Juice Plus 4268766 225133238 2008-07-12T01:32:28Z Rhode Island Red 1254771 /* Adverse effects */restore wikilink {| class="infobox" style="width: 18em; text-align: left; font-size: 90%;" cellspacing="2" | style="text-align:center; colspan=2 | <center><font size=4>'''Juice Plus</font></center> [[image:Juice_Plus_Orchard_and_Garden_Blend.jpg|250px]] <font size=3>'''Supplement Information</font> {| width=100% cellpadding=0 cellspacing=1 |- | bgcolor=black height=5 colspan=2 | |- | colspan=2 style="border-bottom:1px solid #555555" | <font size=2>'''Juice Plus Garden Blend*'''</font><br><font size=1>Serving Size = 2 capsules (1.5 g) </font><br> {| width=100% cellpadding=0 cellspacing=1 |- | bgcolor=black height=5 colspan=2 | |- | colspan=2 style="border-bottom:1px solid black" | <font size=1 face="verdana,arial">'''Amount per Serving'''</font> {| | ||||| <font size=1 face="verdana,arial">'''Amt'''</font>||||<font size=1 face="verdana,arial">'''% RDI'''</font> |- | Vitamin A|| |- | (β-carotene)||||7000 IU ||||140% |- | Vitamin C|||| 42 mg||||70% |- | Vitamin E|||| 24 IU||||80% |- | Folate|||| 0.28 mg ||||70% |- | Calcium|||| 41 mg ||||4% |- | Iron|||| 0.36 mg ||||2% |} |- | colspan=2 style="border-bottom:1px solid black" | <font size=1 face="verdana,arial">'''Ingredients'''</font> Vegetable juice powder and pulp from carrots, parsley, beets, kale, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, and tomato; gelatin, lipase, amylase, protease, cellulase, beet fiber, barley bran, oat bran, cabbage fiber, [[glucomannan]], plant [[cellulose]], dried plant fiber, ''[[Lactobacillus acidophilus]]'', vegetable-derived [[magnesium stearate]], anthocyanins, allicin, lycopene, polyphenol catechins, ''[[Dunaliella salina]]'' (algae), and indole carbinols. |- | bgcolor=black height=5 colspan=2 | |- | colspan=2 style="border-bottom:1px solid #555555" | <font size=2>'''Juice Plus Orchard Blend*'''</font><br><font size=1>Serving Size = 2 capsules (1.5 g) </font><br> |- | bgcolor=black height=5 colspan=2 | |- {| width=100% cellpadding=0 cellspacing=1 | colspan=2 style="border-bottom:1px solid black" | <font size=1 face="verdana,arial">'''Amount per Serving'''</font> {| | ||||| <font size=1 face="verdana,arial">'''Amt'''</font>||||<font size=1 face="verdana,arial">'''% RDI'''</font> |- | Vitamin A|| |- | (β-carotene)||||5,500 IU ||||110% |- | Vitamin C|||| 192 mg||||320% |- | Vitamin E|||| 21 IU||||70% |- | Folate|||| 0.14 mg ||||35% |- | Calcium|||| 20 mg ||||2% |- | Iron|||| 0.36 mg ||||2% |} |- | colspan=2 style="border-bottom:1px solid black" | <font size=1 face="verdana,arial">'''Ingredients'''</font> Fruit 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. |- | bgcolor=black height=5 colspan=2 | |- | colspan=2 style="border-bottom:1px solid #555555" | <font size=2>'''Juice Plus Gummies**'''</font><br><font size=1>Serving Size = 6 gummies </font><br> {| width=100% cellpadding=0 cellspacing=1 |- | bgcolor=black height=5 colspan=2 | |- | colspan=2 style="border-bottom:1px solid black" | <font size=1 face="verdana,arial">'''Amount per Serving'''</font> {| | ||||| <font size=1 face="verdana,arial">'''Amt'''</font>||||<font size=1 face="verdana,arial">'''% RDI'''</font> |- | Vitamin A|| |- | (β-carotene)||||14.8 mg ||||494% |- | Vitamin C|||| 107.1 mg||||179% |- | Vitamin E|||| 82.6 mg ||||275% |- | Calcium|||| 94.5 mg ||||9% |- | Thiamin|||| 1.39 mg ||||93% |- | Riboflavin|||| 0.05 mg ||||3% |- | Niacin|||| 2.51 mg ||||13% |- | Pyridoxine |||| 0.64 mg ||||32% |- | Zinc|||| 0.62 mg ||||4% |- | Magnesium|||| 13.65 mg ||||3% |- | Potassium |||| 58.4 mg ||||2% |- | Copper|||| 0.32 mg ||||16% |} |- | colspan=2 style="border-bottom:1px solid black" | <font size=1 face="verdana,arial">'''Ingredients'''</font> Corn syrup (84.7%), gelatin (10.3%), citric acid (3%), natural flavors (1.4%), natural colors (0.6%). |- | bgcolor=black height=5 colspan=2 | |- | colspan=2 | <small>*Percent RDI values as listed on bottle label; corresponding milligram amounts calculated based on USDA RDI guidleines for a 2,000 calorie diet. The manufacturer's suggested daily regimen is 2 Garden Blend capsules plus 2 Orchard Blend capsules per day (4 capsules total) <small>** Milligram amounts and ingredients based on Stewart et al. (2002);<ref name = stewart/> corresponding RDI percentage calculated based on USDA RDI guidleines for a 2,000 calorie diet.</small> |} |} |} |} '''Juice Plus+''' is a [[brand]]ed line of [[dietary supplement]]s containing concentrated [[fruit]] and [[vegetable]] juice [[extract]]s fortified with added [[vitamins]] and [[nutrients]]. Introduced in [[1993]]<ref name=mlmw2/> 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 [[filter (water)|water filters]], [[air filter]]s, fire-protection equipment, and educational games for pre-schoolers.<ref name=CommercialAppeal>{{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}}</ref> [[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.<ref name=santillo>{{cite web|url=http://www.smokeysantillo.com|title=Smokey Santillo homepage|accessdate=2007-09-15|publisher=smokeysantillo.com}}</ref><ref name=nsaconvention>{{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}}</ref><ref name=mscc/> According to Santillo, he has also worked with NSA to develop other Juice Plus products.<ref name=santillo/> 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.<ref name=jphome/> 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,<ref name=NSA10K>{{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}}</ref> 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”.<ref name=watzl/> According to the manufacturer these are added to restore the levels of micronutrients lost during processing and to ensure uniformity.”<ref name=samman2>{{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}}</ref> Two NAI-sponsored studies <ref name=wise>{{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}}</ref><ref name=leeds/> mention that the fruit and vegetable powders in Juice Plus include standardized levels of natural [[carotene|β-carotene]] derived from ''[[Dunaliella salina]]'' and soy-derived [[tocopherol|d-α-tocopherol]] (vitamin E), which are supplied by the Henkel Corporation (now doing business as [[Cognis| Cognis Corporation]]),<ref name=cognis>{{cite web|url=http://www.cognis.com/framescout.html?/nutritionandhealth/home.htm|title=Cognis Nutrition and Health|accessdate=2007-09-15|publisher=cognis.com}}</ref><ref name=yahoocognis>{{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}}</ref> and [[ascorbic acid]] derived from [[Acerola|acerola cherry]], which is supplied by Schweizerhall Pharma.<ref name=schweizerhall>{{cite web|url=http://www.schweizerhall.com/html/?id=100&L=1| title=Schweizerhall Pharma homepage|accessdate=2007-09-15|publisher=schweizerhall.com}}</ref> Juice Plus Gummies, a candy-like supplement for children, were shown to consist of 85% corn syrup and 10% beef gelatin, plus added nutrients.<ref name=stewart/> 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).<ref name=yahoobiz>{{cite web|url=http://biz.yahoo.com/ic/120/120429.html|title=NSA Inc. Company Profile |accessdate=2007-09-15|publisher=biz.yahoo.com}}</ref> 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 1993<ref name=union-1995>{{cite 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.}}</ref> and that it was the company’s most successful new product.<ref name=union-1993>{{cite news|publisher=''[[San Diego Union-Tribune]]''|date=June 19, 1993|author=Riggs, Rod|title=Olympics may mean gold for San Marcos firm}}</ref> == 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.<ref name=jphome/> However, multiple studies of varying standards have produced conflicting results as to the truth of these claims. Of the published [[Peer review|peer-reviewed]] studies on Juice Plus products, seven were funded and/or authored by the manufacturer, Natural Alternatives International (NAI);<ref name=plotnick/><ref name=wise/><ref name=leeds/><ref name=kiefer/><ref name=smith/><ref name=inserra/><ref name=samman>{{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}}</ref> six were funded by the main distributor, NSA;<ref name=kiefer/><ref name=bloomer>{{cite journal | title = Oxidative stress response to aerobic exercise: comparison of antioxidant supplements | author= Bloomer RJ, et al. | date = 2006 | journal = Med Sci Sports Exerc | volume=38 | pages= 1098–1105}}</ref><ref name=nantz>{{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. | date = 2006 | journal = J Nutr | volume=136 | pages= 2606–10 }}</ref><ref name=stewart/><ref name=Canham >{{cite news| title =U. Utah student uses gummy bears in research | author =Canham M| journal = Daily Utah Chronicle | publisher = High Beam Research| date = 2000| url =http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-25571410.html| accessdate = 2007-09-15}}</ref><ref name= Kawashima>{{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 | date = 2007 | journal = Asia Pac J Clin Nutr | volume=16 | issue = 3 | pages= 411–21}}</ref><ref name=lamprecht/> two were funded by individual Juice Plus distributors;<ref name=bamonti>{{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 }}</ref><ref name=panunzio>{{cite journal | title = Supplementation with fruit and vegetable concentrate decreases plasma homocysteine levels in a dietary controlled trial | author=Panunzio MF, et al. | date = 2003 | journal = Nutr Res | volume=23 | pages= 1221–8 | doi = 10.1016/S0271-5317(03)00133-7 }}</ref> and one was conducted independently.<ref name=chambers/> 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,<ref name=plotnick/><ref name=houston/><ref name=lamprecht/> and one study was on Juice Plus Gummies.<ref name=stewart/> === 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.<ref name=watzl/><ref name=stewart/> Studies on nutrient absorption showed that subjects taking Juice Plus had elevated blood levels of [[folate]] and [[beta-carotene|β-carotene]]<ref name=kiefer>{{cite 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 | date = 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}}</ref><ref name=smith>{{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 | date = 1999 | journal = Nutr Res | volume=19 | issue = 10 | pages= 1507–18 | doi = 10.1016/S0271-5317(99)00107-4}}</ref><ref name=samman>{{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}}</ref><ref name= Kawashima/> but the effects on blood levels of [[vitamin E]] and [[vitamin C]] were inconsistent. Some studies have shown significant increases in vitamin E<ref name=wise>{{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}}</ref><ref name=kiefer/><ref name= Kawashima/> and C levels,<ref name=wise/><ref name=kiefer/><ref name=leeds/><ref name=nantz/> while other studies have shown much weaker effects on vitamin E<ref name=leeds/><ref name=samman/> and C levels<ref name=samman/>, and that the levels of vitamin E<ref name=smith/><ref name=bloomer/> and vitamin C<ref name=smith/><ref name=bloomer>{{cite journal | title = Oxidative stress response to aerobic exercise: comparison of antioxidant supplements | author= Bloomer RJ, et al. | date = 2006 | journal = Med Sci Sports Exerc | volume=38 | pages= 1098–1105}}</ref><ref name= Kawashima/> are not significantly increased. Juice Plus was found to increase blood [[lycopene]] levels in several studies,<ref name = wise/><ref name = nantz/><ref name = Kawashima/> while other studies have indicated that Juice Plus does not raise the blood levels of lycopene<ref name=smith/><ref name=samman/> or other key phytonutrients from fresh fruits and vegetables such as [[lutein]],<ref name=smith/><ref name=samman/><ref name= Kawashima/> [[zeaxanthin]],<ref name=smith/><ref name=samman/><ref name=nantz/><ref name= Kawashima/> and [[cryptoxanthin|β-cryptoxanthin]].<ref name=smith/><ref name=inserra>{{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 }}</ref><ref name=samman/><ref name=nantz/><ref name= Kawashima/> === 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.<ref name=wise/> Other studies have also reported reductions in lipid peroxidation<ref name=leeds>{{cite 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 }}</ref> and [[DNA oxidation]].<ref name=smith/> 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<ref name=wise/> was criticized as “a particularly poor study” by Rosemary Stanton<ref name=aihwstanton/> in the Australian journal, ''[[Australian Skeptics#The Skeptic|The Skeptic]]''.<ref name=stanton/> Other studies which were conducted under more rigorous conditions, meaning [[Randomized controlled trial|randomized]], [[double-blind]], [[placebo]]-controlled studies, longer in duration and with more subjects, found no significant reductions in lipid peroxidation,<ref name=samman/><ref name=bloomer/><ref name= Kawashima/> DNA oxidation,<ref name=bloomer/><ref name=kiefer/><ref name=nantz/><ref name= Kawashima/> or other markers of oxidative stress.<ref name=samman/><ref name=bamonti/> One study, which used an [[in vitro]] test of [[antioxidant]] activity, 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 vegetable, amounting to 30 g (roughly one-third of a serving) per 4 capsules.<ref name=chambers>{{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 }}</ref> 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.<ref name=stewart>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref name=panunzio>{{cite journal | title = Supplementation with fruit and vegetable concentrate decreases plasma homocysteine levels in a dietary controlled trial | author=Panunzio MF, et al. | date = 2003 | journal = Nutr Res | volume=23 | pages= 1221–8 | doi = 10.1016/S0271-5317(03)00133-7 }}</ref> Other more rigorous studies, including two that were randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, found that [[homocysteine]] levels were not reduced<ref name=plotnick/><ref name=bamonti>{{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 }}</ref> or were reduced only marginally (7%).<ref name=samman/> Two randomized, double-blind placebo controlled studies have examined the effect of Juice Plus on [[blood plasma|serum]] [[cholesterol]] and [[LDL]] levels. One study found that Juice Plus had no significant effects;<ref name=samman/> 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.<ref name=plotnick/> 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.<ref name=plotnick/> 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.<ref name=freeman>{{cite journal | title = High-fat diets and cardiovascular disease. Are nutritional supplements useful? | author=Freedman JE. | date = 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 }}</ref> 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 ([[interleukin 2|IL-2]], [[interleukin 6|IL-6]], [[TNF-α]] and [[interferon|IFN-γ]]) and the activity of various immune cells ([[PBMC|peripheral blood monocytes]], [[natural killer|natural killer [NK] cells]], [[T-helper cells]], and [[cytotoxic T cells]]).<ref name=inserra/> Juice Plus significantly increased peripheral blood monocyte [[cell growth|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.<ref name=mscc/> 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.<ref name=nantz/> 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 ([[interleukin 4|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.<ref name=lamprecht>{{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 | date = 2007 | journal = J Nutr| volume=137 | issue = 15 |pages= 2737–21| }}</ref> 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.<ref name=lamprechtsupp>{{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 | date = 2007 |journal=J Nutr| url = http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/137/12/2737/DC1 }}</ref> 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,<ref name=inserra/><ref name=leeds/><ref name=houston>{{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. | date = 2007 | journal = eCAM| volume=| issue= | pages= | url= http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/nel108v1 | format=pdf | doi = 10.1093/ecam/nel108}}</ref> none of which were randomized, blinded, or placebo-controlled. No monitoring of adverse effects was reported in other published Juice Plus studies.<ref name=plotnick/><ref name=wise/><ref name=samman/><ref name=stewart/><ref name=kiefer/><ref name=smith/><ref name=bloomer/><ref name=nantz/><ref name=bamonti/><ref name=panunzio/> Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center noted<ref name=mscc/> that in one study,<ref name=inserra/> 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.<ref name=leeds/> 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).<ref name=houston/> == Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation == The Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation,<ref name=nsajpcrf>{{cite web |title = Juice Plus Children's Research Foundation homepage | publisher = National Safety Associates | url = http://www.childrensresearch.org | accessdate = 2006-10-15}}</ref> 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.<ref name=jpcrf>{{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}}</ref><ref name=ucbwl2>{{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}}</ref> == Criticism == According to ''[[Consumer Reports]]'', in 2005, National Safety Associates used advertising featuring [[William Sears (physician)|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”.<ref name=consumerreports>{{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}}</ref> However, as of 2007, 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.<ref name=jphome>{{cite web | title = Juice Plus homepage | publisher = National Safety Associates | date = | url = http://www.juiceplus.com | accessdate = 2006-10-15}}</ref> University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter<ref name=ucbwl1/> and MLMWatch<ref name=mlmw2/> 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.<ref name=RogerFriedman>{{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}}</ref><ref name=deutsch>{{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}}</ref><ref name=sjmn>{{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}}</ref><ref name=mlmw2/> However, during his [[O. J. Simpson murder case| criminal trial]] in 1995 and [[O.J._Simpson#Civil_trial| civil trial]] in 1997 (and in his 2007 book ''[[If I Did It]]'')<ref name=morrison>{{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}}</ref> 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]].<ref name=shearer>{{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}}</ref><ref name=RogerFriedman2>{{cite news| publisher=''[[Fox News]]''| date=June 03, 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}}</ref><ref name=cnntranscript>{{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}}</ref><ref name=cnntranscript2>{{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}}</ref><ref name=mlmw2/> After controversy surrounding Simpson erupted, NSA cancelled his endorsement contract and stopped using the Simpson videotape to promote Juice Plus.<ref name=mscc/><ref name=ucbwl1/> 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.<ref name=watzl>{{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}}</ref><ref name=mscc>{{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}}</ref><ref name=ucbwl1>{{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}}</ref><ref name=ucbwl2/><ref name=goodwin>{{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}}</ref><ref name=stanton>{{cite journal | title = Nutrition: who can you believe?| author=[http://www.aihw.gov.au/eventsdiary/ah04/speakers_rosemary_stanton.cfm Stanton R] | date = 2000 | journal = [[Australian Skeptics#The Skeptic|The Skeptic]]| volume=20 | issue=4 | pages= 23–7 | url = http://www.skeptics.com.au/journal/2000/4_nutrition.pdf}}</ref><ref name=mlmw2>{{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}}</ref><ref name=ksu>{{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| date = Jan. 1995| url = http://web.archive.org/web/20060206033026/http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/humannutrition/_timely/JUICE.HTM | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-07-22}}</ref><ref name=cspi>{{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|Center for Science in the Public Interest ]] (CSPI)| date = Dec. 2007| url = http://www.cspinet.org/nah/12_07/special.pdf | format = pdf| doi = | accessdate = 2008-03-11}}</ref> 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,<ref name=ucbwl1/> 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.<ref name=mlmw2/><ref name=stanton/><ref name=ucbwl2/><ref name=mscc/><ref name=ksu/><ref name=SLPD>{{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}}</ref> Nutritionists Bernhard Watzl and Achim Bub commented that a Juice Plus study published by Samman and associates in 2003<ref name=samman/> was flawed and misleading because it failed to mention that Juice Plus Orchard Blend and Garden Blend capsules were enriched with supplemental micronutrients.<ref name=watzl/> 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.<ref Name=plotnick>[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.</ref><ref name=environmental> {{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}}</ref><ref name=Consumerlab> {{cite news | title=Multivitamin/multimineral product review: ingredient comparison tables | date = 2006 | publisher= Consumer Lab}}</ref> 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."<ref name=SLPD/> Nutritionist Rosemary Stanton<ref name=aihwstanton>{{cite 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}}</ref> 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.”<ref name=stanton/> 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.”<ref name=goodwin/> 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”.<ref name=ucbwl1/> 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."<ref name = ksu/> 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." <ref name=mscc/> 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.” <ref name=TGACRP>{{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 }}</ref> 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”.<ref name=cspi2>{{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}} </ref> 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,<ref name=mlmw2/> [[Stephen Barrett]] of MLMWatch remarked upon the previous association between two authors of a 1996 Juice Plus research study <ref name=wise/> and [[United Sciences of America, Inc.]] (USAI), a multilevel marketing company that sold vitamin supplements with illegal claims that they could prevent many diseases.<ref name=mlmw3>{{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}}</ref><ref name=stare>{{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 = }}</ref><ref name=young>{{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 = }}</ref><ref name=renner>{{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 = }}</ref><ref name=holden>{{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 }}</ref><ref name=money>{{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 = }}</ref> In 1986, lead author [[John A. Wise]], who later co-authored several other Juice Plus research studies,<ref name=plotnick/><ref name=kiefer/><ref name=smith/><ref name=inserra/><ref name= Kawashima/> 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<ref name=mlmw3/><ref name=stare/><ref name=young/><ref name=renner/><ref name=holden/><ref name=money/> drove USAI out of business in 1987.<ref name=mlmw3/><ref name=young/><ref name=money/> 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,<ref name=NAIReuters>{{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}}</ref> and as of August, 2007, was listed as an NAI [[insider trading|insider]], with direct ownership of 59,600 shares of NAI stock<ref name=WiseInsider>{{cite 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}}</ref> and short-term vested options to purchase an additional 130,000 shares.<ref name=WiseOption>{{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}}</ref> == References == {{reflist|3}} == External links == * [http://www.juiceplus.com/ Juice Plus] - official website * [http://www.juiceplus.jp/e/ Juice Plus+®] - official website Japan [[Category:Dietary supplements]] [[Category:Multi-level marketing]]