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| {{Foodbox | |||
| Juice Plus+® . . .The Concept | |||
| | name = Juice Plus | |||
| | image = ] | |||
| | caption = A 4-month supply of Juice Plus.<br>Ingredients shown are for Garden Blend, as listed on the product label, though three studies have indicated that the label's amounts are not entirely accurate.<ref name=plotnick/><ref name=environmental/><ref name=Consumerlab/> | |||
| | serving_size = 2 capsules (750 mg each) | |||
| | calories = 0 | |||
| | calories_from_fat = | |||
| | total_fat = 0 | |||
| | cholesterol = | |||
| | sodium = 10 mg | |||
| | total_carbohydrate = 1 g | |||
| | dietary_fiber = < 1 g | |||
| | sugars = | |||
| | protein = < 1 g | |||
| | vitamin_a = 140% | |||
| | vitamin_c = | |||
| | vitamin_e = 80% | |||
| | calcium = 4% | |||
| | iron = 2% | |||
| | folate = 70% | |||
| | ingredients = 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. | |||
| | source = Juice Plus Garden Blend U.S. bottle label | |||
| | notes = Amounts vary with other brands, such as Orchard Blend | |||
| }}'''Juice Plus''' is a branded line of encapsulated ]s from the ], which contains concentrated fruit and vegetable extracts fortified with added vitamins and nutrients. Sold via direct or ], it is billed as "the next best thing to fruits and vegetables," a claim which has stirred considerable controversy. Marketing claims made about the product suggest that it can provide benefits such as reducing ] and promoting ] health. Critics say that there is no scientific proof of serious health benefit, and that Juice Plus makes deceptive claims in its marketing information. Several studies which have set out to test the effects of Juice Plus have generated conflicting and controversial results. | |||
| ==Product description== | |||
| Vegetable gardens. Fruit orchards. They give us nature's bounty and provide the foundation for healthy living and good nutrition. | |||
| Juice Plus is manufactured by Natural Alternatives International in ] and distributed by National Safety Associates (NSA; ]) via direct or ]. There are several Juice Plus products, with the primary ones being '''Orchard Blend''' and '''Garden Blend''' capsules, which are sold together in 4-month supplies at a cost, in 2007, of approximately $160 USD.<ref name=jphome/> NSA recommends consumption of four capsules per day. | |||
| ==Product Research== | |||
| The latest dietary guidelines and clinical research consistently emphasize that people need to eat more fruits and vegetables to improve their chances of living long and healthy lives. And scientists learn more every day about the nutritional power packed into every tomato, cranberry, and piece of broccoli. Antioxidants. Phytonutrients. Vitamins. Minerals. Fiber. And more. | |||
| Several large-scale studies have shown that a high intake of fruits and vegetables can result in substantial health benefits, including reduced risk of ] and ].<ref name=plotnick/><ref name=samman/> Juice Plus is marketed as a product that can provide some of the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables in a concentrated form. Multiple studies of varying standards have produced conflicting results as to the truth of these claims. | |||
| ===Nutrient absorption=== | |||
| Juice Plus+® provides the nutritional essence of 17 different fruits, vegetables, and grains in convenient and inexpensive capsule form. Juice Plus+ Orchard Blend® contains seven of the most nutritious fruits around: apples, oranges, pineapple, cranberries, peaches, acerola cherries, and papaya. Juice Plus+ Garden Blend® contains ten nutrient-dense vegetables and grains: carrots, parsley, beets, kale, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, tomatoes, and barley and oat fibers. | |||
| Though Juice Plus does indeed contain nutrients, concerns have been raised about how ] that these nutrients are, meaning whether or not they can be effectively absorbed by the human body. In studies focusing on the effect of Juice Plus nutrients on human subjects, it was revealed that subjects taking Juice Plus did find high absorption of folate and beta-carotene<ref name=kiefer>{{cite journal | title = Supplementation with mixed fruit and vegetable juice concentrates increased serum antioxidants and folate in healthy adults | author=Kiefer I, Prock P, Lawrence C, Wise J, Bieger W, Bayer P, Rathmanner T, Kunze M, Rieder A | date = 2004 | journal = J Am Coll Nutr | volume=23 | issue=3 | pages= 205-11 | url=http://www.jacn.org/cgi/reprint/23/3/205.pdf | format=pdf}}</ref><ref name=smith>{{cite journal | title = Supplementation with fruit and vegetable extracts may decrease DNA damage in the peripheral lymphocytes of an elderly population | author= Smith MJ, Inserra PF, Watson RR, Wise JA, O'Neill KL | date = 1999 | journal = Nutr Res | volume=19 | issue = 10 | pages= 1507-18}}</ref> <ref name=samman>{{cite journal | author = Samman S., et al. | year = 2003 | title = A mixed fruit and vegetable concentrate increases plasma antioxidant vitamins and folate and lowers plasma homocysteine in men | volume = 133 | issue = 7 | pages = 2188-93 | url = http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/reprint/133/7/2188 | format = pdf}}</ref> but inconsistent absorption of vitamin E and vitamin C.<ref name=kiefer/><ref name=samman/><ref name=bloomer>{{cite journal | title = Oxidative stress response to aerobic exercise: comparison of antioxidant supplements | author= Bloomer RJ, et al. | date = 2006 | journal = Med Sci Sports Exerc | volume=38 | pages= 1098-1105}}</ref> Other studies found that Juice Plus does not raise the blood levels of other key phytonutrients from fresh fruits and vegetables, such as ],<ref name=smith/><ref name=samman/> ],<ref name=smith/><ref name=samman/> ],<ref name=smith/><ref name=samman/><ref name=nantz>{{cite journal | title = Immunity and antioxidant capacity in humans is enhanced by consumption of a dried, encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice concentrate | author= Nantz MP, Rowe CA, Nieves C Jr, Percival SS. | date = 2006 | journal = J Nutr | volume=136 | pages= 2606-10 }}</ref> and beta-cryptoxanthin.<ref name=smith/><ref name=inserra>{{cite journal | author = Inserra PF, Jiang S, Solkoff D, Lee J, Zhang Z, Xu M, Hesslink R, Wise J, Watson RR | year = 1999 | title = Immune function in elderly smokers and nonsmokers improves during supplementation with fruit and vegetable extracts | journal = Integr Med | volume = 2 | issue = 1 | pages = 3-10 }}</ref><ref name=samman/><ref name=nantz/> | |||
| ===Antioxidant activity=== | |||
| Taking Juice Plus+® capsules every day provides the nutritional foundation we so desperately need that is so lacking in our diets today. | |||
| NSA claims that Juice Plus is an effective antioxidant, and quotes a study, funded by the manufacturer, which showed a 75% reduction in lipid peroxidation (an ] marker) after 7 to 28 days.<ref name=wise>{{cite journal | title = Changes in plasma carotenoid, alpha-tocopherol, and lipid peroxide levels in response to supplementation with concentrated fruit and vegetable extracts: A pilot study | author= Wise JA, Morin RJ, Sanderson R, Blum K | year = 1996 | journal = Curr Ther Res | volume = 57 | issue = 6 | pages = 445-61}}</ref> Other studies sponsored by the manufacturer have also reported reductions in lipid peroxidation<ref name=leeds>{{cite journal | title=Availability of micronutrients from dried, encapsulated fruit and vegetable preparations: a study in healthy volunteers | author=Leeds AR, et al. | year = 2000 | journal = J Hum Nutr Diet | volume=13 | pages=21-7 }}</ref> and DNA oxidation.<ref name=smith/> Critics of these studies say that they were poorly designed, not blinded or placebo-controlled, included only a few participants (in one case no more than 15), and did not include monitoring or control of the participants' food intake.<ref name=stanton>{{cite journal | title = Nutrition: who can you believe?| author=Stanton R | date = 2000 | journal = ]| volume=20 | issue=4 | pages= 23-7 | url = http://www.skeptics.com.au/journal/2000/4_nutrition.pdf}}</ref> | |||
| Three other studies which were conducted under more rigorous conditions, meaning ], ], ]-controlled studies, longer in duration and with more subjects, found no significant reductions in lipid peroxidation,<ref name=samman/><ref name=bloomer/> DNA oxidation, <ref name=bloomer/><ref name=kiefer/><ref name=nantz/> or other markers of oxidative stress.<ref name=samman/><ref name=bamonti/> | |||
| Juice Plus+® . . . The Reason | |||
| "Eat more fruits and vegetables." Over the years, people have found countless ways to ignore that advice. "I don't have time." "It's too much trouble." But as scientists and nutritionists continue to learn more about the disease-fighting and preventive powers found in fruits and vegetables, it's advice we ignore at our peril. | |||
| One study on an ] test of ] activity, found that 1 g of Juice Plus Garden Blend/Orchard Blend powder had the corresponding antioxidant capacity to approximately 10 g (fresh weight) of fruit or vegetable, amounting to 30 g (roughly one-third of a serving) per 4 capsules.<ref name=chambers>{{cite journal | author = Chambers SJ, et al.| year = 1996| title = Evaluation of the antioxidant properties of a methanolic extract from ‘Juice Plus fruit’ and ‘Juice Plus vegetable’ (dietary supplements) | journal = Food Chem | volume = 57 | issue = | pages = 271-274 }}</ref> | |||
| One ]-controlled study conducted in 2002 found that Juice Plus Gummie candies did not significantly improve the ] status of children, as indicated by negative results from 6 different antioxidant tests.<ref name=stewart>{{cite journal | author = Stewart, R.J. et al.| year = 2002 | month=November | title = Antioxidant status of young children: Response to an antioxidant supplement | journal = ] | volume = 102 | issue = 11 | pages = 1652-7}}</ref> The authors explained this by saying it was 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 ]. | |||
| There is no substitute for eating a wide variety of fresh, raw fruits and vegetables, at least 7-13 servings every day. But if you're like most people, you don't eat enough fruits or vegetables or enough variety. And those fruits and vegetables that we do eat tend to be overprocessed, over-cooked, or too far removed from the field, and thus lack much of the nutrition provided by fresh, raw fruits and vegetables. | |||
| ===Cardiovascular effects=== | |||
| That's why there's Juice Plus+®. It's a convenient, affordable, and natural whole food based nutritional product that harnesses the nutritional power of 17 vegetables, fruits, and grains. | |||
| Several studies have examined the effects of fruit and vegetable concentrates on biochemical parameters associated with ] function, again with conflicting results. | |||
| One non-controlled study found a 37% decrease in ] levels.<ref name=panunzio>{{cite journal | title = Supplementation with fruit and vegetable concentrate decreases plasma homocysteine levels in a dietary controlled trial | author=Panunzio MF, et al. | date = 2003 | journal = Nutr Res | volume=23 | pages= 1221-8 }}</ref> | |||
| Juice Plus+® is not a vitamin supplement, providing a limited number of handpicked nutrients. Juice Plus+® is a whole food based product providing the wide array of nutrients found in a variety of nutritious fruits, vegetables, and grains. | |||
| Other more rigorous studies, including two that were ], double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, found that ] levels were not reduced<ref name=plotnick/><ref name=bamonti>{{cite journal | title=Increased free malondialdehyde concentrations in smokers normalise with a mixed fruit and vegetable juice concentrate: a pilot study | author=Bamonti F, et al. | year=2006 | journal=Clin Chem Lab Med | volume=44 | issue=4 | pages= 391-6 }}</ref> or were reduced only marginally (7%).<ref name=samman/> | |||
| It's the next best thing to fruits and vegetables... because we don't get nearly enough of the real thing every day. | |||
| Two randomized, double-blind placebo controlled studies have examined the effect of Juice Plus on serum cholesterol and ] levels. One study found that Juice Plus had no significant effects;<ref name=samman/> the other found slight decreases in cholesterol (6%) and LDL (9%) in subjects that took Orchard/Garden Blend, but no reductions among subjects who took Juice Plus Vineyard blend in addition.<ref name=plotnick/> | |||
| One study found that Juice Plus had no effect on ] in healthy subjects.<ref name=plotnick/> | |||
| ===Adverse effects=== | |||
| Since Juice Plus is not regulated as a drug, information on ] has not been collected through a systematic monitoring program imposed by any national regulatory agency. However some adverse effects were reported in two studies on Juice Plus. In one of the studies, subjects who took Orchard Blend and Garden Blend developed a ]-like rash.<ref name=inserra/> Another study reported adverse effects (upper-], ], and ]) in roughly a third of the participants who took the products for 7 days. These events resolved spontaneously and were deemed by the researchers to be unrelated to treatment.<ref name=leeds/> | |||
| Other adverse effects listed in the Juice Plus Franchise Owner's Manual and the Special Nutritional Adverse Event Monitoring System include gastrointestinal ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name=vfom>{{cite book | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Virtual Franchise Owner's Manual (December 2002) | publisher = National Safety Associates | date = | location = | pages = | url = | doi = | id = }}</ref><ref name=snaems>{{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = FDA SN/AEMS Web Report | work = | publisher = U.S. Food and Drug Administration | date = 1998-10-20| url = http://www.thememoryhole.org/feds/fda-nutritionals-reports.htm| format = | doi = | accessdate = 2006-10-15}}</ref> Heartburn, abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas with foul odor, and indigestion have been noted as very common risks associated with taking Juice Plus Orchard and Garden Blend, and nausea and vomiting as less common risks;<ref name=IRB>{{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = CCCWFU #60A02 Protocol Amendment #12 | work = | publisher = Institutional Review Board, Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University | date = 2006-19-17| url = http://www1.wfubmc.edu/NR/rdonlyres/778FDC88-D432-415D-BE62-F3726C374086/0/60a022006CRstampedconsentform.pdf | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-02-11}}</ref> in some cases these side effects may be serious and long lasting, persisting after use of the supplement has been stopped. | |||
| ==Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation== | |||
| The Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation,<ref name=nsajpcrf>{{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation homepage | work = | publisher = National Safety Associates | date = | url = http://www.childrensresearch.org | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2006-10-15}}</ref> founded in 1997, is a non-profit organization whose stated goal is to initiate and/or support programs that advance the principle that improved nutrition leads to healthier lifestyle and overall better health in children. The foundation is chaired by executives of National Safety Associates and operates from the company's head office in Memphis, Tennessee. | |||
| As of 2007, no research had been published by the Foundation, but it does conduct an ongoing survey which seems to link Juice Plus consumption to a general improvement in diet and lifestyle habits. Critics, including the University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter and Dr. ] of MLMWatch, question the survey's scientific value, and state that the Foundation is being used mainly as a marketing gimmick to get families to buy Juice Plus products.<ref name=jpcrf>{{cite web | last =Barrett | first = Stephen | authorlink = Stephen Barrett | title =Questionable Research by the Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation | publisher = MLM Watch | date = | url =http://www.mlmwatch.org/04C/NSA/crf.html | accessdate = 2007-02-05}}</ref><ref name=ucbwl2>{{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Juiced Up and Dried Out | work = | publisher = University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter | date = | url = http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/ds/dsJuicePlus.php | format = pdf | doi = | accessdate = 2006-10-15}}</ref> | |||
| ==Disputed claims== | |||
| According to '']'', in 2005, National Safety Associates used advertising featuring Dr. William Sears, which implied that the "Juice Plus Gummies" product is low in sugar, and a nutritional alternative to fruits and vegetables. This claim resulted in consumer complaints to the ]'s National Advertising Division (NAD). The BBB issued a complaint that NSA's claims were misleading, and as a result, NSA promised to modify its ads and stop calling Gummies “the next best thing to fruits and vegetables”.<ref name=consumerreports>{{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = How Product Testimonials Bend The Rules | work = | publisher = '']'' | date = | url = http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/personal-finance/producttestimonialtricks-of-the-trade-106.htm | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2006-10-15}}</ref> However, as of 2007, the Juice Plus homepage still includes the language that Juice Plus is “the next best thing to fruits and vegetables”, though not specifically in reference to the Gummies form of the product. <ref name=jphome>{{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Juice Plus homepage | work = | publisher = National Safety Associates | date = | url = http://www.juiceplus.com | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2006-10-15}}</ref> | |||
| Concerns have also been raised about the accuracy of product labeling. Four studies which included chemical analyses of Juice Plus have indicated nutrient amounts that differ from the amounts listed on the product labels.<ref Name=plotnick>; Corretti MC, Vogel RA, Hesslink, Jr. R, Wise JA. (2003). "" (pdf). ''J Am Coll Cardiol'' '''41''' (10): 1744-9.</ref> | |||
| <ref name=environmental> {{cite news | title=EN Squeezes the Raw Truth Out of Juice Plus Claims | date = March 2002 | publisher= Environmental Nutrition | url = http://www.environmentalnutrition.com/pub/25_3/asken/150372-1.html}}</ref><ref name=Consumerlab> {{cite news | title=Multivitamin/multimineral product review: ingredient comparison tables | date = 2006 | publisher= Consumer Lab}}</ref> | |||
| Doubts have been raised about the benefits of Juice Plus by the ], the ] and other critics. Specific criticisms include: the product’s marketing being unsupported by research data, the product contains too little fruit and vegetable powder to offer significant clinical benefits, concerns that the effects can be attributed to the inclusion of added ] vitamins and micronutrients, and complaints that the products are excessively priced relative to their potential benefits.<ref name=watzl>{{cite journal | author = Watzl, B. | coauthors=Bub, A. | yeacr = 2003 | title = Letter to the Editor:Fruit and Vegetable Concentrate or Vitamin Supplement? | journal = J Nutr | volume = 133 | issue = 7 | pages = 3725 | url = http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/reprint/133/11/3725 | format = pdf}}</ref><ref name=mscc>{{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Juice Plus| work = | publisher = Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center | date = | url = http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/11571.cfm?RecordID=637&tab=HC | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2006-10-15}}</ref><ref name=ucbwl1>{{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Juice Plus—and minus | work = | publisher = University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter | date = | url = http://www.berkeleywellness.com/subCorner/pdf/2000/0011.pdf | format = pdf | doi = | accessdate = 2006-10-15}}</ref><ref name=ucbwl2/><ref name=goodwin>{{cite web | last = Goodwin | first = Kathy | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Dietary supplements: facts about Juice Plus | work = | publisher = The Diet Channel | date = | url = http://www.thedietchannel.com/Dietary-Supplements-Facts-About-Juice-Plus.htm | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2006-10-15}}</ref><ref name=stanton/><ref name=mlmw2>{{cite web | last = Barrett| first = Stephen | authorlink = Stephen Barrett| coauthors = | title = Juice Plus: A Critical Look | work = | publisher = MLM Watch| date = | url = http://www.mlmwatch.org/04C/NSA/juiceplus.html | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2006-10-15}}</ref> | |||
| == References == | |||
| {{reflist}} | |||
| ] | |||
Revision as of 01:41, 23 March 2007
Template:FoodboxJuice Plus is a branded line of encapsulated dietary supplements from the United States, which contains concentrated fruit and vegetable extracts fortified with added vitamins and nutrients. Sold via direct or multi-level marketing, it is billed as "the next best thing to fruits and vegetables," a claim which has stirred considerable controversy. Marketing claims made about the product suggest that it can provide benefits such as reducing oxidative stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Critics say that there is no scientific proof of serious health benefit, and that Juice Plus makes deceptive claims in its marketing information. Several studies which have set out to test the effects of Juice Plus have generated conflicting and controversial results.
Product description
Juice Plus is manufactured by Natural Alternatives International in San Marcos, CA and distributed by National Safety Associates (NSA; Collierville, TN) via direct or multi-level marketing. There are several Juice Plus products, with the primary ones being Orchard Blend and Garden Blend capsules, which are sold together in 4-month supplies at a cost, in 2007, of approximately $160 USD. NSA recommends consumption of four capsules per day.
Product Research
Several large-scale studies have shown that a high intake of fruits and vegetables can result in substantial health benefits, including reduced risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Juice Plus is marketed as a product that can provide some of the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables in a concentrated form. Multiple studies of varying standards have produced conflicting results as to the truth of these claims.
Nutrient absorption
Though Juice Plus does indeed contain nutrients, concerns have been raised about how bioavailable that these nutrients are, meaning whether or not they can be effectively absorbed by the human body. In studies focusing on the effect of Juice Plus nutrients on human subjects, it was revealed that subjects taking Juice Plus did find high absorption of folate and beta-carotene but inconsistent absorption of vitamin E and vitamin C. Other studies found that Juice Plus does not raise the blood levels of other key phytonutrients from fresh fruits and vegetables, such as lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-cryptoxanthin.
Antioxidant activity
NSA claims that Juice Plus is an effective antioxidant, and quotes a study, funded by the manufacturer, which showed a 75% reduction in lipid peroxidation (an oxidative stress marker) after 7 to 28 days. Other studies sponsored by the manufacturer have also reported reductions in lipid peroxidation and DNA oxidation. Critics of these studies say that they were poorly designed, not blinded or placebo-controlled, included only a few participants (in one case no more than 15), and did not include monitoring or control of the participants' food intake.
Three other studies which were conducted under more rigorous conditions, meaning randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, longer in duration and with more subjects, found no significant reductions in lipid peroxidation, DNA oxidation, or other markers of oxidative stress.
One study on an in vitro test of antioxidant activity, found that 1 g of Juice Plus Garden Blend/Orchard Blend powder had the corresponding antioxidant capacity to approximately 10 g (fresh weight) of fruit or vegetable, amounting to 30 g (roughly one-third of a serving) per 4 capsules.
One placebo-controlled study conducted in 2002 found that Juice Plus Gummie candies did not significantly improve the antioxidant status of children, as indicated by negative results from 6 different antioxidant tests. The authors explained this by saying it was 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 bioavailable.
Cardiovascular effects
Several studies have examined the effects of fruit and vegetable concentrates on biochemical parameters associated with cardiovascular function, again with conflicting results.
One non-controlled study found a 37% decrease in homocysteine levels.
Other more rigorous studies, including two that were randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, found that homocysteine levels were not reduced or were reduced only marginally (7%).
Two randomized, double-blind placebo controlled studies have examined the effect of Juice Plus on serum cholesterol and LDL levels. One study found that Juice Plus had no significant effects; the other found slight decreases in cholesterol (6%) and LDL (9%) in subjects that took Orchard/Garden Blend, but no reductions among subjects who took Juice Plus Vineyard blend in addition.
One study found that Juice Plus had no effect on blood pressure in healthy subjects.
Adverse effects
Since Juice Plus is not regulated as a drug, information on adverse effects has not been collected through a systematic monitoring program imposed by any national regulatory agency. However some adverse effects were reported in two studies on Juice Plus. In one of the studies, subjects who took Orchard Blend and Garden Blend developed a hive-like rash. Another study reported adverse effects (upper-respiratory tract, urinary, and musculoskeletal) in roughly a third of the participants who took the products for 7 days. These events resolved spontaneously and were deemed by the researchers to be unrelated to treatment.
Other adverse effects listed in the Juice Plus Franchise Owner's Manual and the Special Nutritional Adverse Event Monitoring System include gastrointestinal cramps, fever, nausea, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Heartburn, abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas with foul odor, and indigestion have been noted as very common risks associated with taking Juice Plus Orchard and Garden Blend, and nausea and vomiting as less common risks; in some cases these side effects may be serious and long lasting, persisting after use of the supplement has been stopped.
Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation
The Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation, founded in 1997, is a non-profit organization whose stated goal is to initiate and/or support programs that advance the principle that improved nutrition leads to healthier lifestyle and overall better health in children. The foundation is chaired by executives of National Safety Associates and operates from the company's head office in Memphis, Tennessee.
As of 2007, no research had been published by the Foundation, but it does conduct an ongoing survey which seems to link Juice Plus consumption to a general improvement in diet and lifestyle habits. Critics, including the University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter and Dr. Stephen Barrett of MLMWatch, question the survey's scientific value, and state that the Foundation is being used mainly as a marketing gimmick to get families to buy Juice Plus products.
Disputed claims
According to Consumer Reports, in 2005, National Safety Associates used advertising featuring Dr. William Sears, which implied that the "Juice Plus Gummies" product is low in sugar, and a nutritional alternative to fruits and vegetables. This claim resulted in consumer complaints to the Better Business Bureau's National Advertising Division (NAD). The BBB issued a complaint that NSA's claims were misleading, and as a result, NSA promised to modify its ads and stop calling Gummies “the next best thing to fruits and vegetables”. However, as of 2007, the Juice Plus homepage still includes the language that Juice Plus is “the next best thing to fruits and vegetables”, though not specifically in reference to the Gummies form of the product.
Concerns have also been raised about the accuracy of product labeling. Four studies which included chemical analyses of Juice Plus have indicated nutrient amounts that differ from the amounts listed on the product labels.
Doubts have been raised about the benefits of Juice Plus by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the University of California Berkeley and other critics. Specific criticisms include: the product’s marketing being unsupported by research data, the product contains too little fruit and vegetable powder to offer significant clinical benefits, concerns that the effects can be attributed to the inclusion of added exogenous vitamins and micronutrients, and complaints that the products are excessively priced relative to their potential benefits.
References
- ^ "Juice Plus homepage". National Safety Associates. Retrieved 2006-10-15.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Plotnick, Gary; Corretti MC, Vogel RA, Hesslink, Jr. R, Wise JA. (2003). "Effect of supplemental phytonutrients on impairment of the flow-mediated brachial artery vasoactivity after a single high-fat meal" (pdf). J Am Coll Cardiol 41 (10): 1744-9.
- ^ Samman S.; et al. (2003). "A mixed fruit and vegetable concentrate increases plasma antioxidant vitamins and folate and lowers plasma homocysteine in men" (pdf). 133 (7): 2188–93.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help); Explicit use of et al. in:|author=(help) - ^ Kiefer I, Prock P, Lawrence C, Wise J, Bieger W, Bayer P, Rathmanner T, Kunze M, Rieder A (2004). "Supplementation with mixed fruit and vegetable juice concentrates increased serum antioxidants and folate in healthy adults" (pdf). J Am Coll Nutr. 23 (3): 205–11.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Smith MJ, Inserra PF, Watson RR, Wise JA, O'Neill KL (1999). "Supplementation with fruit and vegetable extracts may decrease DNA damage in the peripheral lymphocytes of an elderly population". Nutr Res. 19 (10): 1507–18.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Bloomer RJ; et al. (2006). "Oxidative stress response to aerobic exercise: comparison of antioxidant supplements". Med Sci Sports Exerc. 38: 1098–1105.
{{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in:|author=(help) - ^ Nantz MP, Rowe CA, Nieves C Jr, Percival SS. (2006). "Immunity and antioxidant capacity in humans is enhanced by consumption of a dried, encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice concentrate". J Nutr. 136: 2606–10.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Inserra PF, Jiang S, Solkoff D, Lee J, Zhang Z, Xu M, Hesslink R, Wise J, Watson RR (1999). "Immune function in elderly smokers and nonsmokers improves during supplementation with fruit and vegetable extracts". Integr Med. 2 (1): 3–10.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - Wise JA, Morin RJ, Sanderson R, Blum K (1996). "Changes in plasma carotenoid, alpha-tocopherol, and lipid peroxide levels in response to supplementation with concentrated fruit and vegetable extracts: A pilot study". Curr Ther Res. 57 (6): 445–61.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Leeds AR; et al. (2000). "Availability of micronutrients from dried, encapsulated fruit and vegetable preparations: a study in healthy volunteers". J Hum Nutr Diet. 13: 21–7.
{{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in:|author=(help) - ^ Stanton R (2000). "Nutrition: who can you believe?" (PDF). The Skeptic. 20 (4): 23–7.
- ^ Bamonti F; et al. (2006). "Increased free malondialdehyde concentrations in smokers normalise with a mixed fruit and vegetable juice concentrate: a pilot study". Clin Chem Lab Med. 44 (4): 391–6.
{{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in:|author=(help) - Chambers SJ; et al. (1996). "Evaluation of the antioxidant properties of a methanolic extract from 'Juice Plus fruit' and 'Juice Plus vegetable' (dietary supplements)". Food Chem. 57: 271–274.
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