Looking for an honest Juice Plus review? I researched the ingredients of Juice Plus supplements and shakes and this is what I found! Read below for an honest review of Juice Plus+.
Before it’s asked, this is the protein I use and recommend. I couldn’t find one good enough on the market, so I made my own. Grass-fed collagen with six organic superfoods: kale, spirulina, wheatgrass, broccoli, spinach and turmeric. I drink it in my daily smoothies and it gives me LIFE. Aka a healthy gut, glowing skin, strong digestion and energy for DAYS. Use code 10OFF for 10% off!
Juice Plus Review – this is what you need to know before signing up for that membership!
While you guys probably already know that I’m not a fan of meal replacement shakes (Herbalife, Isagenix, Beachbody, Advocare, Shakeology), you may not know that I am a fan of supplements.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not possible to supplement your way out of a bad diet, but specific supplements (that are food based) often make a great addition to a healthy diet.
So this Juice Plus review is going to be a bit different because they offer supplements as well as protein shakes and “nutrition bars.” And I like supplements. For the most part. But I don’t like JP supplements.
What’s in Juice Plus Supplements?
ORCHARD & GARDEN BLEND CAPSULES
ORCHARD AND GARDEN BLEND CHEWABLES (ADULT)
Looks good right? Vegetable powder, pineapple, cherry, peach, date?! That’s a lot of fruit. But there’s one big ol’ problem with this: folic acid.
Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate that is naturally found in food. This is a huge problem. Folate is a naturally occurring water-soluble B vitamin. Folic acid, however, is a synthesized form of folate that the body is unable to properly absorb or utilize.
In fact, folic acid supplementation has even been linked to cancer.
…in the Journal of the American Medical Association — suggesting that all the extra folic acid might increase your odds of developing cancer. “The more we learn about folic acid, the more it’s clear that giving it to everyone has very real risks,” says folic acid researcher David Smith, PhD, a professor of pharmacology at the University of Oxford in England.
Another study out of Chile linked folic acid supplementation with an increased risk of colon cancer.
And yet another study out of Norway linked folic acid supplementation with a 21% increase in lung cancer.
Folic acid and B12 supplementation was associated with a 21% increased risk for cancer, a 38% increased risk for dying from the disease, and an 18% increase in deaths from all causes.
While folate is a necessary part of a balanced diet, folic acid has actually been linked to increased rates of cancer (another source for ya).
What ingredients are in Juice Plus Shakes?
As for the protein shakes, I think it’s interesting that I could easily look at and pull up the ingredient lists for the above products, but the text was much smaller for these, not to mention that I wasn’t able to take a screenshot but instead had to hold the mouse down to keep the ingredient list enlarged and take a picture with my phone.
COMPLETE VARIETY DRINK MIX
SPICED APPLE + RAISIN NUTRITION BARS
Soy
I f*ucking hate soy. And you should too. Here’s why.
First, let’s clear up the idea that Eastern countries have been eating soy for thousands of years. Yes, Asian countries, in particular, eat soy. No, they do not eat soy the way Westerners do.
Only recently has soy become a replacement staple for meat. Asian countries consume soy as a condiment. In soy sauce, in miso soup, in aminos. They almost always ferment their soy which reduces the enzyme inhibitors, goitrogens and phytic acid that is naturally present in soy.
In the US, soy is not only one of the highest GMO crops (upward of 90%), it is also eaten as a staple. It’s in junk food. It’s in health food. This is because of a genius stroke of marketing.
What do you do with a crop as useless as soy? You convince people it’s healthy. You extract the oil from it using a process of extremely high heat, hexane (a neurotoxin) and bleaching.
Then with the leftover trash from this process, you create soy protein – what you find in meat substitutes and cheap protein shakes (except Juice Plus isn’t so cheap).
This study found that soy stimulated the growth of estrogen-dependent tumors found in breast cancer. And this one found the same thing.
This study found that,
“…this pilot study indicates that prolonged consumption of soy protein isolate has a stimulatory effect on the premenopausal female breast, characterized by increased secretion of breast fluid, the appearance of hyperplastic epithelial cells, and elevated levels of plasma estradiol. These findings are suggestive of an estrogenic stimulus from the isoflavones genistein and daidzein contained in soy protein isolate.“
Inflammation
Soy is high in omega-6 fatty acids and low in omega-3 fatty acids. Majority of Americans already have a high omega-6 intake and a low omega-3 intake. This is one of the reasons heart disease is the top killer in our country. A high omega-6 intake can negatively influence gene expression and lead to the formation of many diseases including atherosclerosis (source).
Phytic Acid & Goitrogens
Soy is high in phytic acid, also known as phytates. These phytates prevent the absorption of minerals like magnesium, iron, calcium and phosphorous (among others). This can be particularly problematic, especially for children.
Soy is also high in goitrogens which can interfere with the thyroid hormone, leading to hypothyroidism and even cancer.
Hormones, Phytoestrogen, Cancer
Soy is high in phytoestrogen (source). This can interfere and block normal estrogen, leading not just to hormonal imbalance but even breast cancer. Personal note: this is why my periods were so heavy, painful and irregular when I was a vegetarian as a teen.
Fertility
A study from Harvard found that men consuming the equivalent of one cup of soy milk per day had 50% lower sperm count than men who did not consume soy (even accounting for other factors like age, caffeine and alcohol intake, etc).
Another Swiss study found that consuming 100 mg of soy isoflavones per day was roughly the equivalent of consuming one birth control pill per day. So whether you’re a woman or man, if you want to have children or maintain a normal period, these shakes are really not the best option.
Let’s sum up this Juice Plus Review:
These are only a few of the issues with soy so you can see why consuming a Juice Plus shake made of soy on a regular basis is problematic, especially on a long-term basis.
Folic acid and soy are not the only issues I see with the ingredients in Juice Plus shakes and supplements, but they are the two big ones.
Eating folic acid and soy every day can lead to some serious health issues down the line.
I’ve said it before and it needs to be said again. Health is not found in a pill or a protein shake. There is no magic cure. Eat real food. Take healthy supplements.
Sources:
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/35874922/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/t/your-breakfast-giving-you-cancer/#.VLp9YWTF-xE
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19190501
http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20091117/folic-acid-b12-may-increase-cancer-risk
http://jn.nutrition.org/content/136/1/189.short
http://www.juiceplus.com/content/JuicePlus/en/buy/complete/juice-plus–complete-variety.html#.VLqE92TF-xE
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/sya-soy-formula/
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/content/23/11/2584.full
216 Comments
Do you have a review on d?TERRA’s slim & sassy shakes?
No.
Most likely not. I haven’t checked out the control bars/mix yet but I do take TerraGreens daily.
Dani,
Do you have supplement recommendations for my 4 year old girl who seems to always be sick. Coughing fits, infections, etc. ?
I think you need to do some more research on things that while you think you may have accurate facts. You do not and you are not talking about accurate information here. Why on why would doctors recommend taking folic acid when pregnant? Non gmo soy is infact very healthy for you. And it doesn’t raise your estrogen levels like led to believe. Do some research. All the ingredients listed or in fact non gmo. While most products are not non gmo. You might want to look at that. Omega 6 is just as important as omega 3 and actually it’s the omega 6 is hard to find. While it is most important that a healthy diet is best. You have to understand that not everyone can afford the 40 different fruits and veggies they offer and what make juice plus an excellent product. I have a church friend who was type 2 diabetes and 2 weeks after being on juice plus capsules his doctor took him off his insulin. NO I am NOT a JUICEPLUS rep but I am going to spread the word and help my rep that I purchase from….melindafink.juice plus.com. sure you don’t have to believe me but you need to try for yourself before you make an “unbiased opinion” thanks for reading
1. Doctors don’t recommend folic acid, they recommend folate.
2. Soy is not healthy, see studies:
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/68/6/1431S.long
http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/5/10/785.short
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11577007
As well as the various studies I provided in the article, that you’ve seemingly ignored.
3. Omega-6 is hard to find? You literally have no idea what you’re talking about. Omega-6 is seriously ubiquitous. This is why majority of people have such a high 6 to 3 ratio. Like, the fact that you even said that indicates your nutritional knowledge. I don’t mean this in a mean way, just a matter of fact kind of way.
4. Not shocked by that. Changing from a diet that caused type 2 to JP will cause some positive changes.
Please don’t tell me I have to do more research. It’s offensive.
In Canada Drs do suggest folic acid I took that during my pregnancy of my oldest was told to take it once a day and I did for the 10 months. We are told it’s imperative for babies brain and eye development. I’m not sure how how healthy it is now which scares me.
They recommend folate – the natural form of folic acid. The terms are used interchangeably, but folate is absolutely necessary for babies.
Lea’s comment was hard to follow and intensely biased. Not trying to be mean but I would definitely re-read and edit all comments before sending from now on if I was her…..
I’m not trying to argue and I know this post is old, I’ve had 3 pregnancies and was told to take FOLIC ACID each time. I even brought the supplement labeled FOLIC ACID in to the Doctor and they said it was fine. I haven’t seen a product called Folate, do you have a brand recommendation?
Also I use Juice Plus and I am a new rep. I have done a lot of research about it and listened to a lot of testimonials and videos about the product. They have changed their formula. It doesn’t have a “supplement label” it is a Nutrition facts label.
The Vegetable Blend ingredients for the CHEWABLES are:
tapioca syrup, maltodextrin, organic evaporated cane juice, fruit and vegetable juice powder and pulp from carrot, parsley, broccoli, rice bran, kale, cabbage, spinach, beet, tomato, garlic, lemon peel; pectin, citric acid, ascorbic acid, natural color (black carrot juice concentrate, elderberry), natural flavor (cherry and other natural flavors), lactic acid, natural blend coating, sunflower d-alpha-tocopherol, beta carotene
The Orchard Blend ingredients for the CHEWABLES are:
tapioca syrup, maltodextrin, organic evaporated cane juice, fruit and vegetable juice powder and pulp from apple, cranberry, orange, beet root, pineapple, acerola cherry, papaya, peach, date, prune; pectin, citric acid, ascorbic acid, lactic acid, natural blend coating, natural flavor (orange), citrus bioflavonoids, citrus pectin, glucomannan, d-alpha tocopherol, beta carotene.
The Berry Blend ingredients for the CHEWABLES are:
tapioca syrup, maltodextrin, organic evaporated cane juice, fruit and vegetable juice powder and pulp from cocoa, concord grape, pomegranate, blueberry, green tea, cranberry, ginger root, blackberry, bilberry, raspberry, artichoke leaf, elderberry, black currant,; pectin, citric acid, natural flavor (blueberry, pomegranate, and other natural flavors), ascorbic acid, natural blend coating, sunflower d-alpha tocopherol, tangeretin, grape seed, lactic acid
As you can see they do not add FOLIC ACID to their products, they may have three years ago but not now.
They are also vegan, gluten-free and made from all non-GMO ingredients; it contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives; and no added starch.
Juice Plus+ has changed their recipe, improved and upgraded it to make it better and more nutritious.
Maybe you can conduct another research on the product and give an up-to-date unbiased review?
I would greatly appreciate it since I feed this to my children and take it myself.
Thank you.
I have been on JuicePlus for a year now and my doctor recommends it and also a surgeon that I went to gave it praises. Took lab results back in October and my doctor told me that my lab result looked like it did when I was in my late 20s. No more high blood pressure, lost over 30 lbs, have natural energy and walk a lot, no more bloating, sleep good and it’s helped me to learn about Whole Food Nutrition and I’ll stick with it. My lab results had no high readings and my HDL and LOL were AWESOME, too.
Each to their own opinion, but I’ll stick with a company that has doctors that support and teach people about nutrition and that JP has been in medical journals, in which some are hard to get in to. I will be going and listening to Dr. SEARS in a few weeks and he uses JP personally and in his practice.
Amazing to me how much weight people put on what a doctor tells them as opposed to doing your own research on ingredients! Doctors are trained to prescribe meds… Not holistically trained. Not arguing for or against juice plus… just do your own research!
I was on Juice Plus for 8 years. All three (veggies, fruit, and the vineyard). Two years after taking it I developed testicular cancer. I have no history of that form of cancer in our family- mother or father). I also noticed my joints ached a bit more. Positive effects was less serious colds (same duration, but less severe). I never took lots of vitamins before JP. I was convinced that the JP helped me survive the cancer. Prior to JP I had three exams that showed not cancer. The specialists noted that it was a sudden onset. He described it as weird. I kept up with my Juice Plus Regiment for four more years. Over that time my left foot began to ache. I was diagnosed with Raynaulds syndrome. The symptoms in my foot got worse and my doctor asked me to stop supplements to see what would happen. The Symptoms actually got better, but they we’re always there. However, I got a correct diagnosis two years later – Chronic Myeloproliferative disorder. My bone marrow produces too many platelets and my red cell were high. Again, no one in my family tree has ever had this disease.
Do I shake my head YES when I read that some ingredients in JP May/cause problems- yes. I believe, at the very least, it did nothing to prevent any illness. There are published journals showing it has made cancers worse when doctors have used JP to treat people. I have these articles.
The positive effects of JP can be easily explained easily. It’s high in vitamin D, C and A. Everyone should be supplementing with Vitamin D in northern countries. Minimum of 5000 based on what the experts recommend. I have tons of research to back this.
The positive effects of JP are proven in studie. There are many studies. All funded by the company that makes JP. The research puts JP against a placebo. JP shows good results against a placebo. It shows that it produces favourable results. The problem is they cannot control for diet between the control and experimental groups. My beef is they don’t compare JP against a cheap multivitamin. The three blends cost almost 100 Canadian. Imagine adding $100 more fruits and vegetables to your diet- that’s over and about your current intake. They have never publish a study comparing JP to $100 more fruits and veggies to your existing diet. If you buy frozen, organic fruits (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries) and vegetables, a $100 gets you a lot for a month. Add that to your existing food intake and you get results far greater than JP. Add medium chain fats like walnuts, avocados, pumpkin seeds, chi seeds, almonds, coconut butter, etc. and you have something that will begin to produce positive health changes.
That’s my 2 cents.
I am a Juice Plus distributor and I agree! Get ur facts straight! I’ve been using Juice Plus now for two years…I was pre- diabetic, fibromyalga all over, osteoarthritis all over, six degenerative disc, two bulging, plus I weighed over 230…. I was taking at least ten different meds, even for bp and cholesterol!!! Now I’ve lost fifty lbs, off all meds, have more energy then I’ve had for years! As far as I’m concerned Juice Plus complete program works! All my customers have had similar results! My sister was diagnosed with liver cancer six months ago and now they can’t find it!!! Juice plus again…..
He needs more research! Juice Plus is one of the top researched companies in the world!!! His facts r not correct! It has got me well and off meds for fibromyalga, cholesterol, bp, osteoarthritis, …..I have the energy I had twenty years ago in just two years of using Juice Plus! It is very healthy and helps us fill the gap from what we can’t get by just eating!
I was on Juice plus for 1 1/2 years, did nothing for me, no change in autoimmune issues, acid reflux, skin, nothing. I believe their studies have a lot of problems and I can say from my own experience I received no benefits whatsoever. There is just no way they do what they claim. Look at other articles that are even more scientific that debunk Juice Plus and their claims, there are quite a few on the internet and easy to find.
Hi folks, I’m a former user and distributor of Juice Plus+ and became seriously ill. Now I’ve liver-cancer.? My doctors at the MD-ANDERSON-CANCER-CENTER in Houston, Texas, told me, that I had immediately to stop taking these products. And they told me why. In the following link to the American Journal of Medicine (AMJMED) you find a study, where these doctors describe, that you may get liver-cancer from this powder:
http://www.AMJMED.com/article/S0002-9343(09)00712-8/abstract
So it seems, that these powders were not good for me and I regret that I’ve eaten them and recommended them in all my ignorance.
Meanwhile I searched through the internet, what I didn’t do during the times before. And folks, what I readed on the websites of JUICEPLUS-REVIEWS, FOODUCATE and especially in JUICEPLUS-DOCTORS-CRITICS changed my opinion and gave me informations, that I didn’t have until that day.
So, now I know, why my doctors in the University of Texas, one of world’s best cancer institutes, warned me. Thank you!!
For those, who are interested in more informations, here are the links:
http://www.JUICEPLUS-DOCTORS-CRITICS.info
http://www.JUICEPLUS-REVIEWS.com/multi-level-marketing-business-or-scam/
http://www.FOODUCATE.com/app#!page=post&id=57A356BE-0A17-04AE-43B4-8D07D26112FD
I hope that the editorial office of this forum is willing to publish such a critical comment to warn other people from the danger of these products. I hope so!
That first link of yours, where the doctor uses it as “proof” that JP can cause liver cancer, is quite misleading. It was a case study about one woman, first of all. And she was on Cipro(!), Advil, AND Tylenol!!! Ugh Cipro is one of the most damaging antibiotics you can put in your body. And she didn’t have cancer. She had elevated liver enzymes after beginning a regimen of Juice Plus. You know what happens when you start Juice Plus? You detox. You know what part of your body helps you detox? YOUR LIVER. You know why her levels went “back to normal” after she discontinued Juice Plus? Because her liver was no longer working overtime to detox all of the crap she deposits into her system daily. You know what ACTUALLY causes liver problems?? Alcohol, pharmaceuticals, and ADVIL AND TYLENOL!!!! Holy goodness. Look up herx reaction because that is what was happening to her body – and herxing means healing.
Emily! Exactly my thoughts! The minute I read cipro I was skeptical… You broke this down so perfectly! Thank you!
The blind leading the blind.
This is not how the body works. Elevated liver enzymes are NOT from the liver detoxing. We would see improved liver enzymes from that, not elevated. This is why alcoholics have elevated liver enzymes. Are they detoxing too?
Thanks Emily. I appreciate your research and input. Thanks for clearing things up.
Thank you for including this comment and the links!! I started reading about this because I have family members who are Juice Plus reps and users and I saw a video one of them posted of giving it to their baby!!!! I was deeply concerned and now I am doubly so…
The sheer amount of typos in this comment completely negates any credibility that it might have had.
1st link – is about alternative medicine – not JP
2nd link is in German – ???
3rd link is about a pyramid scheme -not JP
4th link Doesnt work
You take folic acid for the short time of prgnancy because low folic acid was linked to spina bifida. So as with everything during pregnancy, its for the baby. She sited her sources. I would say this is well written and acurate. As with anything there is often conflicting information available.
Lea…wow, this is the reason I laugh at online comments, especially regarding health and wellness issues. you obviously are a promoter of JP and truly uninformed about health and wellness in general. Sounds like you listened to a JP rep at a happy hour one friday!!!! Thank goodness Dani put you in your place as far as the reply to your comments are concerned. Wow, Wow, Wow!!!
Thanks Sean! It’s just insane to me that these people, who literally have no nutritional knowledge, feel qualified to discuss the subject and make crazy, untrue statements as if they’re facts. It’s like me going up to a mechanic and telling them how to do their job.
This is silly, yes you probably know more but to state someone shouldn’t comment or have an opinion for lack of degree is silly.. i hope you never have an opinion or comment on anything you don’t hold a degree on…. plus i love that many are waking up to nutrition and are trying….
This is my first time seeing any of your content (sent by a colleague) and I notice a lot of attitude – totally cool; I love brutal honesty. But what are your qualifications to shut people down who disagree in the comments like that? I looked at your “about” and it mentions nothing of any sort of formal medical or other nutrition-related education. You’re a CNC – not a licensed nutritionist, board cert in holistic nutrition, or even a degree holder in something like Biology.
My little brother (20 years old) got his CNC after buying some books and paying a few hundred for the test. They literally mailed the exam to his dorm. I appreciate you pulling sources and staying true to your brand, but it seems you’re just a Googler (like everyone else here) who paid $500 or so for a title. Be brutally honest, but relax on all the defense – you’re only a step above the people you’re directing your condescension to.
Personally, I’ll stay on JP+ and my lab results have been the best they hsve been in years and I hsve been on this program for over two years and I believe you need to do a little more research. I feel good and hsve lost weight and exercise now and I love this program and what all it offers! This program had taught me to read labels and eat healthier.
“This program had taught me to read labels and eat healthier.”
That’s why your blood work is improved.
That’s one of my biggest questions regarding the results people say they are seeing while on JP! I’m not a Dr. nor a nutritionist, but if JP encouraged you to eat healthier and get more active, etc. , it is hard to say that the actual JP products improved your health, vs. the lifestyle changes alone.
This person has their own supplements they are selling which is why she is trying to discredit other companies. If they were what she said doctors and these studies wouldn’t be published in tons of medical journals and magazines. She is wrong. Juice Plus and Young Living are two of best products I have ever used and I am fighting cancer and an auto immune disease and have to take NOThING prescribed!! Just diet and the natural stuff. Because diet is 80% MY doctors saw such a change in my blood work and I didn’t tell them what I was doing they said whatever ur doing keep it up!! Anyone can post stuff on internet try what works for your body with guidance of someone that went to medical school like a doctor or a physician assistant. Nobody can fault her for wanting to educate and make a living but bashing other products with misleading information is wrong. And there are different guidelines these companies have to go by with labeling because of FDA because pharmaceutical companies wouldn’t make money if we could heal ourselves naturally. Sorry but this article is BIASED.
Even if my article is biased, it doesn’t change the fact that I proided numerous scientific sources to back up all of my critiques. JP isn’t in tons of medical journals. To my knowledge it’s not in a single medical journal, so not sure what you’re talking about there.
Young Living is great, no arguments there.
The information I provided is not misleading, it’s scientifically accurate. Just because I also sell supplements, because as a nutritionist it’s literally part of my job, should have no bearing on reviewing the ingredients in other products. I can only be trustworthy if I sell nothing and make no money and have no career in the health field? That’s insane.
Juice Plus actually has 37 reasearch studies so far. Double blind, cross over, peer reviewed. They are all published in medical journals. I personally have been taking Juice Plus for a little more than a year. My TPO (thyroid antibody levels – I have an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s) went from 1311 to 659 in ONE year with NO other changes. Ate garbage all year, went through a pregnancy, switched jobs, lots of stress. All things which have made my TPO go up in the past. But for the first time in my life, I had to decrease my thyroid medication.
I don’t think it’s right to title this an unbiased review. In face, I don’t think you should be reviewing it until you have tried it and gotten all of the information necessary to make such claims.
As far as soy goes, fractionated soy products are very harmful. GMO soy is very harmful. Soy sauce and other condiments are not the only type of soy Asian cultures eat (what?!). Juice Plus gets their soy from a farmer named Raymond. Thanks Raymond!! Non GMO, organically grown, washed, and processed WHOLE, not fractionated, preserving all the nutrition of soy. Soy gets a bad wrap, but it’s really quite a superfood when eaten whole.
Juice Plus and Juice Plus shakes combined contain over 45 fruits, vegetables, and grains which are bioavailable. Which means that our bodies know exactly what to do with it. No taxing digestion process or anything like that. It’s proven to even help turn on our good genes and turn off our bad.
I very strongly urge you to try juice Plus for a year, immerse yourself in all of the research, learn about the history of the company, educate yourself on how it’s made and the protocols used to ensure the most nutrition possible is going in to each and every capsule, BEFORE you write a review. Especially if you want it to be an unbiased one.
Just saying…
Anthea RN
P.S. as a mom of three I can tell you with utmost certainty that doctors recommend you to take folic acid before, during, and after pregnancy.
Actually, Juice Plus is in over 20 Medical
Journals and is the most researched nutritional product in the world. I physically own some of the journals and studies and have seen it with my own eyes. Clearly you would know about the studies if you were as knowledgeable as you say you are.
She does, and needs to stop re saying what Dr. Ax, Dr. Mercola is saying on her blogs. She is also not a doctor, she is an internet marketer, who has chosen to blog, build a platform and business around Paleo Nutrition. Notice on her recommended supplement website that Garden of Life is there and Folic Acid is in the product not folate, note she will take it down after she reads this to stay congruent with marketing efforts. She missed this Research article on Alzheimer’s about Folic Acid, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26224648, Folic acid attenuates the effects of amyloid ? oligomers on DNA methylation in neuronal cells. She also mentions that there is no research on Juice Plus, Check out the Journal of Biochem, JofN etc.
Hopefully this reply is posted and not censored.
Dr. J
Garden of Life only uses folate. Not sure what you’re talking about.
Oh dear Lea, you really haven’t got a clue about JP have you. As a Dietician and a Nutritional Psychologist, I can assure you that JP is not a good route to take.
Agreed. There is NO folic acid in Juice plus. And the soy? Per Dr. Mirta Ray: The soy in Complete™ is made from non-GMO, water washed, minimallyprocessed soy, similar to crushed edamame. Many who have ‘allergies to soy’ I
find really have allergies to GMO soy, and have no issues with Complete. The
isoflavones in soy have been shown to fight cancer and are an integral part of
more cutting-edge cancer therapies along with being beneficial in balancing
hormones in both men and women. Complete contains many other beneficial
plant protein sources besides soy, and has been clinically shown to build lean
mass. Beyond being a source of protein Complete has fiber to promote a healthy
gut biome. People experience sustainable energy, balanced blood sugar levels
and decreased cravings because Complete is a low glycemic load source of
complex carbohydrates.
Doctors, or to be more specific, physicians study 14 hours of nutrition. That’s as much as an esthetician. Physicians study Anatomy and Physiology, but above all they study Medicine and nutrition is only brushed upon. I would not trust a physician who also recommends that a pregnant woman go through a glucose tolerance test since that drink has terrible ingredients. I always do my own research NOT ON BLOGS. True scientific research is Double-blind and Peer-reviewed. Watch out for P-hacking. If you don’t know what P-hacking is, look it up first before doing research.
There is NO longer folic acid in juice plus and it is a great way to get flooded with fruits and vegetables.
Technically, you should provide an update to this review as they have removed the Folic Acid and replaced it with Folate, making the capsules a reasonable choice now. I agree soy is harmful and shouldn’t be used.
Total agree with the folic acid. But there soy is suppose to be gmo free , fermented and nsf certified . Let me know what your thoughts are after watching this video .
https://www.facebook.com/juiceplus.us/videos/2465187853494715/
I came across your site looking up how bad herbalife was (because I already knew it was, just wanted some science to back me up). Was not shocked in the least about them. After looking up and down and all around your page, I’m learning so much. Never would’ve guessed that Folic Acid is bad for you. And not just bad but REALLY REALLY bad.
I’m so glad I found you and your page. It’s opening my eyes to just how bad I really was eating when I’m thinking I’m being healthy. In fact, you have inspired me to start taking classes on any and everything nutrition. I want to know what I’m eating and how it’s effecting me.
Thank you so much for telling it like it is.
So happy to help!
I find this information surprising as I have taken Juice Plus everyday and have taken it for about nine years without missing a day (maybe one or two days). I had severe liver issues that are now resolved completely. I am the only male in my family without any prostrate problems. All in all I think Juice Plus has been a great, easy way to keep my health and energy levels up but of course I don’t know for sure if that is due to Juice Plus. Also I have not had a serious cold for many years and usually sleep well, much better than before I started Juice Plus. I wonder what these other conclusions are really based on. I am open minded if there is really any basis to this I would like to know. I am a 68 year old male. Please respond. Thank you.
oooh very timely, was just looking for this.
Please note that the “folic acid” in Juice Plus is folate. Since they have a nutrition facts label and not a supplement label (because it is whole food) they have to label folic acid according to government regulations. If you look on the nutrition facts label, it is listed as folate. also, all Juice Plus stuff is non-GMO and better than organic, they are NSF certified. That is a very good certification to get. Yes, I am a rep. However, I was a hard sell. I did a TON of reading and research. Many, many doctors back Juice Plus and even stake their reputation on it by recommending it to patients. 32 double blind, placebo controlled research studies done by third parties prove that Juice Plus does excellent things for the body, even in the bodies of those who are already “healthy”
Oh…and don’t get me wrong. I am completely all for people eating more clean, whole foods. I just know it is unrealistic to think that people will eat the recommended amount of fruits and veggies daily. Many people can’t, don’t, or won’t eat the variety and amount of fruits and veggies they need and that is where Juice Plus can really make a difference. I have noticed in myself that I will actually eat more fruits and veggies since taking Juice Plus. Stuff I wouldn’t eat before, I now love! It’s all about giving the body what it needs because then it starts wanting what it needs.
I also love my doTERRA oils for everything else 😉
If they used folate, it would be listed on the label as folate. I’ve even been sent information on why they use folic acid instead of folate.
They do actually use folate. If you look at the current nutrition label on the juice plus capsules it says folate and folic acid is no where to be found on the label because they have changed it out. I figured you should know this so you can update accordingly. Also keep in mind that the Complete and other products using soy are non-gmo. If you have done your readings the biggest problem is with GMO soy. Utilizing water-washed non-gmo soy that is minimally processed is quite different than soy in general.
False. GMO soy is terrible, but non-GMO soy doesn’t somehow magically become a healthy ingredient. Can you provide a link to the new use of folate? I’m definitely happy to change the article if that’s the case.
Hi Dani! Great article thanks for all your help with this. I was just curious about your last name, are you by chance related to Logan Stout? I also wanted to know if you have done or are going to do an unbiased review of ID Life? You can take the free assessment at http://www.bgutzy.idlife.com I would love to have your thoughts on it please. Have a great day and I am loving all your responses to anyone who is critical of what you are posting, very respectful and to the point. Be blessed!!
I have current bottles of the capsules which clearly have folic acid in the ingredients list. If i could leave a pic here i sure would! The folic acid and calcium ascorbate I am stopping them and I have garden of life already.
If you go to the Juice Plus website and look at the nutrition labels, they clearly have it labeled as Folic Acid.
http://www.juiceplus.com/us/en/buy/capsules/orchard-and-garden-blends
Yep!
I just now checked my juice plus bottle of capsules to see what is says about folic acid or folate. It definitely says( Folic Acid). I been taking the Juice Plus for almost 3 weeks. Wow I get constipated and then I finally get straightened out and it happens all over again. I called the rep. of who I bought it from and told me to change how I been taking them Instead of 2 three times a day to 3 two times a day. It hasn’t helped yet. Now I get many places on my skin that itches and I have to put lotion on my skin to get it to stop. almost like hives only I can’t see a rash. My Pharmacy said to stop the Juice Plus for 4 or 5 days and see if it helps so I am going to . I read here somewhere that side effect can be a rash. So far I have not had any great things happening with the Juice Plus that they said I would but maybe not been on it long enough yet. I will keep you all informed.
I am experiencing the same symptoms….after stopping are you feeling better?
You’re contradicting yourself here. Above you say that Garden of Life uses folate not folic acid despite the fact that the label explicitly says folic acid. But when it comes to Juice Plus you’re arguing that if it was folate and not folic acid it should have to say so on the label. Why is Garden of Life the exception here it doesn’t make any sense and contradicts your points
This is correct! I’m a Juice Plus distributor and I know the products r all natural! And what Cindy said is also true!
Doctors have no nutritional training what so ever when it comes to your health. All they do is manage symptoms with drugs.
Functional Medicine MDs have the best training and are up to date on how nutritional biochemisry and toxicity affects health. It’s the best healthcare available now. Concentrating vegetables and fruits for the phytochemical properties is a great idea, however, it’s critical to use ORGANIC. If we don’t, we’re also concentrating pesticides and herbicides that will bioaccumulate over time. I have researched this company thoroughly. I’m not satisfied how they hide behind NSF certification on this issue. They don’t source organic. NSF testing cannot tell us how much exposure we’re getting in all of JP products. It’s best to stay away from MLM nutritional companies as a rule. Their primary goal is making $. They use nutrition and the public’s vulnerability as their vehicle. It’s best to seek counsel from a licensed qualified practitioner. The last JP MD I heard speak knew nothing about nutrition .
No, MDs have zero to little idea regarding nutrition. Maybe some of them get around later on during their careers, but you normally don’t get to practice actual medicine daily and still become an expert on nutrition.
Just doesn’t happen, sorry.
Lady, the label says “folate” but if you go to your juice plus sure and read you will see that they even admit it is folic acid and not folate. It’s synthetic. It’s crap.
Thanks. That is what I have heard over the years from many other Juice Plus takers.
GF
Can you please provide links to the 32 double blind placbo controlled research studies?
I’m struggling to find anything like that.
Also considering that the shakes and other products are meant to be used as part of a clean living plan, can you provide any real proof that it’s juice plus products provinding benefits and not the effects of a clean healthy diet?
Thanks
Thank you so much for doing these reviews. I got on Facebook today and was going to do some reviews myself because I was so angered by the shit they put in these “healthy” supplements. It kills me as a nutritionist to see people handing out crap and us who know real nutrition struggling to find clients.
Couldn’t have said that better myself!
I’m having the same struggle. I recently decided that I’d rather not coach if it means marketing crap!
Would be cool to see a network marketing product that was actually good, such a fantastic business model. What do you think about doing a review of Arbonne? They are a certified vegan company!
I participate in network marketing through doTERRA, which is high quality essential oils and supplements. Arbonne review in the next month.
Thank you for all your wonderful reviews!
Welcome!
Thank You Dani! I had no idea Folic Acid was so bad. The gummy vitamins I’ve been taking have about 400 mcg per serving. I’m going to stop taking them. A coworker just offered the juice plus product and I was very sceptical. After reading several reviews about the products I firmly believe that if its to good to be true, it probably isn’t.
I’m very confused about the folic acid/folate issue. It’s listed as folic acid and I was told they used folic acid. Yet I’ve had several people comment to say it’s listed as folate.
I use Juice Plus and just looked at the label on the chewables. It says “Folate 35%.” I am unable to upload a picture with my post, but I would be happy to email you a picture of the current label. I also use the shakes and can tell you there is a huge difference in the type of soy that is used. The shakes are plant-based, gluten-free, and minimally processed with a nutrition label, not a supplement label. They are safe to pregnant women and children to drink. On the back of the shake package it specifically states “Juice Plus Complete is made from all non-GMO ingredients.”
Ditto!!! Melinda!
Juice plus capsules are unbalanced and cause liver damage as it raises aspartate aminotransferase and bilirubin leading to hepatotoxicity
Rosalinda,
Read the published science in Juiceplus. I have used it for over 16 years and at 63 am in far better health than I was at 30. I started it because of the research. As a nurse I had not been able to find anything with science behind it…. and almost 17 years later I can’t find anything else….. still! Folic acid by the way, is the reason you get prenatal vitamins! Many OBGYNs in my partnif the world (as well as other medical experts) prefer Juiceplus and use it themselves because of the research!
Would love to see a review done on ItWorks. Particularly whether their body wraps are safe to use and if their product called “Greens” is healthy or not.
No problem, can you send a link?
I had to close off all the comments from Disqus about Juice Plus until I read yours….. when I came to the part of soy and non GMO I had the exact same reaction as you. Fabulous article! Well written and researched. Shared on Google + and Pinterest! Also joined your FB page!
Thank you!!
I don’t want to get involved in the folate/folic acid controversy. I do know one thing for sure. If you think that you are getting your vitamins and minerals from the fruits and vegetables that you are eating, you are mistaken. The US government conducted a study that showed the soils used for growing the food is depleted. That report was written in the 1930s. If the soil was depleted back then, think about what it is like today! Farmers can get plants to grow in the soil using fertilizer. Unfortunately, the fertilizers the farmers are using contain a mere 3 minerals. The plants need 3 minerals to grow. The human body needs upwards of 60 minerals. The plants would absorb the minerals from the soil, if the soil wasn’t depleted of these minerals as far back as the 1930s. So eat, eat, eat … those fruits and vegetables, but they aren’t doing you much good.
Fruits and vegetables aren’t doing much good? You know that Juice Plus contains fruits and vegetables right? That’s basically their entire platform.
Hey! I love all the info, so on the ingredients of the juice plus capsules it says it does contain folic acid, and then in the break down it says Folate70% – how do you know whats what and how much is to much? or just avoid all?
Hmmm…that’s odd. I’d suggest contacting customer service to clear it up for you.
Thank you for doing all of this! I have someone on one of my facebook page pushing this stuff http://visalus.com/pdf/visalus_vishape.pdf and I would love for you to do a review of it since you have a much larger following than I do. I keep posting “just eat real food people” but I feel like slamming my head against my desk. Sucralose, soy isolates, sunflower oil…..BUT BUT it tasts just like CAKE!
I’m wondering is there a supplement/shake that you do suggest? I’m trying to find something for my husband with RA and prediabetic. Thank you for your help.
Email me at [email protected]
Hello, I was curious about Shakeology vs. Juice Plus, and stumbled upon this page. When i read about the folic acid i thought, hmm, that sounds familiar. And it was familiar because pregnant women need to get enough folic acid to be sure their baby develops properly in the first few weeks or so. Anyway, in your article folic acid sounds dangerous, but in reality it’s a part of everything else people need to be sure they’re consuming. Everything in moderation i guess – the link on web md mentions its benefits, why people need it, and the problems associated with taking too much. Thanks.
http://www.m.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1017/folic+acid/source-3
No, pregnant mothers need folate. Folic acid is extremely dangerous for pregnant mothers, and as such I do not use or recommend it. Folic acid is the generic name for folate, which is likely where your misunderstanding comes from. But prenatals with folic acid instead of folate need to be avoided.
Are you a Dr.? I was under the impressiom from my fertility endocrinologist that folic acid was necessary for proper development of the fetus, however some women have a specific genetic mutation (MTHFKR) gene that doesnt allow them to process folic acid correctly…you disagree?
I’m not sure where you’re getting your information from, but as a physician we recommend folic acid supplementation to all females in reproductive age to take .4mg of Folic Acid/daily. If they’re high risk mothers who have had a child with neural tube defects, we recommend 4g of Folic Acid/daily.
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/recommendations.html
Your paper on FA causing colon CA forgot one piece of information – the “fortification of flour with folic acid” paper on the right hand side of the column.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20629350
For the readers, this is what the conclusion states: “Mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid has proved to be one of the most successful public health interventions in reducing the prevalence of NTD-affected pregnancies. Most developing countries have few, if any, common sources of folic acid, unlike many developed countries, which have folic acid available from ready-to-eat cereals and supplements.”
I actually contacted the company because I wondered the same thing with the serious methylation issues we are seeing. If you look at the new labeling on the capsules, they have changed the labeling to Folate, and have told me that they have no synthetic b vitamin supplementation in those capsules. I can’t speak for the rest because I was only interested in learning about the folic/folate issue for the capsules.
That’s awesome! Thanks!
I no longer recommend it.
Thank you Dani!! Such truth and you told it well! So glad you’re being true to your passion!
Hi Dani,
I’m curious if you will be updating this article to reflect the fact Juice Plus has naturally occurring folate in it, and not synthetic folic acid… I would be glad to send you the information from the company explaining this.
Thank you,
Brittany
Is it possible that the Juice plus capsules raise blood pressure?
I suppose it could be possible. Everyone is so different and the way you react to a particular ingredient may be different than the way someone else reacts.
Is soy the same as soya? I drink soya milk because of its claim to have b12, calcium, protein & lower sat fat than cows milk. should I stop drinking it then & drink almond milk? Im pescitarian. I tend to eat mycoprotein rather than soy as meat replacement. Hope im not wrong here too
It’s the same. I would never ever recommend drinking that.
You went from just reading the label, but not researching deep enough. Research is Everything to me, so I went a step more. In order to comply with FDA regs, JP+ had to add trace amounts of folic acid. The amount is negligible, which makes this the best “prenatal” on the market. The other issue is the soy – unlike 99% of the dangerous, cancer-causing soy Americans consume, JP+ uses NON-GMO soy, which, as I’m sure you know, is a totally different entity, and actually GOOD for not only men and women, but people going through cancer. I also just found out that it’s MEDLINE score (Medline is the top 10% of scientific research in the World) is over 100! A “good” score in this data base is 5 or 10.
Why is all this important? Because MOST of the supplements and products out there have dangerous components to them, and some of the ingredients are Horrible for you to consume. I (and I’m sure most of the people reading this) want to stand behind the great products that are the purest, have the best scientific, Gold Standard research, are NSF certified, and do good things for our bodies.
I’m not sure where you’re sourcing your information from, but it is entirely false. The FDA absolutely does not require any company to add trace amounts of folic acid to a product. This actually makes no sense. There are tons of products on the market that contain only folate and no folic acid (ie: in the products I recommend). If JP told you they added folic acid to comply with the FDA, when no other company that utilizes folate has to do this, that is a lie.
While non-GMO soy is indeed a better option than GMO soy, it doesn’t somehow make it a healthy product (I say product, not food). To extract the protein from soy, it undergoes extreme processing. Not to mention that soy increases the need for B12, is high in phytic acid which blocks mineral absorption, is rich in goitrogens which negatively impact the thyroid and soy is high in phytoestrogen, which mimics estrogen in the body, which in turn actually is a risk factor for cancer. Ever heard of estrogen dominance?
If research is everything to you, check out these studies on the various issues associated with soy:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16965913
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11694625
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/68/6/1431S.long
http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/5/10/785.short
“Folate is often called the natural form of vitamin B9, but it actually refers to a family of different compound that occur naturally in some vegetables.
Folic acid is the supplemental or “synthetic” form of vitamin B9 and is typically the first line of treatment for folate deficiency and related health conditions, such as high homocysteine and Neural Tube Defects (1, 2).
In fact, it has been so beneficial for the general population that the addition (fortification) of folic acid to wheat flour is now mandatory in Australia, USA, Canada and several other countries (3).
But note that folic acid is also found naturally in foods, as it is just another compound of folate.
Any folic acid we ingest must be metabolised (converted) into Dihydrofolate (DHF), Tetrahydrofolate (THF), and then finally into L-methylfolate (5-MTHF) to be used in the body. Once in this form it can be transported into cells, tissues and even across the blood-brain barrier.“
It is not unlike the FDA and Doctors to recommend folic Acid or require it in foods. There might be negative evidence against it, but JP is not a supplement it is considered a Food item and thus must meet FDA food regulations.
Sadly the FDA isn’t in our best interest all the time.
So what do you recommend as a multi vitamin supplement for adults and kids?
https://ancestral-nutrition.com/shop/supplements/
Dani. You obviously have a hatred to JP for some reason. The fact that folic acid is the only argument against JuicePlus is mind boggling. It’s the very last ingredient on the label. I just want to say that I’m a JP user. Not a distributor or rep. And I had remarkable results. The product is NSF certified. From the best soil. And the products are proven in 30+ independent research studies.
Maybe read the whole article, folic acid is not my only argument – I also hate soy!
I recommend Youngevity. So far so good after reversing my chronic condition. They have plant based products that have basically built up my immune system including keeping sinus infections and colds at bay. So far so good. They are formulated by an ND. Price is a bit high on a monthly basis but well worth it. The way the formula works is that it does not exceed over the required amounts in vitamins and minerals which would lead to toxicity. I know some might try to find a flaw but I have come to trust their brand.
It can’t be an Unbiased view of JP when you sell another product now can it?!!?
https://ancestral-nutrition.com/shop/supplements/
Nice try though!
I’m a holistic nutritionist…of course I recommend other supplements. It’s literally part of my job. I just happen to choose supplements of higher quality and caliber.
There is a huge difference between recommending supplements and being part of a large MLM corporation. She “recommends” Garden of Life products; she isn’t their ambassador, they do their own marketing and selling. They just happen to also make really good products! Being an affiliate is so different from “building your income base” like MLM’s do.
Hi, I found this posting because a friend who has been using Juice+ invited a few of us to try it out.
I just wanted to make on comment about folic acid. I wish you would have put an emphasis on “extra” in regards to folic acid. It’s okay to have folic acid, it’s the “extra” part people need to be careful with. Ladies who are wanting to get pregnant, and during pregnancy, have to up their intake of folic acid. Without it, the chances of having a neural tube defect during pregnancy greatly increase. My best friend had a NTD with her first pregnancy and lost the baby. Dr’s said it was partly because the lack of folic acid in her diet. I have been instructed by my Dr. to make sure I’m taking a supplement with folic acid in it as well.
Anyway…I GREATLY appreciate the writeup about this. I haven’t decided if I will try Juice+ or not. I don’t often get sick and I try to eat as healthy as I can. Thank you!
Actually it’s not the “extra” folic acid that’s the issue. Folic acid is synthetic folate, which is why it’s CRITICALLY important for pregnant women or women trying to get pregnant to take actual folate. Doctors often use the terms interchangeably, but they mean folate. Please take a prenatal with folate and not folic acid.
Oh doctors just flip flop on which word they use – no big deal. And these are the people we are supposed to trust with our health and they can’t even explain things thoroughly? If it’s so vitally important whether it is folate or folic acid then they should start with the education of the difference and explain that completely to patients. The fact that you blow that off as a simple “oops” like well we know what they mean is ridiculous! You talk about semantics and then turn around & act like it doesn’t matter. Can’t have it both ways.
The issue with your argument about the soy that Juice Plus uses is that Juice Plus does not process their non-GMO, water washed soy in the way in which you are describing. To me, this completely discredits your entire article, because you are only reading the label & you have not looked into the farms where they grow their produce, how their produce is grown, the NSF label they carry, the soil conditions they require of their farmers, the dedication the farmers are to rotating the crops, the nutritional value of the soybeans that tests can show, the fact that they never heat their produce or soy at high temperatures, they have a very specific way that they do things to retain nutrients & they have study after study to back this up. You really don’t know what you are talking about, honestly & this review is not based on honest information. You are taking general information about what companies typically do, Juice Plus is far from typical. I have researched and researched as a concerned healthcare practitioner, I’ve never seen a company like Juice Plus.
Also, do more research on soy. I’ve read several books on the history of soy. It dates back to 11th Century, B.C. & consumed in its whole food form for eons. As well, Juice Plus has been around for a very long time, they have zero debt, their products appear to be phenomenal in terms of healing people, as also backed by the gold standard clinical studies on the product & testimonials.
I have so much more I could say, I just can’t believe the level of dishonesty & ignorance in this post, I don’t even know where to begin.
The only ignorance here is your stance on soy. I’m not the one who needs to “do more research on soy.”
Educate yourself:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11431339
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11577007
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/68/6/1431S.long
http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/5/10/785.short
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11216491
#science
And please refrain from calling me a liar, especially when the information I provide is backed up by science. It’s offensive.
Hi. I have a friend that recently became a rep. I asked her about the soy in the shakes and she didn’t have an answer. She’s new so somewhat understandable so I insisted she asked her up line. I was then given the same answer… “It’s water washed not heated”
Anyway I clicked your links after I saw someone else had commented the same thing. I’m a little dense so I may have just read over that part but I didn’t see anything addressing that? Regardless of being related to JP could you speak to the idea of water washed soy. From what I’ve researched fermented ok, high heat processing not… But can’t find anything about water washing ?? Thanks so much in advance for you insight ????
Excellent response.. Can’t believe what some people readily believe.
http://www.juiceplus.com/content/JuicePlus/en/buy/capsules/orchard-and-garden-blends.html (locate the capsules- the label is available for inspection)
Folic ACID is listed as THE very last ingredient, and the FDA requires that ingredients are listed on food labels in order of quantity/weight. On further inspection of the label for the capsules, the fruit capsules contain 24% FOLATE & the vegetable capsules contain 55% FOLATE. Juice Plus makes a distinction between the quantity of folic acid versus folate in this new labeling.
Not arguing for or against, just trying to provide information about the folic acid v. Folate question.
That label is extremely misleading, because the product doesn’t contain folate, it clearly contains folic acid on the ingredient list. Marketing at its finest, my friend.
Thanks for the article. I believed the stories from reps regarding the folic acid/folate. I knew I have the MTHFR gene mutation. I had been pretty healthy and hardly sick prior to starting. I got my kids on to the children’s study for the free chews. Well it’s any wonder why they are free, sugar sugar sugar. Even with all the sugar my kids hated them. So I they stated taking the capsules.
For me, I felt nothing but tired and lethargic. I stopped taking them and bought and different brand of whole food supps without folic acid and felt brilliant. All their studies are funded by the JP company.
http://drmitraray.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Dr_Ray_Prenatal_2010.pdf
This is a fantastic knowledgable woman who loves healthy living and explains FOLATE in JP+
What do you think about Megafood One Daily tablets?
I just recently talked with a representative with Juice Plus and they said that the Garden blend and the Orchard Blend DO contain folic acid because they need to regulate the capsules, so that they all have the same nutritional value. The Vineyard Blend is the only capsule (or gummy) that does NOT contain the folic acid. I personally don’t understand why they can take it out of one of their capsules but not ALL of their capsules. Again, the representative said because a lot of women use their products for prenatal care, so they need to ensure that they are getting the full DV that is recommended. So that’s that! Juice Plus does have folate AND folic acid. Sorry … not my cup of tea!
Pregnant women should NEVER take folic acid, that is extremely dangerous.
Could you please explain why the women in Britain are advised to take folic acid before/during pregancy? The links below explain that folate is the term for folic acid found naturally in foods.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/vitamins-minerals-supplements-pregnant.aspx
https://www.bda.uk.com/foodfacts/FolicAcid.pdf
Right, folate and folic acid are often used interchangeably; even here in the US. But folate is found in food, whereas folic acid is made in a lab. It’s synthetic. You can still get folate in supplement form. For example, the prenatal I use contains folate, not folic acid. One is natural, one is synthetic. Both are used interchangeably, but are different. I know it’s confusing.
Dani, is this true of the Vineyard Blend?
Thanks!
Also, do you have any recommendations for a protein powder or something of that nature? I saw your recommendations for daily supplements. I am actually taking a few of them myself! So I feel like I am on the right path, but I guess I was looking for basically the “too good to be true” pill and/or shake.
Love reading your posts! This falls directly into MTHFR gene marker. 40% of us carry this gene and it effects our absorption of folate/b vitamins. Was hoping you could share your thoughts on this.
Have you done a review of the level thrive patches? I can’t imagine they are healthy at all!!!
OK, so I have two copies of the MTHFR gene which means I can’t fully process folic acid and am at risk for having babies with Spinal Bifida and too much folic acid can be toxic because it is synthetic. I can process FOLATE, and yes FOLATE is critical for having a baby, but some people can handle the synthetic version (folic acid) and others cannot based on if they have this genotype. However, if you read the % at the top it says FOLATE and then if you read the ingredients, it says Folic Acid. I was concerned, so I contacted my rep and she asked the juic plus researcher, and this was their reply
“Because the folates present in the produce can vary with growing and harvest conditions and there is a regulatory requirement that the finished product contain the labeled amount at the end of shelf
life. For this reason we must standardize with folic acid, which is declared on the product label. “Folate” as declared in the Nutrition Facts panel of a food product like Juice Plus+® is an umbrella term for all forms contributing to Dietary Folate. Equivalents.The amount you see declared on the label is a total of the folate naturally present in the product PLUS the folic acid added to standardize the blend. Folic acid is
derived industrially by fermentation. The 2 Orchard plus 2 Garden capsules provide 420 micrograms.
Also as far as the soy, I was scared of it too. I learned that it is non-GMO which makes me feel better. There is so much contradicting information out there, but I took juice plus for both of my pregnancies and with two copies of this bad gene, my babies came out completely healthy!
I have fibromyalgia, adenomyosis , hiatus hermia , uterine prolapse , lympodema and other health conditions …
Been in a lot of pain all over and from the various conditions , it was quite relentless …
Also 3 stone over weight , so i started JP to help with the weight loss …
Its done nothing for weight loss , despite being very careful with what i eat
However , the capsules have had an amazing affect, and my pain levels have dropped tremendously…
This in turn has allowed me to move more and do some exercise classes ( still strange not to have lost weight though as now moving so much more )
Ive heard some people say its done nothing for them … But it has been amazing for me … Im a different person … But no joy with the shakes …
I was wondering what whole foods supplement you would recommend instead of JP. I almost signed up today, but found this article at just the right moment! Desperately seeking something to help my 3 yr old daughter.
I don’t recommend supplements for children, they do much better absorbing and utilizing real food.
Since I don’t see where I can leave a comment, other than tagged to another, here we go.
It looks to me that you are chopping a product (Juice Plus) for no other reason than to direct people to a product it appears you own. To say your article is unbiased is a stretch because everything you have demonstrated is looked at with your own bias opinion, such as the following statements are of mine. Your a Certified Nutrition Consultant, which can be obtained by completing an open book test, not really someone I personally would take nutrition advice from. You are simply pulling a Presidential Campaign slander of 1 product to promote another product, not too classy.
Soy in general has not been overly studied to definitively determine whether it is good for you, or bad for you. Since you appear to have found the articles indicating how bad it is for you, here is an article that debunks the myths about soy. It was written by Judith Thalheimer, RD, LDN (<– These require 4+ year degrees) in a 2014 issue of 'Today's Dietitian'. (With several references to back up the article). Food for thought.
http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/040114p52.shtml
A true unbiased opinion should have information on both sides of the table when available. I hope this helps complete your analysis of JP.
I’m intrigued.
I need something for my kids. I loved the stories and ideas of JP+ and their attempt to be a product for those just starting out on a nutrition path. Too much information up front scares and overwhelms people. (Learned that from Essential Oils).
My kids personally have sensory issues and extreme pickiness. Youngest will just go without eating and she’s already small. I have no idea how to get enough veggies into her diet.
I had a fried. Recently going through the gummies ingredients with me. And as a mom I just feel defeated ?. Ok your kid will eat baked broccoli and kale chips. Plant based Mac and cheese. My wont touch anything if she doesn’t like the look of it and if you encourage her to try one but she will gag herself to the point of vomiting if you encourage her to swallow it and she doesn’t like it.
I had to go back to work when she was young and the both have been exposed to super processed, high sugar, food die crap at public schools and childcare centers. I’m trying to pull them back into healthier eating now that I quit my JOB. But no supplements for kids? My
Kids won’t eat 3 oranges a day, a salad, more than pick at veggies at lunch and dinner. . . I’m at a loss here. If this product is so terrible I don’t know what I am to do.
Great post!! As a dietitian in training, my first reaction was to the soy and sugar in the product as well. We had diarrhea within 1 hour of drinking our sample!! Im sure the reps would say this is “normal cleansing.”
I was recently approached by a juice plus rep to join the team and in my gut I dont feel comfortable selling it. Your article has confirmed my suspicians for me. Thank you very much! Now I just need to figure out how to say NO, because they seem to have a defense for everything!
PS. Cant believe how silly some of these comments to you are. Keep up the good work defending the science!
Do you have a review of 310 Nutrition shakes and supplements? I have already started using these products after bad experiences with soy in other products. If you do not have a review of 310 Nutritional, would you be able to do one?
https://310nutrition.com/
https://310nutrition.com/products/310-shake-chocolate/
https://310nutrition.com/products/310-thin/
https://310nutrition.com/products/310-juice/
In the last few days I have had really bad acid reflux and I’m wondering if it could have been caused by juice plus tablets I have been taking for a couple of months. I just took some tablets and felt they were hard to digest and I have become uncomfortable.
Thank you for your help, Sharon
Yes Dani! This was an excellent review. If a company is using folate, it will be listed as folate and they may add the words (folic acid) for the mis-informed who do not know what folate is but think they need folic acid. ” Fortified” with folic acid is synthetic. I NEVER recommend soy for all the reasons you spoke of. It is a cheap filler that so called “health” companies use to cheap out on their products. Also not mentioned was carageenen which is a thickener used that causes intestinal issues, which inturn causes nutrient deficiencies. All B12 should be in a methylated form – methylcobalamin. There should be no Tapioca syrup and a terrible additive is maltodextrin. Maltodextrin has a higher glycemic index than suger, a whooping 135 as compared to sugar 65.???? Also, they are allowed to be certified non-gmo even though maltodextrin is most commonly synthesized by GMO corn. I like this group of followers you have. They mostly seem to be doing their homework. I am sorry to any of you invested in “health food” company that is not telling the whole truth.
Have you done a review on the kids juice plus? I’m very interested. Thank you!
Alarm bells ring to me when you are making un biased reviews of other companies products whilst promoting your own. Great business decision I spose but not so good on the honesty side . Yes you do comment somewhere about you only source the best but is it? Of course you are going to say that as you need people to sway towards your products you sell . I think all in all it is your biased opinion on other products to make business from it .
I take Juice Plus. My son takes it as well. My daughter does not. Anytime my son is sick, the illness lasts 24 hours max. Anytime my daughter is sick, it lasts 4-7 days. Same house, same illnesses, different outcome. The only thing I can contribute this to is the Juice Plus.
I am not a rep and could care less if others choose to take it. Just wanted to share our experience. I cannot deny actual results.
Anecdotal.
dani thank you for nothing ,last i checked everything on this planet has things in thats not good ,so if u think u health i bet u eating nothing
Probably due to the Vitamin C. Same effect could come from eating a couple oranges everyday, or a multivitamin. also anecdotal and probably not that long term
What is your thought on Dr. Gundry Vital Reds?
What’s a good supplement for the thyroid? I’m hypothyroid.
I enjoyed this article.
Is there a protein shake you would use?
Thanks! You might check this out: https://ancestral-nutrition.com/healthiest-protein-shake/
I was wondering if JP could cause irregular bleeding. Around the time I started taking JP capsules I started having irregular bleeding, since April. I even had surgery to remove a uterine polyp, yet that didn’t help either. Last month I was so busy I didn’t take any JP capsules and I had a normal cycle! This month I was very diligent and took it everyday and I got my period while on active days of my Birth Control. I am thinking that all of this irregular bleeding is caused by the JP. Do you think this is possible? I have both my children on this vitamin and now I seriously scared and think I might take them off of it. Any advice would be appreciated.
I am a new JP rep and did a ton of research on the product. The folic acid slipped by me, but I agree with you. I read this article (not sure it is unbiased) and every single response. I called the corporate office and they are on task. Because of the controversy, they have/are replacing folic acid with folate and the turnover will be complete this year.
I am still on the fence about soy….there is enough science-based proof on both sides to convince either way is right.
Unfortunately, most people won’t read all the way to the last responses to find that the folic acid/folate issue has been resolved. I appreciate your knowledge, although I got panicked for a minute. ?
What about the study done at the MD Anderson institute on Ovarian Cancer survivors and JuicePlus products? Why would they put cancer survivors on JuicePlus and Complete if they are cancer causing?? Your title is very misleading as you are incredibly biased against JuicePlus and seem to have no knowledge of the research behind it…
1) Subjects were put on JP or a low-fat, high fiber diet. Comparatively, JP should outperform because a low-fat, high fiber diet is not a great diet for cancer patients. Fiber, unless from vegetable sources, is not great for cancer because they were likely eating a significant amount of grains, which breaks down into glucose, which feeds cancer cells.
2) Results were not particularly significant. Just that JP could increase phytonutrients, which I don’t disagree with. But this can be achieved if people would just eat more veggies!
On the Juice Plus capsules it lists FALOATE 24% is listed not Folic Acid . Under Nutrition Facts .
Under ingredients the last thing listed is folic acid .
I’m a little confused . Can you explain ? Can you review the Juice Plus Capsules
I have been taking Juice Plus for an hour now and the changes have been huge. I have lost over 20kg and my lung cancer has gone. My penis is also bigger in length and width. Stop putting this product down. It has changed my life.
An interesting exchange. I just got a FB message from a friend, a breast cancer survivor like myself, and she just got started on JP and wants me to try it. I checked the ingredients and sent her the Journal link so she could read that. I have been taking Eniva products for years and I am curious to hear what you think of that company. They promote liquid supplements because of the absorption and their main product,
Vibe, is listed in the PDR. Can you tell me what you have found out about Eniva? Thanks!
the problem as I see it is both of you seem to think one size fits all PEOPLE ARE NOT ALL THE SAME. stop trying to sell that idea it’s obvious that the product works for some people and doesn’t for others and by the way the AMA and the FDA are not the always the best source of information on health do some research on their history of who they have studied and the politics of what and who they have allow to influence their decisions. It’s been my finding that people don’t eat based on where they originated from. For example people of African descant in America don’t all eat an African diet, as result certain of us suffer certain health issues. Yeah and in my opinion any person that gets offend when someone says they need do more research. I would be skeptical about anything they have to say.
Throw Juice Plus away! That’s what I did. I’ve been taking supplements for decades with excellent results. I tried this stuff with several interesting results. First was the terrible underarm odor, which was explained away by that tired old lazy stupid excuse, “It’s your bad toxins coming out.” Right, and you’ll respect me in the morning. Then came diarrhea. Several times a day. When I finally figured out the only thing I changed in my health was that damned Juice Plus, stopped ingesting it immediately , and threw both away. Although diarrhea remains, it is slowly abating.
I am fully aware of just how unglued most people become when one of their sacred “beliefs” is questioned. And contrary to the Trump Cult, beliefs and opinions do not count as facts. If you are reaping benefits from this stuff, great! But don’t bother me with your insulting replies. Because I am not the least bit interested in hearing what a shit I am for suffering from this stuff. Enjoy your wonderful reactions and leave me alone!
Very disappointing. Argumentative, disrespectful, biased.
Each person who factually disagrees with you, including health care professionals, are disparaged. Each side has “scientific” studies by “professionals” and each contradict the other. If you were not pushing/promoting any other products, perhaps your claimed “un-biased” <- read biased ("HEY, read me because I got your attention by claiming I am unbiased") blog/article would hold more merit. Scare tactics.
There are many humans on planet Earth whom cannot consume any number of real, non-processed, foods in their most natural state, for whatever reason or perceived reason.
People want/need reassurances and they look to the web or their doctors or friends for that. And, now that there is this massive, ridiculous overload of people/places to look for someone's opinion – not necessarily correct or valid, but certainly out there on the web a plethora of it – anyone can claim anything for their own benefit.
Our water, our soil and our plants have been contaminated/depleted/modified. They all hold less nutritional properties because of this. GMO is bad, all around, in every way. Processed "food" really isn't food.
I imagine that 99% of anything you review "unbiased" will lean heavily in favor of the product you promote.
I have not seen any legitimate or even good arguments against my points in the article. To which I provided numerous scientific literature, studies and information – that you are just…choosing to ignore apparently?
SHOCKER. I am a health coach and sell products. I have a family and a mortgage. This website is my business. You get paid for doing your job, do you not?
Suggesting that I can’t make valid arguments against products just because I have a business isn’t just offensive – it’s idiotic.
If you have another argument against me that’s actually valid, I’m all ears. But it’s apparent that you want to try to bash me because I sell products (mind you – not a single product similar to JP) while ignoring the plethora of valid information I provided to back up my claims that the ingredients in these products are subpar.
Dani
I have read a lot of these replies and most are at least 2 years old. I just checked the labels of my trio of capsules and see no folate or folic acid listed. Do you have a more recent review of these products?
Also I know some research has changed on soy. So I was wondering if you had any update there as well. Thank you.
They have actually removed folic acid since then, so that’s good!
We have MTHFR mutation here and folic acid is like a toxin to our body. We cannot process it and it is harmful. I took folic acid while pregnant not knowing I had this genetic mutation. My doctor did indeed tell me to take folic acid, and it was wrong of her to do so. There’s not a lot of noise about MTHFR mutations yet, but I’m hoping there will be soon. My son has the genetic mutation as well, so for 9 mo I was pumping that into his system thinking I was doing good. They feel that 40% of the population has this mutation, but don’t realize it. Do yourself a favor and stay away from it. Take folate instead.
not surprised, my comments weren’t accepted and posted
I responded to your comment, which was left under another name (which is weird). I receive hundreds of comments a week. Please allow me time to respond to them.
The JP+ company has maintained that use of folic acid was wholly appropriate. However, rather than trying to answer every blogger out there, they’ve simply shifted the formula & replaced the Folic Acid with Lemon Peel which is rich in natural folate. Since that was your singular complaint regarding the capsules, I wonder if that changes your critique at all?
Differences in how we see competing info, but when the information changes…shouldn’t that change the critique? You could put an update claiming victory on the subject 😉 I just hate for outdated info to perpetuate any outdated objection as if it were present tense fact.
(Full disclosure, I am a 2-yr happy customer w/lots of health effects that had zero to do w/dietary change. In fact, initially I ate more poorly—putting an increased ownus upon the capsules. That said, after my 2-yr stint as a customer paying retail, I took my family success stories that I’d already been telling happily & started into the business side of JP+…making about $7k last yr, so nothing major~~other than the first-hand accounts of lives changing all around me.)
Having lived in Japan for 5 years, I just want to clear up that soy isn’t just used as condiments. Its used in many side dishes in the form of tofu, edimame, or natto (fermented soy beans) as well. It isn’t eaten in large doses or as a main dish, but it is eaten a lot more than just as condiments. Having said that, Im not supporting or disproving its health benefits, simply stating that at least in Japan it is eaten more than stated in this article.
It is also a recent development that the Japanese have increased their soy consumption – I recommend eating ancestrally. Soy consumption has increased all over the world.
please tell me more about the folic acid issue. I have a deficiency in folic acid and so taking a supplement for that is key for me. Are you saying all Vit B supplements are not recommended?
Just got done reading all the comments, so no worries about my previous question about folic acid vs folate and if taking a B supplement was recommended. All clear. Dani, Thank you for your insights and being willing to sit on a hot seat. Anytime something is too good to be true, then that’s more than likely true..it’s not as great as they say…but there may be some benefits…take the best, leave the rest. So for people who like it…keep on…Ultimately though, I choose to listen to the professional nutritionist. I will check out the links provided for supplements and see what they offer. I’m sure I won’t have to sign up for some automatic thing or be asked to recruit people and spit out regurgitated marketing content. Those are always red flags. Even Doterra. I love their oils, but their claims are in direct opposition to young living (regarding purity). Honestly don’t even care. I get my oils from an apothecary that I trust bc my gut led me there. They educate to the finest and they aren’t MLM. My point, some MLM is great; the product can be good, but the whole other side to it sucks. If juice plus were legit, then they wouldn’t be all scammy and trying to lock people in. The product would simply speak for itself and the return customers would keep coming. Trust in your product; make it the best you can and then trust the sales. Not be all shady and try to dominate and get people locked in at any cost, believing false claims even. If greed is at the core of your business (as it is with many) then somethings not right.
You mentioned you don’t recommend supplements for kids, just eating healthy. Could you provide me more information about that? I found this page because a friend is taking JP, along with her son, and I wanted to do more research before calling her rep. Is there any kind of supplement you would recommend for kids? Vitamin C, etc. My son is 3 1/2 and we eat pretty healthy but its been a constant stream of sickness. Thanks
ps. I read every comment on here before responding, so it is possible I stated inaccurately. LOL WOW
Help! I was about to order the dessicated liver supplement you recommend, but it is high in B vitamins. Yet in this post, you quote a study saying that vitamin B12 (and folic acid) supplementation is linked to cancer increase. I’d really like to try the dessicated liver but this seems conflicting?? Would love some clarification.
Im currently looking for studies on soy, you stated why soy is bad and on most comments i agree but your comments did not align with the process JP uses on their soy, according to JP they don’t use hexane process, its waterwashed, minimilly processed and non gmo…. so could you give resources on studies etc…. regarding the process… i do think it greatly matters…. is their studies proving organic, non gmo, minimally processed, water washed soy is bad? I did find this article interested, they do sell soy but was very informative…http://www.edenfoods.com/articles/view.php?articles_id=80
Thanks for your review. I almost bought some until I read your blog and see that it contains folic acid. I was told my by ND that my body, after being tested, can’t convert folic acid and that I must always only supplement with folate.
If Folic Acid is so very bad, why add it to simple foods like weetabix, or other cereals?. Weetabix has 85% of RDA in its measures whereas JP has 33%. Everything I read has Folic Acid in it. I take Methotrexate, and therefore have to take Folic Acid, as the drug interferes with the body levels. I was concerned about this and the amounts in so called “Normal Foods” and Specialist had no concerns at all about the folic acid in foods, and the supplement I was taking.
I was about to order some and try it. I’m trying to get pregnant. I think I’ll just skip it. Thanks!!
Hello,
I recently came across Juice Plus as it was recommended by a mutual friend and wanted to do some research before making my purchase. I found your unbiased review on juice plus and wanted to see if there has been any change to the information you originally provided? noticed several comments about changing the folic acid to folate, one of which was claimed to be by a rep from JP, but to your knowledge has anything changed? I still see that folic acid/folate is listed on their ingredients. For myself, someone who is not pregnant, do you know how much intake is recommended for folic acid/folate daily? I have tried to look up information and am having a hard time comparing the % daily value of 24% and 55% on two of the pill bottles and what is a suggested recommended amount for a 33-year-old female. I have read your review and read all the comments and again, am just trying to find out whether I would be harming myself or not. Also to mention, I have an auto-immune/blood condition. I really have no positive or negative information regarding Juice Plus, just wanting to learn and not put my body in harm’s way. I have tried Arbonne products and was not too impressed with them or their price. Do you have a review for that? Any professional input would be greatly appreciated, and if there is something else you would recommend instead I am all ears. I saw your recommendation of ancestral nutrition so I am going to look into that now. Also, I couldn’t find you on Facebook as others had mentioned up above? I am not a lover of fruits and vegetables and this was presented to me as an option to aid in supplementing what I am missing out on. Any helpful information would be absolutely and greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time!
That’s a great read Dan but there’s one problems you are a distributor for another company and your way to boost your business is to tear all the others down !! Very Tacky
It’s Dani and I’m definitely not a distributor for another company. I don’t participate in MLMs.
http://h-young.juiceplus.com/us/en/clinical-research/published-medical-and-scientific-journals And here is a list of all the medical journals that published juiceplus ?Take your time there is a lot of them ??
Your intentions may be good, but you are slightly misinformed about folic acid. You do not wish to unintentionally harm people with your opinions, so that is why I feel the need to comment here.
With all things in medicine, there is risk vs benefit. The benefits of folic acid supplementation, along with natural folate intake via diet, have been studied tremendously. Most women do not have enough natural folate in their diet, so need supplementation. This is why folic acid is on the fast mover shelves of your local pharmacy.
That cancer risk you mention isn’t nailed science as of yet, but is being researched. If cancer risk is established through years of more study, it probably would be more or less about finding the correct “blanket” dose for so many unique people to minimize the amount of non-metabolized B9 (which is what they associate with the cancer risk)..perhaps individualizing dosing (which isn’t really done right now). Either way, as of now, the benefits outweigh the risk of folic acid in synthetic B9 form, and folate form.
If you wish to learn more about this topic, please see the link to the CDC website below. It doesn’t get more credible than the CDC.
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/faqs.html
With all that being said, you’re doing a good job attracting people to your blog 🙂 Keep it up!
I can’t read the ingredients list of the protein drink mix, but I think I read somewhere that it contains carrageenan. Is this true?
Thank you for this information! I just discovered your site. Good work.
Did you notice you are reading off of a Nutrition label and not a supplement label? That is because JP is WHOLE food and not a supplement. That is what sets it apart, not to mention the research by extremely reputable sources. It has been recommended in articles such as the Journal of Pediatrics. So therefore your comments about folate supplementation don’t apply.
True supplementation does have risks. But be aware, it has been highly tested and is NOT a supplement. The PROVEN benefits far outweigh any risks.
Do your research and you will find this is the best product on the market. It has changed my life. My autoimmune disease had me in so much pain I couldn’t sleep. Now it is much more tolerable and I can actually get a good night sleep. My 14 year old daughter has eczema that we have never been able to get rid of. It is now nearly gone after 2 months on JP.
Did you notice you are reading off of a Nutrition label and not a supplement label? That is because JP is WHOLE food and not a supplement. That is what sets it apart, not to mention the research by extremely reputable sources. It has been recommended in articles such as the Journal of Pediatrics. So therefore your comments about folate supplementation don’t apply.
True supplementation does have risks. But be aware, it has been highly tested and is NOT a supplement. The PROVEN benefits far outweigh any risks.
Do your research and you will find this is the best product on the market. It has changed my life. My autoimmune disease had me in so much pain I couldn’t sleep. Now it is much more tolerable and I can actually get a good night sleep. My 14 year old daughter has eczema that we have never been able to get rid of. It is now nearly gone after 2 months on JP.
Sorry I am very passionate about this because it has changed my life. I left nursing to spread the word of juice plus but I am still a RN. I work with a Nutritionist and several doctors who also recommend. Dani, why don’t you come to the light and join the juice plus healthy living revolution. Our soy is the good soy. There is a difference.
Pingback: From Fat to Fab! The Start of an Incredibly Healthy Journey. – Bohemian Alchemist
Nice post.
You will be happy to know JP is switching from Folic Acid to folate! I know I sure am!!!
I was reading your article on Juice Plus…interesting but flawed….and I ended my reading after seeing a vulgar description on Soy…namely I ……. hate soy. I’m not a pruid…but is that necessary? But you lost me before that Lol.
Your article begins with the assumption that only men are reading it (hey guys)…should have stopped there but I did read the whole article…and left another comment Lol
wish i could convince my sister of the JP stuff, she sells it and its expensive and she is sold on it , because of all the stories that it helps people with autism and helps reduce inflammation ,ect..
My friend takes Juice plus and I am considering taking it as well, so I started researching and found your review. Your comments regarding how harmful folic acid are very concerning to me, so I started researching folic acid. The CDC website specifically references folic acid and how much a pregnant woman should take and even mentions where to find folate naturally, so I don’t think there’s any confusion of folate vs. folic acid. Do you disagree with the CDC’s recommendation? I have included an excerpt below and a link to the website.
This is from the CDC website:
An easy way to be sure you’re getting enough folic acid is to take a daily multivitamin with folic acid in it. Most multivitamins have the 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid you need. If taking a multivitamin bothers your stomach, try taking it with meals or just before bed. If you have trouble taking pills, you can try a multivitamin that is gummy or chewable. Also, be sure to take it with a full glass of water.
Folic acid is added to foods such as enriched breads, pastas, rice and cereals. In 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the addition of folic acid to corn masa flour. Corn masa flour can be found in food such as corn chips, tortillas, tamales, and taco shells. Check the Nutrition Facts label on the food packaging. A serving of some cereals has 100% of the folic acid that you need each day.
In addition to getting 400 mcg of folic acid from supplements and fortified foods, you can eat a diet rich in folate. You can get folate from beans, peas and lentils, oranges and orange juice, asparagus and broccoli, and dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach, and mustard greens.
Here’s the link to the website
https://www.cdc.gov/features/folicacidbenefits/index.html
Now that juice plus has taken folic acid out of their ingredients, do you find that it is a better supplement? Looking for an updated unbiased review now that they’ve changed their ingredients a bit
Juice Plus is not organic. There are other non MLM companies doing this more sustainably for a better price.
Hi Danielle,
I recently began taking the Juice Plus capsules, fall 2018, and I’m wondering if they changed their capsules to Not include folic acid? I am not seeing that ingredient listed on their labels? Any idea?
Juice Plus aside – The fact that you support the consumption of meat and dairy (full of synthetic hormones and causing way more damage to the worlds health than any plant based source) and are so adamant about how terrible soy is for people is absolutely ridiculous. The affects of soy on human estrogen levels is minimal at best even with excessive consumption. Seriously brainwashed.
Clearly didn’t do your research. JP+ soy is non-gmo and cold-washed. Go brush up on what that means. There are no studies showing that this kind of soy has any detrimental effects on men or women. Processed and non-organic GMO Soy is still very controversial but no one really knows. Not denying it isn’t potentially harmful in some cases.
UPDATE: There’s no longer folic acid in Juice Plus. It’s now folate that comes from a whole food source (lemon peel). Also, FYI the soy used for Juice Plus Complete protein powder is (and has always been) non GMO, water washed, minimally processed whole food. This is very different than the way you describe it. Considering your post is 3 years old, please also consider re-researching the studies done on soy. The pendulum is swinging in the direction of it being a very healthy plant (when it’s non GMO and minimally processed). At the very least Please correct your review regarding the folic acid. It was only ever there due to labeling laws. That’s another good point you might consider. Juice Plus has a Nutrition Facts label not a supplement label. As you no doubt know, this means, unlike with a supplement fact label, the FDA actually considers it food and regulates it. The NSF certification that’s on the Juice Plus label goes one step further.
Juice Plus a good product backed by an almost 50 year old company that cares. My experience, for the first year or so of eating Juice Plus, when I didn’t make any other changes to my diet or lifestyle, it bridged my nutrition gap in a way I never was able to before. I had so many benefits they would seem unrealistic to post them here so I’d rather be sure you know, they are now up to 38 peer reviewed, published studies showing benefits that prove it wasn’t just placebo. 8 years later, I am living a better lifestyle now but I still feel a difference on the days I don’t remember to take it. Please consider the potential negative impact on the lives of those who might decide against taking it, simply because they read your incorrect review. I don’t know where I’d be now without my Juice Plus but it I know wouldn’t be good. 🙂
Hey! I would just like to give you new info. Recently, Juice Plus hasn’t taken OUT folic acid and replaced it with Lemon Peel which has the natural folate! Great news!!
Dani,
I love you and just became a subscriber! I was randomly searching for unbiased reviews about any and all of these nutrition MLM companies, and your article took the words right out of my mouth! These are the same issues that arose for me with Shaklee: Folic acid vs folate; soy (I hate it too for all the reasons you mention!), and also isolated ascorbic acid rather that whole food based vitamin C. Thank you! It’s nice to know there are others who look a little deeper into nutrition from a wholistic perspective.
I stumbled up on your website when was looking for reviews of Plexus. I’m so glad I did. I also use juice plus which I will not be taking anymore. I ended up buying the 4 pack of supplements you recommended for detoxification. I spent $40 less than I would have for have the amount of product from Plexus. Thank you for all the time you have spent giving honest reviews for those of us who are not educated on unhealthy ingredients.
the formula has been updated, since you did research years ago. if you look up the ingredient labels on the trio plant capsules, you’ll find, folic acid is not an ingredient in any of them.
I am a big sceptic when it comes to supplements! I think you should re-research JP they are the MOST researched company out there. I am not a distributor I am a Holistic Nutritionist and the people that have come to us that are taking JP have the best blood work that I have ever seen! Also the research done on pregnancy, wow just wow on the umbilical cord and these healthy babies that these women are having! I am just impressed. I know it is a free country and you can say what you want of course, but please take the time to do more research on what is in their capsules and how clean their stuff is. I started taking JP about a year ago because I am a bodybuilder and I couldn’t get enough fruits and veggies. My blood cells and DNA are thanking me. Btw the folate is coming from lemon peals and is not synthetic. I have also been using their shakes which have soy and all of my cysts that I had in my breasts for years are GONE! The only thing that I have changed is taking JP for the past year. Be blessed!
Is Tofu healthy? My daughter does not eat meat, and I’m looking for things to cook, not just beans and vegetables. I don’t eat meat when she is with me, no point in making two different meals.
Looking for a multivitamin that does not contain Calcium.
You lost me right at the beginning about meal replacement shakes. Isagenix has the best meal replacement shake on the market. Do your research honey before you lump everything into one category. It makes you look ignorant.
Hi Dani,
You’re spot on when it comes to folic acid and soy. I am curious of what you think about the supplements now that Juice Plus has changed their formula and no longer add folic acid?
https://www.juiceplus.com/us/en/jpcommunity.read.html/en/2018/9/your-questions-about-our-new-ingredients-answered.html
Quote from Juice Plus- (above link).
What’s the reason for adding lemon peel?
That’s a change we’ve worked on for nearly 3 years. It’s one of my favorite types of changes since it involves replacing one of the standardized nutrients with a whole food! We’ve always included a standard amount of folic acid in our capsules to ensure we had a stable and consistent label claim, but recently, we identified lemon peel as a great source of whole food folate. Luckily, we found a great company who can standardize the amount of folate in lemon peel so that we can replace our added folic acid with folate from the whole food. We’re all happy about that one!
Soooo what do you recommend to take? Supplements based off of your personal lifestyle?
I would highly recommend research your sources more.
There are recent published research results about soy for example.
Before write down a company with more than 50 years in business with 42 published scientific articles (most in the world)
I researched many companies in business and their products. Some good som not that don’t mean that just because I personally don’t like some I write them down.
Not very professional
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666154321001678