Do supplements like Balance of Nature really work? An evidence-based analysis

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

In 2023, Balance of Nature's parent company paid a $1.1 million settlement in California for false advertising and making dubious health claims. This raises a critical question for consumers: Do supplements like Balance of Nature really work? This article delves into the company's history, regulatory issues, and the nutritional facts to help you make an informed decision.

Quick Summary

This article explores the effectiveness of Balance of Nature supplements by reviewing their documented history of false advertising, legal issues with the FDA, and nutritional shortcomings when compared to whole foods. It outlines what to consider before relying on supplements for nutrition.

Key Points

False Advertising History: Balance of Nature faced FDA action and paid a $1.1 million settlement for making unsupported health claims.
Not a Whole Food Replacement: The supplements provide only a fraction of the recommended daily fruit and vegetable intake and lack essential fiber.
High Cost, Low Value: Many reviewers and independent assessments conclude the product is overpriced for the limited nutritional value it provides.
Prioritize Whole Foods: Health experts agree that no supplement can fully replicate the complex nutrients found in a varied, whole-food diet.
Check Certifications: For any supplement, look for third-party quality certifications like USP or NSF to ensure purity and ingredient accuracy.
Consult a Professional: Always speak with a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions.
Limited Benefits: While not considered dangerous by some reports, the nutritional benefits are vastly overstated, and the primary risk is misleading consumers into neglecting a healthy diet.

Unpacking the Promises vs. Reality

Dietary supplements are a multi-billion dollar industry, with many brands promising to bridge the gap between a modern diet and optimal health. Balance of Nature, with its ubiquitous advertising, is one such brand that has garnered significant attention with its "Fruits & Veggies" and "Fiber & Spice" products. However, a closer look at the company's history and product claims reveals a significant disconnect between marketing and reality, with multiple run-ins with regulatory bodies and questions about the actual nutritional value provided.

The FDA's Stand and Legal Scrutiny

For years, Balance of Nature promoted its supplements with unsubstantiated claims that they could prevent, treat, or cure serious diseases, including cancer and diabetes. This led to severe repercussions from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other legal entities.

In 2019, the FDA issued a warning letter to Balance of Nature's parent company, Evig LLC, citing these medical claims as regulatory violations. The letter stated that the supplements were being marketed as "unapproved new drugs" and demanded the company stop. Additionally, the FDA cited the manufacturer, Premium Production LLC, for failing to comply with Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs).

Following these violations and continued non-compliance, a federal judge issued a consent decree in late 2023, ordering a temporary halt to manufacturing and sales until the company demonstrated compliance. As part of a separate settlement in July 2023, the company paid $1.1 million for false advertising in California, with a portion dedicated to customer restitution.

The Nutritional Math Doesn't Add Up

One of the most concerning aspects for health experts is the nutritional content of Balance of Nature's products. Despite implying they provide the equivalent of numerous servings of fruits and vegetables, the actual nutritional contribution is minimal.

Low Daily Values: According to analyses, a daily serving of Balance of Nature provides only a small percentage of the recommended daily fruit and vegetable intake.
Processing Removes Nutrients: The process of dehydrating whole foods into capsules, as used by Balance of Nature, can significantly reduce the nutritional value, particularly by removing crucial dietary fiber.
Poor Substitute for Whole Foods: The consensus among health professionals is that supplements cannot replicate the complex and synergistic nutrition found in a varied, whole-food diet.

Whole Foods vs. The Capsule: A Comparison

To understand the disparity, it's helpful to compare the promised convenience of a supplement with the proven benefits of real, whole foods.


Feature	Balance of Nature Capsules	Whole Fruits and Vegetables
Nutrient Variety	Limited to specific dehydrated ingredients, with some nutritional loss	Broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients
Fiber Content	Fiber is largely removed during processing	Excellent source of dietary fiber, essential for digestion and gut health
Bioavailability	Potentially lower absorption due to processing and lack of synergistic components found in real food	High bioavailability, with nutrients working together for better absorption
Cost	Significantly high monthly cost for a product with questionable efficacy	Generally more cost-effective for a full nutritional profile; accessible at grocery stores
Satiety and Digestion	No chewing involved; potential for stomach upset reported by some users	Promotes feelings of fullness and supports healthy digestion

What Independent Reviews Say

Beyond regulatory scrutiny, independent product reviews and consumer feedback offer a more anecdotal but telling perspective on effectiveness. Testimonials from Balance of Nature's own site show positive feedback, but unbiased sources paint a less favorable picture.

Reviews on platforms like Yelp and Reddit are often critical, with users citing a lack of discernible benefits, poor customer service, and outrageously high prices. Experts have voiced similar concerns, calling the product a "scam" due to its overblown claims and lack of value.

The Verdict: Are There Any Benefits?

So, is there any truth to the company's claims? While it's possible that some individuals may experience a placebo effect or minor benefits from the micronutrients, the product's nutritional contribution is minimal. As one functional medicine practitioner stated, the product is an "overpriced, crap" supplement that offers almost no value compared to real food.

For a healthy individual, a balanced and varied diet will provide all the necessary nutrients. In cases of specific deficiencies or dietary restrictions (e.g., for certain vegans or those with chronic illness affecting appetite), targeted supplementation might be warranted, but this should be determined with a healthcare professional.

How to Make Smart Supplement Choices

If you are considering dietary supplements, here are some actionable steps for making an informed decision:

Prioritize Real Food: Always prioritize a diet rich in whole foods. No supplement can fully replicate the benefits of fruits, vegetables, and other unprocessed foods.
Consult a Professional: Before starting any new supplement, speak with a doctor, pharmacist, or registered dietitian. They can assess your individual needs and potential risks, including drug interactions.
Seek Third-Party Certification: Look for certifications from independent testing organizations like USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab. These seals indicate that the product has been tested for ingredient accuracy, purity, and safety.
Read the Ingredients and Labels: Understand exactly what you are taking. Pay attention to the form of vitamins and minerals, dosages, and any additional ingredients.

Conclusion: Beyond the Marketing Hype

The evidence surrounding Balance of Nature reveals a pattern of misleading advertising, regulatory issues, and exaggerated nutritional claims. While some customers have reported positive experiences, independent reviews and expert analysis cast serious doubt on the product's true effectiveness and value. The ultimate truth is that supplements, including Balance of Nature, cannot replace the complex, synergistic nutrition of a varied, whole-food diet. For those seeking better health, the most reliable and cost-effective approach remains focusing on a balanced and nutrient-rich diet, reserving targeted supplementation only when necessary and with professional guidance.

For further information on dietary supplements, visit the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

In 2023, Balance of Nature settled a $1.1 million false advertising lawsuit in California and faced federal court-ordered operational pauses due to FDA manufacturing violations and misleading health claims.

No. The company's products contain dehydrated produce, which is not nutritionally equivalent to whole foods and lacks dietary fiber, which is removed during processing.

Most independent reviews and analyses are skeptical, citing the high cost, unsubstantiated claims, and overall poor value compared to the proven benefits of a healthy diet.

The FDA issued warnings for serious manufacturing violations and for the company marketing its supplements as unapproved drugs intended to cure or treat diseases.

While some reports find no significant contaminants, the primary risk is the misleading advertising that might cause consumers to neglect a healthy diet. Some users have also reported stomach upset and poor value.

Look for supplements with third-party quality certifications (e.g., USP, NSF, ConsumerLab), prioritize brands with transparent ingredient lists, and consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

The best alternative is always a diet rich in whole, fresh fruits and vegetables. For those seeking supplements, experts suggest prioritizing brands with rigorous third-party testing and transparency.