Yes, Nutrilite is an Amway product, and has been for over fifty years. The brand's origins predate Amway's formation, but today, Nutrilite is one of Amway's flagship and top-selling product lines, exclusively sold through Amway's network of Independent Business Owners (IBOs). The history of this relationship is long and deep, beginning with a distributor partnership and evolving into full brand ownership.
The History Behind the Brands
The Nutrilite story began long before the creation of Amway. Carl Rehnborg, a nutrition pioneer, founded Nutrilite Products Inc. in 1934, creating one of the first multivitamin and multimineral supplements sold in the United States. Rehnborg was a proponent of plant-based nutrition, using organic and sustainable farming methods decades before they became mainstream. He also pioneered an early form of multi-level marketing to distribute his supplements directly to consumers, establishing a model of sales and referrals.
Interestingly, it was this multi-level marketing approach that introduced Nutrilite to Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel, who would later found Amway. Before starting their own company in 1959, DeVos and Van Andel were successful Nutrilite distributors. They gained firsthand experience with the direct selling model and the potential of nutritional products, which influenced the business they would later build. The two continued to distribute Nutrilite products for many years while simultaneously growing their own company.
Amway's Acquisition and the Modern Nutrilite
The formal connection between the two companies was solidified in 1972 when Amway officially acquired Nutrilite. This acquisition brought Nutrilite's renowned health and wellness products under the Amway umbrella, expanding Amway's product offerings significantly. The move created a powerful combination: Nutrilite's deep-rooted science and quality standards, backed by Amway's vast and rapidly expanding global distribution network.
Modern Nutrilite's Offerings
Today, Nutrilite offers a broad portfolio of products, including:
- Foundational Supplements: Multivitamins like the Double X™ Multivitamin for comprehensive nutritional support.
- Targeted Solutions: Supplements for specific health concerns such as immunity, heart health, and bone density.
- Protein Products: Plant-based and whey protein powders, including All Plant Protein, which cater to a variety of dietary needs.
- Children's Health: Chewable multivitamins and supplements formulated specifically for kids.
The 'Seed-to-Supplement' Process
Amway has maintained and expanded upon Carl Rehnborg's original vision for sustainable farming and quality control. Today, Amway owns nearly 6,000 acres of certified organic Nutrilite farms across the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. These farms grow the botanicals used in many Nutrilite products, and the entire process is meticulously tracked through a proprietary 'seed-to-supplement' process to ensure purity, safety, and effectiveness. This level of traceability is a core selling point for the brand.
What the Amway-Nutrilite Relationship Means for You
For consumers, the most significant aspect of this relationship is the distribution channel. You cannot purchase Nutrilite products in a traditional retail store or through major online retailers like Amazon. The products are sold exclusively through Amway's Independent Business Owners (IBOs), either directly or via the Amway website with an IBO's referral. This distribution model has both pros and cons, which are important for potential buyers to understand.
How Nutrilite Compares to Other Supplement Brands
| Feature | Nutrilite (Amway) | Other Popular Supplement Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Distribution Model | Multi-level marketing (exclusively through IBOs) | Primarily retail (online and in-store) |
| Sourcing Control | High; owns and operates certified organic farms | Varies; some brands have high control, many rely on third-party sourcing |
| Product Traceability | Strict 'seed-to-supplement' process, verified by third parties | Varies widely; some use batch tracking, others offer minimal detail |
| Price | Varies, can be perceived as higher due to direct sales model | Widely varied, from budget-friendly to premium pricing |
| Consumer Access | Limited to Amway network and website | Widespread access through diverse retail channels |
| Historical Legacy | Founded in 1934, acquired by Amway in 1972 | Varies, often founded much more recently |
Conclusion
The simple answer is yes, Nutrilite is an Amway product, but the full story is more nuanced. Nutrilite has a rich history as an innovator in the supplement space that long precedes its acquisition by Amway in 1972. For consumers, this relationship means that access to Nutrilite's plant-based vitamins and supplements is tied directly to the Amway network of Independent Business Owners. While the brand maintains a commitment to quality and traceability inherited from its founder, the business model and distribution channel are uniquely Amway's.
- To learn more about the brand's history and sourcing, you can visit the official Amway website dedicated to Nutrilite: amway.com/en_US/amway-insider/about-amway/the-origins-of-nutrilite.
