Juice Plus+ is a line of nutritional supplements marketed to help individuals increase their daily intake of fruit and vegetable nutrients. The company behind the products claims they are the "next best thing to fruits and vegetables," though critics often debate this statement. Products typically come in capsule or chewable form and are sold via a multi-level marketing (MLM) structure. Understanding what Juice Plus+ does involves looking at its product composition, claimed health effects, and the broader context of dietary supplements.
How Juice Plus+ Products are Made
Juice Plus+ products are created by taking high-quality, whole fruits, vegetables, and berries and juicing them to capture their nutritional value. The resulting juices are then dehydrated at a low temperature to preserve nutrients and remove water and sugar. This process concentrates the phytonutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins into a fine powder, which is then encapsulated or made into chewable gummies. This approach is different from many synthetic multivitamins, as it focuses on delivering a wide spectrum of plant-based nutrients in a whole-food format.
Potential Health Benefits and Supporting Research
Juice Plus+ has been the subject of numerous studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, which the company uses to substantiate its claims. The research suggests a range of potential health benefits, although some experts express caution about the claims and potential conflicts of interest.
Documented Effects of Juice Plus+
- Cardiovascular Health: Clinical studies have shown that Juice Plus+ can positively affect various measures of vascular health, including helping to maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels already within a healthy range.
- Immune System Support: Research indicates that Juice Plus+ capsules may support immune system function and help reduce the severity of common cold symptoms.
- Reduced Oxidative Stress: By increasing levels of key antioxidants in the bloodstream, Juice Plus+ helps protect cells and tissues from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
- Improved Skin Health: Studies suggest that supplementation with Juice Plus+ can increase skin microcirculation, hydration, and thickness, especially in middle-aged women.
- Enhanced Dental Health: Clinical trials have found that Juice Plus+ can help support gum health by decreasing bleeding and inflammation.
- Cognitive Function: Some research indicates that taking Juice Plus+ capsules can improve aspects of cognitive performance like working memory and focus.
A Note on the Research and Marketing
While the company points to its research, critics note potential issues, such as small sample sizes, studies being funded by the company, and marketing materials sometimes misinterpreting findings. For instance, a study on gut health combined the capsules with a high-fiber shake, potentially misleading consumers about the capsules' standalone effect. The best-documented effects relate to increasing antioxidant levels and reducing oxidative stress, which most experts agree is beneficial but not exclusive to Juice Plus+.
Comparing Juice Plus+ to a Standard Multivitamin
Understanding what the Juice Plus does means distinguishing it from a typical multivitamin. The two products differ significantly in composition and source of nutrients.
| Feature | Juice Plus+ (Capsules) | Standard Multivitamin |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Source | Whole food powders from juiced fruits, vegetables, and berries | Synthetic, lab-isolated vitamins and minerals |
| Composition | Concentrated phytonutrients, antioxidants, and a limited set of added vitamins (A, C, E, Folate) | A broad, standardized spectrum of vitamins and minerals, often including B vitamins, D, and minerals like calcium |
| Fiber Content | Negligible dietary fiber is left after the juicing and dehydrating process | Contains no dietary fiber |
| Bioavailability | Claimed to have high bioavailability due to whole food source, supported by some studies | Absorption can be less efficient as synthetic isolates are not in a natural food matrix |
| Price | Typically expensive due to the MLM structure and proprietary blends | Generally inexpensive and widely available |
Important Considerations and Criticisms
Despite the purported benefits, several criticisms are frequently raised about Juice Plus+ and its business model.
Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) Model
Juice Plus+ is sold through a network of independent distributors, not in retail stores. This business model has attracted scrutiny, with critics pointing out that many distributors make little to no profit and that the emphasis is often on recruitment rather than on the product's nutritional value.
"The Next Best Thing" Claim vs. Reality
Some nutritionists argue that the claim of being the "next best thing" is misleading because the concentration process removes critical dietary fiber. The finished product contains only a fraction of the nutrients of actual whole fruits and vegetables, and a very small amount of actual produce powder per capsule.
Risk of Excess Vitamins
While Juice Plus+ focuses on whole food ingredients, it still contains added vitamins. The combined intake of Juice Plus+ capsules could result in an excessive intake of fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A, especially if combined with other supplements.
Potential Side Effects
Though generally considered safe, some users have reported minor gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating, especially when first starting the supplement. Some rare cases of skin rashes have also been reported in clinical studies.
Conclusion
What does the Juice Plus do? Ultimately, it functions as a convenient, whole-food-based supplement designed to help increase antioxidant levels and provide concentrated plant-based nutrients. Backed by proprietary clinical research, it shows some promise in supporting certain aspects of health, such as immune function, skin health, and vascular elasticity.
However, it is crucial to remember that Juice Plus+ is not a replacement for eating a diet rich in whole fruits and vegetables. Experts, including those at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, emphasize that it is an expensive supplement with limited actual fruit and vegetable content, and its effects can often be attributed to added vitamins. As with any dietary supplement, the best approach is to focus on a balanced diet of whole foods first, and consult a healthcare provider before adding supplements to your routine.
For more information on the benefits and limitations of dietary supplements, consult independent resources from nutritional science experts and medical institutions.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new dietary supplement.
