Juice Plus: Difference between revisions
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'''Juice Plus |
'''Juice Plus''' is a [[brand]]ed line of [[dietary supplement]]s. It is produced by [[Natural Alternatives International]] of [[San Marcos, California]], for '''National Safety Associates''' ('''NSA'''; [[Collierville, Tennessee]]). Introduced in 1993,<ref name=mlmw2/> the supplements are distributed by NSA via [[multi-level marketing]]. Juice Plus supplements contain fruit and vegetable juice extracts with added vitamins and nutrients. |
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There is no good evidence that Juice Plus offers health benefits. Many marketing claims made about Juice Plus products are false or misleading. |
There is no good evidence that Juice Plus offers health benefits. Many marketing claims made about Juice Plus products are false or misleading.<ref name=ucbwl2/><ref name=ksu/> |
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== History == |
== History == |
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===Foundation and early marketing=== |
===Foundation and early marketing=== |
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National Safety Associates was founded in 1970 by Jay Martin, a schoolteacher-turned-entrepreneur, who continued as CEO as of 2012.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131009065912/http://www.juiceplusvirtualfranchise.com/our_history.html Partial company history as of 2012] (archived 2013-10-13)</ref> NSA initially sold home fire-protection equipment via door-to-door salespeople. In the late 1970s, they expanded into [[water filter|water filtration]] products. In 1986, they began using [[multi-level marketing]],<ref>{{cite book|last1=Walsh|first1=James|title=You Can't Cheat an Honest Man: How Ponzi Schemes and Pyramid Frauds Work and Why They're More Common Than Ever|date=2009|publisher=Silver Lake Publishing|pages=186–7|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7xSVQEobDdMC|isbn=9781563431692}}</ref> then expanding their product line to [[air filter]]s and educational games for pre-schoolers.<ref name=CommercialAppeal>{{cite journal| title = Marketing—education is NSA's new game| journal = The Commercial Appeal | date = June 30, 1991 }}</ref> In 1991, it was claimed that their sales structure constituted a [[Ponzi scheme]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Grady|first1=Bill|last2=Goozner|first2=Merrill|last3=O`Brien|first3=John|title=Case Could Drain A Marketing Pool|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1991/02/19/case-could-drain-a-marketing-pool/|access-date=20 January 2018|work=Chicago Tribune|date=19 February 1991|language=en}}</ref> |
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In 1993, the [[United States Attorney General]]'s office followed up on complaints that the company was deceptively requiring new distributors to make large upfront purchases of air and water filters. Each of the 32,000 distributors in Florida purchased an average of $7,000 worth of water filters, and many of these distributors were unable to sell all of them. The company's business in the United States decreased that year, requiring the layoff of dozens of employees.<ref>{{cite news |title= NSA returns to marketing focus, trims Memphis staff |work=[[The Commercial Appeal]] |location= Memphis |date=August 31, 1993 |author= Campbell, Laurel}}</ref> |
In 1993, the [[United States Attorney General]]'s office followed up on complaints that the company was deceptively requiring new distributors to make large upfront purchases of air and water filters. Each of the 32,000 distributors in Florida purchased an average of $7,000 worth of water filters, and many of these distributors were unable to sell all of them. The company's business in the United States decreased that year, requiring the layoff of dozens of employees.<ref>{{cite news |title= NSA returns to marketing focus, trims Memphis staff |work=[[The Commercial Appeal]] |location= Memphis |date=August 31, 1993 |author= Campbell, Laurel}}</ref> |
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NSA later expanded its business outside the United States, and according to the company, was selling products in 33 countries as of 2000.<ref>{{cite news|work= Jefferson City News-Tribune |date=November 26, 2000 |title=Business notes}}</ref> NSA stopped manufacturing and marketing its water filter product line in 2007. |
NSA later expanded its business outside the United States, and according to the company, was selling products in 33 countries as of 2000.<ref>{{cite news|work= Jefferson City News-Tribune |date=November 26, 2000 |title=Business notes}}</ref> NSA stopped manufacturing and marketing its water filter product line in 2007. |
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===Supplement products=== |
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Juice Plus was NSA's first |
Juice Plus was NSA's first product, launched in 1993. The primary products in the Juice Plus line include "Orchard Blend" (a fruit juice powder-based supplement) and "Garden Blend" (vegetable juice powder-based) capsules, which are sold together in a four-month pack at a cost of approximately US$167 (2009).{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} Other supplement products available in the Juice Plus line as of 2011 included Vineyard Blend (grape/berry juice powder-based) capsules, Juice Plus Complete (meal replacement powder), Juice Plus Chewables (Orchard and Garden Blends), and Juice Plus Chewables (Vineyard Blend).<ref name=CurrentProds>{{cite web|url=https://www.juiceplus.com/nsa/content/OtherProducts.soa|title=Other Juice Plus+® Products|access-date=2011-08-08|publisher=juiceplus.com}}</ref> Discontinued products include Juice Plus Gummies, Juice Plus Thins (wafers), chewable tablets,<ref name=JPproducts>{{cite web|url=http://www.juiceplus.com/nsa/pages/OtherProducts.soa|title=Other Juice Plus+® Products|access-date=2011-06-01|publisher=juiceplus.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051130015231/http://www.juiceplus.com/nsa/pages/OtherProducts.soa |archive-date=2005-11-30}}</ref> and a vitamin formulation for dogs and cats.<ref name=catsanddogs>{{cite web|url=https://nsaag.nsaonline.com/images/petsbrochure.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324210325/https://nsaag.nsaonline.com/images/petsbrochure.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-03-24|title=Juice Plus+® for Dogs/Juice Plus+® for Cats|access-date=2011-06-01|publisher=nsaonline.com}}</ref> |
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In 2024, Juice Plus+’s launched Luminate, which claims to support mental clarity and cognitive health, along with overall well-being. While it uses scientifically validated ingredients, the product statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Juice Plus+ Luminate {{!}} Prepared Foods |url=https://www.preparedfoods.com/articles/129279-juice-plus-luminate |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=www.preparedfoods.com |language=en}}</ref> |
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=== Philanthropy === |
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Juice Plus+ will serve as the presenting sponsor at the 2024 St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend, a fundraiser for [[St. Jude Children's Research Hospital|St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital]]. The company has supported this event for 23 years and last year raised over $143,000 in support of pediatric cancer research and treatment. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-15 |title=Juice Plus+ Supports St. Jude Memphis Fundraiser - Direct Selling News |url=https://www.directsellingnews.com/2024/10/15/juice-plus-supports-st-jude-memphis-fundraiser/ |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=www.directsellingnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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== Manufacturing == |
== Manufacturing == |
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[[File:Juice Plus+.jpg|thumb|Juice Plus+ pills]] |
[[File:Juice Plus+.jpg|thumb|Juice Plus+ pills]] |
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The main ingredients in Juice Plus Orchard Blend and Garden Blend capsules (vegetable and fruit juices) are reduced to powder through a proprietary process by an unrelated supplier,<ref name=NSA10K>{{cite web|url=http://sec.edgar-online.com/1996/07/30/00/0000950144-96-004677/Section2.asp|title=NSA International, Inc. Form 10-K (7/30/1996)|access-date=2007-09-15|publisher=sec.edgar-online.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080213220901/http://sec.edgar-online.com/1996/07/30/00/0000950144-96-004677/Section2.asp|archive-date=2008-02-13}}</ref> and then blended and encapsulated by NAI, |
The main ingredients in Juice Plus Orchard Blend and Garden Blend capsules (vegetable and fruit juices) are reduced to powder through a proprietary process by an unrelated supplier,<ref name= NSA10K>{{cite web|url=http://sec.edgar-online.com/1996/07/30/00/0000950144-96-004677/Section2.asp|title=NSA International, Inc. Form 10-K (7/30/1996)|access-date=2007-09-15|publisher= | website= sec.edgar-online.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080213220901/http://sec.edgar-online.com/1996/07/30/00/0000950144-96-004677/Section2.asp|archive-date=2008-02-13}}</ref> and then blended and encapsulated by NAI, which produces the finished product. Juice Plus capsules are "enriched with pure β-[[carotene]], [[ascorbic acid]], [[vitamin E]], and [[folic acid]]".<ref name=watzl/> Two NAI-sponsored studies <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 |vauthors= Wise JA, Morin RJ, Sanderson R, Blum K | year = 1996 | journal = Curr Ther Res | volume = 57 | issue = 6 | pages = 445–461 | doi = 10.1016/S0011-393X(96)80053-1}}</ref> mention that the fruit and vegetable powders in Juice Plus include standardized levels of natural β-carotene derived from ''[[Dunaliella salina]]'' and soy-derived [[tocopherol|d-α-tocopherol]] (vitamin E), which are supplied by the Henkel Corporation (now doing business as [[Cognis| Cognis Corporation]]),<ref>{{cite web|title=Welcome to Cognis |url=http://www.cognis.com/framescout.html?/nutritionandhealth/home.htm| website= cognis.com |publisher= Cognis |access-date=20 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070820110543/http://www.cognis.com/framescout.html?%2Fnutritionandhealth%2Fhome.htm |archive-date=20 August 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name= yahoocognis>{{cite web|url=http://biz.yahoo.com/ic/108/108557.html|title=Yahoo Finance: Cognis Corporation Company Profile |access-date=2007-09-16|publisher=| website= biz.yahoo.com}}</ref> and ascorbic acid derived from [[Acerola|acerola cherry]], which is supplied by Schweizerhall Pharma.<ref>{{cite web|title=Schweizerhall Pharma homepage|url=http://www.schweizerhall.com/html/?id=100&L=1|publisher=Schweizerhall Pharma| website= schweizerhall.com |access-date=20 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611192119/http://www.schweizerhall.com/html/?id=100&L=1|archive-date=11 June 2008}}</ref> |
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== ConsumerLab product testing== |
== ConsumerLab product testing== |
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== Sales == |
== Sales == |
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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 20 customers in 30 days).<ref name=yahoobiz>{{cite web|url=http://biz.yahoo.com/ic/120/120429.html|title=NSA Inc. Company Profile |access-date=2007-09-15|publisher=biz.yahoo.com}}</ref> Detailed sales figures for Juice Plus are not publicly available, but NSA representatives claimed that Juice Plus achieved monthly sales of $6 million |
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 20 customers in 30 days).<ref name=yahoobiz>{{cite web|url=http://biz.yahoo.com/ic/120/120429.html|title=NSA Inc. Company Profile |access-date=2007-09-15|publisher=biz.yahoo.com}}</ref> Detailed sales figures for Juice Plus are not publicly available, but NSA representatives claimed that Juice Plus achieved monthly sales of $6 million in 1993<ref name=union-1995>{{cite news|newspaper=[[San Diego Union-Tribune]]|date=February 22, 1995|author=Green, Frank|title=O.J. plug is a plus. The prosecution mentions Juice Plus, and sales are up.}}</ref> and that it was the company's most successful new product.<ref name=union-1993>{{cite news|work=[[San Diego Union-Tribune]] |date=June 19, 1993|author=Riggs, Rod|title=Olympics may mean gold for San Marcos firm}}</ref> According to NSA vice-president John Blair, sales of Juice Plus in 2008 were "approaching $300 million but have leveled off due to economic factors."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://subscribers.nutritionbusinessjournal.com/direct/0501-juice-plus-uses-childrens-market/wall.html?return=http://subscribers.nutritionbusinessjournal.com/direct/0501-juice-plus-uses-childrens-market/index.html| title=MLM company reports sales of Juice Plus+| access-date=2009-05-01| publisher=NutritionalBusinessJournal.com}}{{dead link|date=August 2011}}</ref> |
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== Product research == |
== Product research == |
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Doubts have been raised about the advertised benefits of Juice Plus by [[Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center]], University of California Berkeley, [[Center for Science in the Public Interest]], and other sources.<ref name=mlmw2>{{cite web | last = Barrett| first = Stephen | author-link = Stephen Barrett| title = Juice Plus: A Critical Look |publisher = MLM Watch| url = http://www.mlmwatch.org/04C/NSA/juiceplus.html | access-date = 2009-08-21}}</ref><ref name=ksu>{{cite web | last = Maruyama| first = Fudeko T. |author2=Mary P. Clarke| title = Juice Plus, Food or Supplement |
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| publisher = Kansas State University, Dept. of Human Nutrition|date=January 1995| url = http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/humannutrition/_timely/JUICE.HTM | access-date = 2007-07-22 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060206033026/http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/humannutrition/_timely/JUICE.HTM |archive-date = 2006-02-06}}</ref><ref name=watzl>{{Cite journal |vauthors=Watzl B, Bub A |title=Fruit and vegetable concentrate or vitamin supplement? |journal=The Journal of Nutrition |volume=133 |issue=11 |pages=3725; author reply 3726 |date=November 2003|pmid=14608104 |url=http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=14608104|doi=10.1093/jn/133.11.3725 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name=mscc>{{cite web | title = Juice Plus| publisher = Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center | url = https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/juice-plus| date = November 27, 2012 | access-date = May 1, 2013 }}</ref><ref name=ucbwl1>{{cite web | title = Juice Plus—and minus | publisher = University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter | url = http://www.berkeleywellness.com/subCorner/pdf/2000/0011.pdf | access-date = 2006-10-15 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070928123613/http://www.berkeleywellness.com/subCorner/pdf/2000/0011.pdf | archive-date = 2007-09-28 }}</ref><ref name=goodwin>{{cite web | last = Goodwin | first = Kathy | title = Dietary supplements: facts about Juice Plus | publisher = The Diet Channel | url = http://www.thedietchannel.com/Dietary-Supplements-Facts-About-Juice-Plus.htm | access-date = 2006-10-15 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061120021027/http://www.thedietchannel.com/Dietary-Supplements-Facts-About-Juice-Plus.htm | archive-date = 2006-11-20 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref name=stanton>{{cite journal|title=Nutrition: who can you believe? |author= |
| publisher = Kansas State University, Dept. of Human Nutrition|date=January 1995| url = http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/humannutrition/_timely/JUICE.HTM | access-date = 2007-07-22 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060206033026/http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/humannutrition/_timely/JUICE.HTM |archive-date = 2006-02-06}}</ref><ref name=watzl>{{Cite journal |vauthors=Watzl B, Bub A |title=Fruit and vegetable concentrate or vitamin supplement? |journal=The Journal of Nutrition |volume=133 |issue=11 |pages=3725; author reply 3726 |date=November 2003|pmid=14608104 |url=http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=14608104|doi=10.1093/jn/133.11.3725 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name=mscc>{{cite web | title = Juice Plus| publisher = Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center | url = https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/juice-plus| date = November 27, 2012 | access-date = May 1, 2013 }}</ref><ref name=ucbwl1>{{cite web | title = Juice Plus—and minus | publisher = University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter | url = http://www.berkeleywellness.com/subCorner/pdf/2000/0011.pdf | access-date = 2006-10-15 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070928123613/http://www.berkeleywellness.com/subCorner/pdf/2000/0011.pdf | archive-date = 2007-09-28 }}</ref><ref name=goodwin>{{cite web | last = Goodwin | first = Kathy | title = Dietary supplements: facts about Juice Plus | publisher = The Diet Channel | url = http://www.thedietchannel.com/Dietary-Supplements-Facts-About-Juice-Plus.htm | access-date = 2006-10-15 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061120021027/http://www.thedietchannel.com/Dietary-Supplements-Facts-About-Juice-Plus.htm | archive-date = 2006-11-20 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref name=stanton>{{cite journal|title=Nutrition: who can you believe? |author=Stanton R|year=2000 |journal=[[Australian Skeptics#The Skeptic magazine|The Skeptic]] |volume=20 |issue=4 |pages=23–7 |url=http://www.skeptics.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/theskeptic/2000/4.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509182300/http://www.skeptics.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/theskeptic/2000/4.pdf |archive-date=2012-05-09 }}</ref><ref name=tufts>{{cite journal | title = The minuses of Juice Plus | year = 2006 | journal = Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter |issn=1526-0143 | volume=24 | issue=6 | pages= S1,4 }}</ref> The product has been criticized on the basis that: its marketing is unsupported by research data, it contains too little fruit and vegetable powder to offer significant clinical benefits,<ref name=ucbwl1/> its effects can be attributed to the inclusion of added [[exogenous]] vitamins and micronutrients, and it is excessively priced relative to its potential benefits.<ref name=mlmw2/><ref name=ucbwl2/><ref name=ksu/><ref name=mscc/><ref name=stanton/><ref name=SLPD>{{cite news|date=January 15, 2007|newspaper=[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]|title=Nutritional shortcut bypasses benefits of eating the real thing|author=Schontz, Lori}}</ref> 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."<ref name=mscc/> |
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Of the published [[Peer review|peer-reviewed]] studies on Juice Plus products, most were funded and/or authored by the manufacturer, Natural Alternatives International (NAI);<ref name=wise/><ref name=leeds/><ref name=plotnick/><ref name=kiefer/><ref name=smith/><ref name=inserra/><ref name=samman>{{Cite journal |vauthors=Samman S, Sivarajah G, Man JC, Ahmad ZI, Petocz P, Caterson ID |title=A mixed fruit and vegetable concentrate increases plasma antioxidant vitamins and folate and lowers plasma homocysteine in men |journal=The Journal of Nutrition |volume=133 |issue=7 |pages=2188–93 |date=July 2003|pmid=12840177 |url=http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=12840177|doi=10.1093/jn/133.7.2188 |doi-access=free }}</ref> or the main distributor, NSA.;<ref name=kiefer/><ref name=bloomer>{{Cite journal |vauthors=Bloomer RJ, Goldfarb AH, McKenzie MJ |title=Oxidative stress response to aerobic exercise: comparison of antioxidant supplements |journal=Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise |volume=38 |issue=6 |pages=1098–1105 |date=June 2006|pmid=16775552 |doi=10.1249/01.mss.0000222839.51144.3e}}</ref><ref name=nantz>{{Cite journal |vauthors=Nantz MP, Rowe CA, Nieves C, Percival SS |title=Immunity and antioxidant capacity in humans is enhanced by consumption of a dried, encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice concentrate |journal=The Journal of Nutrition |volume=136 |issue=10 |pages=2606–10 |date=October 2006|pmid=16988134 |url=http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=16988134|doi=10.1093/jn/136.10.2606 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name= Kawashima>{{cite journal |vauthors=Kawashima A, Madarame T, Koike H, Komatsu Y, Wise JA |title=Four week supplementation with mixed fruit and vegetable juice concentrates increased protective serum antioxidants and folate and decreased plasma homocysteine in Japanese subjects |journal=Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition |volume=16 |issue=3 |pages=411–21 |year=2007 |pmid=17704021}}</ref><ref name=pmid18029492>{{Cite journal |vauthors=Lamprecht M, Oettl K, Schwaberger G, Hofmann P, Greilberger JF |title=Several indicators of oxidative stress, immunity, and illness improved in trained men consuming an encapsulated juice powder concentrate for 28 weeks |journal=The Journal of Nutrition |volume=137 |issue=12 |pages=2737–41 |date=December 2007|pmid=18029492 |url=http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=18029492|doi=10.1093/jn/137.12.2737 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name=stewart>{{cite journal | author = Stewart, R.J.|date=November 2002 | title = Antioxidant status of young children: Response to an antioxidant supplement | journal = [[J Am Diet Assoc]] | volume = 102 | issue = 11 | pages = 1652–1657 | doi = 10.1016/S0002-8223(02)90352-4 | display-authors = 1 | last2 = Askew | first2 = E.W. | last3 = McDonald | first3 = C.M. | last4 = Metos | first4 = J. | last5 = Jackson | first5 = W.D. | last6 = Balon | first6 = T.W. | last7 = Prior | first7 = R.L.|pmid=12449290 }}</ref><ref name=Canham >{{cite journal| title =U. Utah student uses gummy bears in research | author =Canham M| journal = Daily Utah Chronicle | year = 2000| url =http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-25571410.html| access-date = 2007-09-15}}{{dead link|date=February 2019|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> and two were funded by individual Juice Plus distributors.<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 | year=2006 | journal=Clin Chem Lab Med | volume=44 | issue=4 | pages= 391–395 | doi=10.1515/CCLM.2006.084 | pmid=16599830 |name-list-style=vanc | display-authors=1 | last2=Novembrino | first2=Cristina | last3=Ippolito | first3=Silvia | last4=Soresi | first4=Enzo | last5=Ciani | first5=Alberto | last6=Lonati | first6=Silvia | last7=Scurati-Manzoni | first7=Elisabetta | last8=Cighetti | first8=Giuliana | s2cid=12100892 }}</ref><ref name=panunzio>{{cite journal | title = Supplementation with fruit and vegetable concentrate decreases plasma homocysteine levels in a dietary controlled trial | author=Panunzio MF | year = 2003 | journal = Nutr Res | volume=23 | pages= 1221–1228 | doi = 10.1016/S0271-5317(03)00133-7 | issue = 9 }}</ref> |
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===Nutrients and phytochemicals=== |
===Nutrients and phytochemicals=== |
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Concerns have been raised that the nutrients in Juice Plus+ capsules may not be [[bioavailable]] or 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.<ref name=watzl/> Studies on nutrient absorption showed that subjects taking Juice Plus had elevated blood levels of [[folate]] and [[beta-carotene|β-carotene]],<ref name=kiefer>{{Cite journal |author=Kiefer I |title=Supplementation with mixed fruit and vegetable juice concentrates increased serum antioxidants and folate in healthy adults |journal=Journal of the American College of Nutrition |volume=23 |issue=3 |pages=205–11 |date=June 2004 |pmid=15190044 |url=http://www.jacn.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=15190044 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130415033250/http://www.jacn.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=15190044 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-04-15 |name-list-style=vanc |author2=Prock P |author3=Lawrence C |display-authors=3 |last4=Wise |first4=J |last5=Bieger |first5=W |last6=Bayer |first6=P |last7=Rathmanner |first7=T |last8=Kunze |first8=M |last9=Rieder |first9=A |doi=10.1080/07315724.2004.10719362 |s2cid=41881983 }}</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 |vauthors=Smith MJ, Inserra PF, Watson RR, Wise JA, O'Neill KL | year = 1999 | journal = Nutr Res | volume=19 | issue = 10 | pages= 1507–1518 | doi = 10.1016/S0271-5317(99)00107-4}}</ref |
Concerns have been raised that the nutrients in Juice Plus+ capsules may not be [[bioavailable]] or 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.<ref name=watzl/> Studies on nutrient absorption showed that subjects taking Juice Plus had elevated blood levels of [[folate]] and [[beta-carotene|β-carotene]],<ref name=kiefer>{{Cite journal |author=Kiefer I |title=Supplementation with mixed fruit and vegetable juice concentrates increased serum antioxidants and folate in healthy adults |journal=Journal of the American College of Nutrition |volume=23 |issue=3 |pages=205–11 |date=June 2004 |pmid=15190044 |url=http://www.jacn.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=15190044 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130415033250/http://www.jacn.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=15190044 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-04-15 |name-list-style=vanc |author2=Prock P |author3=Lawrence C |display-authors=3 |last4=Wise |first4=J |last5=Bieger |first5=W |last6=Bayer |first6=P |last7=Rathmanner |first7=T |last8=Kunze |first8=M |last9=Rieder |first9=A |doi=10.1080/07315724.2004.10719362 |s2cid=41881983 }}</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 |vauthors=Smith MJ, Inserra PF, Watson RR, Wise JA, O'Neill KL | year = 1999 | journal = Nutr Res | volume=19 | issue = 10 | pages= 1507–1518 | doi = 10.1016/S0271-5317(99)00107-4}}</ref> but the effects on blood levels of [[vitamin E]] and [[vitamin C]] were inconsistent. Some studies have shown significant increases in vitamin E<ref name="wise"/><ref name=kiefer/> and C levels,<ref name=wise/><ref name=kiefer/> while other studies have shown much weaker effects on vitamin E and C levels, and that the levels of vitamin E<ref name=smith/> and vitamin C<ref name=smith/> are not significantly increased. Juice Plus was found to increase blood [[lycopene]] levels in several studies,<ref name = wise/> while other studies have indicated that Juice Plus does not raise blood levels of lycopene<ref name=smith/> or other phytochemicals in fresh fruits and vegetables such as [[lutein]],<ref name=smith/> [[zeaxanthin]],<ref name=smith/> and [[cryptoxanthin|β-cryptoxanthin]].<ref name=smith/><ref name=inserra>{{cite journal |vauthors=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 | doi = 10.1016/S1096-2190(99)00010-4 }}</ref> |
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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.<ref Name=plotnick>{{Cite journal |vauthors=Plotnick GD, Corretti MC, Vogel RA, Hesslink R, Wise JA |title=Effect of supplemental phytonutrients on impairment of the flow-mediated brachial artery vasoactivity after a single high-fat meal |journal=Journal of the American College of Cardiology |volume=41 |issue=10 |pages=1744–1749 |date=May 2003|pmid=12767658 |doi=10.1016/S0735-1097(03)00302-4|doi-access=free }}</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 | year = 2006 | publisher= [[ConsumerLab.com]]}}{{subscription required}}</ref> |
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According to ''[[Consumer Reports]]'', in 2005, National Safety Associates used advertising featuring [[William Sears (physician)|Dr. William Sears]] (a distributor of Juice Plus products), which implied that Juice Plus Gummies were 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".<ref name=consumerreports>{{cite web | title = How Product Testimonials Bend The Rules | publisher = [[Consumer Reports]] | date = January 2006 | url =http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/personal-finance/producttestimonialtricks-of-the-trade-106/index.htm | access-date = 2011-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060721171257/http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/personal-finance/producttestimonialtricks-of-the-trade-106/index.htm|archive-date=2006-07-21}}</ref><ref name=jphome>{{cite web | title = Juice Plus homepage | publisher = National Safety Associates | url = http://www.juiceplus.com | access-date = 2011-06-01}}</ref> The Juice Plus homepage continues to advertise Juice Plus as "the next best thing to fruits and vegetables"; the Gummies product has since been discontinued; the product "Chewables" has been introduced.<ref name=CurrentProds/> |
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In December 2007, the [[Center for Science in the Public Interest]] (CSPI) filed a complaint with the [[Food and Drug Administration (United States)|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".<ref name=cspi2>{{Cite news | title=CSPI targets juice capsules | newspaper= The Tan Sheet | volume=15 | issue=51 | publisher = FDC Reports | date=December 17, 2007}}</ref> 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." |
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Two nutrition specialists 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."<ref name = ksu/> Others have provided similar skeptical assessments of Juice Plus+.<ref name=ucbwl1/><ref name=goodwin/><ref name=stanton/><ref name=SLPD/><ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web | title = How Product Testimonials Bend The Rules | publisher = [[Consumer Reports]] | url = http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/personal-finance/producttestimonialtricks-of-the-trade-106/index.htm | access-date = 2006-10-15 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060721171257/http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/personal-finance/producttestimonialtricks-of-the-trade-106/index.htm |archive-date = 2006-07-21}}</ref><ref name=rstanton>{{cite web|last1=Stanton|first1=Rosemary|title=Australian Institute of Health and Welfare|url=http://aboutforskolinfuel.com/dr-rosemary-stanton-oam/|publisher=Australian Institute of Health and Welfare|access-date=20 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810214341/http://aboutforskolinfuel.com/dr-rosemary-stanton-oam/|archive-date=10 August 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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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."<ref name=TGACRP>{{cite web|url=http://www.tgacrp.com.au/index.cfm?pageID=13&special=complaint_single&complaintID=980 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20090204131737/http://www.tgacrp.com.au/index.cfm?pageID=13&special=complaint_single&complaintID=980 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-02-04 |title=Complaint 19-0607 Juice Plus (10/04/2007) |access-date=2008-07-09 |publisher=Complaints Resolution Panel; Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code Council }}</ref> |
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===Antioxidant activity=== |
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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.<ref name=wise/> This report was criticized as "a particularly poor study" by nutritionist [[Rosemary Stanton]]<ref name=rstanton/> in the Australian journal, ''[[Australian Skeptics#The Skeptic|The Skeptic]]''.<ref name=stanton/> Other studies 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 | year = 2000 | journal = J Hum Nutr Diet | volume=13 | pages=21–27 | doi=10.1046/j.1365-277x.2000.00206.x |name-list-style=vanc | display-authors=1 | last2=Ferris | first2=E. A. E. | last3=Staley | first3=J. | last4=Ayesh | first4=R. | last5=Ross | first5=F. }}</ref> and [[DNA oxidation]].<ref name=smith/> 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. Other studies conducted under more rigorous conditions ([[Randomized controlled trial|randomized]], [[double-blind]], placebo-controlled, longer in duration and with more subjects), found no significant reductions in lipid peroxidation,<ref name=samman/><ref name=bloomer/><ref name= Kawashima/> DNA oxidation,<ref name=kiefer/><ref name=bloomer/><ref name=nantz/><ref name= Kawashima/> or other markers of oxidative stress.<ref name=samman/><ref name=bamonti/> |
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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.<ref name=chambers>{{cite journal | author = Chambers SJ| 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 = 2| pages = 271–274| doi = 10.1016/0308-8146(95)00223-5 | display-authors = 1 | last2 = Lambert | first2 = Nigel | last3 = Plumb | first3 = Geoffrey W. | last4 = Williamson | first4 = Gary }}</ref> Tests of [[polyphenol antioxidant|antioxidant activity of polyphenol]]s (such as those in Juice Plus capsules) [[in vitro]] likely show higher results than the negligible antioxidant activity [[in vivo]] following oral ingestion and digestion.<ref>{{Cite journal |vauthors=Williams RJ, Spencer JP, Rice-Evans C |title=Flavonoids: antioxidants or signalling molecules? |journal=Free Radical Biology & Medicine |volume=36 |issue=7 |pages=838–849 |date=April 2004|pmid=15019969 |doi=10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2004.01.001}}</ref> |
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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.<ref name=stewart/> 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. The study was originally sponsored by NSA, but because the results were disappointing, NSA officials elected to remove the company’s name from the published article.<ref name=Canham/> |
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Jim Sears, a pediatrician and Juice Plus distributor/spokesperson who co-hosts the syndicated daytime television talk show [[The Doctors (2008 TV series)|The Doctors]], claimed on a February 27, 2009 episode of the program that Juice Plus "helps fight cancer".<ref name=searscancer> |
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{{cite web |
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|title = ''The Doctors'' episode synopsis |
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|url = http://www.thedoctorstv.com/main/show_synopsis/178?section=synopsis |
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|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090330055826/http://www.thedoctorstv.com/main/show_synopsis/178?section=synopsis |
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|url-status = dead |
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|archive-date = March 30, 2009 |
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|date = February 27, 2009 |
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|access-date = October 30, 2009 |
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}} |
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</ref> In October 2009, Dr. [[Barrie R. Cassileth]], Chair and Chief of [[Integrative Medicine]] at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, cautioned that while Juice Plus is being "aggressively promoted to cancer patients based on claims of antioxidant effects", the supplement should not be taken by patients because it can interfere with chemotherapy, nor should it be considered a substitute for fruits and vegetables.<ref name=Cassileth>{{cite journal | title = Juice Plus | first=Barrie|last= Cassileth| year = 2009 | journal = Oncology| volume=23| issue= 11| page=987| url= http://www.cancernetwork.com/cme/article/10165/1480724 | pmid=19947351}}</ref> |
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=== Cardiovascular system === |
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Several studies have examined the effects of Juice Plus capsules on biochemical parameters associated with [[cardiovascular]] function, again with conflicting results. In October 2009, Dr. Barrie R. Cassileth, Chair and Chief of [[Integrative Medicine]] at [[Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center]], noted that the results of Juice Plus studies on plasma [[homocysteine]] levels were not reproducible, and that studies on cardiovascular effects, such as [[blood pressure]] and [[cholesterol]], were inconclusive.<ref name=Cassileth/> |
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The effects of Juice Plus on blood levels of homocysteine have been reported in five studies, all conducted in subjects with normal homocysteine levels (15 μmol/L).<ref name= DeLuca>{{Cite journal |vauthors=De Luca G, Suryapranata H, Gregorio G, Lange H, Chiariello M |title=Homocysteine and its effects on in-stent restenosis |journal=Circulation |volume=112 |issue=19 |pages=e307–11 |date=November 2005|pmid=16275872 |doi=10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.573923|doi-access=free }}</ref> An initial study, which was not [[double-blind]] nor [[placebo]]-controlled, reported a 37% decrease in [[homocysteine]] levels in subjects taking Juice Plus.<ref name="panunzio"/> More rigorous studies, including three that were randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, found that [[homocysteine]] levels were not reduced<ref name=plotnick/><ref name="bamonti"/> or were reduced to a much lesser extent than originally reported.<ref name=samman/><ref name=Kawashima/> |
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Two randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled studies have examined the effect of Juice Plus on [[blood plasma|serum]] [[cholesterol]] and [[LDL]] 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/> |
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A study reported that a combined regimen of Juice Plus Orchard Blend and Garden Blend significantly decreased the impairment of [[brachial artery]] [[vasoactive|vasoactivity]] caused by a high-fat meal in healthy subjects.<ref name=plotnick/> The addition of the Vineyard Blend product 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.<ref name=freeman>{{Cite journal |author=Freedman JE |title=High-fat diets and cardiovascular disease: are nutritional supplements useful? |journal=Journal of the American College of Cardiology |volume=41 |issue=10 |pages=1750–1752 |date=May 2003|pmid=12767659 |doi=10.1016/S0735-1097(03)00303-6|doi-access=free }}</ref> This study also found that Juice Plus had no effect on [[blood pressure]]. |
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In a randomized placebo-controlled, crossover study in adults with [[metabolic syndrome]], 8-week supplementation with Juice Plus had no significant effect on vascular [[endothelial]] function, serum insulin, blood glucose, body weight, total cholesterol, or LDL cholesterol.<ref name="NJ1">{{cite journal|author1=Ali, A|author2=Yazaki Y|author3=Njike VY|author4=Ma Y|author5=Katz DL|title=Effect of fruit and vegetable concentrates on endothelial function in metabolic syndrome: A randomized controlled trial|journal=Nutrition Journal|date=2011|volume=10|issue=72|pages=72|doi=10.1186/1475-2891-10-72|pmid=21714890|pmc=3135513}}</ref><ref name=katz1>{{cite news|title=The Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center Newsflash|date=July 2008|url=http://www.griffinhealth.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=dPKs94HrupQ%3D&tabid=442&mid=1553|access-date=May 1, 2013}}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name=katz2>{{cite news|newspaper=Yale Daily News|date=November 29, 2004|last= Kahn|first= Sam |title= Pill may supplement fruits, vegetables | url=http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2004/11/29/pill-may-supplement-fruits-vegetables/| access-date = May 1, 2013}}</ref> The study, initiated in 2004 and published in 2011, was led by Juice Plus spokesman [[David L. Katz]]<ref name="Katz_NSA2">{{cite web|title=Juice Plus+ preventive health advisor, Dr. David Katz, named top influencer in health and fitness|url=http://www.juiceplus.com/us/en/jpcommunity.read.html/en/2014/1/juice_plus_preventi.html|website=juiceplus.com|access-date=August 1, 2017|date=January 22, 2014}}</ref><ref name="Katz_ND">{{cite web|title=David Katz partners with Juice Plus to teach kids nutrition and combat obesity|url=http://www.juiceplus.com/us/en/jpcommunity.read.html/en/2013/3/_kids_nutrition_educ.html|access-date=August 1, 2017|date=May 8, 2013}}</ref> who received a $200,000 research grant from NSA.<ref name=katz2/><ref name="CTG_Katz">{{cite web|title=Effect of Fruit and Vegetable Concentrates on Endothelial Function in Persons With Metabolic Syndrome (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01224743)|url=https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01224743|publisher=[[ClinicalTrials.gov]]|access-date=August 1, 2017}}</ref> |
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===Adverse effects=== |
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[[Adverse effects]] of Juice Plus have been mentioned in three studies;<ref name=leeds/><ref name=inserra/><ref name=houston>{{cite journal | title = Juice Powder Concentrate and Systemic Blood Pressure, Progression of Coronary Artery Calcium and Antioxidant Status in Hypertensive Subjects: A Pilot Study | vauthors = Houston MC, Cooil B, Olafsson BJ, Raggi P | year = 2007 | journal = Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine| volume = 4 | issue = 4 | pages = 455–462 | url= http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/nel108v1| doi = 10.1093/ecam/nel108 | pmid = 18227913 | pmc = 2176151 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070313202614/http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/nel108v1 | archive-date = 2007-03-13 }}</ref> no monitoring of adverse effects was reported in other published Juice Plus studies. The first of these studies (in 2000) reported adverse effects (upper-respiratory tract, urinary, and musculoskeletal) in roughly a third of the participants who took the products for seven days; these events resolved spontaneously and were deemed unlikely to have derived from use of Juice Plus.<ref name=leeds/> Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center noted<ref name=mscc/> that in the second of these studies,<ref name=inserra/> some subjects who took Orchard Blend and Garden Blend developed a hive-like rash. In the 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).<ref name=houston/> |
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In addition, a medical case report<ref name=naing>{{cite journal | title = Juice Plus or Toxicity Plus|vauthors=Naing A, Aaron J, Kurzrock R | year = 2010 | journal = Am J Med| volume=123| issue= 1| pages= e1–e2| doi = 10.1016/j.amjmed.2009.06.025| pmid = 20102976}}</ref> was published in which Juice Plus was identified as the probable cause of liver toxicity (hepatic inflammation) in a 51-year-old female patient with endometrial cancer. The liver injury was reversed upon discontinuation of Juice Plus. |
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===Conflicts of interest in studies=== |
===Conflicts of interest in studies=== |
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In a critique of Juice Plus,<ref name=mlmw2/> consumer health advocate and alternative medicine critic [[Stephen Barrett]] of [[MLM Watch]] remarked upon the previous association between two authors of a 1996 Juice Plus research study <ref name=wise/> and [[United Sciences of America, Inc.]] (USAI), a multilevel marketing company that sold vitamin supplements with illegal claims that they could prevent many diseases.<ref name=mlmw3>{{cite web | last = Barrett| first = Stephen | author-link = Stephen Barrett| title = The Rise and Fall of United Sciences of America |publisher = MLM Watch| url = http://www.mlmwatch.org/04C/USA/usa.html | access-date = 2007-07-27}}</ref><ref name=stare>{{cite journal | author = Stare, F.J. | year = 1986 | title = Marketing a nutritional "revolutionary breakthrough". Trading on names | journal = N Engl J Med | volume = 315 | issue = 15 | pages = 971–973 |pmid=3762604 | doi=10.1056/NEJM198610093151518}}</ref><ref name=young>{{cite journal | author = Young, E.A. |author2=Schenker, S. |author3=Weser, E. | year = 1987 | title = United Sciences of America, Incorporated: an "optimal" diet? | journal = Ann Intern Med | volume = 107 | issue = 1 | pages = 101–3 | pmid = 3592422 | doi=10.7326/0003-4819-107-1-101}}</ref><ref name=renner>{{cite journal | author = Renner, J.H. | year = 1986 | title = Science or scam? | journal = N Engl J Med | volume = 315 | issue = 15 | pages = 971 | pmid=3762603 | doi=10.1056/NEJM198610093151517 }}</ref><ref name=holden>{{cite journal | author = Holden, C. | year = 1986 | title = Scientists get flak over marketing plan | journal = Science | volume = 234 | issue = 4780 | pages = 1063–1064 |doi=10.1126/science.3775374 | pmid = 3775374 | bibcode = 1986Sci...234.1063H }}</ref><ref name=money>{{cite journal | year = 1987 | title = USA: The strange rise and fall of one MLM | journal = Money | issue = June 1 | url = https://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/1987/06/01/83881/index.htm }}</ref> In 1986, lead author [[John A. Wise]], who later co-authored several other Juice Plus research studies, |
In a critique of Juice Plus,<ref name=mlmw2/> consumer health advocate and alternative medicine critic [[Stephen Barrett]] of [[MLM Watch]] remarked upon the previous association between two authors of a 1996 Juice Plus research study <ref name=wise/> and [[United Sciences of America, Inc.]] (USAI), a multilevel marketing company that sold vitamin supplements with illegal claims that they could prevent many diseases.<ref name=mlmw3>{{cite web | last = Barrett| first = Stephen | author-link = Stephen Barrett| title = The Rise and Fall of United Sciences of America |publisher = MLM Watch| url = http://www.mlmwatch.org/04C/USA/usa.html | access-date = 2007-07-27}}</ref><ref name=stare>{{cite journal | author = Stare, F.J. | year = 1986 | title = Marketing a nutritional "revolutionary breakthrough". Trading on names | journal = N Engl J Med | volume = 315 | issue = 15 | pages = 971–973 |pmid=3762604 | doi=10.1056/NEJM198610093151518}}</ref><ref name=young>{{cite journal | author = Young, E.A. |author2=Schenker, S. |author3=Weser, E. | year = 1987 | title = United Sciences of America, Incorporated: an "optimal" diet? | journal = Ann Intern Med | volume = 107 | issue = 1 | pages = 101–3 | pmid = 3592422 | doi=10.7326/0003-4819-107-1-101}}</ref><ref name=renner>{{cite journal | author = Renner, J.H. | year = 1986 | title = Science or scam? | journal = N Engl J Med | volume = 315 | issue = 15 | pages = 971 | pmid=3762603 | doi=10.1056/NEJM198610093151517 }}</ref><ref name=holden>{{cite journal | author = Holden, C. | year = 1986 | title = Scientists get flak over marketing plan | journal = Science | volume = 234 | issue = 4780 | pages = 1063–1064 |doi=10.1126/science.3775374 | pmid = 3775374 | bibcode = 1986Sci...234.1063H }}</ref><ref name=money>{{cite journal | year = 1987 | title = USA: The strange rise and fall of one MLM | journal = Money | issue = June 1 | url = https://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/1987/06/01/83881/index.htm }}</ref> In 1986, lead author [[John A. Wise]], who later co-authored several other Juice Plus research studies,<ref name=kiefer/><ref name=smith/><ref name=inserra/> 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<ref name=mlmw3/><ref name=stare/><ref name=young/><ref name=renner/><ref name=holden/><ref name=money/> drove USAI out of business in 1987.<ref name=mlmw3/><ref name=young/><ref name=money/> 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 NAI's sales in 1999. |
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NSAs Juice Plus website cites various research articles in support of the company's marketing claims about the biological effects of Juice Plus, maintaining that these "studies were conducted by independent researchers" at various universities.<ref name=JPresearchshows>{{cite web| title = Results of Juice Plus Clinical Research| publisher = [[National Safety Associates]]| url = https://www.juiceplus.com/nsa/content/ResearchShows.soa| access-date = 2011-06-01| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110713124533/https://www.juiceplus.com/nsa/content/ResearchShows.soa| archive-date = 2011-07-13| url-status = dead}}</ref> Several of the studies were co-authored by Wise<ref name=wise |
NSAs Juice Plus website cites various research articles in support of the company's marketing claims about the biological effects of Juice Plus, maintaining that these "studies were conducted by independent researchers" at various universities.<ref name=JPresearchshows>{{cite web| title = Results of Juice Plus Clinical Research| publisher = [[National Safety Associates]]| url = https://www.juiceplus.com/nsa/content/ResearchShows.soa| access-date = 2011-06-01| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110713124533/https://www.juiceplus.com/nsa/content/ResearchShows.soa| archive-date = 2011-07-13| url-status = dead}}</ref> Several of the studies were co-authored by Wise<ref name=wise/><ref name=smith/><ref name=inserra/><ref name=wiseijfsn>{{Cite journal |vauthors=Wise JA, Kaats GR, Preuss HG, Morin RJ |title=β-Carotene and α-tocopherol in healthy overweight adults; depletion kinetics are correlated with adiposity |journal=Int J Food Sci Nutr|volume=60|issue=s3 |pages=65–75|year=2009|doi=10.1080/09637480902852553|pmid=19391032 |s2cid=28262943 }}</ref> and Morin.<ref name=wise/><ref name=wiseijfsn/> |
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== Advertising violations == |
== Advertising violations == |
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In 2019, companies trading under the Juice Plus brand name in [[Italy]], [[Germany]], and the [[United Kingdom]] were levied a €1 million penalty by |
In 2019, companies trading under the Juice Plus brand name in [[Italy]], [[Germany]], and the [[United Kingdom]] were levied a €1 million penalty by Italy's Competition and Market Authority (AGCM) for deceptive marketing practices in breach of [[European Union]] advertising law. The AGCM cited evidence that the companies were posting fake user testimonials alleging that the products could help with weight loss and disease treatment. The parties involved had previously been the subject of an investigation on the Italian television program ''Patti Chiari'' that looked into the sales tactics used by distributors to market the products, and which revealed the use of secret [[Facebook]] groups where distributors were posing as satisfied customers.<ref name="BIT2020">{{cite news |last1=Scozzari |first1=Carlotta |title=Juice Plus, 1 milione di multa dall'Antitrust per i venditori di diete miracolose che si fingevano consumatori su Facebook |url=https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=it&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fit.businessinsider.com%2Fjuice-plus-sanzione-agcm-vendite-scorrette-social-network%2F&anno=2&sandbox=1 |access-date=February 20, 2020 |publisher=[[Business Insider|Business Insider Italia]] |date=April 16, 2019}}</ref><ref name="RS2019">{{cite news |title=Juice Plus+, multa milionaria per pratica commerciale scorretta |url=https://www.rsi.ch/la1/programmi/informazione/patti-chiari/le-segnalazioni/Juice-Plus-multa-milionaria-per-pratica-commerciale-scorretta-11661154.html |access-date=February 20, 2020 |publisher=[[Radiotelevisione svizzera]] |date=April 16, 2019}}</ref><ref name="NI2019">{{cite news |last1=Chu |first1=Will |title=Juice Plus + fined €1m for illegal supplement selling on 'secret' Facebook groups |url=https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2019/04/24/Juice-Plus-fined-1m-for-illegal-supplement-selling-on-secret-Facebook-groups |access-date=February 20, 2020 |agency=William Reed Business Media |publisher=Nutraingredients.com |date=April 25, 2019}}</ref> |
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In February 2020, the company that markets Juice Plus in [[Australia]] was hit with a $37,800 penalty by the Australian [[Therapeutic Goods Administration]] (TGA) subsequent to the issuance of three infringement notices relating to the promotion of Juice Plus vitamin products for medical conditions, and to the use of endorsements by health professionals, in violation of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code.<ref name="TGA2020">{{cite web |title=Multi-level marketing company fined $37,800 for alleged advertising breaches |url=https://www.tga.gov.au/media-release/multi-level-marketing-company-fined-37800-alleged-advertising-breaches |publisher=[[Therapeutic Goods Administration]] |access-date=February 20, 2020 |date=February 18, 2020}}</ref> |
In February 2020, the company that markets Juice Plus in [[Australia]] was hit with a $37,800 penalty by the Australian [[Therapeutic Goods Administration]] (TGA) subsequent to the issuance of three infringement notices relating to the promotion of Juice Plus vitamin products for medical conditions, and to the use of endorsements by health professionals, in violation of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code.<ref name="TGA2020">{{cite web |title=Multi-level marketing company fined $37,800 for alleged advertising breaches |url=https://www.tga.gov.au/media-release/multi-level-marketing-company-fined-37800-alleged-advertising-breaches |publisher=[[Therapeutic Goods Administration]] |access-date=February 20, 2020 |date=February 18, 2020}}</ref> |
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In June 2020, the [[US Federal Trade Commission]] (FTC) issued a warning letter to the Juice Plus Company for making unlawful claims that the |
In June 2020, the [[US Federal Trade Commission]] (FTC) issued a warning letter to the Juice Plus Company for making unlawful claims that the company's products could treat or prevent [[COVID-19]], as well as misleading claims that business opportunity participants were likely to earn substantial income.<ref name="FTC2020">{{cite web |title=Warning Regarding Health and Earnings Claims Related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) |url=https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/warning-letters/covid-19-letter_to_juice_plus.pdf |publisher=[[US Federal Trade Commission]] |access-date=June 6, 2020 |date=June 5, 2020}}</ref> |
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== O. J. Simpson == |
== O. J. Simpson == |
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University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter<ref name=ucbwl1/> and MLMWatch<ref name=mlmw2/> commented on the unreliability of Juice Plus testimonials provided by former professional athlete [[O. J. Simpson]]. Simpson, known commonly as "O. J." and "The Juice",<ref>[http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/simpson/oj.htm University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law: O.J.Simpson biography] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823152242/http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/simpson/oj.htm |date=August 23, 2016 }}</ref> signed a multi-year six-figure contract with NSA in January 1994 and became an official celebrity endorser of Juice Plus. In March 1994, 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.<ref name=mlmw2/><ref name=RogerFriedman>{{cite news|publisher=[[Fox News]]|date=November 21, 2006|author=Friedman, Roger|title=If O.J. Simpson did it, this is how| url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,231034,00.html| access-date = 2007-09-15}}</ref><ref name=deutsch>{{cite news|newspaper=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]]|date=July 19, 1995|author=Deutsch, Linda|title=Simpson exercise video shown in murder trial. Defendant jokes about punching wives}}</ref><ref name=sjmn>{{cite news|newspaper=[[San Jose Mercury News]]|date=February 17, 1995|title=Simpson said capsules killed his arthritis pain|access-date = 2007-09-15|pages = 15A|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SJ&s_site=mercurynews&p_multi=SJ&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB71E1D6BE78109&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM}}</ref> However, regarding the [[O. J. Simpson murder case|murder]] of his ex-wife [[Nicole Brown Simpson]] and her friend, [[Ronald Goldman]], for which Simpson was tried and acquitted, Simpson claimed in his defence that he was too incapacitated by arthritis to have committed the murders<ref name=mlmw2/><ref name=ucbwl1/> and had continued to take the anti-inflammatory drug [[sulfasalazine]].<ref name=mlmw2/><ref name=morrison>{{cite news|newspaper=[[LA Times]]|date=September 14, 2007|author=Morrison, Patt|title=Book review: After 'yuck,' the farce of O. J. Simpson's book -- 'If I Did It' reads like a self-absorbed counseling session| url= |
University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter<ref name=ucbwl1/> and MLMWatch<ref name=mlmw2/> commented on the unreliability of Juice Plus testimonials provided by former professional athlete [[O. J. Simpson]]. Simpson, known commonly as "O. J." and "The Juice",<ref>[http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/simpson/oj.htm University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law: O.J.Simpson biography] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823152242/http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/simpson/oj.htm |date=August 23, 2016 }}</ref> signed a multi-year six-figure contract with NSA in January 1994 and became an official celebrity endorser of Juice Plus. In March 1994, 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.<ref name=mlmw2/><ref name=RogerFriedman>{{cite news|publisher=[[Fox News]]|date=November 21, 2006|author=Friedman, Roger|title=If O.J. Simpson did it, this is how| url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,231034,00.html| access-date = 2007-09-15}}</ref><ref name=deutsch>{{cite news|newspaper=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]]|date=July 19, 1995|author=Deutsch, Linda|author-link=Linda Deutsch |title=Simpson exercise video shown in murder trial. Defendant jokes about punching wives}}</ref><ref name=sjmn>{{cite news|newspaper=[[San Jose Mercury News]]|date=February 17, 1995|title=Simpson said capsules killed his arthritis pain|access-date = 2007-09-15|pages = 15A|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SJ&s_site=mercurynews&p_multi=SJ&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB71E1D6BE78109&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM}}</ref> However, regarding the [[O. J. Simpson murder case|murder]] of his ex-wife [[Nicole Brown Simpson]] and her friend, [[Ronald Goldman]], for which Simpson was tried and acquitted, Simpson claimed in his defence that he was too incapacitated by arthritis to have committed the murders<ref name=mlmw2/><ref name=ucbwl1/> and had continued to take the anti-inflammatory drug [[sulfasalazine]].<ref name=mlmw2/><ref name=morrison>{{cite news|newspaper=[[LA Times]]|date=September 14, 2007|author=Morrison, Patt|title=Book review: After 'yuck,' the farce of O. J. Simpson's book -- 'If I Did It' reads like a self-absorbed counseling session| url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-sep-14-et-book14-story.html| access-date = 2011-06-25}}</ref><ref name=RogerFriedman2>{{cite news| publisher=[[Fox News]]| date=June 3, 2004| author=Friedman, Roger|title=O.J. defense doctor: 'some guilty people are set free'| url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,121622,00.html| access-date = 2007-09-15}}</ref><ref name=cnntranscript>{{cite news|publisher=[[CNN]] |date=October 24, 1995 |title=Partial transcript of Simpson civil trial (Regina D. Chavez official reporter) |url=http://www.cnn.com/US/OJ/simpson.civil.trial/transcripts.october/10.24.transcript.html |access-date=2007-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208184410/http://www.cnn.com/US/OJ/simpson.civil.trial/transcripts.october/10.24.transcript.html |archive-date=February 8, 2007 }}</ref><ref name=cnntranscript2>{{cite news|publisher=[[CNN]] |date=January 6, 1997 |title=Simpson civil trial transcript (Regina D. Chavez official reporter) |url=http://www.cnn.com/US/OJ/simpson.civil.trial/transcripts.january/01.06.transcript.html |access-date=2007-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070209051548/http://www.cnn.com/US/OJ/simpson.civil.trial/transcripts.january/01.06.transcript.html |archive-date=February 9, 2007 }}</ref> As a result of the controversy surrounding Simpson, NSA cancelled his endorsement contract and stopped using the Simpson videotape to promote Juice Plus.<ref name=mscc/><ref name=ucbwl1/> |
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== Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation == |
== Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation == |
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The Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation (JPCRF),<ref name=nsajpcrf>{{cite web | title = Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation homepage | publisher = National Safety Associates | url = http://www.childrensresearch.org | access-date = 2006-10-15 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20000409010009/http://www.childrensresearch.org/ | archive-date = 2000-04-09 }}</ref> founded in 1997, is a non-profit medical research organization ([[NTEE]] code H99)<ref name=Gstar>{{cite web | title =Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation | publisher =Guidestar.org | url =http://www2.guidestar.org/ReportNonProfit.aspx?ein=62-1797852&Mode=NonGx&lid=746180&dl=True | access-date =2009-08-21 | url-status =dead | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20150101214641/http://www2.guidestar.org/ReportNonProfit.aspx?ein=62-1797852&Mode=NonGx&lid=746180&dl=True | archive-date =2015-01-01 }}</ref> |
The Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation (JPCRF),<ref name=nsajpcrf>{{cite web | title = Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation homepage | publisher = National Safety Associates | url = http://www.childrensresearch.org | access-date = 2006-10-15 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20000409010009/http://www.childrensresearch.org/ | archive-date = 2000-04-09 }}</ref> founded in 1997, is a non-profit medical research organization ([[NTEE]] code H99).<ref name=Gstar>{{cite web | title =Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation | publisher =Guidestar.org | url =http://www2.guidestar.org/ReportNonProfit.aspx?ein=62-1797852&Mode=NonGx&lid=746180&dl=True | access-date =2009-08-21 | url-status =dead | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20150101214641/http://www2.guidestar.org/ReportNonProfit.aspx?ein=62-1797852&Mode=NonGx&lid=746180&dl=True | archive-date =2015-01-01 }}</ref> Its stated goal is to promote 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]] (a faith-based social welfare organization) and to the [[Boys & Girls Clubs of America|Boys & Girls Clubs]] of [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]].<ref name=IRS9902008>{{cite web | title = IRS990 2008: Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation| publisher = [[Internal Revenue Service]]| date = March 6, 2009 | url =http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2008/621/797/2008-621797852-04d74810-9.pdf | access-date = 2011-08-10}}{{registration required}}</ref> |
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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 [[Stephen Barrett]] of [[MLM Watch]] questioned the survey's scientific value, and claimed that the Foundation is being used mainly as a marketing gimmick to get families to buy Juice Plus products.<ref name=ucbwl2>{{cite web|title=Juice Up and Dried Out |publisher=University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter |url=http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/ds/dsJuicePlus.php |format=PDF |access-date=December 15, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051013065658/http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/ds/dsJuicePlus.php |archive-date=October 13, 2005 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=jpcrf>{{cite web | last =Barrett | first = Stephen | author-link = Stephen Barrett | title =Questionable Research by the Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation | publisher = MLM Watch | url =http://www.mlmwatch.org/04C/NSA/crf.html | access-date = 2007-02-05}}</ref> Barrett's organization [[Quackwatch]] includes the JPCRF among its list of "Questionable 'Research' Entities".<ref name=jpcrfQW>{{cite web | last =Barrett | first = Stephen | author-link = Stephen Barrett | title =Questionable Organizations: An Overview | publisher = QuackWatch | url =http://www.quackwatch.com/04ConsumerEducation/nonrecorg.html| access-date = 2009-09-21}}</ref> |
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 [[Stephen Barrett]] of [[MLM Watch]] questioned the survey's scientific value, and claimed that the Foundation is being used mainly as a marketing gimmick to get families to buy Juice Plus products.<ref name=ucbwl2>{{cite web|title=Juice Up and Dried Out |publisher=University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter |url=http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/ds/dsJuicePlus.php |format=PDF |access-date=December 15, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051013065658/http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/ds/dsJuicePlus.php |archive-date=October 13, 2005 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=jpcrf>{{cite web | last =Barrett | first = Stephen | author-link = Stephen Barrett | title =Questionable Research by the Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation | publisher = MLM Watch | url =http://www.mlmwatch.org/04C/NSA/crf.html | access-date = 2007-02-05}}</ref> Barrett's organization [[Quackwatch]] includes the JPCRF among its list of "Questionable 'Research' Entities".<ref name=jpcrfQW>{{cite web | last =Barrett | first = Stephen | author-link = Stephen Barrett | title =Questionable Organizations: An Overview | publisher = QuackWatch | url =http://www.quackwatch.com/04ConsumerEducation/nonrecorg.html| access-date = 2009-09-21}}</ref> |
Latest revision as of 04:23, 22 November 2024
Nutritional value per 2 capsules (1.5g) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Energy | 21 kJ (5.0 kcal) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 g | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sugars | <1 g | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dietary fiber | <1 g | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
<1 g | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
†Percentages estimated using US recommendations for adults,[2] except for potassium, which is estimated based on expert recommendation from the National Academies.[3] Source: ConsumerLab.com[1] |
Juice Plus is a branded line of dietary supplements. It is produced by Natural Alternatives International of San Marcos, California, for National Safety Associates (NSA; Collierville, Tennessee). Introduced in 1993,[4] the supplements are distributed by NSA via multi-level marketing. Juice Plus supplements contain fruit and vegetable juice extracts with added vitamins and nutrients.
There is no good evidence that Juice Plus offers health benefits. Many marketing claims made about Juice Plus products are false or misleading.[5][6]
History
Foundation and early marketing
National Safety Associates was founded in 1970 by Jay Martin, a schoolteacher-turned-entrepreneur, who continued as CEO as of 2012.[7] NSA initially sold home fire-protection equipment via door-to-door salespeople. In the late 1970s, they expanded into water filtration products. In 1986, they began using multi-level marketing,[8] then expanding their product line to air filters and educational games for pre-schoolers.[9] In 1991, it was claimed that their sales structure constituted a Ponzi scheme.[10]
In 1993, the United States Attorney General's office followed up on complaints that the company was deceptively requiring new distributors to make large upfront purchases of air and water filters. Each of the 32,000 distributors in Florida purchased an average of $7,000 worth of water filters, and many of these distributors were unable to sell all of them. The company's business in the United States decreased that year, requiring the layoff of dozens of employees.[11]
NSA later expanded its business outside the United States, and according to the company, was selling products in 33 countries as of 2000.[12] NSA stopped manufacturing and marketing its water filter product line in 2007.
Supplement products
Juice Plus was NSA's first product, launched in 1993. The primary products in the Juice Plus line include "Orchard Blend" (a fruit juice powder-based supplement) and "Garden Blend" (vegetable juice powder-based) capsules, which are sold together in a four-month pack at a cost of approximately US$167 (2009).[citation needed] Other supplement products available in the Juice Plus line as of 2011 included Vineyard Blend (grape/berry juice powder-based) capsules, Juice Plus Complete (meal replacement powder), Juice Plus Chewables (Orchard and Garden Blends), and Juice Plus Chewables (Vineyard Blend).[13] Discontinued products include Juice Plus Gummies, Juice Plus Thins (wafers), chewable tablets,[14] and a vitamin formulation for dogs and cats.[15]
In 2024, Juice Plus+’s launched Luminate, which claims to support mental clarity and cognitive health, along with overall well-being. While it uses scientifically validated ingredients, the product statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. [16]
Philanthropy
Juice Plus+ will serve as the presenting sponsor at the 2024 St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend, a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The company has supported this event for 23 years and last year raised over $143,000 in support of pediatric cancer research and treatment. [17]
Manufacturing
The main ingredients in Juice Plus Orchard Blend and Garden Blend capsules (vegetable and fruit juices) are reduced to powder through a proprietary process by an unrelated supplier,[18] and then blended and encapsulated by NAI, which produces the finished product. Juice Plus capsules are "enriched with pure β-carotene, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and folic acid".[19] Two NAI-sponsored studies [20] 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),[21][22] and ascorbic acid derived from acerola cherry, which is supplied by Schweizerhall Pharma.[23]
ConsumerLab product testing
Juice Plus+ Garden Blend was tested by ConsumerLab.com in their Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review of 38 of the leading multivitamin/multimineral products sold in the U.S. and Canada. Testing included amounts of selected index elements, their ability to disintegrate in solution per United States Pharmacopeia guidelines, lead contamination threshold set in California Proposition 65, and meeting U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labeling requirements.[24]
Garden Blend failed ConsumerLab's test as it contained only 76.4% of its claimed calcium, which was noted was low to start (labeled as just 4% of the Daily Value per serving.) On 23 June 2011, ConsumerLab was informed of misinformation circulated by a Juice Plus distributor incorrectly stating the variation was due to the analytical method used. ConsumerLab responded that their analytic method used was ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry), a "highly precise and sensitive method of testing calcium". ConsumerLab also noted that the calcium deficiency in Juice Plus was confirmed with this method in two independent laboratories prior to publication of their Review.[25]
Sales
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 20 customers in 30 days).[26] Detailed sales figures for Juice Plus are not publicly available, but NSA representatives claimed that Juice Plus achieved monthly sales of $6 million in 1993[27] and that it was the company's most successful new product.[28] According to NSA vice-president John Blair, sales of Juice Plus in 2008 were "approaching $300 million but have leveled off due to economic factors."[29]
Product research
Doubts have been raised about the advertised benefits of Juice Plus by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, University of California Berkeley, Center for Science in the Public Interest, and other sources.[4][6][19][30][31][32][33][34] The product has been criticized on the basis that: its marketing is unsupported by research data, it contains too little fruit and vegetable powder to offer significant clinical benefits,[31] its effects can be attributed to the inclusion of added exogenous vitamins and micronutrients, and it is excessively priced relative to its potential benefits.[4][5][6][30][33][35] 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."[30]
Nutrients and phytochemicals
Concerns have been raised that the nutrients in Juice Plus+ capsules may not be bioavailable or 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.[19] Studies on nutrient absorption showed that subjects taking Juice Plus had elevated blood levels of folate and β-carotene,[36][37] but the effects on blood levels of vitamin E and vitamin C were inconsistent. Some studies have shown significant increases in vitamin E[20][36] and C levels,[20][36] while other studies have shown much weaker effects on vitamin E and C levels, and that the levels of vitamin E[37] and vitamin C[37] are not significantly increased. Juice Plus was found to increase blood lycopene levels in several studies,[20] while other studies have indicated that Juice Plus does not raise blood levels of lycopene[37] or other phytochemicals in fresh fruits and vegetables such as lutein,[37] zeaxanthin,[37] and β-cryptoxanthin.[37][38]
Conflicts of interest in studies
In a critique of Juice Plus,[4] consumer health advocate and alternative medicine critic Stephen Barrett of MLM Watch remarked upon the previous association between two authors of a 1996 Juice Plus research study [20] and United Sciences of America, Inc. (USAI), a multilevel marketing company that sold vitamin supplements with illegal claims that they could prevent many diseases.[39][40][41][42][43][44] In 1986, lead author John A. Wise, who later co-authored several other Juice Plus research studies,[36][37][38] 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[39][40][41][42][43][44] drove USAI out of business in 1987.[39][41][44] 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 NAI's sales in 1999.
NSAs Juice Plus website cites various research articles in support of the company's marketing claims about the biological effects of Juice Plus, maintaining that these "studies were conducted by independent researchers" at various universities.[45] Several of the studies were co-authored by Wise[20][37][38][46] and Morin.[20][46]
Advertising violations
In 2019, companies trading under the Juice Plus brand name in Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom were levied a €1 million penalty by Italy's Competition and Market Authority (AGCM) for deceptive marketing practices in breach of European Union advertising law. The AGCM cited evidence that the companies were posting fake user testimonials alleging that the products could help with weight loss and disease treatment. The parties involved had previously been the subject of an investigation on the Italian television program Patti Chiari that looked into the sales tactics used by distributors to market the products, and which revealed the use of secret Facebook groups where distributors were posing as satisfied customers.[47][48][49]
In February 2020, the company that markets Juice Plus in Australia was hit with a $37,800 penalty by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) subsequent to the issuance of three infringement notices relating to the promotion of Juice Plus vitamin products for medical conditions, and to the use of endorsements by health professionals, in violation of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code.[50]
In June 2020, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a warning letter to the Juice Plus Company for making unlawful claims that the company's products could treat or prevent COVID-19, as well as misleading claims that business opportunity participants were likely to earn substantial income.[51]
O. J. Simpson
University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter[31] and MLMWatch[4] commented on the unreliability of Juice Plus testimonials provided by former professional athlete O. J. Simpson. Simpson, known commonly as "O. J." and "The Juice",[52] signed a multi-year six-figure contract with NSA in January 1994 and became an official celebrity endorser of Juice Plus. In March 1994, 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.[4][53][54][55] However, regarding the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend, Ronald Goldman, for which Simpson was tried and acquitted, Simpson claimed in his defence that he was too incapacitated by arthritis to have committed the murders[4][31] and had continued to take the anti-inflammatory drug sulfasalazine.[4][56][57][58][59] As a result of the controversy surrounding Simpson, NSA cancelled his endorsement contract and stopped using the Simpson videotape to promote Juice Plus.[30][31]
Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation
The Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation (JPCRF),[60] founded in 1997, is a non-profit medical research organization (NTEE code H99).[61] Its stated goal is to promote 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 (a faith-based social welfare organization) and to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Memphis.[62]
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 Stephen Barrett of MLM Watch questioned the survey's scientific value, and claimed that the Foundation is being used mainly as a marketing gimmick to get families to buy Juice Plus products.[5][63] Barrett's organization Quackwatch includes the JPCRF among its list of "Questionable 'Research' Entities".[64]
See also
References
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External links
- Juice Plus – official website
- Watchdog on Three: Do the claims of this health supplement add up? - BBC (video)
- The NSA Sparkling Water System, a home carbonation system formerly produced by NSA