What is Juice Plus+?
Juice Plus+ is a line of dietary supplements derived from concentrated fruit and vegetable powders. The company, which uses a multi-level marketing (MLM) business model, advertises its products as "the next best thing to fruits and vegetables" to help consumers bridge the gap in their daily nutrition. The products are available in capsule and chewable forms, made from dehydrated fruits, vegetables, and berries. The company claims its capsules are not merely multivitamins but a whole-food-based supplement.
The Claims vs. The Evidence
Juice Plus+ often promotes its products by highlighting the extensive peer-reviewed research supporting its health benefits. Some of the benefits suggested include improved cardiovascular health, immune function, skin hydration, and antioxidant status. However, critics point out several issues with these claims and the supporting research, including potential conflicts of interest, flawed study designs, and misleading interpretations of results.
Juice Plus+ Ingredients and Nutritional Value
Juice Plus+ capsules contain a blend of powders from a variety of fruits, vegetables, and berries. The manufacturing process involves juicing and dehydrating whole foods, which results in a powder concentrate. However, this processing can remove beneficial components like dietary fiber and alter the nutrient profile.
- Fruit Blend: Apples, oranges, pineapples, peaches, mangoes, and more.
- Vegetable Blend: Carrots, parsley, broccoli, kale, cabbage, spinach, and garlic.
- Berry Blend: Grapes, pomegranate, blueberries, elderberries, and cocoa.
Despite the lengthy ingredient list, critics argue that the actual quantity of each fruit and vegetable per capsule is very small. A 2019 analysis found that the vegetable capsule contained a miniscule amount of carrot and even less spinach or tomato, leading to claims that it is deceptively marketed. The nutrient profile is also fortified with added synthetic vitamins, such as vitamins A, C, and E, which contributes a significant portion of its total nutrient content.
Bioavailability Concerns
Bioavailability refers to how effectively nutrients are absorbed and utilized by the body. While Juice Plus+ proponents claim high bioavailability, some studies have shown conflicting results regarding the absorption of certain nutrients like vitamin E and C. Nutrient absorption from whole foods is often more efficient due to the synergistic interaction of various compounds, which cannot be fully replicated in a powdered supplement.
Comparing Juice Plus+ to Whole Foods and Other Supplements
It's crucial to understand how Juice Plus+ stacks up against eating actual fruits and vegetables or other types of supplements.
| Feature | Juice Plus+ Capsules | Whole Fruits & Vegetables | Green Powders | Multivitamins |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Source | Concentrated fruit/vegetable powders with added vitamins | Diverse, unprocessed whole foods | Blend of concentrated greens and superfoods | Synthetically isolated vitamins and minerals |
| Bioavailability | Variable, some conflicting studies | High, due to natural nutrient synergy | Can be good, depending on formulation and ingredients | Lower absorption rates compared to whole foods |
| Fiber Content | Very low, as fiber is often removed during processing | High, essential for digestive health and satiety | Variable; high-quality brands often include added fiber | No fiber |
| Cost | Significantly high per serving | Generally more affordable and cost-effective | Varies; some are more affordable with more comprehensive ingredients | Generally inexpensive |
| Added Sugar | Chewables contain added sugars like corn syrup | No added sugar | Some brands contain added sugars; others use natural sweeteners | Typically none |
| Key Benefits | Antioxidant increase, skin health, immune support | Overall health, disease prevention, fiber intake, mental health | Digestive support, energy, immune health | Filling basic micronutrient deficiencies |
The MLM Business Model and Controversies
Juice Plus+ operates through a multi-level marketing structure, relying on independent distributors to sell products and recruit new sellers. This business model has generated several controversies.
- Misleading Claims: Distributors, who often lack proper medical training, have been known to make misleading or unsubstantiated claims about the product's ability to cure or treat medical conditions. Regulatory bodies have also issued warnings regarding these deceptive claims.
- Questionable Research: Many of the studies cited by Juice Plus+ are company-funded, raising concerns about potential bias. Furthermore, some studies have been criticized for their flawed methodology or for overstating conclusions. For example, a study promoting the immune benefits of Juice Plus+ reportedly used a dose twice the recommended amount and showed only a modest reduction in symptom severity, not frequency.
- Ethical Issues: Some reports have highlighted the pressure on distributors to recruit new sellers and the significant risk of losing money associated with MLM schemes.
Conclusion
While Juice Plus+ is not necessarily unhealthy, its status as a highly beneficial supplement is a subject of debate, particularly when compared to the benefits of a diet rich in actual fruits and vegetables. The supplement provides some nutrients and antioxidants but often in smaller quantities than a varied diet, and much of the nutritional content comes from added synthetic vitamins rather than the whole food powders alone. The company's marketing, driven by its MLM structure, often exaggerates benefits and relies on studies with significant methodological limitations. Ultimately, Juice Plus+ should be viewed as a supplement to a healthy diet, not a substitute. Real, whole fruits and vegetables remain the superior source of nutrients, fiber, and other beneficial compounds essential for optimal health.
Recommendation
For those seeking to fill dietary gaps, integrating whole, unprocessed fruits and vegetables remains the gold standard. For a convenient alternative, evaluating other, more comprehensive and transparently researched green powder supplements may be more effective and cost-efficient.
