FAQs
Browse by topic, or search for a specific answer.
134 articles in 14 topics
About multiple prolon cycles
4
-
What if I can’t do a Prolon cycle exactly one month apart?
Participants in our clinical trial all maintained close to 25 days from the completion of one cycle to the beginning of the next, so we cannot...
-
What happens if I only do one cycle of Prolon in total?
Prolon users report dramatic shifts in their relationship to food after even just 1 cycle, as well as immediate weight loss and decrease in waist circumference....
-
Can I do Prolon® more often than once per month?
Prolon® is only intended to be done one time per month. We have not tested the safety or efficacy of more frequent use, nor have we...
-
How many cycles of Prolon can be recommended to an individual in a one-year period?
As with any diet, you should talk to your healthcare practitioner, who may recommend doing monthly cycles until you reach your individual goals, and then every...
After the prolon 5 day fast
5
-
What should I eat after my Prolon cycle?
You can refer to the Transition Day Meal Plan, but in short, we advise you to keep your meals light and small. Start with liquid foods,...
-
Should I do a day of water fasting after completing Prolon®?
We do not recommend doing any additional water fasting after completing Prolon, as this has not been tested in any of our studies and may be...
-
The Transition Day Meal Plan recommends a trail mix of almonds, pecans, cashews, blueberries and dark chocolate. Can you advise the ratios of nuts to blueberries to chocolate?
There is no specific ratio of nuts, blueberries, and chocolate, but a general guideline might include mostly nuts with a small quantity of blueberries and dark...
-
Why did my percent body fat go up after using Prolon?
We have found that the bioelectrical impedance scale/test, which is the most common body composition measuring tool, is not always adequately reliable to measure the effects...
-
Do you have any recommendations for bars or cereals?
We offer the Intermittent Fasting Bar, which has been designed to provide your body with a carefully balanced ratio of macro- and micronutrients to help promote...
Before the prolon 5 day fast
2
-
Can I start Day 1 of Prolon® the night before with one of the dinner soups?
You may have a light dinner the night before starting Prolon, however we recommend that you use the food provided according to the instructions, starting with...
-
Should I restrict calories or "prepare my body" before starting Prolon®?
You don't need to make any long-term, major lifestyle changes before starting the program, which is one of the reasons why it's so popular. Published clinical...
Clinical trials
3
-
What scientific data is there to support Prolon ingredients, formulation, and use?
The proprietary dietary formulation for Prolon is based on over 20 years of scientific research, including preclinical (animal) and clinical trials. Many studies were conducted to...
-
Can you send me a copy of the clinical trial(s)?
Please visit our website if you're interested in reading and learning more about our studies: https://prolonlife.com/pages/the-science.
-
I want to take part in a clinical trial - can I?
Customers can contact the principal investigator listed for any ongoing clinical trials, if they are interested. The current list of clinical trials can be found at:...
During your program
12
-
What if I forget to eat something in the box or miss taking a supplement?
The Prolon® diet has been carefully curated and scientifically tested to be consumed as packaged. Therefore, we recommend eating all foods in each day's box. If...
-
When should I start Prolon®?
That depends on your work schedule, home life and personal preferences. Some people find that starting on a Monday and finishing on a Friday is best...
-
Can I exercise during and/or after fasting? How should I ease back into my exercise routine?
While exercise can help use up available blood glucose and move a person into a ketogenic, fasting state, vigorous exercise can stress the body and we...
-
Why should I not use tobacco products or other addictive substances while on the program?
Tobacco, vaping, and other addictive substances have not been studied as part of the Prolon program, but we recommend against their use together with Prolon.
-
Can I fly during a Prolon cycle?
There are no contraindications to flying during use of Prolon, but you may have challenges if you need to eat on a long flight because the...
-
What if I get really hungry as I'm doing Prolon®?
Keep in mind that there’s a difference between cravings and hunger. Cravings are normal while doing Prolon and generally pass within a short period of time....
-
Can I eat the day’s food at different times?
According to the trial design, the order and timing in which you eat each day’s items does not impact the outcome. You can consume the entire...
-
Can I drink electrolyte beverages while on Prolon®?
We would recommend talking to your healthcare practitioner about your electrolyte supplements before starting Prolon. Typically, we suggest that you only consume what is in the...
-
Can I replace the L-Bar with a Fast Bar or other types of nuts?
Due to the carefully studied and strategically formulated macro- and micronutrient ratio in the L-Bar, there is no substitute that meets its exact profile. Although Fast Bar...
-
What if I eat a meal inside the next day box in the middle of the night during the program?
Technically, since you ate it on the respective day for that item, it is within the study's limitations as we did define the timing of the...
-
What if food outside of the Prolon kit was eaten during one day of the diet, such as at a social event?
The Prolon kit was carefully designed to be the sole source of food intake during the 5-day fast, and the clinical studies proving its benefits were...
-
Adding/Additions to the program:
During your Prolon 5-days, we strongly recommend that you “stick to the box” to achieve the same cellular benefits that were demonstrated during our clinical trials....
Food sensitivites and prolon ingredients
22
-
Are there "natural flavors" in any of the ingredients?
Yes. The L-Bars and L-Drink are made using natural flavors. In addition, the soups have natural flavors which are a proprietary blend of plant-derived herbs and...
-
What is DHA in the algal oil?
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid.
-
Is Prolon FODMAP-friendly?
Prolon does include ingredients like peas, beans, coconut flour, onion, garlic, and more. It’s extremely difficult to quantify the specific amount due to how the soups...
-
I'm sensitive or allergic to certain food. Can I still do Prolon®?
Prolon contains nuts, celeriac/celery, oats, and sesame and should not be used if you have allergies to any of these ingredients. Please review the nutrition facts...
-
Are all of the components of Prolon considered organic?
Prolon contains some products that are made with organic ingredients, but they are not certified organic.
-
Is Prolon gluten-free?
At L-Nutra, we are highly mindful of potential cross-contamination and are committed to maintaining the highest standards of product quality. To that end, we follow or...
-
Does Prolon® contain gluten or ingredients from Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)?
L-Nutra is working to ensure all of our products are and remain GMO-free. Please read nutrition information for more on potential food allergens.
-
Is there soy in Prolon?
Prolon is not formulated or designed with soy ingredients with the exception of the soy lecithin found in the Algal Oil soft gel.
-
Is Prolon manufactured in facilities which also process soy?
There is no soy in the product in the US market. Some of the Prolon foods are manufactured in facilities which process other foods containing soy....
-
Are the foods sweetened with Stevia?
No, Prolon does not contain Stevia.
-
Can eating nutritional yeast give you brain fog?
There are several different factors that contribute to brain fog during fasting or FMD, and many people experience it at some point during any low-calorie or...
-
Is there wheat in the product?
Prolon is not formulated or designed with any ingredients containing wheat, but some of the products are made in facilities that process wheat. If you have...
-
Is the gelatin capsule vegan?
The gelatin capsule is vegan.
-
Is Prolon certified as Halal?
Yes, Prolon is certified as halal.
-
Is Prolon kosher?
We are currently working on kosher certification for Prolon.
-
Is Prolon suitable for vegans or vegetarians?
All Prolon products are vegetarian. The majority of Prolon products are also vegan. However, the L-Bar Nuts & Honey (included in the 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet...
-
Are the nuts and grains sprouted?
No, the nuts and grains are not sprouted.
-
Are there preservatives in your products?
Preservatives are required in many food products to keep them stable during shipping and storage at room temperature until use. We use the minimum amount of...
-
Salt content in Prolon:
The sodium content varies slightly between the days, ranging between 1.7 and 1.9 grams per day. This amount meets the criteria for the American Heart Association’s...
-
Do the rolled oats in the product have gluten?
The rolled oats do not have any gluten in them, although the protein found in oats is similar to gluten. There is no gluten in any...
-
Is the sunflower oil in the kale crackers hydrogenated or not?
The sunflower oil in the kale crackers is NOT hydrogenated.
-
What is the purpose of rice flour in the soups?
Rice flour is a non-gluten thickening agent used to give the soups body and make them more filling.
General information
15
-
Order protection with Onward Checkout+
We partner with Onward Checkout +, a third-party order protection provider, to offer customers additional protection for eligible purchases. When you add Onward at checkout, you’ll enjoy...
-
What is the shelf life of the products?
We strive to provide products with as much remaining shelf life as possible. While most orders arrive with significantly more time before expiration, our minimum shipping...
-
What is the purpose of the L-Drink?
The purpose of the glycerin in the L-Drink is to provide the body with an alternate energy source to use instead of breaking down lean body...
-
What is intermittent fasting (IF)?
Intermittent fasting can be defined as fasting for less than 2 days. Time-restricted eating, the 5:2 diet, and alternate day fasting are all included under the...
-
How long do the benefits of the Prolon program last?
Health benefits are sustained for up to three months if you complete 3 consecutive cycles of Prolon. We have not studied the retention of benefits from...
-
What are the food pathways affected by the Prolon program?
While there are many different signaling factors in the “nutrient-sensing pathways” involved with cellular fasting, the 3 primary nutrient-sensing pathways that Prolon and fasting down-regulate are...
-
Who should engage in the Prolon® Dietary program?
Prolon is intended for use by healthy individuals who want to enhance their health and well-being and by individuals who struggle with weight and want to...
-
What happens in my body during the Fasting Mimicking Diet?
FMD® provides the body with a scientifically developed, naturally occurring combination of macronutrients (fats, carbohydrates, proteins) and micronutrients (essential vitamins and minerals) designed to keep the...
-
What is the Prolon Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) and how does it work?
The Prolon Fasting Mimicking Diet is a proprietary plant-based restricted-calorie meal program that lasts 5 days and has been scientifically designed to provide the rejuvenating effects...
-
How should the Prolon Diet be used?
The diet should be used for five consecutive days, after which the individual will transition on the 6th day and then resume their normal diet. The...
-
How much weight can one expect to lose, and will the individual be able to keep it off?
While the purpose of the Prolon diet is to trigger rejuvenation, weight loss may occur. Everyone is different, and weight loss depends on a number of...
-
What is the daily caloric intake on Prolon?
Day 1 has about 1100 calories (kcals), while Days 2-5 have between 700 and 800 calories (kcals) per day.
-
Why do people of different sizes and weights eat the same things and get the same number of calories while on the program?
Prolon has been studied in a wide range of individuals with different caloric needs and the overall meal program was found to be effective at inducing...
-
What is the difference between the definitions of common fasting, physiologic, and molecular (cellular) fasting?
Common Definition: Abstinence from all or some kinds of food and drink.Physiologic Definition: The switch from burning glucose for energy to burning fatty acids and ketones...
-
Planning vaccines (like flu shot) around Prolon.
For vaccines scheduled in advance, one should not use Prolon in the week prior to the vaccine. For vaccines that are not planned in advance, if...
Payments and order protection
18
-
What if I wasn't approved for an LMN?
If Sika’s provider determines your symptoms don’t qualify, you will not receive an LMN and your HSA/FSA payment will be refunded. You may choose to purchase...
-
How do I submit my LMN to my HSA/FSA provider?
After purchasing with Sika and receiving your LMN:1. Log into your HSA/FSA account on your benefit administrator’s website.2. Go to the Reimbursement or Claims section.3. Upload...
-
How long is my LMN valid for?
LMNs are valid for 12 months from the issue date. Please note: LMNs cannot be applied retroactively to purchases made before the LMN was issued.
-
What information do I need to provide for an LMN?
You’ll be asked to provide:• Name and contact information• Date of birth• Health history and symptoms• Photo ID• Phone number for identity verificationThis information is kept...
-
How long does LMN approval take?
Sika’s healthcare provider team typically reviews and responds within 12 business hours of form submission.
-
How do I get a letter of medical necessity?
When checking out with Sika, you'll fill out a short intake form describing your symptoms or health goals. Sika's independent provider network will review it, and...
-
Why do I need an LMN to purchase Prolon with HSA/FSA funds?
Some Prolon products are considered "dual-eligible," meaning they can be used for general wellness or for specific medical purposes. An LMN from a provider confirms medical...
-
What is a letter of medical necessity (LMN)?
An LMN is a note from a healthcare practitioner that confirms a product is medically necessary for your health. It qualifies your purchase to be HSA/FSA-eligible...
-
Can I gift Prolon with my HSA/FSA funds?
Per IRS guidelines, HSA/FSA funds may only be used for the account holder or eligible dependents. Please consult your plan provider for details.
-
What if my Sika payment doesn't go through?
Payment issues may be caused by:• Insufficient HSA/FSA funds• Inactive or expired HSA/FSA card• Ineligible items in the cartFor help, email Sika Support: support@sikahealth.com
-
Can I still use Sika without an HSA/FSA debit card?
Yes. If you choose Sika at checkout and use a standard card, Sika will email you an itemized receipt and guidance to submit your claim for...
-
What if I don't have enough money in my HSA/FSA account?
Sika will apply the available HSA/FSA balance, then prompt you to add a backup credit/debit card for the remaining amount.
-
What if I have eligible and ineligible items in my cart?
Sika will automatically split your cart into:• Eligible subtotal (covered by HSA/FSA funds)• Ineligible subtotal (paid with a regular credit or debit card)You can complete the...
-
Do I have to check out as a guest to use Sika?
Yes. You must check out as a guest on the Prolon website to use Sika. If you’re logged into your account, the Sika payment option will...
-
Can I use Sika on subscriptions?
No, Sika is currently only supported for one-time orders. You cannot use Sika for recurring subscriptions or auto-delivery plans.
-
How do I use my HSA/FSA card at checkout?
To use your HSA/FSA card for a Prolon purchase:1. Go to our HSA/FSA Approved page (bit.ly/hsa-fsa-faq).2. Add eligible Prolon products to your cart.3. Check out as...
-
What is covered by Onward protection?
Onward covers any shipping related issue including lost, stolen, or damaged packages, wrong item delivery, return to sender, and defective items. If you have our satisfaction...
-
What is Onward's average response time?
We typically respond to initial inquiries within an hour. Our standard SLA is to have claims resolved within 1 business day.
Product care and storage
2
-
Can I use my Prolon kit or any of the contents after the expiration date?
Similar to other foods, consuming our products after the best before date is not recommended. Expiration (or best before) dates are set to ensure consumers experience...
-
How should I store my Prolon?
L-Nutra products, including Prolon, are shelf-stable and packaged to protect against normal and seasonal temperature fluctuations. They should be stored in a cool, dry place, out...
Quality and form
5
-
What’s in the kale crackers and soups?
The kale crackers and soups provide naturally occurring micro- and macro-nutrients to nourish your body during the fast, without triggering your food-sensing pathways. They provide...
-
Why do we use powdered soups?
Our powdered soups are scientifically engineered for maximal health benefits, and artfully crafted for optimal taste. The powdered formula enables us to precisely calibrate and measure...
-
What kind of plastic is used in the sports bottle, and L-Drink bottle?
Food grade PET is used in the Prolon sports and L-Drink bottles which come in the Prolon kit. Food grade means the plastic is safe for...
-
How does L-Nutra track the quality of Prolon®?
The quality of our products, and the safety of our valued customers, are our priorities. We comply with all food safety regulations, including current Good Manufacturing...
-
Why are the foods in Prolon nut-based bars, kale crackers, soups, etc.? What is in the nut-based bars?
The overall composition of Prolon is scientifically designed to provide nutrition to the body without triggering the nutrient sensing pathways. Additionally, each individual food used in...
Safety precautions
10
-
Is fasting healthy and safe? What complaints are associated with fasting?
For most people, yes. And prolonged fasting contributes to transformative, sustained health benefits. However, if you have a health condition of any kind, or any concerns...
-
I am on Prolon and have a medical emergency
We are so sorry to hear about your experience. If at any time you're unsure of your well-being or concerned about anything you are experiencing, stop...
-
I have a headache (other adverse effect) – what should I do? Please advise.
If at any time you're unsure of your well-being or concerned of anything you are experiencing, stop your fast by consuming a healthy balanced meal. If...
-
I am experiencing adverse effects (headache, fatigue, bad, hypoglycemic etc.) - what should I do?
Individuals experience fasting different, which may be based on several contributing factors. If you’re unable to tolerate the side effects and you feel that your health...
-
Will fasting impact my health markers (cholesterol etc.)?
Everyone experiences fasting differently. As an individual, we cannot specifically inform you. It would be best to discuss this with your healthcare practitioner to better understand...
-
What is the difference between Prolon and water-only fasts? What are the benefits of doing Prolon® instead of a water-only fast?
The main difference between Prolon and water fasts is that Prolon provides nutrition during the fast to decrease the risks of side effects and loss of...
-
Why should I do Prolon® instead of my own version of a fasting mimicking diet?
Prolon® is supported by over 20 years of research and development, including clinical trials. We strongly advise against DIY fasting mimicking diets, which may not include...
-
Do side effects decrease with further Prolon cycles?
In trials where participants did 3 consecutive monthly cycles of Prolon, it was reported that fasting effects such as hunger, headache and fatigue were both less...
-
Can someone over 70 years old do the program?
Not without direct evaluation and supervision by a healthcare practitioner. You should consult with your own healthcare practitioner, or use a telemedicine provider to discuss your...
-
If I have a health condition, can I still do Prolon®?
Although fasting for short periods is safe for most generally healthy people, you should talk to your healthcare practitioner before beginning any diet or diet program...