Jump to content

Juice Plus: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
m Reverted edits by 23years (talk) to last version by Michaelkourlas
23years (talk | contribs)
Line 122: Line 122:


==Product overview==
==Product overview==
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]]. NSA was founded in 1970 and before introducing Juice Plus in 1993, was known for other multilevel-marketed products such as [[filter (water)|water filters]], [[air filter]]s, fire-protection equipment, and educational games for pre-schoolers.<ref name=CommercialAppeal>{{cite news| title = Marketing--education is NSA's new game| author =| journal = The Commercial Appeal | publisher = NewsLibrary.com| date = June 30, 1991| url =http://www.newslibrary.com| accessdate = 2008-02-18}}</ref> [[Naturopath]] Humbart "Smokey" Santillo is credited with having developed the Juice Plus “concept” and “nutritional philosophy” and for creating what has been described as the “original formula” for the product.<ref name=santillo>{{cite web|url=http://www.smokeysantillo.com|title=Smokey Santillo homepage|accessdate=2007-09-15|publisher=smokeysantillo.com}}</ref><ref name=nsaconvention>{{cite web|url=http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:vvwIAZDFON8J:www.nsa-convention.com/index.php%3Flang%3Den%26path%3Dfruehjahrs_convention/sprecher+%22juice+plus%22+santillo&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=16&gl=us|title=NSA Spring 2007 Convention speakers|accessdate=2007-09-15|publisher=nsa-convention.com}}</ref><ref name=mscc/> According to Santillo, he has also worked with NSA to develop other Juice Plus products.<ref name=santillo/>
Juice Plus is manufactured by [[Natural Alternatives International]] here is another exmple of how you can edit infromation.in [[San Marcos, CA]] and distributed by [[National Safety Associates]] (NSA; [[Collierville, TN]]) via direct or [[multi-level marketing]]. NSA was founded in 1970 and before introducing Juice Plus in 1993, was known for other multilevel-marketed products such as [[filter (water)|water filters]], [[air filter]]s, fire-protection equipment, and educational games for pre-schoolers.<ref name=CommercialAppeal>{{cite news| title = Marketing--education is NSA's new game| author =| journal = The Commercial Appeal | publisher = NewsLibrary.com| date = June 30, 1991| url =http://www.newslibrary.com| accessdate = 2008-02-18}}</ref> [[Naturopath]] Humbart "Smokey" Santillo is credited with having developed the Juice Plus “concept” and “nutritional philosophy” and for creating what has been described as the “original formula” for the product.<ref name=santillo>{{cite web|url=http://www.smokeysantillo.com|title=Smokey Santillo homepage|accessdate=2007-09-15|publisher=smokeysantillo.com}}</ref><ref name=nsaconvention>{{cite web|url=http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:vvwIAZDFON8J:www.nsa-convention.com/index.php%3Flang%3Den%26path%3Dfruehjahrs_convention/sprecher+%22juice+plus%22+santillo&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=16&gl=us|title=NSA Spring 2007 Convention speakers|accessdate=2007-09-15|publisher=nsa-convention.com}}</ref><ref name=mscc/> According to Santillo, he has also worked with NSA to develop other Juice Plus products.<ref name=santillo/>


The primary products in the Juice Plus line are "Orchard Blend" (a fruit juice powder-based vitamin supplement) and "Garden Blend" (vegetable juice powder-based) capsules, which are sold together in four-month supplies at a cost, in 2009, of approximately $167 USD.<ref name=jphome/> Other Juice Plus supplement products include "Vineyard Blend" (grape/berry juice powder-based) capsules, gummies, chewable tablets, wafers, meal replacement powders, and a vitamin formulation for dogs and cats.
The primary products in the Juice Plus line are "Orchard Blend" (a fruit juice powder-based vitamin supplement) and "Garden Blend" (vegetable juice powder-based) capsules, which are sold together in four-month supplies at a cost, in 2009, of approximately $167 USD.<ref name=jphome/> Other Juice Plus supplement products include "Vineyard Blend" (grape/berry juice powder-based) capsules, gummies, chewable tablets, wafers, meal replacement powders, and a vitamin formulation for dogs and cats.

Revision as of 19:35, 26 October 2009

Juice Plus

Supplement Information

Juice Plus Garden Blend*
Serving Size = 2 capsules (1.5 g)
Amount per Serving
Amt % RDI
Vitamin A
(β-carotene) 7000 IU 140%
Vitamin C 42 mg 70%
Vitamin E 24 IU 80%
Folate 0.28 mg 70%
Calcium 41 mg 4%
Iron 0.36 mg 2%
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.

Juice Plus Orchard Blend*
Serving Size = 2 capsules (1.5 g)
Amount per Serving
Amt % RDI
Vitamin A
(β-carotene) 5,500 IU 110%
Vitamin C 192 mg 320%
Vitamin E 21 IU 70%
Folate 0.14 mg 35%
Calcium 20 mg 2%
Iron 0.36 mg 2%
Ingredients

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.

Juice Plus Gummies**
Serving Size = 6 gummies
Amount per Serving
Amt % RDI
Vitamin A
(β-carotene) 14.8 mg 494%
Vitamin C 107.1 mg 179%
Vitamin E 82.6 mg 275%
Calcium 94.5 mg 9%
Thiamin 1.39 mg 93%
Riboflavin 0.05 mg 3%
Niacin 2.51 mg 13%
Pyridoxine 0.64 mg 32%
Zinc 0.62 mg 4%
Magnesium 13.65 mg 3%
Potassium 58.4 mg 2%
Copper 0.32 mg 16%
Ingredients

Corn syrup (84.7%), gelatin (10.3%), citric acid (3%), natural flavors (1.4%), natural colors (0.6%).

Fruit Gummies: Natural sweeteners (corn syrup, beet powder, clarified grape juice concentrate), gelatin, dried fruit juice powder and pulp (apple, orange, pineapple, cranberry, peach), acerola cherry, papaya, apple pectin, citrus pectin, glucomannan, citrus bioflavonoids, date fiber, prune powder, Dunaliella salina, lactobacillus acidophilus, citric acid, bromelain, papain, natural flavors, natural blend coating, mixed tocopherol stabilizers.

Vegetable Gummies: Natural sweeteners (corn syrup, beet powder, clarified grape juice concentrate, elderberry powder), gelatin, dried vegetable juice powder and pulp (carrot, parsley, beet, kale, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, tomato), beet fiber, barley bran, oat bran, glucomannan, Dunaliella salina, acidophilus, citric acid, bromelain, papain, natural flavors, natural blend coating, mixed tocopherol stabilizers.

*Percent RDI values as listed on bottle label; corresponding milligram amounts calculated based on USDA RDI guidleines for a 2,000 calorie diet. The manufacturer's suggested daily regimen is 2 Garden Blend capsules plus 2 Orchard Blend capsules per day (4 capsules total)

** Milligram amounts based on Stewart et al. (2002);[1] corresponding RDI percentage calculated based on USDA RDI guidleines for a 2,000 calorie diet. Ingredients based on Stewart et al. (2002) and product packaging (Fruit Gummies Lot #F09042801; Vegetable Gummies Lot #V06031401).

Juice Plus+ is a branded line of dietary supplements containing concentrated fruit and vegetable juice extracts fortified with added vitamins and nutrients. Introduced in 1993[2] and sold via direct or multi-level marketing, the supplements are advertised as "the next best thing to fruits and vegetables," a claim which some consumer watchdog organizations and governmental agencies consider to be misleading.

Marketing claims made about Juice Plus products suggest that they can provide benefits such as reducing oxidative stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Critics have argued that there is no scientific proof that Juice Plus offers significant health benefits, and that deceptive claims are used in the product's marketing information. Studies which have set out to test the effects of Juice Plus have generated conflicting and controversial results.

Product overview

Juice Plus is manufactured by Natural Alternatives International here is another exmple of how you can edit infromation.in San Marcos, CA and distributed by National Safety Associates (NSA; Collierville, TN) via direct or multi-level marketing. NSA was founded in 1970 and before introducing Juice Plus in 1993, was known for other multilevel-marketed products such as water filters, air filters, fire-protection equipment, and educational games for pre-schoolers.[3] Naturopath Humbart "Smokey" Santillo is credited with having developed the Juice Plus “concept” and “nutritional philosophy” and for creating what has been described as the “original formula” for the product.[4][5][6] According to Santillo, he has also worked with NSA to develop other Juice Plus products.[4]

The primary products in the Juice Plus line are "Orchard Blend" (a fruit juice powder-based vitamin supplement) and "Garden Blend" (vegetable juice powder-based) capsules, which are sold together in four-month supplies at a cost, in 2009, of approximately $167 USD.[7] Other Juice Plus supplement products include "Vineyard Blend" (grape/berry juice powder-based) capsules, gummies, chewable tablets, wafers, meal replacement powders, and a vitamin formulation for dogs and cats.

The main ingredients in Juice Plus Orchard Blend and Garden Blend capsules (vegetable and fruit juices, fibers, plant enzymes, and food actives) are reduced to powder through a proprietary process by an unrelated supplier,[8] and are then blended and encapsulated by NAI who produce the finished product. Juice Plus capsules are “enriched with pure β-carotene, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and folic acid”.[9] According to the manufacturer these are added to restore the levels of micronutrients lost during processing and to ensure uniformity.”[10] Two NAI-sponsored studies [11][12] mention that the fruit and vegetable powders in Juice Plus include standardized levels of natural β-carotene derived from Dunaliella salina and soy-derived d-α-tocopherol (vitamin E), which are supplied by the Henkel Corporation (now doing business as Cognis Corporation),[13][14] and ascorbic acid derived from acerola cherry, which is supplied by Schweizerhall Pharma.[15]

Juice Plus Gummies, a candy-like supplement for children, were shown to consist of 85% corn syrup and 10% beef gelatin, plus added nutrients.[1]

Juice Plus products are marketed by individual distributors who receive sales commissions ranging from 6% (for enrolling five customers in 30 days) to 14% (for enrolling twenty customers in 30 days).[16] Detailed sales figures for Juice Plus are not publicly available but NSA representatives claimed that Juice Plus achieved monthly sales of $6 million USD in 1993[17] and that it was the company’s most successful new product.[18]

Product research

National Safety Associates refers to Juice Plus as “the next best thing to eating fruits and vegetables” and describes the products as containing the “nutritional essence of 17 different fruits, vegetables, and grains”. NSA also claims that Juice Plus delivers key phytonutrients that are absorbed by the body, reduces oxidative stress, promotes cardiovascular wellness, supports a healthy immune system, and helps protect DNA.[7] However, multiple studies of varying standards have produced conflicting results as to the truth of these claims.

Of the published peer-reviewed studies on Juice Plus products, seven were funded and/or authored by the manufacturer, Natural Alternatives International (NAI);[19][11][12][20][21][22][23] six were funded by the main distributor, NSA;[20][24][25][1][26][27][28] two were funded by individual Juice Plus distributors;[29][30] and one was conducted independently.[31] The products examined in most of the studies were Garden Blend and Orchard Blend; three studies were performed on Vineyard Blend (a berry juice powder-based version) taken in combination with Garden and Orchard Blend,[19][32][28] and one study was on Juice Plus Gummies.[1]

Nutrient absorption

Though Juice Plus contains some nutrients, concerns have been raised that these nutrients may not be bioavailable, meaning not effectively absorbed by the human body, and that some of the nutrients claimed to be in the products may not be present in significant amounts.[9][1] Studies on nutrient absorption showed that subjects taking Juice Plus had elevated blood levels of folate and β-carotene[20][21][23][27] but the effects on blood levels of vitamin E and vitamin C were inconsistent. Some studies have shown significant increases in vitamin E[11][20][27] and C levels,[11][20][12][25] while other studies have shown much weaker effects on vitamin E[12][23] and C levels[23], and that the levels of vitamin E[21][24] and vitamin C[21][24][27] are not significantly increased. Juice Plus was found to increase blood lycopene levels in several studies,[11][25][27] while other studies have indicated that Juice Plus does not raise the blood levels of lycopene[21][23] or other key phytonutrients from fresh fruits and vegetables such as lutein,[21][23][27] zeaxanthin,[21][23][25][27] and β-cryptoxanthin.[21][22][23][25][27]

Antioxidant activity

NSA claims that Juice Plus is an effective antioxidant, and quotes a study that showed a 75% reduction in lipid peroxidation (an oxidative stress marker) in subjects that took Juice Plus for 7 to 28 days.[11] Other studies have also reported reductions in lipid peroxidation[12] and DNA oxidation.[21] These three studies were not blinded or placebo-controlled, included few participants (in one case no more than 15), and did not include monitoring or control of the participants' food intake. One of the studies[11] was criticized as “a particularly poor study” by Rosemary Stanton[33] in the Australian journal, The Skeptic.[34] 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,[23][24][27] DNA oxidation,[24][20][25][27] or other markers of oxidative stress.[23][29]

One study, which measured in vitro antioxidant activity, found that 1 g of Juice Plus Orchard Blend/Garden Blend powder (500 mg of each combined) 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 four capsules.[31]

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.[1] 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 Juice Plus capsules on biochemical parameters associated with cardiovascular function, again with conflicting results. One study, which was not double blinded or placebo controlled, found a 37% decrease in homocysteine levels.[30] Other more rigorous studies, including two that were randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, found that homocysteine levels were not reduced[19][29] or were reduced only marginally (7%).[23] 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;[23] 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.[19]

A study reported that a combined regimen of Juice Plus Orchard Blend and Garden Blend significantly decreased the impairment of brachial artery vasoactivity caused by a high-fat meal in healthy subjects.[19] The addition of Vineyard Blend to this regimen had no additional effect on brachial artery vasoactivity and led to an increase in total lipoprotein and LDL as compared with Orchard Blend/Garden Blend alone.[35] This study also found that Juice Plus had no effect on blood pressure.

In a randomized placebo-controlled, crossover study in overweight insulin-resistant adults, 8-week supplementation with Juice Plus had no significant effect on vascualr endothelial function, serum insulin, blood glucose, body weight, total cholesterol, or LDL cholesterol.[36][37]

Immune effects

A non-randomized, non-blinded, non-controlled study in elderly cigarette smokers and non-smokers examined the effects of Juice Plus Orchard Blend and Garden Blend on 9 immunologic parameters, including stimulated T-cell cytokine production (IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ) and the activity of various immune cells (peripheral blood monocytes, natural killer [NK] cells, T-helper cells, and cytotoxic T cells).[22] Juice Plus significantly increased peripheral blood monocyte proliferation and NK cell cytotoxicity in non-smokers but not in smokers, and increased in vitro IL-2 production by stimulated monocytes in both smokers and non-smokers. Juice Plus had no significant effect on cell counts (NK cells, T-helper cells, or cytotoxic T cells) or on the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, or IFN-γ in either smokers or non-smokers. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center noted several faults with this study including that it lacked placebo controls and was not blinded, that the results do not necessarily correlate with an overall increase in immunity, and that it would have been more informative had clinical parameters been measured, such as whether fewer patients became sick.[6]

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study examined the effect of Juice Plus Orchard Blend and Garden Blend on T cell counts, lymphocyte cytokine production, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody titers, and the incidence of illness in healthy subjects.[25] The percentage of circulating γδ-CD3+ T cells and αβ-CD3+ T cells did not change significantly in subjects who took Juice Plus; however, at the end of the supplementation period, subjects taking the supplement had a significantly higher percentage of γδ-CD3+ T cells (7.2%) as compared with placebo (5.4%). IFN-γ produced by stimulated lymphocytes in vitro was reduced in the Juice Plus (68%) and placebo groups (41%), but the reduction was statistically significant only in the Juice Plus group. The levels of other cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, TGF-β) were unchanged and Juice Plus had no significant effect on the incidence and symptoms of illness or on EBV antibody titers.

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled 28-week study examined the effect of Juice Plus (two capsules each of Orchard Blend, Garden Blend, and Vineyard blend per day) on cytokine (i.e., IL-6 and TNF-α) levels, and on the incidence of illness.[28] Subjects who took Juice Plus had lower TNF-α levels than the placebo group at later time points in the study (week 16 and 28) but overall the effect was not statistically significant.[38] Juice Plus was found to have no significant effect on IL-6 levels or on the incidence of illness during the course of the study.

Adverse effects

Adverse effects of Juice Plus have been mentioned in three studies,[22][12][32] none of which were randomized, blinded, or placebo-controlled. No monitoring of adverse effects was reported in other published Juice Plus studies.[19][11][23][1][20][21][24][25][29][30] Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center noted[6] that in one study,[22] some subjects who took Orchard Blend and Garden Blend developed a hive-like rash. Another study in 2000 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 none were deemed likely to have been related to treatment with Juice Plus.[12] In a third study from 2007, some subjects withdrew due to gastrointestinal distress possibly caused by the Juice Plus regimen (a combination of Orchard Blend, Garden Blend, and Vineyard Blend).[32]

Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation

The Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation,[39] founded in 1997, is a non-profit medical research organization (NTEE code H99)[40] 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 Collierville, Tennessee. In fiscal year 2007, the majority of funds donated to the foundation were disbursed to Volunteers of America (faith-based social welfare organization) and to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Memphis. [41]

As of 2009, no scientific research had been published by the Foundation. The Foundation's website shows results of an ongoing customer survey (The Juice Plus Children's Health Study) which suggests a link between Juice Plus consumption and a general improvement in diet and lifestyle habits. The University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter and Dr. Stephen Barrett of MLM Watch question the survey's scientific value, and claim that the Foundation is being used mainly as a marketing gimmick to get families to buy Juice Plus products.[42][43] Quackwatch includes the JPCRF among its list of questionable research organizations (i.e., organizations formed by promoters of questionable health products to exaggerate their effectiveness). [44]

Criticism

According to Consumer Reports, in 2005, National Safety Associates used advertising featuring Dr. William Sears, which implied that Juice Plus Gummies are 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”.[45] However, as of 2008, the Juice Plus homepage still advertises that the products are “the next best thing to fruits and vegetables”, though not specifically in reference to the Gummies.[7]

University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter[46] and MLM Watch[2] also commented on the unreliability of Juice Plus testimonials provided by former professional athlete O.J. Simpson, who was tried and acquitted for the June 12, 1994 murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend, Ronald Goldman. Simpson signed a multi-year six-figure contract with NSA in January 1994 and became an official celebrity endorser of Juice Plus. In March 1994, shortly before the murders took place, Simpson was videotaped telling 4,000 Juice Plus distributors at a sales meeting that the product had cured his arthritis, improved his golf game, and freed him from using anti-arthritic drugs.[47][48][49][2] However, during his criminal trial in 1995 and civil trial in 1997 (and in his 2007 book If I Did It)[50] Simpson claimed that he was too incapacitated by arthritis to have committed the murders and that he had continued to take a variety of potent anti-inflammatory drugs, including sulfasalazine and ibuprofen.[51][52][53][54][2] After controversy surrounding Simpson erupted, NSA cancelled his endorsement contract and stopped using the Simpson videotape to promote Juice Plus.[6][46]

Doubts have been raised about the benefits of Juice Plus by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the University of California Berkeley and other sources.[9][6][46][43][55][34][2][56][57][58] 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,[46] 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.[2][34][43][6][56][59]

Nutritionists Bernhard Watzl and Achim Bub commented that a Juice Plus study published by Samman and associates in 2003[23] was flawed and misleading because it failed to mention that Juice Plus Orchard Blend and Garden Blend capsules were enriched with supplemental micronutrients.[9] They noted that native carotenoids from vegetables (e.g. lycopene and lutein/zeaxanthin) were either absent from the capsules or were not bioavailable, and that the reported physiological effects of Juice Plus can be explained solely by the micronutrient additives, raising doubts as to whether the fruit and vegetable component itself had any significant effects. Concerns have also been raised about the accuracy of product labeling. Three studies which included chemical analyses of Juice Plus have indicated nutrient amounts that differ from the amounts listed on the product labels.[19][60][61]

In a January 2007 article in the St. Louis Post Dispatch, dietitian Renee Schwendinger said, "the average person should eat actual fruits and vegetables, not take a supplement such as Juice Plus," and that barring that, "a single multivitamin will give you all the nutrition you need if your diet is lacking, and it's less expensive."[59] Nutritionist Rosemary Stanton[33] echoed similar sentiments, stating “Juice Plus…contains added vitamins, and as such may have some value, although regular vitamins cost only a fraction of the Juice Plus product" and that "there is no evidence the supplement has enough fruits and vegetables to provide an alternative to the real thing.”[34] Registered dietician Kathleen Goodwin noted that “while there have been some clinical research studies about the effectiveness of Juice Plus, the evidence overall is inconclusive, the research flawed, and the funding provided by the manufacturer of the supplements themselves…Juice Plus supplements simply do not compare to the thousands of naturally occurring nutrients and phytochemicals we derive from the real thing.”[55] The University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter claimed “no matter how compressed these capsules are, or what they contain, it’s impossible to deliver the nutrients of five to ten servings of fruits and vegetables in several capsules weighing 800 to 850 milligrams (about one-thirtieth of an ounce) each. It would take two dozen 800-milligram capsules just to provide all the nutrients in six ounces of carrot juice” and concluded “you don’t need Juice Plus”.[46] Registered dietician Fudeko T. Maruyama and nutritional education specialist Mary P. Clarke of Kansas State University commented that “the promotional literature for Juice Plus, billed as a whole food concentrate, is a carefully worded blend of incorrect information, misleading health claims, and nonscientific jargon” and concluded that “Juice Plus probably won't harm you, but can hurt your pocketbook."[56] Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Clinic referred to Juice Plus as a ”pricey supplement” that is “distributed through a multi-tiered marketing scheme with exaggerated value and cost." [6]

In November 2007, the Complaints Resolution Panel for the Therapeutic Goods Administration Advertising Code Council ruled that statements on NSA’s Juice Plus website were in breach of Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code. According to the panel, the “clear message” in the ads was that Juice Plus tablets/capsules are “equivalent to fruits and vegetables” and that “consuming Juice Plus tablets would help Australians to consume the ‘recommended 5-7 servings’ of fruits and vegetables”. NSA was sanctioned by the Council to withdraw any representations that the products “are equivalent to fruits and vegetables or that their consumption can aid in meeting dietary recommendations relating to fruits and vegetables.” [62]

In December 2007, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) filed a complaint with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to “halt the marketing of NSA's Juice Plus Orchard Blend and Garden Blend capsules because the products appear to be adulterated and misbranded”.[63] CSPI said it was “concerned that the products' claim, ‘the next best thing to fruits and vegetables,’ may lead consumers to believe the pills are closer to real fruits and vegetables than is likely to be the case." According to CSPI, the labels say the capsules contain high levels of vitamins A and C and folate naturally, but “do not disclose that these vitamins and minerals are added to the capsules during processing and are nutrients only characteristic of the original fruit and vegetable sources.”

In a critique of Juice Plus,[2] Stephen Barrett of MLMWatch remarked upon the previous association between two authors of a 1996 Juice Plus research study [11] and United Sciences of America, Inc. (USAI), a multilevel marketing company that sold vitamin supplements with illegal claims that they could prevent many diseases.[64][65][66][67][68][69] In 1986, lead author John A. Wise, who later co-authored several other Juice Plus research studies,[19][20][21][22][27] was USAI's Executive Vice-President of Research and Development; and second author Robert J. Morin was a scientific advisor who helped design the products. State and federal enforcement actions[64][65][66][67][68][69] drove USAI out of business in 1987.[64][66][69] Wise became a consultant to Natural Alternatives International (NAI) in 1987 and a company executive (Vice-President of Research and Development) in 1992. Barrett noted that Wise was also an NAI shareholder and that production of Juice Plus for National Safety Associates (NSA) was responsible for 16% of NAIs sales in 1999. In 2006, NSA accounted for 38% of NAIs sales. Wise was appointed Chief Scientific Officer of NAI in 2002 and resigned from the company’s executive board on June 30, 2007. Wise then entered into a consultancy agreement with NAI stipulating a fee of $10,000 USD per month,[70] and as of August, 2007, was listed as an NAI insider, with direct ownership of 59,600 shares of NAI stock[71] and short-term vested options to purchase an additional 130,000 shares.[72]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Stewart, R.J.; et al. (2002). "Antioxidant status of young children: Response to an antioxidant supplement". J Am Diet Association. 102 (11): 1652–7. doi:10.1016/S0002-8223(02)90352-4. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Barrett, Stephen. "Juice Plus: A Critical Look". MLM Watch. Retrieved 2009-08-21.
  3. ^ "Marketing--education is NSA's new game". The Commercial Appeal. NewsLibrary.com. June 30, 1991. Retrieved 2008-02-18.
  4. ^ a b "Smokey Santillo homepage". smokeysantillo.com. Retrieved 2007-09-15.
  5. ^ "NSA Spring 2007 Convention speakers". nsa-convention.com. Retrieved 2007-09-15.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g "Juice Plus". Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Retrieved 2006-10-15.
  7. ^ a b c "Juice Plus homepage". National Safety Associates. Retrieved 2006-10-15.
  8. ^ "NSA International, Inc. Form 10-K (7/30/1996)". sec.edgar-online.com. Retrieved 2007-09-15.
  9. ^ a b c d Watzl, B. (2003). "Letter to the Editor:Fruit and Vegetable Concentrate or Vitamin Supplement?" (pdf). J Nutr. 133 (7): 3725. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |day= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |yeacr= ignored (help)
  10. ^ Samman, S. (2003). "Letter to the Editor: Reply to Watzl and Bub" (pdf). J Nutr. 133 (7): 3726. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |day= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i 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. doi:10.1016/S0011-393X(96)80053-1.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  12. ^ a b c d e f g 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. doi:10.1046/j.1365-277x.2000.00206.x. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)
  13. ^ "Cognis Nutrition and Health". cognis.com. Retrieved 2007-09-15.
  14. ^ "Yahoo Finance: Cognis Corporation Company Profile". biz.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2007-09-16.
  15. ^ "Schweizerhall Pharma homepage". schweizerhall.com. Retrieved 2007-09-15.
  16. ^ "NSA Inc. Company Profile". biz.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2007-09-15.
  17. ^ Green, Frank (February 22, 1995). "O.J. plug is a plus. The prosecution mentions Juice Plus, and sales are up". San Diego Union-Tribune. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  18. ^ Riggs, Rod (June 19, 1993). "Olympics may mean gold for San Marcos firm". San Diego Union-Tribune. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  19. ^ a b c d e f g h 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.
  20. ^ a b c d e f g h 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)
  21. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k 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. doi:10.1016/S0271-5317(99)00107-4.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  22. ^ a b c d e f 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. doi:10.1016/S1096-2190(99)00010-4.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  23. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Samman S.; et al. (2003). "A mixed fruit and vegetable concentrate increases plasma antioxidant vitamins and folate and lowers plasma homocysteine in men" (pdf). Journal of Nutrition. 133 (7): 2188–93. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help); Unknown parameter |day= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help) Cite error: The named reference "samman" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  24. ^ a b c d e f Bloomer RJ; et al. (2006). "Oxidative stress response to aerobic exercise: comparison of antioxidant supplements". Med Sci Sports Exerc. 38: 1098–1105. doi:10.1249/01.mss.0000222839.51144.3e. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)
  25. ^ a b c d e f g h 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)
  26. ^ Canham M (2000). "U. Utah student uses gummy bears in research". Daily Utah Chronicle. High Beam Research. Retrieved 2007-09-15.
  27. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Kawashima A, Madarame T, Koike H, Komatsu Y, Wise JA (2007). "Four week supplementation with mixed fruit and vegetable juice concentrates increased protective serum antioxidants and folate and decreased plasma homocysteine in Japanese subjects". Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 16 (3): 411–21.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  28. ^ a b c Lamprecht M, Oettl K, Schwaberger G, Hofmann P, Greilberger JF (2007). "Several indicators of oxidative stress, immunity, and illness improved in trained men consuming an encapsulated juice powder concentrate for 28 weeks". J Nutr. 137 (15): 2737–21.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  29. ^ a b c d 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. doi:10.1515/CCLM.2006.084. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)
  30. ^ a b c Panunzio MF; et al. (2003). "Supplementation with fruit and vegetable concentrate decreases plasma homocysteine levels in a dietary controlled trial". Nutr Res. 23: 1221–8. doi:10.1016/S0271-5317(03)00133-7. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)
  31. ^ a b 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. doi:10.1016/0308-8146(95)00223-5. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)
  32. ^ a b c Houston MC, Cooil B, Olafsson BJ, Raggi P. (2007). "Juice powder concentrate and systemic blood pressure, progression of coronary artery calcium and antioxidant status in hypertensive subjects: a pilot study" (pdf). ECAM. 4: 455. doi:10.1093/ecam/nel108.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  33. ^ a b "Dr. Rosemary Stanton OAM". Australian Government; Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Retrieved 2007-09-16. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  34. ^ a b c d Stanton R (2000). "Nutrition: who can you believe?" (PDF). The Skeptic. 20 (4): 23–7. {{cite journal}}: External link in |author= (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  35. ^ Freedman JE. (2003). "High-fat diets and cardiovascular disease. Are nutritional supplements useful?" (pdf). J Am Coll Cardiol. 41: 1750–2. doi:10.1016/S0735-1097(03)00303-6.
  36. ^ . The Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center Newsflash. July, 2008 http://www.yalegriffinprc.org/downloads/newsflash/Newsflash_7.08.pdf. Retrieved 2009-03-31. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help); Missing or empty |title= (help); line feed character in |publisher= at position 46 (help)
  37. ^ Kahn, Sam (November 29, 2004). "Pill may supplement fruits, vegetables". ”Yale Daily News”. Retrieved 2009-03-31.
  38. ^ Lamprecht M, Oettl K, Schwaberger G, Hofmann P, Greilberger JF (2007). "Several indicators of oxidative stress, immunity, and illness improved in trained men consuming an encapsulated juice powder concentrate for 28 weeks. Online supporting material: supplemental figure 1". J Nutr. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |day= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  39. ^ "Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation homepage". National Safety Associates. Retrieved 2006-10-15.
  40. ^ "Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation". Guidestar.org. Retrieved 2009-08-21.
  41. ^ {{cite web | title = IRS990 2008: Juice Plus Children’s Research Foundation| work = | publisher = [[United States Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service| date = February 6, 2009 | url = http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2008/621/797/2008-621797852-04d74810-9.pdf= pdf | accessdate = 2009-21-15}}
  42. ^ Barrett, Stephen. "Questionable Research by the Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation". MLM Watch. Retrieved 2007-02-05.
  43. ^ a b c "Juice Up and Dried Out" (pdf). University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter. Retrieved 2009-21-15. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  44. ^ Barrett, Stephen. "Questionable Organizations: An Overview". QuackWatch. Retrieved 2009-21-09. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  45. ^ "How Product Testimonials Bend The Rules". Consumer Reports. Retrieved 2006-10-15. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  46. ^ a b c d e "Juice Plus—and minus" (pdf). University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter. Retrieved 2006-10-15. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  47. ^ Friedman, Roger (November 21, 2006). "If O.J. Simpson did it, this is how". Fox News. Retrieved 2007-09-15. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  48. ^ Deutsch, Linda (July 19, 1995). "Simpson exercise video shown in murder trial. Defendant jokes about punching wives". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  49. ^ "Simpson said capsules killed his arthritis pain". San Jose Mercury News. February 17, 1995. pp. 15A. Retrieved 2007-09-15. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  50. ^ Morrison, Patt (September 14, 2007). "Book review: After 'yuck,' the farce of O.J. Simpson's book -- 'If I Did It' reads like a self-absorbed counseling session". LA Times. Retrieved 2007-09-15. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  51. ^ Shearer, Harry (October 29, 1996). "O.J. by the sea". Slate. Retrieved 2007-09-15. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  52. ^ Friedman, Roger (June 3, 2004). "O.J. defense doctor: 'some guilty people are set free'". Fox News. Retrieved 2007-09-15. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  53. ^ "Partial transcript of Simpson civil trial (Regina D. Chavez official reporter)". CNN. October 24, 1995. Retrieved 2007-09-15. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  54. ^ "Simpson civil trial transcript (Regina D. Chavez official reporter)". CNN. January 6, 1997. Retrieved 2007-09-15. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  55. ^ a b Goodwin, Kathy. "Dietary supplements: facts about Juice Plus". The Diet Channel. Retrieved 2006-10-15. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  56. ^ a b c Maruyama, Fudeko T. (1995). "Juice Plus, Food or Supplement". Kansas State University, Dept. of Human Nutrition. Retrieved 2007-07-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  57. ^ Schardt, David (2007). "Lost in translation: why real fruit and vegetables beat juices, powder, and purees" (pdf). Nutrition Action Healthletter. Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). Retrieved 2008-03-11. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  58. ^ year = 2006. "The minuses of Juice Plus". Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter (ISSN: 1526-0143). 24 (6): S1, 4. {{cite journal}}: Missing pipe in: |author= (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  59. ^ a b Schontz, Lori (January 15, 2007). "Nutritional shortcut bypasses benefits of eating the real thing". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  60. ^ "EN Squeezes the Raw Truth Out of Juice Plus Claims". Environmental Nutrition. March 2002.
  61. ^ "Multivitamin/multimineral product review: ingredient comparison tables". Consumer Lab. 2006.
  62. ^ "Complaint 19-0607 Juice Plus (10/04/2007)". Complaints Resolution Panel; Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code Council. Retrieved 2008-07-09.
  63. ^ "CSPI targets juice capsules", The Tan Sheet, vol. 15, no. 051, FDC Reports, December 17, 2007 {{citation}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); External link in |newspaper= (help)
  64. ^ a b c Barrett, Stephen. "The Rise and Fall of United Sciences of America". MLM Watch. Retrieved 2007-07-27.
  65. ^ a b Stare, F.J. (1986). "Marketing a nutritional "revolutionary breakthrough". Trading on names". N Engl J Med. 315 (15): 971–3. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  66. ^ a b c Young, E.A. (1987). "United Sciences of America, Incorporated: an "optimal" diet?". Ann Intern Med. 107 (1): 101–3. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  67. ^ a b Renner, J.H. (1986). "Science or scam?". N Engl J Med. 315 (15): 971. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  68. ^ a b Holden, C. (1986). "Scientists get flak over marketing plan". Science. 234 (4780): 1063–4. doi:10.1126/science.3775374. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  69. ^ a b c "USA: The strange rise and fall of one MLM". Money (June 1). 1987. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  70. ^ "Reuter's Company Overview: Natural Alternatives International, Inc". stocks.us.reuters.com. Retrieved 2007-07-26.
  71. ^ "Natural Alternatives International, Inc.; Inisder Roster". finance.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2007-08-11.
  72. ^ "Summary of Natural Alternatives International, Inc". stocks.us.reuters.com. Retrieved 2007-08-11.