What is Balance of Nature?
Balance of Nature is a dietary supplement brand that primarily offers 'Fruits & Veggies' capsules. The company, founded by chiropractic physician Douglas Howard, markets its products as a convenient and easy way for people to increase their daily intake of fruits and vegetables. The supplements contain powders derived from freeze-dried produce, aiming to provide a concentrated form of whole-food nutrition. The Fruits product purportedly contains 16 fruits, while the Veggies product lists 15 different vegetables. Additionally, the brand offers a 'Fiber & Spice' supplement as part of its 'Whole Health System'.
The Controversial History of Balance of Nature
The company's history is marked by significant regulatory and legal challenges that cast a shadow over its efficacy and integrity. Multiple FDA warning letters have been issued to the company over the years, starting as early as 2013, citing unapproved and misleading health claims. The company was found to be claiming its supplements could treat or cure serious diseases like cancer and diabetes, without scientific substantiation or FDA approval. In 2019, the FDA conducted an inspection that found several violations of Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), leading to another warning.
In 2023, the situation escalated when a federal court issued an injunction against the company's manufacturer, ordering it to stop manufacturing and selling its products until it could demonstrate compliance with FDA regulations. Furthermore, in 2023, the company settled a $1.1 million consumer protection lawsuit in California over false and misleading health claims. Following these events, Balance of Nature was required to alter its marketing and website content to remove unproven health claims, stating it "does not claim to treat or cure any disease".
Are there any nutritional benefits to Balance of Nature?
When evaluating the nutritional benefits of Balance of Nature, the picture is not as straightforward as the marketing might suggest. The primary issue stems from the lack of transparency regarding the nutritional content of the capsules. The company does not provide a breakdown of specific vitamin or mineral amounts on its labels. Critics, including nutrition experts, argue that the minimal caloric content of the capsules (10 for fruits, 5 for veggies per serving) strongly suggests that the actual quantity of food and nutrients is negligible compared to eating fresh produce.
Comparing Capsules to Whole Foods
A direct comparison between Balance of Nature supplements and real, whole fruits and vegetables reveals a significant disparity. For instance, a single apple contains far more vitamins and minerals than the recommended serving of Balance of Nature's fruit capsules. A detailed analysis cited in one review showed that even small amounts of raw produce contain orders of magnitude more key nutrients like Vitamin C than the capsules. While freeze-drying can preserve some nutrients, the concentration within the small capsules is simply not comparable to eating a varied diet of fresh food.
| Feature | Balance of Nature Capsules | Fresh Fruits and Vegetables | Generic Greens Powder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (per serving) | High (equivalent to ~$3/serving) | Variable, generally lower | Variable, often more affordable |
| Nutrient Transparency | Poor (proprietary blends, no specified amounts) | Excellent (USDA data readily available) | Good (often lists specific vitamin/mineral content) |
| Regulatory History | Significant FDA warnings and lawsuits | Not applicable | Varies by manufacturer, requires research |
| Fiber Content | Minimal in Fruits/Veggies, requires separate supplement | High (critical for digestive health) | Varies, many contain substantial fiber |
| Whole Food Integrity | Freeze-dried powder (less water, fewer enzymes) | Complete food matrix (fiber, water, enzymes) | Processed powder, often includes other ingredients |
| Reported Benefits | Customer anecdotes (energy, digestion) | Clinically proven for disease prevention | Varies based on ingredients, potential benefits for certain individuals |
Potential Benefits and Side Effects
Despite the nutritional shortcomings, some people report feeling benefits from taking Balance of Nature, such as increased energy or improved digestion. However, these are largely anecdotal and may be influenced by placebo effect or a general increase in awareness of one's diet. The ingredients themselves contain phytonutrients, antioxidants, and some fiber, which can be beneficial, but the concentration is questionable.
Reported side effects are generally mild, with some customers experiencing digestive upset like bloating, nausea, or acid reflux. Allergic reactions are also possible depending on individual sensitivities.
The Ingredients in Balance of Nature
The Balance of Nature products contain a variety of powdered ingredients, split across their Fruits, Veggies, and Fiber & Spice blends.
Fruits Blend Ingredients:
- Tomato
- Banana
- Papaya
- Apple
- Grape
- Wild Blueberry
- Strawberry
- Aloe Vera
- Orange
- Tart Cherry
- Cranberry
- Grapefruit
- Raspberry
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Sweet Cherry
- Lemon
Veggies Blend Ingredients:
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Soybean
- Onion
- Green Cabbage
- Wheatgrass
- Kale
- Cauliflower
- Celery Stalk
- Garlic
- Shiitake Mushroom
- Sweet Potato
- Red Cabbage
- Carrot
- Cayenne Pepper
Fiber & Spice Blend Ingredients:
- Psyllium Husk
- Flax Seed
- Apple
- Monkfruit
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Fennel
- Cardamom
- Cumin
- Fenugreek
- Coriander
- Clove
- Allspice
- Mustard Seed
- Nutmeg
Conclusion: Is Balance of Nature Worth It?
Based on the available information, the claimed benefits of Balance of Nature are highly dubious and unsubstantiated. The product's history of regulatory action by the FDA and the outcome of consumer protection lawsuits strongly suggest that the marketing is misleading and the efficacy is significantly overstated.
While the concept of supplementing a diet with concentrated fruit and vegetable powders can be useful for those with difficulty consuming fresh produce, Balance of Nature falls short on several fronts. The lack of nutritional transparency, the minimal nutritional content when compared to real food, and the high cost make it a poor investment for most people. Consumers would likely achieve more significant health benefits and better value by simply incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables into their diets. For those who must use a supplement, researching alternatives from reputable brands that provide clear nutritional information and have a clean regulatory record is a wiser choice. Ultimately, a supplement should not replace a healthy, balanced diet, and in this case, Balance of Nature offers very little of substance beyond its marketing claims.
For more information on dietary supplements and what to look for, consult resources from organizations like the National Institutes of Health.
