lactobacillus ruteri
Bifidobacterium longum

Other ingredients: maltodextrin, natural flavors, citric acid,  and stevia leaf extract

Metabolic Blend (1000 mg)

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Natures Diuretic

Dandelion is the first ingredient in the Ikaria Juice metabolic blend. This means it makes up most of the blend's 1000 mg. As stated in the New York Times article (The Island Where People Forgot to Die) a tea composed of dandelions and other ingredients is regularly consumed by people living on the island of Ikaria. While human research needs to confirm its effectiveness, preliminary evidence suggests dandelion possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers dandelion Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). Dandelion is a source of many biologically active substances such as terpenes, caffeic acid, vitamins, and minerals. As a natural diuretic, dandelion may facilitate the loss of water from the body. In theory, this may lead to weight loss, although that is not the same as burning fat.

A diuretic, like dandelion, might also lower blood pressure. Lower blood pressure might foster better cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease. While dandelion is not traditionally used to treat high blood pressure, in one study it was reported dandelion extract exerted “significant antioxidant protection against hypertension” in animals.

Turmeric Root Extract (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric root is often used as a spice as well as a dietary supplement. Entire books have been written about the health effects of turmeric. Various studies have revealed turmeric may help a wide range of health ailments such as high blood sugar, arthritis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and elevated cholesterol levels. Don't confuse turmeric for curcumin. Curcumin is one of many curcuminoids found in turmeric. While both have clinical evidence, turmeric would be expected to be a more broad-spectrum nutrient.  While some may argue turmeric (and curcumin) can aid with weight loss, solid human proof for this claim is lacking.

Citrus Pectin (Fiber)

Pectin is a soluble fiber that easily mixes with water. The Ikarian Juice supplement uses citrus pectin which comes from citrus fruits. Pectin has been shown to help curb appetite and improve satiety. Pectin has also been clinically demonstrated to lower cholesterol levels when used at a dosage of at least 3 grams (3000 mg). This is more pectin than Lean Belly Juice contains. Pectin is a prebiotic, the food that healthy gut probiotic bacteria consume. As such, it would be expected that citrus pectin may lead to a more diverse and disease-free gut microbiome.

Green Tea Leaf Extract (Camellia sinensis)

Green tea is considered by some to be one of the world's most healthy drinks. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US and other developed nations. Research links drinking green tea to a reduced risk of heart disease and dying from heart disease. Some researchers have noted that drinking just 1 cup of green tea a day was associated with a 10% drop in the risk of heart disease. One reason for this may be due to green teas' ability to reduce bad LDL cholesterol.

Green tea polyphenols are also suspected of conveying health-improving benefits too. Preliminary research suggests green tea polyphenols are antioxidants and also have anti-cancer effects. This may be due to their ability to help the immune system stay vigilant and spot cancer before it develops.  Lean Belly Juice is standardized to contain 90% green tea polyphenols. Other researchers speculate the polyphenol catechins in green tea may help reduce the risk of degenerative brain diseases such as memory loss, Parkinsons' disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Human proof needs to confirm this.

The green tea used in Lean Belly Juice is also standardized to contain 80% catechins, and 50% EGCG, the catechin that garners most of the weight-loss attention of this leaf. In one such study 102 overweight women, given 300 mg of EGCG for 3 months experienced more weight loss and reduced waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) compared to women who took placebo pills. However not all research is positive such as another clinical trial where 300 mg of EGCG, taken for 3 months, did not work any better than dieting alone.

Kelp Extract (Laminaria japonica): A Sea Vegetable Functional Food

Kelp is a type of edible seaweed sometimes called kombu in Japan and haidai in china and dashima in Korea. Various studies have investigated this sea vegetable with results showing that kelp appears to:

• have anti-cancer effects
• lower cholesterol (lowers bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides/ raises good HDL cholesterol)
• lower blood sugar
• reduce fasting blood sugar levels

Much of these results stem from laboratory animal research and not human clinical trials. It's possible kelp may also help weight loss by adjusting the gut microbiome to a more healthy diversity pattern. Doing so might also foster weight loss by improving the production of healthy gut metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids like butyrate.

Another way kelp may foster a slim tummy is by boosting metabolic rate by ramping up thyroid hormone. Kelp contains the mineral, iodine which is crucial for the production of key thyroid hormones – triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).

What Is Fucoxanthin And What Role Does It Play In Burning Fat?

Lean Belly Juice is standardized to contain 10% fucoxanthin, a brown-colored carotenoid in seaweed. In animals, fucoxanthin can:

• raise good HDL cholesterol and lower bad LDL cholesterol
• boost the energy substance, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) in cells
• maintain glutathione levels (a powerful antioxidant substance)

In animals, fucoxanthin also stimulates uncoupling protein-1 which is found in the mitochondria of fat cells. Uncoupling protein 1 plays a role in thermogenesis – better known as burning. By stimulating uncoupling protein 1, some feel fucoxanthin may have anti-obesity effects. The idea is that fucoxanthin ramps up metabolism by getting fat cells to burn more fat. Fucoxanthin might also help fat cells make more leptin which is known to reduce appetite. Some researchers have also reported fucoxanthin favorably adjusts gut health too.

Milk Thistle Seed Extract (Silymarin)

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a plant that's common in the United States, Asia, and other parts of the world. Like other ingredients in Ikaria Juice, milk thistle has been used as medicine for thousands of years. The key substance in milk thistle thought to be responsible for many of its effects is silymarin. The Lean Belly Juice company states milk thistle has a “potent fat-melting effect.” This claim is boastful, to say the least, although milk thistle does appear to reduce inflammation and has antioxidant properties. The Ikaria Juice longevity drink is standardized to contain 80% silymarin.

Milk thistle is usually regarded as beneficial to the liver. Indeed some research suggests milk thistle improves hepatitis by inhibiting replication of the hepatitis C virus. Research also shows milk thistle/silymarin reduces blood sugar when used at a dosage of about 200 mg a day.

Panax Ginseng

Both American and Asian ginseng is referred to as Panax. The Supplement Facts label for Ikaria Juice does not tell us which kind of Panax ginseng they are using although they do tell us the ginseng powder comes from the root of the plant. Ginsenosides are compounds thought to be at the heart of ginseng's health effects. Over 20 ginsenosides are known to exist. Ginseng is also the classic adaptogen supplement, adapting what it does in the body based on what your needs are.

The Ikarian Juice company states Panax ginseng “shrinks fat cells.” Ginseng has been shown to reduce fat cell size in animals that eat a high-fat diet but this has not been demonstrated in humans. Various studies have revealed that Panax ginseng ginsenosides:

• increases adiponectin
• activate AMPK
• reduce triglycerides
• reduce blood sugar

When Panax ginseng was given to people, it reduced triglycerides, total cholesterol, and bad LDL cholesterol and boosted good HDL cholesterol, all of which would be expected to reduce the risk of heart disease. Some research reveals ginseng may increase blood circulation. Other studies have affirmed ginseng raises nitric oxide levels. In theory, these effects may be behind ginseng's reputed aphrodisiac effects. Contrary to what the Ikaria company states, not all research shows Panax ginseng promotes significant weight loss in humans.

Black Pepper Extract: Natures Nutrient Absorption Booster

Black pepper (Piper nigrum), known by some as the “king of spices” is a diverse array of bioactive substances including terpenes, lignans, steroids, and flavones. Many of these substances act as antioxidants while others are antimicrobial and reduce inflammation.

Black pepper is often added to supplements because it naturally improves the absorption of ingredients. For example, black pepper is well known to significantly boost the absorption of turmeric. It also enhances medication absorption too. This effect is due to its active ingredient – called piperine, sometimes also called Bioperine. Piperine helps the ingredients it's associated with to stay in the body longer. Lesser well known is the potential for black pepper to protect aging brain cells. While most of the research is limited to animals, this remains an intriguing area of study.

Japanese Knotweed (Resveratrol)

Japanese knotweed goes by many names such as Polygonum cuspidatum, Fallopia japonica, Fo-Ti and Hu Zhang. It's a plant that grows in both the US and Asia and is a natural source of resveratrol. The polyphenol, resveratrol, which is also found in peanuts, grapes, and red wine is rumored to have anti-aging effects through its ability to activate the sirtuin system, a class of anti-aging enzymes that reduce inflammation and control, cell division.

Resveratol exists in two distinct forms – cis and trans – and the trans-form is considered the most biologically active. Japanese knotweed contains significant levels of trans-resveratrol. The Japanese knotweed used in Ikara Lean Belly powder is standardized to contain 98% resveratrol.

Some evidence hints resveratrol may be somewhat effective for weight loss. When researchers analyzed previous studies they observed resveratrol appeared to help people lose about an extra 1 to 2 pounds of body weight when used daily for several weeks. Interestingly resveratrol appears to work better in those who are overweight than in thinner folks.

Polyphenol Blend (1000 mg)

Beet Root Powder

Beets, also known as Beta vulgaris are thought to reduce blood pressure do their natural nitrate concentration. Other clinical trials suggest beetroot juice may improve exercise performance, helping people last longer before exhaustion sets in. Those who exercise may experience delayed muscle soreness a day or two afterward. Research suggests betalains – substances in beets – may reduce muscle soreness after physical activity. Beetroot powder is the first ingredient listed in the Ikaria Lean Belly Juice polyphenol blend, so it makes up most of this blend.

Hibiscus Powder

The hibiscus plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa) grows in both Asia India and America. Hibiscus sabdariffa is the most common of a family that includes over 300 different species. While hibiscus tea may be used for many reasons, aiding blood pressure is one of the most known. High blood pressure (hypertension) is the main reason people have strokes. Several clinical studies have revealed hibiscus tea seems effective at reducing blood pressure. In theory, this effect may be greater when combined with other ingredients such as beetroot juice.

Can Hibiscus Lower Blood Pressure?

Watch on my Youtube channel if you prefer

Women may be interested in hibiscus as a natural remedy for hot flashes and other menopause symptoms although there is little proof it helps this. As for weight loss, in one study people taking hibiscus pills lost 1 pound more bodyweight than those who took a placebo. Hibiscus may also help reduce the effects of fatty liver disease too.

Strawberry Juice Powder

Besides tasting great in smoothies, strawberries are a good source of soluble and insoluble fibers. As such, they would be expected to shift the gut microbiome to a more healthy state. Clinical trials on strawberries have shown this fruit can reduce blood sugar (and A1C levels), cellular inflammation, and bad LDL cholesterol.

Acai Juice Powder

Acai berries have been rumored to be “superfoods” for many years. Acai berries are a rich source of fiber and minerals like iron and calcium, vitamin A, and a variety of plant nutrients. Some research finds acai berries lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Others may view acai berries as natural remedies for arthritis due to the ability of Acai to inhibit an enzyme called COX (cyclooxygenase). If proven true, Acai may work similarly to some medications.

One problem however is that studies have not yet documented acai berries reduce arthritis pain in humans.  As for weight loss, animal research suggests the berries may help however the human proof is lacking. While they are probably just as good as other fruits, acai berries are probably not superior.

African Mango (Irvingia gabonensis)

To date, at least 4 human clinical trials possibly support African mango as a weight loss supplement. In one such investigation, people taking 350 mg of African mango extract (called IGOB131) lost about 28 pounds over the course of 10 weeks compared to just 1 pound in those taking a placebo. Those people also saw reductions in blood sugar and inflammation too although its possible weight loss accounted for some of this. Other studies however have not found significant differences in weight loss so this study may be an anomaly.

Black Currant Powder (Ribes nigrum)

Black currant is a good source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which some research hints may aid with healthy blood pressure. Both ALA and another fatty acid in black currant – stearidonic acid – can be converted in the body to the fish oils, EPA and DHA.

Several small studies show black currant reduces total cholesterol and bad LDL cholesterol after just 1 month of use. This may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (heart disease), the leading killer in the US. In addition, intriguing research suggests black current reduces pressure in the eyes and improves blood flow to the eyes. This could mean black current may be effective for helping glaucoma. Other investigations suggest black currant may help rheumatoid arthritis.

Blueberry Powder

Blueberries are power-packed fruits containing a wide spectrum of thousands of bioactive substances ranging from vitamin C and glutathione to polyphenols and anthocyanins not to mention gut-friendly fiber. Some researchers have called blueberries “a cancer-fighting superfood” because of their apparent ability to stop cancer on the spot, before it grows, metastases, or reoccurs. In addition, fascinating research appears to show blueberries ease depression in kids and young adults – and improve depression in as little as 4 weeks.

Cranberry Powder

Cranberries and cranberry juice are well known for their potential ability to reduce urinary tract infections in women. Several studies have revealed cranberries appear to reduce urinary infections by over 30%. Research like this promoted the FDA to allow companies to make health claims that an 8 oz glass of cranberry juice a day might reduce urinary tract infections in women. Other research hints that cranberry juice and supplements reduce prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in men who had elevated PSA levels. It's not known if cranberry reduces the risk of prostate cancer.

Grapefruit Powder (Citrus paradise)

What we call a grapefruit is derived by crossing sweet oranges with sweet pomelos. Studies show grapefruit juice can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in those who have hypertension and don't have it. Other researchers have documented a reduction in insulin resistance after grapefruit use. That would be good news for people with diabetes.

Grapefruit also appears to reduce triglycerides and bad LDL cholesterol compared to people who take a placebo.  The grapefruit diet has remained popular for many years and while it will work, its effects are simply because people eat fewer calories rather than any special fat-burning effect of grapefruit. Eating only one food to lose weight is not recommended due to nutrient and calorie deficiencies.

The grapefruit effect refers to how grapefruit can interfere with the metabolism of medications. This may cause some drugs to break down too slowly while others break down too quickly. While there's likely not much grapefruit in Ikeria juice powder it may be wise to show the ingredients to your doctor and pharmacist for their input.

Pomegranate Fruit Powder (Punica granatum)

Like all fruits, pomegranate is a source of antioxidants and plant phytonutrients (polyphenols, anthocyanidins, etc) as well as minerals like magnesium and potassium and vitamins such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Like several other ingredients in Ikaria Lean Belly Juice pomegranate has been shown to reduce blood pressure. While preliminary evidence suggests pomegranate may help reduce prostate cancer this needs to be verified by human clinical trials. Animal research also suggests pomegranate has potential anti-Alzheimers effects but this is highly speculative until human clinical trials are conducted.

Raspberry Fruit Powder

The supplement facts label does not specify which kind of raspberries are in Ikaria Lean Belly Juice. Is it red raspberries or black raspberries? Let's assume it's red raspberry.  Since it is a fruit, raspberries contain thousands of biologically active substances like anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and ellagitannins. In addition, raspberries also contain fiber as well as vitamin C, and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and vitamin K. As such, raspberries would be expected to maintain blood vessel health and reduce the overall risk of heart disease. Few studies have examined the specific health effects of raspberries although it can be reasonably stated that they're healthy. Raspberries are the final ingredient in the polyphenol blend which means there's not much present.

Digestive Blend (325 mg)

Inulin

Inulin, also known as chicory root extract, is a soluble fiber. Foods containing inulin include fruits and vegetables such as bananas and opinions. While inulin has no calories we humans can use, it can be broken down by gut bacteria, improving microbiome health and diversity. This classifies inulin as a prebiotic. Researchers find inulin effective for relieving constipation.

Additional evidence exists for inulin lowering cholesterol too. In one study, people consuming inulin for two months lost 6 pounds compared to people not taking inulin. Inulin may aid weight loss by making people feel full via increased production of glucagon-like peptide-1  (GLP-1). Some diabetes medications work by stimulating GLP-1 release too.

Oat Fiber Powder

Oat fiber is a soluble fiber that mixes well in liquids. Oats used to make oatmeal, have been studied extensively for their health effects. Research reveals people who consume more soluble fiber have lower chronic inflammation. This may be a reason why those who eat a diet rich in oat fiber have been shown to have lower cholesterol levels as well as a reduced risk of heart disease, stomach cancer, and diabetes.

Oats are also the main source of unique compounds called avenanthramides which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Avenanthramides also appears to be the reason why oatmeal reduces skin itching and inflammation.

Beta-glucans are one of the healthy substances in oat fiber. While other foods contain beta-glucans, oats have some of the highest concentrations. When researchers gave oat fiber to people with elevated blood lipids daily for 5 weeks, they discovered it not only significantly reduced their total cholesterol but also their bad LDL cholesterol as well.

Other research hints high beta-glucans strengthen the immune system by producing a metabolic reprogramming – training immune system cells to recognize and remember invaders to prevent reinfection again. The insoluble fiber in oats such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin may likewise bolster immunity by improving gut health and promoting gut bacteria to produce more healthy short-chain fatty acids.

9 Strain Probiotic Blend (125 mg / 3 billion colony forming units)

1. Lactobacillus acidophilus
2. Lactobacillus salivarius
3. Lactobacillus plantarum
4. Lactobacillus rhamnosus
5. Bifidobacterium lactis
6. Bifidobacterium bifidum
7. Lactobacillus fermentum
8. Lactobacillus reuteri
9. Bifidobacterium longum

Bacteria have 3 names – genius, species, and strain. Even though the Lean Belly Juice Supplement Facts label lists a “9 strain probiotic” blend they do not tell us the strains of the bacteria. Rather, the company provides only the first two names – genus and species. What are the strains of bacteria in the Lean Belly Juice 9 strain probiotic blend?

Research suggests some probiotic strains may help support healthy weight loss. But what are those bacterial strains? This is an area where much more research needs to be performed. Each scoop of the Ikara Juice supplement contains 3 billion CUF or colony-forming units where a CFU refers to the number of viable bacteria that can multiply.

Lean Belly Juice Prebiotic List

Prebiotics are the food that healthy probiotic bacteria consume. Here's a list of some of the prebiotics found in Ikaria Lean Belly Juice:

Citrus pectin	Green tea
Kelp	Beetroot
Strawberry	Hibiscus
Acai	Blueberry
Black currant	Cranberry
Grapefruit	Pomegranate
Raspberry	Inulin

Given the diversity of prebiotics, it's logical to assume Ikaria Juice powder may aid gut health by promoting a more robust microbiome. Research needs to confirm this, however. Studies reveal prebiotics reduce C reactive protein (CRP), a marker for chronic inflammation. Lower cellular inflation is also linked to less cancer, heart disease, gout, diabetes, hardening of the blood vessels, thyroid problems, and other health ailments. While not proven yet, is it possible the prebiotics in the Ikaria drink support human health by aiding gut health?

Does Lean Belly Juice Have Clinical Proof Of Effectiveness?

While the supplement has an eye-grabbing name, no clinical investigations on Ikaria juice could be located. The company does list 26 clinical references to support its use, but none of them involve Ikaria drink itself. That's too bad because I'm sure some will be attracted to this supplement because they want to burn fat from their belly.

To be fair, the lack of clinical proof is true for many dietary supplements. There's little incentive for companies to study natural substances. Also, the supplement appears to be relatively new to the market and clinical trials take time to be performed. However, there is research on the individual ingredients in the supplement. Do they all work better together? It's difficult to say without experimental studies.

How Much Does Ikara Lean Belly Juice Cost?

Prices will vary so check the official company website for discounts. Here are prices when last checked:

• 1 bottle / 1 month supply $69 (+ shipping)
  

  Lean Belly Juice Powder Free Gifts including VIP Coaching Service

• 3 bottles / 3 months supply $177 (free shipping)
• 6 bottles / 6 months supply  $294 (free shipping)

Purchasing 3 and 6 bottles also entitle you to these 3 free bonus gifts as well:

1. Anti-Aging Blueprint: This book outlines how to rejuvenate your cells
2. Energy Boosting Smoothies: Smoothie recipes to curb appetite and provide all-day energy
3. VIP Coaching: You get ongoing motivation and support to help you reach your weight loss goals

Real Customer Results With Ikaria Lean Belly Juice

The company reports several customers who have had success with the program. Here's a summary:

• “I'm down a pant size in less than 3 weeks”
• “Over the last 3 months, I'm down an amazing 32 pounds”
• ” When I stepped on the scale I was down almost 24 pounds after only 8 weeks”

While impressive, remember weight loss results will vary according to how strictly you follow the program.

Can You Buy Ikaria Lean Belly Juice In Local Stores?

At this time it doesn't appear Ikaria Juice is found in stores like Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Target or Vitamin Shoppe, GNC, Costco, or Riteaid. That may change by the time you see this. For now, ordering from the official company website is the only way to purchase and get discounts, deals, and coupons.

How To Reorder Ikaria Lean Juice?

One of the advantages of this supplement is that the company does not do auto-shipments. When you run out of it, you won't receive more until you order it again. That means no unexpected charges to your credit card. If you are happy with your results and want to keep taking it, simply order it again from the company. Here's the website to reorder it.

Who Makes Ikaria Lean Belly Juice?

The company is called Claro Nutrition also known as Claro Media. Claro Media (ClaroMedia.co), located in Toronto, Canada, appears to be a marketing company. As such, they may not be the official company in charge of this weight loss supplement. Claro Nutrition is the company involved with other popular supplements including Okinawa Flat Belly Tonic and Gluconite. Another company to know about is JetPack Shipping, also known as Smart Ship LLC. This is a fulfillment center, based in Akron OH, that sends Lean Belly Juice to your home. Claro Nutrition is not the same company as ClaroVita Nutrition. Ikaria Juice is sold via Clickbank, a respected online retailer that's been in business for over 20 years and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Better Business Bureau Rating

When the BBB website was checked there was no file on record for the company. This might be a good sign as it may mean customers are happy with their results and are not registering complaints against the company. Likewise, TrustPilot did not reveal any negative reviews either.

How To Return And Get A Refund on Ikiria Lean Belly Juice

The money-back-guarantee is a whopping 180 days (6 months). This is more than enough time to test drive it and see if it's effective. If you don't believe it's working for you and want to request a refund, email Claro Nutrition customer support at support@leanbellyjuice.com. The customer support person will issue you a return merchandise authorization number (RMA) which you need to include with your return. The company may have additional instructions also such as returning all bottles -opened and unopened – so be sure to ask about this.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ikaria Lean Belly Juice

Does Lean Belly Juice Contain Stimulants?

The version reviewed here does not contain stimulants like caffeine, higenamine, hordenine, Yohimbe, ephedra, or bitter orange. As such the supplement is not expected to raise your blood pressure or heart rate.

Can You Drink It Hold or Cold?

Feel free to mix Ikaria power in either hot or cold liquids. The temperature should not matter in how effective it is.

Can It Be Used By Women And Men?

Yes. The ingredients are expected to work equally as well in both men and women.

How Long Is The Ikiria Money Back Guarantee?

You have 180 days (6 months) to get a refund if Lean Belly Juice does not work for you. A refund guarantee this long is almost unheard of with supplements. It's nice to see the company having this much confidence in the effectiveness of their supplement.

Does It Contain Gluten?

None of the ingredients contain gluten, dairy, soy, wheat, barley, or animal products.

 

How Long Until I Feel A Difference

The company says you may start to feel changes occurring after a few days or a week but this time is not fixed. If Lean Belly Juice works, the time it takes you to feel something happening will depend on what you are looking for and what your health is.

I Ordered It. How Long Does It Take For My Purchase To Arrive

Generally, 5 to 7 days if you live within the United States. If you live outside of the US, it may take 10 to 12 days.

Where Do They Ship To?

Ikaria Juice is shipped to all 50 US states as well as Canada, London and the rest of the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and elsewhere.

How Do I Contact The Ikaria Lean Belly Juice Company

Email customer support at support@leanbellyjuice.com

How Do You Use It And What Is The Correct Dosage?

Mix 1 scoop into 6 oz of water once a day, in the morning on an empty stomach, preferably 1 hour before breakfast. You can mix the powder in a glass or use a shaker bottle or blender, although blending is not necessary. The Ikaria drink does not taste bad but feel free to mix it with juice if the taste is not to your liking.

How Long Does It Last?

The shelf life of Ikaria Juice is up to 2 years after purchase so even if you order 6 bottles, it will not go bad anytime soon. You may notice a best if used by date on your package which can give you an indication. While spoiling is unlikely, breakdown will depend on how you store it. To maximize the stability and effectiveness of the ingredients, store canisters in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and moisture.

Can I Use It In The Morning And At Night?

The company recommends using Ikaria Juice only once a day, in the morning before breakfast. The fact they say this means, they don't feel drinking it more than once a day is necessary. This is also good because it means you won't run out of it as fast. Each canister will last you a month. While the ingredients are safe, remember there is more to weight loss and being healthy than taking a supplement. Use the Ikaria drink in addition to other healthy habits you are doing. If you need some advice, leave a comment below.

Is Ikaria Lean Belly Powder Safe To Take While Pregnant?

Taking weight loss supplements while pregnant does not make sense. Don't take any supplement not recommended by your doctor during pregnancy.

Where Is Ikaria Lean Belly Juice Manufactured?

The supplement is made in the United States. This is good. The company website doesn't say which countries it gets its ingredients from.

Counterfit Ikaria Juice Powder?

It's possible some may experience consumer confusion because different companies may offer Ikaria Juice that contains different ingredients. Why does the company allow this? The official formula reviewed here does not contain Garcinia cambogia. This is good because Garcinia may not be safe for your liver.

Likewise, exotic ingredients such as raspberry ketones,  beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), or medium-chain triglycerides(MCTs) are not present either. Ikaria Juice is not an exogenous ketone supplement. Ketone supplements have not been shown to be effective weight loss aids and the long-term effect of ketone ingredients on gut microbiome health has not been fully evaluated. Here's a tip: check the ingredients against what you see here and look for the 180-day (6-month) money-back guarantee.

Do Ketone Supplements Work?

watch on my YouTube channel if you prefer.

How to Spot Fake Lean Belly Juice Reviews

Because this is a popular supplement there are many reviews to read. Sometimes however those reviews may only tell one side of the story. For example, when it comes to high-risk side effects, you may see something vague like “the company is not aware of any side effects.” But, not being aware of side effects does not mean there are no side effects.  Something else to watch out for reviews containing extreme, and exaggerated over-the top-language to get your attention such as these buzzwords in the title:

• Beware
• Alert
• Warning
• Is it Legit
• Exposed
• Do Not Buy Until You Read This
• As Seen On Shark Tank
• Celebrity endorsements
• Real Customer Reviews

Ikaria Lean Belly Juice vs. Okinawa Flat Belly Tonic

Like Ikaria Greece, Okinawa Japan is another Blue Zone area where people live unusually long, free of most age-related diseases. Okinawa Flat Belly Tonic is another supplement whose maker claims can help with weight loss and vitality. While some of the ingredients in Okinawa Tonic are similar to Ikaria Juice Powder, other ingredients are different. If you are wondering which is better, there are no clinical trials comparing them to each other. For more insights see the review of Okinawa Flat Belly Tonic.

Ikaria Lean Belly Powder Precautions, Side Effects, and Drug Contraindications

Are there any hidden or high-risk side effects with this supplement? People reporting problems with this supplement were not discovered when this review was created. If they occur, they may be rare. If you are going to use Ikaria powder, here are some things to keep in mind. This list isn't complete so when in doubt, speak to your doctor and pharmacist:

• Don't take LBJ if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. Scroll up to see the ingredients list.
• Start with less for the first week. For example, consider using 1/2 a scoop to see what happens
• Stop taking Ikaria juice at least 2 weeks before surgery
• Don't use it if pregnant or breastfeeding
• Avoid drinking it at the same time as supplements containing similar ingredients
• Milk thistle and ginseng and African mango appear to reduce blood sugar levels
• Turmeric might cause hypoglycemia by reducing blood sugar levels and may interact with diabetes medications like insulin and metformin
• Pectin may reduce the absorption of the heart and blood pressure medicine, digoxin
• Green tea supplements have been linked to liver toxicity. Speak to your doctor if you have liver problems.
• Kelp contains iodine which may interfere with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid medications
• Black pepper may interact with medications
• Beetroot juice and hibiscus might lower blood pressure
• Grapefruit might interact with several medications.

 

Pros & Cons Of Ikaria Lean Belly Juice

Here's how I score it. Your opinions may be different.

Pros	Cons
Non-GMO	Kind of pricey
Made in the US	Proprietary blends
Easy to mix / no pills	Email support only
No auto-shipments
Vegetarian
No stimulants
Free shipping available
Tastes good
Coaching available

Does Ikaria Lean Belly Juice Really Work?

Do people in Ikaria Greece live longer because they drink an elixir of dandelions and other ingredients, or do they live longer because of what they are not doing – eating fast food, smoking, and exercising too little? Or could it be a combination of both? While I remain skeptical of the weight-loss claims of Ikaria Lean Belly Tonic, the ingredients are not bad and probably will improve antioxidant defenses and even gut health. That could lead to a healthier you. If you are going to try it, remember weight loss -and improvements in health – don't happen overnight or over a month.

Here's the official website to check it out and learn more

What Do You Think?