SOURCE Reliv International, Inc.
CHESTERFIELD, Mo., Dec. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Reliv International, Inc. (NASDAQ:RELV), this month launched 24K VIP, a discount and referral program designed to speed up and increase sales of healthy energy shot 24K.
“We wanted to make it easier for Reliv Distributors to add new customers. The popularity of energy drinks and the high marketability of 24K made it an ideal product for a program like VIP,” said Ryan Montgomery, executive vice president of worldwide sales.
Distributors invite customers to join the program and receive an immediate 10% discount on 24K. VIPs can then double that discount to 20% when they refer three new VIP customers into the program.
Reliv has developed online tools to speed up the 24K ordering process. These include email and social media tools as well as personalized VIP Codes and a dedicated site for VIP orders.
“We see the 24K VIP Program as a new, more familiar entry point for anyone who happens to hear about Reliv or 24K,” Montgomery said. “And once people get to know us, our high retention rates point to our ability to build lasting relationships.”
24K: A Healthy Energy Shot
Reliv developed 24K because it saw a lack of healthy options in the energy shot category. The product, named because of its 24 active ingredients, contains no caffeine, no sugar and only five calories per serving. 24K is designed to boost energy, improve mental focus and reduce stress. It is available in a multi-serving 28-ounce bottle and in two-ounce “double-shots.”
Most energy beverages and shots rely on caffeine and sugar to create an artificial buzz. The problem is that these stimulants inevitably leave you feeling more exhausted than ever. We’ve all experienced that afternoon “crash” once the morning coffee has worn off. Caffeinated energy beverages work the same way.
In addition, caffeine can cause withdrawal symptoms. Clinical studies indicate these symptoms include headache, fatigue, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, irritability and brain fog.
Experts also say the use of guarana — aka “herbal caffeine” — is particularly dangerous. Many consumers don’t realize guarana itself contains extremely high levels of caffeine. A Consumer Reports review of 12 popular energy drinks found that caffeine levels — some topping 200 milligrams or more — are often omitted from the label.
Serious Side Effects
Caffeinated energy drinks caused a spike in heart rate and blood pressure in a study presented by the American Heart Association. The effects of the caffeine occurred in healthy individuals in a relaxed, seated position. Even more worrisome for researchers is the effect of caffeinated energy beverages on patients with heart or blood pressure problems.
Athletes who use caffeinated energy beverages as performance enhancers create their own set of risks. In the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, researchers noted that both athletes and non-athletes are consuming energy beverages at an alarming rate. The study cited several recent cases of caffeine-associated death and seizures associated with caffeinated energy drinks. Caffeine also acts as a diuretic, and high doses of sugar can impair absorption of fluids. The risky combination can cause severe dehydration.
What’s on Your Label?
Deciphering the labels on popular energy beverages can be a challenge, especially when so many manufacturers are cryptic or even misleading about what ingredients are actually in the bottle. No other product has the synergistic combination of active ingredients found in 24K — and they’re all listed right on the label.
B Vitamins. Often the only healthy ingredient found in popular energy beverages and shots; lack of B Vitamins can lead to fatigue, mental fog and weakness.
CarnoSyn® Beta Alanine. Reduces fatigue, improves strength and endurance.
CoQ10. Well regarded for its brain-enhancing properties; new study of ultra-runners published by the European Journal of Nutrition indicates it also may reduce muscle damage during intensive exercise.
Gama Aminobutyric Acid (GABA). Neurotransmitter that controls the brain’s theta waves; increases endorphins and reduces anxiety.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid. Improves communication between the brain cells by making cell membranes more fluid; also shown to aid in energy production.
Resveratrol. Improves blood flow in the brain for improved cognitive function; helps muscles use oxygen more efficiently to enhance performance.
People today want that extra boost. And they are consuming dangerous, highly caffeinated beverages and shots despite the side effects in order to get it. What they need is a healthy, effective alternative — and Reliv has it.
Healthy energy shot 24K is the only product of its kind to provide energy, mental clarity and stress relief. 24K relies on 24 powerful active ingredients that nourish the body instead of creating an artificial buzz. No caffeine or sugar means the body doesn’t suffer from jitters. It also means no crash later — and no caffeine withdrawal symptoms.
