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| '''Juice Plus+®''' is a branded line of ] containing powdered fruit or vegetable juice extracts fortified with added vitamins and nutrients. Juice Plus is manufactured by Natural Alternatives International (NAI; San Marcos, CA) and is distributed by National Safety Associates (NSA; Collierville, TN) through direct or ]. Several versions of the product are marketed, including Orchard Blend capsules and |
'''Juice Plus+®''' is a branded line of ] containing powdered fruit or vegetable juice extracts fortified with added vitamins and nutrients. Juice Plus is manufactured by Natural Alternatives International (NAI; San Marcos, CA) and is distributed by National Safety Associates (NSA; Collierville, TN) through direct or ]. Several versions of the product are marketed, including Orchard Blend capsules, Garden Blend capsules, and Vineyard Blend capsules, as well as fruit and vegetable chewable tablets and gummies for children, as well as a version for dogs and cats. | ||
| == Product Contents == | == Product Contents == | ||
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| Two capsules per day of each of these products (4 capsules in total) constitute the usual daily regimen. | Two capsules per day of each of these products (4 capsules in total) constitute the usual daily regimen. | ||
| With the exception of folate, iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and E, the actual amount added of each of the aforementioned ingredients has not been publicly disclosed. Juice Plus products do not contain certified ingredients. | With the exception of folate, iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and E, the actual amount added of each of the aforementioned ingredients has not been publicly disclosed. Juice Plus products do not contain certified ingredients, however, each batch is tested for the absence of pesticides, herbicides, yeast, mold, bacteria and heavy metals. | ||
| == Adverse Event Profile == | == Adverse Event Profile == | ||
| Adverse events associated with the use of Juice Plus have been monitored and reported in only one study (Inserra et al. Integrative Medicine 1999; 2:3-10), which indicated that approximately 1/20 subjects who completed the study developed a ]-like rash (although the actual incidence of adverse events may have been higher since several subjects dropped out of the study for unspecified reasons). Other adverse effects reported anecdotally include gastrointestinal ], ], ], and ]. | Adverse events associated with the use of Juice Plus have been monitored and reported in only one study (Inserra et al. Integrative Medicine 1999; 2:3-10), which indicated that approximately 1/20 subjects who completed the study developed a ]-like rash (although the actual incidence of adverse events may have been higher since several subjects dropped out of the study for unspecified reasons). Other adverse effects reported anecdotally include gastrointestinal ], ], ], and ], all of which tend to resolve over a short period with continued use of Juice Plus. | ||
| == Research == | == Research == | ||
| Eleven studies on Juice Plus have been published in ]. Three were , ], and ]-controlled trials. Most of the studies were funded and co-written by the manufacturer; however, one is being funded by taxpayers through the National Cancer Institute Division of the NIH at Wake Forest University. To date, the products that have been examined in all of the studies were Garden Blend and Orchard Blend (2 capsules of each taken daily in most of the studies), with the exception of one study on Vineyard Blend taken in combination with Garden and Orchard Blend (Plotnick et al. J Am Coll Cardiol 2003;41:1744-9), and one study on Juice Plus Gummies (Stewart et al. J Am Diet Assoc. 2002;102:1652-7). | |||
| == Controversies == | == Controversies == | ||
| While NSA maintains that the published studies establish the ] of Juice Plus, |
While NSA maintains that the published studies establish the ] of Juice Plus, a few vocal critics have argued that the research is flawed and that claims made about the product have been overly vague, misleading, or innacurate. In 2003, Dr. Bernhard Watzl and Dr. Achim Bub of the Federal Research Centre for Nutrition in Karlsruhe, Germany, published a critical commentary in response to a Juice Plus study by Dr. Samir Samman and colleagues (J Nutr 2003; 133:2188-93), claiming that Juice Plus contained at least 4 nutrients (beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and folate) that were added to the plant powders to restore nutrients lost during processing. This claim was acknowledged by Dr. Samman in a published reply (J Nutr. 2003;133:3726.), and it suggested that any of the potential benefits of Juice Plus could be attributed to the spiked nutrients rather than to those that may have been present in the original plant sources. Similarly, Dr. Jane Freedman of ] School of Medicine published a critical commentary (J Am Coll Cardiol 2003;41:1750-2) regarding a study (Ibid; p. 1744–9), which raised concerns about the reliability of that study's results and conclusions. | ||
| While critics claim some studies on Juice Plus showed poor results with regard to (a) the content and absorption of several key nutrients and antioxidants, (b) ] effects, and (c) effects on ], ], and ] levels; the results of several other studies have shown a significant positive impact on antioxidants, homocysteine and DNA damage, as well as showing consistent bioavailability across several different population groups. | |||
| ⚫ | In an interesting critique, skeptics also claim that much of the scientific basis for Juice Plus is argued solely per an '''' argument; a ] which states that since an authority or journal has done a study involving Juice Plus, then all marketing claims must be true. | ||
| A 2003 ] study Dr. R.J. Stewart and colleagues (J Am Diet Assoc. 2002;102:1652-7) from the University of Utah, showed that vitamin-fortified Juice Plus Gummie candies did not significantly improve the antioxidant status of subjects, according to the results of 6 different antioxidant tests. The authors stated “It is possible that the supplement did not contain enough of the proper antioxidants to make a significant difference or that the antioxidants extracted in the fruit/vegetable extract were not biologically available”. They also showed that the product consisted mainly of 2 ingredients: ] (85%) and beef ] (10%). | |||
| ⚫ | |||
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| Claim: ''Juice Plus is “the next best thing to eating fruits and vegetables”.'' | Claim: ''Juice Plus is “the next best thing to eating fruits and vegetables”.'' | ||
| Counterclaim: According to ], the ]'s National Advertising Division said in April 2005 that NSA advertising featuring Dr. William Sears misleadingly implied that Juice Plus Gummies are low in sugar and are a nutritional alternative to fruits and vegetables. NSA |
Counterclaim: According to ], the ]'s National Advertising Division said in April 2005 that NSA advertising featuring Dr. William Sears misleadingly implied that Juice Plus Gummies are low in sugar and are a nutritional alternative to fruits and vegetables. NSA modified its literature with regard to calling Gummies “the next best thing to fruits and vegetables,” but continues to use this claim to describe the Juice Plus Capsules (about which there is no controversy) on the product website. | ||
| Claim: ''Juice Plus contains a far wider variety of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals than traditional ]s, and also the antioxidants/phytonutrients and fiber found in fresh, raw fruits and vegetables.'' | Claim: ''Juice Plus contains a far wider variety of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals than traditional ]s, and also the antioxidants/phytonutrients and fiber found in fresh, raw fruits and vegetables.'' | ||
| Counterclaim: There is no evidence to support the claim that Juice Plus contains a far wider variety of naturally occurring ] and ] than traditional vitamin supplements, or a significant number or amount of the ], ], and ] found in fresh, raw fruits and vegetables. The product label indicates that Juice Plus contains certified amounts of only 6 nutrients and very small amounts of fiber (less than 1 g). | Counterclaim by some critics: There is no evidence to support the claim that Juice Plus contains a far wider variety of naturally occurring ] and ] than traditional vitamin supplements, or a significant number or amount of the ], ], and ] found in fresh, raw fruits and vegetables. The product label indicates that Juice Plus contains certified amounts of only 6 nutrients and very small amounts of fiber (less than 1 g). Although it makes sense that a vitamin only contains what's on the label, while fruit and vegetable juice powders would contain all of the phytonutrients that are in the real food. | ||
| Claim: ''Four daily Juice Plus capsules provide the vitamin C of four oranges'' | Claim: ''Four daily Juice Plus capsules provide the vitamin C of four oranges'' | ||
| Counterclaim: According to a March 2002 report by “Independent analysis of the product’s nutrient content is curious and contradictory, showing nowhere near the amount of vitamin C as in four oranges, as the product claims, for example. Moreover, there's no way the fiber is retained, an important benefit of fruits and vegetables. Not surprisingly, Juice Plus doesn’t come cheap—about $450 a year. |
Counterclaim: According to a March 2002 report by “Independent analysis of the product’s nutrient content is curious and contradictory, showing nowhere near the amount of vitamin C as in four oranges, as the product claims, for example. Moreover, there's no way the fiber is retained, an important benefit of fruits and vegetables. Not surprisingly, Juice Plus doesn’t come cheap—about $450 a year. | ||
| Claim: ''Juice Plus is “the” simple, convenient, and inexpensive way to add more nutrition from fruits and vegetables to the diet.'' | Claim: ''Juice Plus is “the” simple, convenient, and inexpensive way to add more nutrition from fruits and vegetables to the diet.'' | ||
| Counterclaim: Some critics have stated that Juice Plus is more expensive (as well as less effective) than simply purchasing a sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables. | Counterclaim: Some critics have stated that Juice Plus is more expensive (as well as less effective) than simply purchasing a sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables. | ||
| BOTTOM LINE: You're always better off eating the real thing, but if you can't, don't or won't eat enough fresh fruits and vegetables, you should weigh the claims vs. the critics and come to your own conclusion. | |||
| == External links == | == External links == | ||
| '''Product Homepage''' | '''Product Homepage''' | ||
| * Provides product promotional information and excerpted research abstracts. | * Provides product promotional information and excerpted research abstracts. | ||
| '''Full-text Research Available Online''' | '''Full-text Research Available Online''' | ||
Revision as of 05:08, 19 July 2006
Juice Plus+® is a branded line of nutritional supplements containing powdered fruit or vegetable juice extracts fortified with added vitamins and nutrients. Juice Plus is manufactured by Natural Alternatives International (NAI; San Marcos, CA) and is distributed by National Safety Associates (NSA; Collierville, TN) through direct or multi-level marketing. Several versions of the product are marketed, including Orchard Blend capsules, Garden Blend capsules, and Vineyard Blend capsules, as well as fruit and vegetable chewable tablets and gummies for children, as well as a version for dogs and cats.
Product Contents
The Juice Plus Garden Blend bottle label contains the following information. The recommended daily serving size is 2 capsules (750 g each), which contain the following nutrients (as percentages of the Reference Daily Intake): vitamin A (as beta-carotene) 140%, calcium 4%, vitamin E 80%, vitamin C 70%, iron 2%, and folate 70%. A 2-capsule serving contains no fat or cholesterol, 10 mg sodium, 1 g carbohydrate, and less than 1 g each of fiber and protein. The ingredients listed in descending order of amount (exact amounts not listed) are: vegetable juice powder and pulp from carrots, parsley, beets, kale, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, and tomato; gelatin, lipase, amylase, protease, cellulase, beet fiber, barley bran, oat bran, cabbage fiber, glucomannan, plant cellulose, dried plant fiber, Lactobacillus acidophilus, vegetable-derived magnesium stearate, anthocyanins, allicin, lycopene, polyphenol catechins, Dunaliella salina (algae), and indole carbinols.
The Juice Plus Orchard Blend bottle label contains the following information. The recommended daily serving size is 2 capsules (750 g each), which contain the following nutrients (as percentages of the Reference Daily Intake): vitamin A (as beta-carotene) 110%, calcium 2%, vitamin E 70%, vitamin C 320%, iron 2%, and folate 35%. A 2-capsule serving contains no fat or cholesterol, 5 mg sodium, 1 g carbohydrate (less than 1 g each of dietary fiber and sugars), and less than 1 g protein. The ingredients listed in descending order of amount (exact amounts not listed) are: fruit juice powder and pulp from apple, orange, pineapple, cranberry, peach, acerola cherry, and papaya; gelatin, bromelain, papain, lipase, amylase, protease, and cellulase; apple pectin, citrus pectin, date fiber, prune powder, glucomannan, citrus bioflavenoids, dried plant fiber, Lactobacillus acidophilus, vegetable-derived magnesium stearate, anthocyanins, polyphenol catechins, Dunaliella salina (algae), and indole carbinols.
Two capsules per day of each of these products (4 capsules in total) constitute the usual daily regimen.
With the exception of folate, iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and E, the actual amount added of each of the aforementioned ingredients has not been publicly disclosed. Juice Plus products do not contain certified organic ingredients, however, each batch is tested for the absence of pesticides, herbicides, yeast, mold, bacteria and heavy metals.
Adverse Event Profile
Adverse events associated with the use of Juice Plus have been monitored and reported in only one study (Inserra et al. Integrative Medicine 1999; 2:3-10), which indicated that approximately 1/20 subjects who completed the study developed a hive-like rash (although the actual incidence of adverse events may have been higher since several subjects dropped out of the study for unspecified reasons). Other adverse effects reported anecdotally include gastrointestinal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation, all of which tend to resolve over a short period with continued use of Juice Plus.
Research
Eleven studies on Juice Plus have been published in peer-reviewed journals. Three were randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trials. Most of the studies were funded and co-written by the manufacturer; however, one is being funded by taxpayers through the National Cancer Institute Division of the NIH at Wake Forest University. To date, the products that have been examined in all of the studies were Garden Blend and Orchard Blend (2 capsules of each taken daily in most of the studies), with the exception of one study on Vineyard Blend taken in combination with Garden and Orchard Blend (Plotnick et al. J Am Coll Cardiol 2003;41:1744-9), and one study on Juice Plus Gummies (Stewart et al. J Am Diet Assoc. 2002;102:1652-7).
Controversies
While NSA maintains that the published studies establish the efficacy of Juice Plus, a few vocal critics have argued that the research is flawed and that claims made about the product have been overly vague, misleading, or innacurate. In 2003, Dr. Bernhard Watzl and Dr. Achim Bub of the Federal Research Centre for Nutrition in Karlsruhe, Germany, published a critical commentary in response to a Juice Plus study by Dr. Samir Samman and colleagues (J Nutr 2003; 133:2188-93), claiming that Juice Plus contained at least 4 nutrients (beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and folate) that were added to the plant powders to restore nutrients lost during processing. This claim was acknowledged by Dr. Samman in a published reply (J Nutr. 2003;133:3726.), and it suggested that any of the potential benefits of Juice Plus could be attributed to the spiked nutrients rather than to those that may have been present in the original plant sources. Similarly, Dr. Jane Freedman of Boston University School of Medicine published a critical commentary (J Am Coll Cardiol 2003;41:1750-2) regarding a study (Ibid; p. 1744–9), which raised concerns about the reliability of that study's results and conclusions.
While critics claim some studies on Juice Plus showed poor results with regard to (a) the content and absorption of several key nutrients and antioxidants, (b) antioxidant effects, and (c) effects on homocysteine, LDL, and cholesterol levels; the results of several other studies have shown a significant positive impact on antioxidants, homocysteine and DNA damage, as well as showing consistent bioavailability across several different population groups.
In an interesting critique, skeptics also claim that much of the scientific basis for Juice Plus is argued solely per an ad verecundiam argument; a logical fallacy which states that since an authority or journal has done a study involving Juice Plus, then all marketing claims must be true.
Product Claims and Counterclaims
Claim: Juice Plus is “the next best thing to eating fruits and vegetables”.
Counterclaim: According to Consumer Reports, the Better Business Bureau's National Advertising Division said in April 2005 that NSA advertising featuring Dr. William Sears misleadingly implied that Juice Plus Gummies are low in sugar and are a nutritional alternative to fruits and vegetables. NSA modified its literature with regard to calling Gummies “the next best thing to fruits and vegetables,” but continues to use this claim to describe the Juice Plus Capsules (about which there is no controversy) on the product website.
Claim: Juice Plus contains a far wider variety of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals than traditional vitamin supplements, and also the antioxidants/phytonutrients and fiber found in fresh, raw fruits and vegetables.
Counterclaim by some critics: There is no evidence to support the claim that Juice Plus contains a far wider variety of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals than traditional vitamin supplements, or a significant number or amount of the antioxidants, phytonutrients, and fiber found in fresh, raw fruits and vegetables. The product label indicates that Juice Plus contains certified amounts of only 6 nutrients and very small amounts of fiber (less than 1 g). Although it makes sense that a vitamin only contains what's on the label, while fruit and vegetable juice powders would contain all of the phytonutrients that are in the real food.
Claim: Four daily Juice Plus capsules provide the vitamin C of four oranges
Counterclaim: According to a March 2002 report by Environmental Nutrition “Independent analysis of the product’s nutrient content is curious and contradictory, showing nowhere near the amount of vitamin C as in four oranges, as the product claims, for example. Moreover, there's no way the fiber is retained, an important benefit of fruits and vegetables. Not surprisingly, Juice Plus doesn’t come cheap—about $450 a year.
Claim: Juice Plus is “the” simple, convenient, and inexpensive way to add more nutrition from fruits and vegetables to the diet.
Counterclaim: Some critics have stated that Juice Plus is more expensive (as well as less effective) than simply purchasing a sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables.
BOTTOM LINE: You're always better off eating the real thing, but if you can't, don't or won't eat enough fresh fruits and vegetables, you should weigh the claims vs. the critics and come to your own conclusion.
External links
Product Homepage
Full-text Research Available Online
- Effect of supplemental phytonutrients on impairment of the flow-mediated brachial artery vasoactivity after a single high-fat meal. Company sponsored research.
- A mixed fruit and vegetable concentrate increases plasma antioxidant vitamins and folate and lowers plasma homocysteine in men. Company sponsored research.
Critical Commentary in Peer-Reviewed Journals
- Fruit and vegetable concentrate or vitamin supplement? A critique of Juice Plus research by Dr. Bernhard Watzl and Dr. Achim Bub of the Federal Research Centre for Nutrition, Karlsruhe, Germany.
- High-fat diets and cardiovascular disease. Are nutritional supplements useful? A critique of Plotnick et al (2003) by Dr. Jane Freedman, Boston University School of Medicine
Other Critical Commentary
- Juice Plus: A Critical Look Commentary by Dr. Stephen Barrett of Quackwatch
- A critique of Juice Plus from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
- Juiced Up and Dried Out A critique by the University of California Berkeley
- Juice Plus—and minus Additional critique by the University of California Berkeley
- Consumer Reports: How product testimonials bend the rules (Jan 2006) Consumer complaints with the Better Business Bureau's National Advertising Division regarding misleading Juice Plus testimonial advertisements featuring Dr. William Sears.