Same foundation.
One formula adds more.
Ambrotose® Complex powder and Ambrotose LIFE® powder are built on the same four glycan sources. Nothing is taken out of either one. Ambrotose LIFE® powder simply has three more ingredients alongside those four. That's the whole difference.*
What is Ambrotose?
Dr. Steve Nugent explains the science behind Ambrotose® in about two minutes — a good place to start before you compare the two formulas.
Your cells talk to each other in sugars.
Not the sugar in your coffee. Glycans — complex plant saccharides your cells use to recognize one another and pass signals back and forth. Most of them aren't sweet and they don't raise your blood sugar. Both Ambrotose® formulas exist to supply a blend of them, from four plant sources.*
| Ingredient | Sugars it contributes |
|---|---|
| The four glycan sources · in both formulas | |
| Aloe vera extractManapol® powder | Primarily mannose — plus glucuronic acid, glucose, galacturonic acid, xylose, galactose, fucose, rhamnose and arabinose |
| AmbroGuard® arabinogalactan powderlarch | Galactose and arabinose, plus glucose and mannose |
| Gum tragacanthAstragalus gummifer | Galactose, arabinose, xylose, fucose, rhamnose and galacturonic acid |
| GlucosamineVegetarian | An amino glycan the body uses to build other saccharides |
| Three more ingredients · in Ambrotose LIFE® powder only | |
| Wakame extractUndaria pinnatifida | Fucose and galactose, plus xylose, mannose and glucuronic acid — delivered as sulfated fucoidan polysaccharides |
| Modified citrus pectincitrus peel | Galacturonic acid, plus galactose, arabinose and rhamnose |
| Sodium alginatekelp | Mannuronic acid and guluronic acid — two uronic acid saccharides not supplied by any other ingredient in either formula |
| The rice source · in both formulas | |
| Rice starchin Ambrotose® Complex powder | Glucose, as amylose and branched amylopectin chains |
| Stabilized rice branin Ambrotose LIFE® powder | Glucose, arabinose, xylose and galactose — from rice bran arabinoxylan and beta-glucan fiber |
Identical benefits. Same approved claims.
This isn't a case of one formula doing more for you than the other. Both carry the same approved benefit claims.
Scientifically shown to support immune response and cognitive function.*
Immune support
Supports a healthy immune system and your body's natural immune response.* May help support your immune system year-round.*
Digestive and gut health
A prebiotic dietary supplement that supports the growth of good gut bacteria and helps support proper digestive system function.*
Cellular communication
Supports cellular communication.* A blend of plant-sourced polysaccharides.
Cognitive function
Supports cognitive function through the gut-brain axis.*
Memory and mood
May enhance recall and recognition memory.* May improve mood and decrease irritability.*
Based on a 4 g daily intake¥
Daily fiber
Adds to your daily fiber intake — from plant polysaccharides rather than added supplements.
Same four. Plus three.
Here are both ingredient lists, grouped by what each ingredient is doing. Read it top to bottom and the whole difference takes about ten seconds.
The part of the decision you don't have to make.
Whichever you choose, you get all four of these — including Manapol® powder, the standardized aloe vera extract at the center of every Ambrotose® formula.
Aloe vera extract
The standardized, stabilized aloe vera extract at the center of both formulas, grown in the volcanic soils of Costa Rica and hand harvested. It is the world's premier source of broad spectrum of mannans up to and including acemannan, defined as 1–2 million Daltons.†
The Manapol® difference
Arabinogalactan powder
Purified arabinogalactan from larch wood. A source of dietary fiber that human colonic bacteria ferment, supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria including bifidobacteria and L. plantarum.*
Gum tragacanth
A prebiotic fiber from the dried sap of Astragalus gummifer. It contributes glyconutrients — notably the saccharide fucose — and helps support the immune system and cell-to-cell communication.*
Glucosamine, vegetarian
A plant-sourced amino sugar the body uses as a precursor to manufacture other key saccharides for cellular support, communication and immune function.* Both formulas use the plant-fermented version — both are vegan.
The three extras, and what each one is for.
Plain version first, detail underneath. If none of these three sound like something you're looking for, the original formula is already doing everything you need.
For extra immune support*
An edible seaweed from Tasmania, eaten in Asia for thousands of years. Wakame is rich in fucoidans, which have shown immunosupportive effects in controlled studies of human subjects.*
For a different kind of fiber
Fiber from citrus peel, modified so your body can digest and use it. It brings saccharide types the four core sources don't, and it's an excellent source of galacturonic acid. The pectin in Ambrotose LIFE® is the most scientifically studied MCP on the market.*
For digestive support*
From kelp. A gelling agent that supports proper gastric function.*
The whole comparison, in one table.
| Ambrotose® Complex powder | Ambrotose LIFE® powder | |
|---|---|---|
| Manapol® aloe vera extract | YesA very high amount of Manapol® | YesThe highest amount of Manapol® as a percentage of the formula |
| AmbroGuard® arabinogalactan powder | Yes | Yes |
| Gum tragacanth | Yes | Yes |
| Glucosamine, vegetarian | Yes | Yes |
| Rice sourcecontributes glycans in both | Rice starch | Stabilized rice bran |
| Wakame extract | — | Yes |
| Modified citrus pectin | — | Yes |
| Sodium alginate | — | Yes |
| Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, kosherFree from dairy and preservatives | Yes | Yes |
| Approved benefit claims | Identical | Identical¥ |
| Serving | One rounded 2 g scoop, twice daily4 g daily | One level 1.67 g scoop, twice daily3.34 g daily |
| Servings per container | 50 | Approximately 60 |
| Price, 100 g powderPreferred Customer / retail | $159.99 / $175.99 Retail | $175.99 / $194.99 Retail |
| Mission 5 Million® | Every purchase contributes | Every purchase contributes |
| Scientific trial evidence | Trials run on this formula | Same results at the 4 g dose††¥ |
Ingredients as listed on current U.S. product labels. Pricing reflects usa.mannatech.com at the time this page was prepared and is subject to change.
It comes down to one question.
Both formulas give you the same four glycan sources, taken the same way — twice a day. So the only thing to decide is whether you want the three extras.
No, or not sure yet?
Ambrotose® Complex.
- The four glycan sources, and nothing else.
- The original — made for more than twenty years, and the formula the Ambrotose® scientific trials were run on directly.
- A short ingredient list, all from land plants.
- Already taking it and feeling good? You're not missing anything.
Yes, I want the extras?
Ambrotose LIFE®.
- The same four glycan sources, unchanged.
- Plus seaweed for immune support, citrus pectin for extra fiber, and kelp-sourced alginate for digestive support.*
- Stabilized rice bran, which brings fiber of its own.
- The highest amount of Manapol® in the Ambrotose® line.
Still not sure? The one you take every day is the right one.
Both formulas are built to support cellular communication, and both work through consistent daily use rather than in bursts.* If this is your first Ambrotose®, start with whichever fits your routine — and talk to your Mannatech Associate if you'd like a second opinion.
Ambrotose® Complex or Ambrotose LIFE®?
The whole decision, in six short answers.
- What's the difference between Ambrotose Complex and Ambrotose LIFE?
- Both powders are built on the same four glycan sources. Nothing is taken out of either one. Ambrotose LIFE® powder simply adds three more ingredients: wakame extract, modified citrus pectin, and sodium alginate.
- Do Ambrotose Complex and Ambrotose LIFE have the same benefits?
- Yes. Both carry the same approved benefit claims, including scientifically shown support for immune response and cognitive function.*
- What are the four shared glycan sources in Ambrotose?
- Aloe vera extract (Manapol® powder), AmbroGuard® arabinogalactan powder from larch, gum tragacanth, and vegetarian glucosamine. Both formulas also draw glycans from a rice source.
- What does Ambrotose LIFE add?
- Wakame extract for extra immune support, modified citrus pectin for a different kind of fiber, and sodium alginate from kelp for digestive support.* It also uses stabilized rice bran instead of rice starch.
- How do you take Ambrotose powder?
- Both are taken twice a day. Ambrotose® Complex: one rounded 2 g scoop twice daily (4 g daily). Ambrotose LIFE®: one level 1.67 g scoop twice daily (3.34 g daily).
- Which Ambrotose formula should I choose?
- If you want the four glycan sources and nothing else, choose Ambrotose® Complex — the original formula the scientific trials were run on. If you want those four plus the three extras, choose Ambrotose LIFE®.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
† The 1–2 million Dalton definition of acemannan was set forth by the Chemical Abstract Service (CAS), a division of the American Chemical Society, and the United States Adopted Names Council (USAN), a division of the American Medical Association.
†† These studies were conducted on Ambrotose® Complex and Advanced Ambrotose® powders. The core technology in these products is the foundation for the Ambrotose LIFE® formulation. Some of the studies were at least partially funded by Mannatech.
¥ Memory, mood, cognitive and well-being claims are based on a 4 g daily intake. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled scientific trial, 4 g daily intake of Ambrotose® Complex powder significantly improved well-being and a positive outlook, and subjects reported improved sleep, increased calmness, concentration and clear-headedness.* Ambrotose® Complex Powder and Ambrotose LIFE® Powder formulas are similar enough to conclude that Ambrotose LIFE® Powder at the 4 g dose will have the same results.
Manapol®, Ambrotose®, Ambrotose LIFE®, AmbroGuard®, PhytoBlend™ and Mission 5 Million® are trademarks of Mannatech, Incorporated.