The Founder: Dr. Douglas Howard
Dr. Douglas Howard is the founder of Balance of Nature, a dietary supplement company that has garnered both popularity and significant controversy. Howard, a chiropractic physician, developed the concept for his whole-food supplements in the 1990s based on his observations and research. His personal story, as recounted by the company, stems from a trip to Russia where he noted a stark contrast in health between those who could afford fresh produce and those who could not. This experience, combined with his interest in phytonutrients, motivated him to create a convenient way for people to supplement their diet with fruits and vegetables.
From Chiropractic to Phytonutrition
Dr. Howard's journey began with a clinical practice where he observed his patients' dietary habits. Dissatisfied with the focus on isolating single chemicals in supplements, he became convinced that the full spectrum of compounds in whole foods was the key to true health. This philosophy became the foundation for Balance of Nature. He believed that freeze-drying and encapsulating whole fruits and vegetables, including the seeds, skins, and cores, could preserve their complex nutritional profiles. This approach, he argued, was superior to supplements containing isolated vitamins.
The Rise of Balance of Nature
Launched in 1997, Balance of Nature quickly grew into a multimillion-dollar company, primarily based in St. George, Utah. The company's main products, 'Fruits & Veggies' and 'Fiber & Spice,' became household names through extensive advertising, often featuring personal testimonials. The brand positioned itself as a convenient solution for those struggling to consume the recommended daily servings of produce. For many, the promise of getting essential nutrients from 31 different whole fruits and vegetables in a few capsules was highly appealing.
The Product and Its Philosophy
Balance of Nature's core offering is a two-part system. The 'Fruits' capsules contain a blend of 16 freeze-dried fruits, while the 'Veggies' capsules contain 15 vegetables. The company claims to use a sophisticated process to preserve the nutritional content of the whole produce. The philosophy emphasizes that the power is in the whole food, not isolated extracts. Alongside this, the 'Fiber & Spice' supplement adds further dietary fiber and a blend of 12 spices.
Regulatory Challenges and Controversy
Despite its marketing success, Balance of Nature's path has been fraught with controversy. Several government agencies and consumer watchdog groups have scrutinized the company's marketing practices and product claims.
FDA and False Advertising Claims
Between 2019 and 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued multiple warning letters and ultimately secured a permanent injunction against Balance of Nature's parent company, Evig, LLC. The FDA found that the company had been making unsupported and illegal claims that its supplements could treat, prevent, or cure diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. The FDA also cited the manufacturer for failing to comply with Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs), raising concerns about product purity and quality control. The court order temporarily shut down manufacturing and sales until the company demonstrated compliance. In response, Balance of Nature removed the disease-related claims from its advertising and implemented a corrective action plan.
Legal Settlements
In addition to federal action, Balance of Nature has faced lawsuits at the state level. In 2023, the company agreed to a $1.1 million settlement in California over false advertising claims. The settlement addressed not only the misleading health claims but also allegations of illegal billing practices related to its automatic subscription service.
What's Next for Balance of Nature?
Following its regulatory and legal troubles, Balance of Nature is back in business, having worked with independent experts to assess compliance with FDA regulations. The company now refrains from making claims that its products can treat or cure diseases. However, the controversies have significantly impacted its reputation and prompted more critical reviews from consumers and nutrition experts. Consumers are now more cautious and aware of the company's history of overstating health benefits.
Comparison: Balance of Nature vs. Whole Foods
| Feature | Balance of Nature Supplements | Eating Whole Fruits and Vegetables |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | High. One bottle is expensive, and long-term use is costly. | Variable, can be very affordable depending on choices. |
| Nutritional Profile | Contains powdered, freeze-dried whole produce. Questionable how much nutritional value remains or is bioavailable. Critics say calories are minimal. | Contains intact fiber, complex phytonutrients, and a higher quantity of vitamins and minerals. |
| Form | Concentrated powder in capsules. | Raw, cooked, or fresh, retaining natural structure and fiber. |
| Claims | Convenient source of whole food nutrients. | Scientifically proven to be beneficial for overall health. |
| Regulatory Status | Previously cited for misleading claims and manufacturing issues by the FDA. | Natural and unprocessed, regulated differently than supplements. |
| Experience | Easy to swallow, but potentially little benefit for the cost. | More satiating, better for gut health due to fiber, and often more enjoyable. |
Conclusion
While Dr. Douglas Howard's original vision for a convenient whole-food supplement was clear, the path of Balance of Nature has been anything but smooth. The company, which is behind the Balance of Nature products, has faced severe regulatory and legal action concerning its marketing and product claims. Consumers should understand that the supplements, despite containing freeze-dried whole produce, are not a replacement for a diet rich in actual fruits and vegetables. The company's ongoing challenges serve as a cautionary tale in the dietary supplement industry, highlighting the importance of clear, substantiated claims and robust manufacturing practices.
Learn more about the settlement with California prosecutors here: Supplement Company to Pay $1.1 Million in False Advertising Settlement.
