Juice Plus

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colspan=2 style="border-bottom:1px solid black" | IngredientsFruit juice powder and pulp from apple, orange, pineapple, cranberry, peach, acerola cherry, and papaya; gelatin, bromelain, papain, lipase, amylase, protease, and cellulase; apple pectin, citrus pectin, date fiber, prune powder, glucomannan, citrus bioflavenoids, dried plant fiber, "Lactobacillus acidophilus", vegetable-derived magnesium stearate, anthocyanins, polyphenol catechins, "Dunaliella salina" (algae), and indole carbinols.
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bgcolor=black height=5 colspan=2 |
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colspan=2 style="border-bottom:1px solid #555555" | Juice Plus Gummies**
Serving Size = 6 gummies
Juice Plus+ is a branded line of dietary supplements containing concentrated fruit and vegetable juice extracts fortified with added vitamins and nutrients. Introduced in 1993 and sold via direct or multi-level marketing, the supplements are advertised as "the next best thing to fruits and vegetables," a claim which has stirred considerable controversy.

Marketing claims made about Juice Plus products suggest that they can provide benefits such as reducing oxidative stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Critics have argued that there is no scientific proof that Juice Plus offers significant health benefits, and that deceptive claims are used in the product's marketing information. Studies which have set out to test the effects of Juice Plus have generated conflicting and controversial results.

Product overview

Juice Plus is manufactured by Natural Alternatives International in San Marcos, CA and distributed by National Safety Associates (NSA; Collierville, TN) via direct or multi-level marketing. NSA was founded in 1970 and before introducing Juice Plus in 1993, was known for other multilevel-marketed products such as water filters, air filters, fire-protection equipment, and educational games for pre-schoolers.cite news| title = Marketing--education is NSA's new game| author =| journal = The Commercial Appeal | publisher = NewsLibrary.com| date = June 30, 1991| url =http://www.newslibrary.com| accessdate = 2008-02-18] Naturopath Humbart "Smokey" Santillo is credited with having developed the Juice Plus “concept” and “nutritional philosophy” and for creating what has been described as the “original formula” for the product.cite web|url=http://www.smokeysantillo.com|title=Smokey Santillo homepage|accessdate=2007-09-15|publisher=smokeysantillo.com] cite web|url=http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:vvwIAZDFON8J:www.nsa-convention.com/index.php%3Flang%3Den%26path%3Dfruehjahrs_convention/sprecher+%22juice+plus%22+santillo&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=16&gl=us|title=NSA Spring 2007 Convention speakers|accessdate=2007-09-15|publisher=nsa-convention.com] According to Santillo, he has also worked with NSA to develop other Juice Plus products.

The primary products in the Juice Plus line are Orchard Blend (a fruit juice powder-based vitamin supplement) and Garden Blend (vegetable juice powder-based) capsules, which are sold together in 4-month supplies at a cost, in 2007, of approximately $160 USD. Other Juice Plus supplement products include Vineyard Blend (grape/berry juice powder-based) capsules, gummie candies, chewable tablets, wafers, meal replacement powders, and a vitamin formulation for dogs and cats.

The main ingredients in Juice Plus Orchard Blend and Garden Blend capsules (vegetable and fruit juices, fibers, plant enzymes, and food actives) are reduced to powder through a proprietary process by an unrelated supplier,cite web|url=http://sec.edgar-online.com/1996/07/30/00/0000950144-96-004677/Section2.asp|title=NSA International, Inc. Form 10-K (7/30/1996)|accessdate=2007-09-15|publisher=sec.edgar-online.com] and are then blended and encapsulated by NAI who produce the finished product. Juice Plus capsules are “enriched with pure β-carotene, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and folic acid”. According to the manufacturer these are added to restore the levels of micronutrients lost during processing and to ensure uniformity.”cite journal | author = Samman, S. | year = 2003 | title = Letter to the Editor: Reply to Watzl and Bub | journal = J Nutr | volume = 133 | issue = 7 | pages = 3726 | url = http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/reprint/133/11/3726 | format = pdf] Two NAI-sponsored studies cite journal | title = Changes in plasma carotenoid, alpha-tocopherol, and lipid peroxide levels in response to supplementation with concentrated fruit and vegetable extracts: A pilot study | author= Wise JA, Morin RJ, Sanderson R, Blum K | year = 1996 | journal = Curr Ther Res | volume = 57 | issue = 6 | pages = 445–61 | doi = 10.1016/S0011-393X(96)80053-1] mention that the fruit and vegetable powders in Juice Plus include standardized levels of natural β-carotene derived from "Dunaliella salina" and soy-derived d-α-tocopherol (vitamin E), which are supplied by the Henkel Corporation (now doing business as Cognis Corporation),cite web|url=http://www.cognis.com/framescout.html?/nutritionandhealth/home.htm|title=Cognis Nutrition and Health|accessdate=2007-09-15|publisher=cognis.com] cite web|url=http://biz.yahoo.com/ic/108/108557.html|title=Yahoo Finance: Cognis Corporation Company Profile |accessdate=2007-09-16|publisher=biz.yahoo.com] and ascorbic acid derived from acerola cherry, which is supplied by Schweizerhall Pharma.cite web|url=http://www.schweizerhall.com/html/?id=100&L=1| title=Schweizerhall Pharma homepage|accessdate=2007-09-15|publisher=schweizerhall.com]

Juice Plus Gummies, a candy-like supplement for children, were shown to consist of 85% corn syrup and 10% beef gelatin, plus added nutrients.

Juice Plus products are marketed by individual distributors who receive sales commissions ranging from 6% (for enrolling five customers in 30 days) to 14% (for enrolling twenty customers in 30 days).cite web|url=http://biz.yahoo.com/ic/120/120429.html|title=NSA Inc. Company Profile |accessdate=2007-09-15|publisher=biz.yahoo.com] Detailed sales figures for Juice Plus are not publicly available but NSA representatives claimed that Juice Plus achieved monthly sales of $6 million USD in 1993cite news|publisher="San Diego Union-Tribune"|date=February 22, 1995|author=Green, Frank|title=O.J. plug is a plus. The prosecution mentions Juice Plus, and sales are up.] and that it was the company’s most successful new product.cite news|publisher="San Diego Union-Tribune"|date=June 19, 1993|author=Riggs, Rod|title=Olympics may mean gold for San Marcos firm]

Product research

National Safety Associates refers to Juice Plus as “the next best thing to eating fruits and vegetables” and describes the products as containing the “nutritional essence of 17 different fruits, vegetables, and grains”. NSA also claims that Juice Plus delivers key phytonutrients that are absorbed by the body, reduces oxidative stress, promotes cardiovascular wellness, supports a healthy immune system, and helps protect DNA. However, multiple studies of varying standards have produced conflicting results as to the truth of these claims.

Of the published peer-reviewed studies on Juice Plus products, seven were funded and/or authored by the manufacturer, Natural Alternatives International (NAI);cite journal | author = Samman S., et al. | year = 2003 | title = A mixed fruit and vegetable concentrate increases plasma antioxidant vitamins and folate and lowers plasma homocysteine in men | volume = 133 | issue = 7 | pages = 2188–93 | url = http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/reprint/133/7/2188 | format = pdf] six were funded by the main distributor, NSA;cite journal | title = Oxidative stress response to aerobic exercise: comparison of antioxidant supplements | author= Bloomer RJ, et al. | year = 2006 | journal = Med Sci Sports Exerc | volume=38 | pages= 1098–1105] cite journal | title = Immunity and antioxidant capacity in humans is enhanced by consumption of a dried, encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice concentrate | author= Nantz MP, Rowe CA, Nieves C Jr, Percival SS. | year = 2006 | journal = J Nutr | volume=136 | pages= 2606–10 ] cite news| title =U. Utah student uses gummy bears in research | author =Canham M| journal = Daily Utah Chronicle | publisher = High Beam Research| year = 2000| url =http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-25571410.html| accessdate = 2007-09-15] cite journal | title = Four week supplementation with mixed fruit and vegetable juice concentrates increased protective serum antioxidants and folate and decreased plasma homocysteine in Japanese subjects | author= Kawashima A, Madarame T, Koike H, Komatsu Y, Wise JA | year = 2007 | journal = Asia Pac J Clin Nutr | volume=16 | issue = 3 | pages= 411–21] two were funded by individual Juice Plus distributors;cite journal | title=Increased free malondialdehyde concentrations in smokers normalise with a mixed fruit and vegetable juice concentrate: a pilot study | author=Bamonti F, et al. | year=2006 | journal=Clin Chem Lab Med | volume=44 | issue=4 | pages= 391–6 | doi=10.1515/CCLM.2006.084 ] cite journal | title = Supplementation with fruit and vegetable concentrate decreases plasma homocysteine levels in a dietary controlled trial | author=Panunzio MF, et al. | year = 2003 | journal = Nutr Res | volume=23 | pages= 1221–8 | doi = 10.1016/S0271-5317(03)00133-7 ] and one was conducted independently. The products examined in most of the studies were Garden Blend and Orchard Blend; three studies were performed on Vineyard Blend (a berry juice powder-based version) taken in combination with Garden and Orchard Blend, and one study was on Juice Plus Gummies.

Nutrient absorption

Though Juice Plus contains some nutrients, concerns have been raised that these nutrients may not be bioavailable, meaning not effectively absorbed by the human body, and that some of the nutrients claimed to be in the products may not be present in significant amounts. Studies on nutrient absorption showed that subjects taking Juice Plus had elevated blood levels of folate and β-carotenecite journal | title = Supplementation with mixed fruit and vegetable juice concentrates increased serum antioxidants and folate in healthy adults | author=Kiefer I, Prock P, Lawrence C, Wise J, Bieger W, Bayer P, Rathmanner T, Kunze M, Rieder A | year = 2004 | journal = J Am Coll Nutr | volume=23 | issue=3 | pages= 205–11 | url=http://www.jacn.org/cgi/reprint/23/3/205.pdf | format=pdf] cite journal | title = Supplementation with fruit and vegetable extracts may decrease DNA damage in the peripheral lymphocytes of an elderly population | author= Smith MJ, Inserra PF, Watson RR, Wise JA, O'Neill KL | year = 1999 | journal = Nutr Res | volume=19 | issue = 10 | pages= 1507–18 | doi = 10.1016/S0271-5317(99)00107-4] cite journal | author = Samman S., et al. | year = 2003 | title = A mixed fruit and vegetable concentrate increases plasma antioxidant vitamins and folate and lowers plasma homocysteine in men | journal = J Nutr | volume = 133 | issue = 7 | pages = 2188–93 | url = http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/reprint/133/7/2188 | format = pdf] but the effects on blood levels of vitamin E and vitamin C were inconsistent. Some studies have shown significant increases in vitamin Ecite journal | title = Changes in plasma carotenoid, alpha-tocopherol, and lipid peroxide levels in response to supplementation with concentrated fruit and vegetable extracts: A pilot study | author= Wise JA, Morin RJ, Sanderson R, Blum K | year = 1996 | journal = Curr Ther Res | volume = 57 | issue = 6 | pages = 445–61 | doi = 10.1016/S0011-393X(96)80053-1] and C levels, while other studies have shown much weaker effects on vitamin E and C levels, and that the levels of vitamin E and vitamin Ccite journal | title = Oxidative stress response to aerobic exercise: comparison of antioxidant supplements | author= Bloomer RJ, et al. | year = 2006 | journal = Med Sci Sports Exerc | volume=38 | pages= 1098–1105] are not significantly increased. Juice Plus was found to increase blood lycopene levels in several studies, while other studies have indicated that Juice Plus does not raise the blood levels of lycopene or other key phytonutrients from fresh fruits and vegetables such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin.cite journal | author = Inserra PF, Jiang S, Solkoff D, Lee J, Zhang Z, Xu M, Hesslink R, Wise J, Watson RR | year = 1999 | title = Immune function in elderly smokers and nonsmokers improves during supplementation with fruit and vegetable extracts | journal = Integr Med | volume = 2 | issue = 1 | pages = 3–10 | doi = 10.1016/S1096-2190(99)00010-4 ]

Antioxidant activity

NSA claims that Juice Plus is an effective antioxidant, and quotes a study that showed a 75% reduction in lipid peroxidation (an oxidative stress marker) in subjects that took Juice Plus for 7 to 28 days. Other studies have also reported reductions in lipid peroxidationcite journal | title=Availability of micronutrients from dried, encapsulated fruit and vegetable preparations: a study in healthy volunteers | author=Leeds AR, et al. | year = 2000 | journal = J Hum Nutr Diet | volume=13 | pages=21–7 | doi=10.1046/j.1365-277x.2000.00206.x ] and DNA oxidation. These three studies were not blinded or placebo-controlled, included few participants (in one case no more than 15), and did not include monitoring or control of the participants' food intake. One of the studies was criticized as “a particularly poor study” by Rosemary Stanton in the Australian journal, "The Skeptic". Other studies which were conducted under more rigorous conditions, meaning randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, longer in duration and with more subjects, found no significant reductions in lipid peroxidation, DNA oxidation, or other markers of oxidative stress.

One study, which used an in vitro test of the antioxidant activity of a methanolic extract from ‘Juice Plus fruit’ and ‘Juice Plus vegetable’, found that 1 g of Juice Plus Garden Blend/Orchard Blend powder had the corresponding antioxidant capacity to approximately 10 g (fresh weight) of fruit or vegetables, amounting to 30 g (roughly one-third of a serving) per 4 capsules.cite journal | author = Chambers SJ, et al.| year = 1996| title = Evaluation of the antioxidant properties of a methanolic extract from ‘Juice Plus fruit’ and ‘Juice Plus vegetable’ (dietary supplements) | journal = Food Chem | volume = 57 | issue = | pages = 271–274| doi = 10.1016/0308-8146(95)00223-5 ]

One placebo-controlled study conducted in 2002 found that Juice Plus Gummie candies did not significantly improve the antioxidant status of children, as indicated by negative results from 6 different antioxidant tests.cite journal | author = Stewart, R.J. et al.| year = 2002 | month=November | title = Antioxidant status of young children: Response to an antioxidant supplement | journal = J Am Diet Association | volume = 102 | issue = 11 | pages = 1652–7 | doi = 10.1016/S0002-8223(02)90352-4] The authors explained this by saying it was possible that the supplement did not contain enough of the proper antioxidants to make a significant difference or that the antioxidants extracted in the fruit/vegetable extract were not bioavailable.

Cardiovascular effects

Several studies have examined the effects of Juice Plus capsules on biochemical parameters associated with cardiovascular function, again with conflicting results. One study, which was not double blinded or placebo controlled, found a 37% decrease in homocysteine levels.cite journal | title = Supplementation with fruit and vegetable concentrate decreases plasma homocysteine levels in a dietary controlled trial | author=Panunzio MF, et al. | year = 2003 | journal = Nutr Res | volume=23 | pages= 1221–8 | doi = 10.1016/S0271-5317(03)00133-7 ] Other more rigorous studies, including two that were randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, found that homocysteine levels were not reducedcite journal | title=Increased free malondialdehyde concentrations in smokers normalise with a mixed fruit and vegetable juice concentrate: a pilot study | author=Bamonti F, et al. | year=2006 | journal=Clin Chem Lab Med | volume=44 | issue=4 | pages= 391–6 | doi=10.1515/CCLM.2006.084 ] or were reduced only marginally (7%). Two randomized, double-blind placebo controlled studies have examined the effect of Juice Plus on serum cholesterol and LDL levels. One study found that Juice Plus had no significant effects; the other found slight decreases in cholesterol (6%) and LDL (9%) in subjects that took Orchard/Garden Blend, but no reductions among subjects who took Juice Plus Vineyard blend in addition.

A study reported that a combined regimen of Juice Plus Orchard Blend and Garden Blend significantly decreased the impairment of brachial artery vasoactivity caused by a high-fat meal in healthy subjects. The addition of Vineyard Blend to this regimen had no additional effect on brachial artery vasoactivity and led to an increase in total lipoprotein and LDL as compared with Orchard Blend/Garden Blend alone.cite journal | title = High-fat diets and cardiovascular disease. Are nutritional supplements useful? | author=Freedman JE. | year = 2003 | journal = J Am Coll Cardiol | volume=41 | pages= 1750–2 | url = http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6T18-48MY548-K-1&_cdi=4884&_user=10&_orig=search&_coverDate=05%2F21%2F2003&_sk=999589989&view=c&wchp=dGLbVtb-zSkWb&md5=a6fb191bfaaafb167556efa7ff7e4a25&ie=/sdarticle.pdf | format = pdf | doi = 10.1016/S0735-1097(03)00303-6 ] This study also found that Juice Plus had no effect on blood pressure.

Immune effects

A non-randomized, non-blinded, non-controlled study in elderly cigarette smokers and non-smokers examined the effects of Juice Plus Orchard Blend and Garden Blend on 9 immunologic parameters, including stimulated T-cell cytokine production (IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ) and the activity of various immune cells (peripheral blood monocytes, [natural killer|natural killer [NK] cells] , T-helper cells, and cytotoxic T cells). Juice Plus significantly increased peripheral blood monocyte proliferation and NK cell cytotoxicity in non-smokers but not in smokers, and increased in vitro IL-2 production by stimulated monocytes in both smokers and non-smokers. Juice Plus had no significant effect on cell counts (NK cells, T-helper cells, or cytotoxic T cells) or on the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, or IFN-γ in either smokers or non-smokers. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center noted several faults with this study including that it lacked placebo controls and was not blinded, that the results do not necessarily correlate with an overall increase in immunity, and that it would have been more informative had clinical parameters been measured, such as whether fewer patients became sick.

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study examined the effect of Juice Plus Orchard Blend and Garden Blend on T cell counts, lymphocyte cytokine production, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody titers, and the incidence of illness in healthy subjects. The percentage of circulating γδ-CD3+ T cells and αβ-CD3+ T cells did not change significantly in subjects who took Juice Plus; however, at the end of the supplementation period, subjects taking the supplement had a significantly higher percentage of γδ-CD3+ T cells (7.2%) as compared with placebo (5.4%). IFN-γ produced by stimulated lymphocytes in vitro was reduced in the Juice Plus (68%) and placebo groups (41%), but the reduction was statistically significant only in the Juice Plus group. The levels of other cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, TGF-β) were unchanged and Juice Plus had no significant effect on the incidence and symptoms of illness or on EBV antibody titers.

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled 28-week study examined the effect of Juice Plus (2 capsules each of Orchard Blend, Garden Blend, and Vineyard blend per day) on cytokine (i.e. IL-6 and TNF-α) levels, and on the incidence of illness.cite journal | title = Several indicators of oxidative stress, immunity, and illness improved in trained men consuming an encapsulated juice powder concentrate for 28 weeks| author= Lamprecht M, Oettl K, Schwaberger G, Hofmann P, Greilberger JF | year = 2007 | journal = J Nutr| volume=137 | issue = 15 |pages= 2737–21| ] Subjects who took Juice Plus had lower TNF-α levels than the placebo group at later time points in the study (week 16 and 28) but overall the effect was not statistically significant.cite journal | title = Several indicators of oxidative stress, immunity, and illness improved in trained men consuming an encapsulated juice powder concentrate for 28 weeks. Online supporting material: supplemental figure 1| author= Lamprecht M, Oettl K, Schwaberger G, Hofmann P, Greilberger JF | year = 2007 |journal=J Nutr| url = http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/137/12/2737/DC1 ] Juice Plus was found to have no significant effect on IL-6 levels or on the incidence of illness during the course of the study.

Adverse effects

Adverse effects of Juice Plus have been mentioned in three studies,cite journal | title = Juice powder concentrate and systemic blood pressure, progression of coronary artery calcium and antioxidant status in hypertensive subjects: a pilot study | author= Houston MC, Cooil B, Olafsson BJ, Raggi P. | year = 2007 | journal = eCAM| volume=| issue= | pages= | url= http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/nel108v1 | format=pdf | doi = 10.1093/ecam/nel108] none of which were randomized, blinded, or placebo-controlled. No monitoring of adverse effects was reported in other published Juice Plus studies. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center noted that in one study, some subjects who took Orchard Blend and Garden Blend developed a hive-like rash. Another study in 2000 reported adverse effects (upper-respiratory tract, urinary, and musculoskeletal) in roughly a third of the participants who took the products for 7 days. These events resolved spontaneously and none were deemed likely to have been related to treatment with Juice Plus. In a third study from 2007, some subjects withdrew due to gastrointestinal distress possibly caused by the Juice Plus regimen (a combination of Orchard Blend, Garden Blend, and Vineyard Blend).

Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation

The Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation,cite web |title = Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation homepage | publisher = National Safety Associates | url = http://www.childrensresearch.org | accessdate = 2006-10-15] founded in 1997, is a non-profit organization whose stated goal is to initiate and/or support programs that advance the principle that improved nutrition leads to healthier lifestyle and overall better health in children. The foundation is chaired by executives of National Safety Associates and operates from the company's head office in Collierville, Tennessee.

As of 2007, no research had been published by the Foundation, but it does conduct an ongoing survey which seems to link Juice Plus consumption to a general improvement in diet and lifestyle habits. Critics, including the University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter and Dr. Stephen Barrett of MLMWatch, question the survey's scientific value, and state that the Foundation is being used mainly as a marketing gimmick to get families to buy Juice Plus products.cite web | last =Barrett | first = Stephen | authorlink = Stephen Barrett | title =Questionable Research by the Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation | publisher = MLM Watch | date = | url =http://www.mlmwatch.org/04C/NSA/crf.html | accessdate = 2007-02-05] cite web | title = Wellness Guide to Dietary Supplements| work = | publisher = University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter | date = | url = http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/ds/dsJuicePlus.php | format = pdf | accessdate = 2006-10-15]

Criticism

According to "Consumer Reports", in 2005, National Safety Associates used advertising featuring Dr. William Sears, which implied that Juice Plus Gummies are low in sugar and a nutritional alternative to fruits and vegetables. This claim resulted in consumer complaints to the Better Business Bureau's National Advertising Division (NAD). The BBB issued a complaint that NSA's claims were misleading, and as a result, NSA promised to modify its ads and stop calling Gummies “the next best thing to fruits and vegetables”.cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = How Product Testimonials Bend The Rules | work = | publisher = "Consumer Reports" | date = | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20060721171257/http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/personal-finance/producttestimonialtricks-of-the-trade-106/index.htm | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2006-10-15] However, as of 2008, the Juice Plus homepage still advertises that the products are “the next best thing to fruits and vegetables”, though not specifically in reference to the Gummies.cite web | title = Juice Plus homepage | publisher = National Safety Associates | date = | url = http://www.juiceplus.com | accessdate = 2006-10-15]

University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter and MLMWatch also commented on the unreliability of Juice Plus testimonials provided by former professional athlete O.J. Simpson, who was tried and acquitted for the June 12, 1994 murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend, Ronald Goldman. Simpson signed a multi-year six-figure contract with NSA in January 1994 and became an official celebrity endorser of Juice Plus. In March 1994, shortly before the murders took place, Simpson was videotaped telling 4,000 Juice Plus distributors at a sales meeting that the product had cured his arthritis, improved his golf game, and freed him from using anti-arthritic drugs.cite news|publisher="Fox News"|date=November 21, 2006|author=Friedman, Roger|title=If O.J. Simpson did it, this is how| url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,231034,00.html| accessdate = 2007-09-15] cite news|publisher="Fort Worth Star-Telegram"|date=July 19, 1995|author=Deutsch, Linda|title=Simpson exercise video shown in murder trial. Defendant jokes about punching wives] cite news|publisher="San Jose Mercury News"|date=February 17, 1995|author=|title=Simpson said capsules killed his arthritis pain|accessdate = 2007-09-15|pages = 15A|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SJ&s_site=mercurynews&p_multi=SJ&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB71E1D6BE78109&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM] However, during his criminal trial in 1995 and civil trial in 1997 (and in his 2007 book "If I Did It")cite news|publisher="LA Times"|date=September 14, 2007|author=Morrison, Patt|title=Book review: After 'yuck,' the farce of O.J. Simpson's book -- 'If I Did It' reads like a self-absorbed counseling session| url=http://www.calendarlive.com/books/cl-et-book14sep14,0,6714241.story?coll=cl-books-util| accessdate = 2007-09-15] Simpson claimed that he was too incapacitated by arthritis to have committed the murders and that he had continued to take a variety of potent anti-inflammatory drugs, including sulfasalazine and ibuprofen.cite news| publisher="Slate"| date=October 29, 1996| author=Shearer, Harry|title=O.J. by the sea| url=http://www.slate.com/id/3801/entry/24305| accessdate = 2007-09-15] cite news| publisher="Fox News"| date=June 3, 2004| author=Friedman, Roger|title=O.J. defense doctor: 'some guilty people are set free'| url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,121622,00.html| accessdate = 2007-09-15] cite news| publisher="CNN"| date=October 24, 1995| author=|title=Partial transcript of Simpson civil trial (Regina D. Chavez official reporter)| url=http://www.cnn.com/US/OJ/simpson.civil.trial/transcripts.october/10.24.transcript.html| accessdate = 2007-09-15] cite news| publisher="CNN"| date=January 6, 1997| author=|title=Simpson civil trial transcript (Regina D. Chavez official reporter)| url=http://www.cnn.com/US/OJ/simpson.civil.trial/transcripts.january/01.06.transcript.html| accessdate = 2007-09-15] After controversy surrounding Simpson erupted, NSA cancelled his endorsement contract and stopped using the Simpson videotape to promote Juice Plus.

Doubts have been raised about the benefits of Juice Plus by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the University of California Berkeley and other sources.cite journal | author = Watzl, B. | coauthors=Bub, A. | yeacr = 2003 | title = Letter to the Editor:Fruit and Vegetable Concentrate or Vitamin Supplement? | journal = J Nutr | volume = 133 | issue = 7 | pages = 3725 | url = http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/reprint/133/11/3725 | format = pdf] cite web | title = Juice Plus| publisher = Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center | date = | url = http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/11571.cfm?RecordID=637&tab=HC | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2006-10-15] cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Juice Plus—and minus | work = | publisher = University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter | date = | url = http://www.berkeleywellness.com/subCorner/pdf/2000/0011.pdf | format = pdf | doi = | accessdate = 2006-10-15] cite web | last = Goodwin | first = Kathy | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Dietary supplements: facts about Juice Plus | work = | publisher = The Diet Channel | date = | url = http://www.thedietchannel.com/Dietary-Supplements-Facts-About-Juice-Plus.htm | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2006-10-15] cite journal | title = Nutrition: who can you believe?| author= [http://www.aihw.gov.au/eventsdiary/ah04/speakers_rosemary_stanton.cfm Stanton R] | year = 2000 | journal = The Skeptic| volume=20 | issue=4 | pages= 23–7 | url = http://www.skeptics.com.au/journal/2000/4_nutrition.pdf] cite web | last = Barrett| first = Stephen | authorlink = Stephen Barrett| title = Juice Plus: A Critical Look |publisher = MLM Watch| date = | url = http://www.mlmwatch.org/04C/NSA/juiceplus.html | accessdate = 2006-10-15] cite web | last = Maruyama| first = Fudeko T. | authorlink = | coauthors = Mary P. Clarke| title = Juice Plus, Food or Supplement
work = | publisher = Kansas State University, Dept. of Human Nutrition| month = January | year = 1995| url = http://web.archive.org/web/20060206033026/http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/humannutrition/_timely/JUICE.HTM | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-07-22] cite web | last = Schardt| first = David | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Lost in translation: why real fruit and vegetables beat juices, powder, and purees | work = Nutrition Action Healthletter| publisher = Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI)| month = December | year = 2007| url = http://www.cspinet.org/nah/12_07/special.pdf | format = pdf| doi = | accessdate = 2008-03-11] Specific criticisms include: the product’s marketing being unsupported by research data, the product contains too little fruit and vegetable powder to offer significant clinical benefits, concerns that the effects can be attributed to the inclusion of added exogenous vitamins and micronutrients, and complaints that the products are excessively priced relative to their potential benefits.cite news|date=January 15, 2007|publisher="St. Louis Post-Dispatch"|title=Nutritional shortcut bypasses benefits of eating the real thing|author=Schontz, Lori| accessdate = 2007-07-05]

Nutritionists Bernhard Watzl and Achim Bub commented that a Juice Plus study published by Samman and associates in 2003 was flawed and misleading because it failed to mention that Juice Plus Orchard Blend and Garden Blend capsules were enriched with supplemental micronutrients. They noted that native carotenoids from vegetables (e.g. lycopene and lutein/zeaxanthin) were either absent from the capsules or were not bioavailable, and that the reported physiological effects of Juice Plus can be explained solely by the micronutrient additives, raising doubts as to whether the fruit and vegetable component itself had any significant effects. Concerns have also been raised about the accuracy of product labeling. Three studies which included chemical analyses of Juice Plus have indicated nutrient amounts that differ from the amounts listed on the product labels. [http://www.medicalalumni.org/bulletin/spring_2003/faculty.htm Plotnick, Gary] ; Corretti MC, Vogel RA, Hesslink, Jr. R, Wise JA. (2003). " [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6T18-48MY548-J-3&_cdi=4884&_user=10&_orig=search&_coverDate=05%2F21%2F2003&_qd=1&_sk=999589989&view=c&_alid=467761006&_rdoc=1&wchp=dGLbVlb-zSkzV&md5=72a0609e0af3a33f53575ac5aeaec523&ie=/sdarticle.pdf Effect of supplemental phytonutrients on impairment of the flow-mediated brachial artery vasoactivity after a single high-fat meal] " (pdf). "J Am Coll Cardiol" 41 (10): 1744-9.] cite news | title=EN Squeezes the Raw Truth Out of Juice Plus Claims | date = March 2002 | publisher= Environmental Nutrition | url = http://www.environmentalnutrition.com/pub/25_3/asken/150372-1.html] cite news | title=Multivitamin/multimineral product review: ingredient comparison tables | year = 2006 | publisher= Consumer Lab]

In a January 2007 article in the "St. Louis Post Dispatch", dietitian Renee Schwendinger said, "the average person should eat actual fruits and vegetables, not take a supplement such as Juice Plus," and that barring that, "a single multivitamin will give you all the nutrition you need if your diet is lacking, and it's less expensive." Nutritionist Rosemary Stantoncite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Dr. Rosemary Stanton OAM| work = | publisher = Australian Government; Australian Institute of Health and Welfare | date = | url = http://152.91.62.50/eventsdiary/ah04/speakers_rosemary_stanton.cfm | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-09-16] echoed similar sentiments, stating “Juice Plus…contains added vitamins, and as such may have some value, although regular vitamins cost only a fraction of the Juice Plus product" and that "there is no evidence the supplement has enough fruits and vegetables to provide an alternative to the real thing.” Registered dietician Kathleen Goodwin noted that “while there have been some clinical research studies about the effectiveness of Juice Plus, the evidence overall is inconclusive, the research flawed, and the funding provided by the manufacturer of the supplements themselves…Juice Plus supplements simply do not compare to the thousands of naturally occurring nutrients and phytochemicals we derive from the real thing.” The University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter claimed “no matter how compressed these capsules are, or what they contain, it’s impossible to deliver the nutrients of five to ten servings of fruits and vegetables in several capsules weighing 800 to 850 milligrams (about one-thirtieth of an ounce) each. It would take two dozen 800-milligram capsules just to provide all the nutrients in six ounces of carrot juice” and concluded “you don’t need Juice Plus”. Registered dietician Fudeko T. Maruyama and nutritional education specialist Mary P. Clarke of Kansas State University commented that “the promotional literature for Juice Plus, billed as a whole food concentrate, is a carefully worded blend of incorrect information, misleading health claims, and nonscientific jargon” and concluded that “Juice Plus probably won't harm you, but can hurt your pocketbook." Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Clinic referred to Juice Plus as a ”pricey supplement” that is “distributed through a multi-tiered marketing scheme with exaggerated value and cost."

In November 2007, the Complaints Resolution Panel for the Therapeutic Goods Administration Advertising Code Council ruled that statements on NSA’s Juice Plus website were in breach of Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code. According to the panel, the “clear message” in the ads was that Juice Plus tablets/capsules are “equivalent to fruits and vegetables” and that “consuming Juice Plus tablets would help Australians to consume the ‘recommended 5-7 servings’ of fruits and vegetables”. NSA was sanctioned by the Council to withdraw any representations that the products “are equivalent to fruits and vegetables or that their consumption can aid in meeting dietary recommendations relating to fruits and vegetables.” cite web|url= http://www.tgacrp.com.au/index.cfm?pageID=13&special=complaint_single&complaintID=980
title= Complaint 19-0607 Juice Plus (10/04/2007)|accessdate=2008-07-09|publisher= Complaints Resolution Panel; Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code Council ]

In December 2007, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) filed a complaint with the FDA to “halt the marketing of NSA's Juice Plus Orchard Blend and Garden Blend capsules because the products appear to be adulterated and misbranded”.Citation
last=
first=
author-link=
title=CSPI targets juice capsules
newspaper= [http://www.thetansheet.com The Tan Sheet]
volume=15
issue=051
pages=
year=
publisher = FDC Reports
date=December 17, 2007
url=
accessdate = 2008-03-31] CSPI said it was “concerned that the products' claim, ‘the next best thing to fruits and vegetables,’ may lead consumers to believe the pills are closer to real fruits and vegetables than is likely to be the case." According to CSPI, the labels say the capsules contain high levels of vitamins A and C and folate naturally, but “do not disclose that these vitamins and minerals are added to the capsules during processing and are nutrients only characteristic of the original fruit and vegetable sources.”

In a critique of Juice Plus, Stephen Barrett of MLMWatch remarked upon the previous association between two authors of a 1996 Juice Plus research study and United Sciences of America, Inc. (USAI), a multilevel marketing company that sold vitamin supplements with illegal claims that they could prevent many diseases.cite web | last = Barrett| first = Stephen | authorlink = Stephen Barrett| title = The Rise and Fall of United Sciences of America |publisher = MLM Watch| date = | url = http://www.mlmwatch.org/04C/USA/usa.html | accessdate = 2007-07-27] cite journal | author = Stare, F.J. | coauthors=. | year = 1986 | title = Marketing a nutritional "revolutionary breakthrough". Trading on names. | journal = N Engl J Med | volume = 315 | issue = 15 | pages = 971–3 | url = | format = ] cite journal | author = Young, E.A. | coauthors= Schenker, S., Weser, E. | year = 1987 | title = United Sciences of America, Incorporated: an "optimal" diet? | journal = Ann Intern Med. | volume = 107 | issue = 1 | pages = 101–3 | url = | format = ] cite journal | author = Renner, J.H. | coauthors= | year = 1986 | title = Science or scam? | journal = N Engl J Med | volume = 315 | issue = 15 | pages = 971 | url = | format = ] cite journal | author = Holden, C. | coauthors= | year = 1986 | title = Scientists get flak over marketing plan | journal = Science | volume = 234 | issue = 4780 | pages = 1063–4 | url = | format = | doi = 10.1126/science.3775374 ] cite journal | author = | coauthors= | year = 1987 | title = USA: The strange rise and fall of one MLM | journal = Money | volume = | issue = June 1 | pages = | url = http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/1987/06/01/83881/index.htm | format = ] In 1986, lead author John A. Wise, who later co-authored several other Juice Plus research studies, was USAI's Executive Vice-President of Research and Development; and second author Robert J. Morin was a scientific advisor who helped design the products. State and federal enforcement actions drove USAI out of business in 1987. Wise became a consultant to Natural Alternatives International (NAI) in 1987 and a company executive (Vice-President of Research and Development) in 1992. Barrett noted that Wise was also an NAI shareholder and that production of Juice Plus for National Safety Associates (NSA) was responsible for 16% of NAIs sales in 1999. In 2006, NSA accounted for 38% of NAIs sales. Wise was appointed Chief Scientific Officer of NAI in 2002 and resigned from the company’s executive board on June 30, 2007. Wise then entered into a consultancy agreement with NAI stipulating a fee of $10,000 USD per month,cite web|url=http://biz.yahoo.com/ic/13/13791.html |title=Reuter's Company Overview: Natural Alternatives International, Inc.|accessdate=2007-07-26|publisher=stocks.us.reuters.com] and as of August, 2007, was listed as an NAI insider, with direct ownership of 59,600 shares of NAI stockcite web|url=http://finance.yahoo.com/q/ir?s=NAII|title=Natural Alternatives International, Inc.; Inisder Roster|accessdate=2007-08-11|publisher=finance.yahoo.com] and short-term vested options to purchase an additional 130,000 shares.cite web|url=http://biz.yahoo.com/e/070706/naii8-k.html|title=Summary of Natural Alternatives International, Inc|accessdate=2007-08-11|publisher=stocks.us.reuters.com]

References

External links

* [http://www.juiceplus.com/ Juice Plus] - official website
* [http://www.juiceplus.jp/e/ Juice Plus+®] - official website Japan