Saturday, February 23, 2008
Nutritionist for Seattle Television Program Latest Expert to Advise Against Juice Plus
Hot on the heels of the latest critical report on Juice Plus vitamin supplements by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI),[1] a Seattle nutritionist issued a statement last Sunday similarly advising consumers to avoid Juice Plus.
Nutritionist Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D., appeared on the television program AM Northwest, a popular news and entertainment show aired by ABC network affiliate KATU in Seattle. The program, which has been on the air since 1976, featured a report by Somer (Foods That Fool),[2] posted on the KATU website on Sunday, which reiterated serious flaws in the marketing and scientific validity of Juice Plus products.
“Juice Plus may be touted as the ‘next best thing to fruits and vegetables,’ but don’t be fooled”, Somer warned. “Dehydrating produce shrinks it by about 90%, but it still would take 15 capsules to supply the equivalent of a half cup serving of broccoli, while Juice Plus recommends 4 capsules a day”, she said, musing “hmmm, that’s about as much broccoli as you’d get in a small sprig.”
Somer noted that “yes, the company adds some extra vitamin C, beta carotene, and other nutrients to make up the difference”, but she cautioned “you’ll still be missing out on the fiber and 12,000 health-enhancing phytochemicals identified so far in produce, not to mention the cost to your pocketbook”.
Rather than taking Juice Plus, Somer strongly advised “just bite the bullet and make a pact with yourself to include at least 2 servings of real fruits and vegetables at every meal and at least 1 at every snack – period.”
References
Nutritionist Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D., appeared on the television program AM Northwest, a popular news and entertainment show aired by ABC network affiliate KATU in Seattle. The program, which has been on the air since 1976, featured a report by Somer (Foods That Fool),[2] posted on the KATU website on Sunday, which reiterated serious flaws in the marketing and scientific validity of Juice Plus products.
“Juice Plus may be touted as the ‘next best thing to fruits and vegetables,’ but don’t be fooled”, Somer warned. “Dehydrating produce shrinks it by about 90%, but it still would take 15 capsules to supply the equivalent of a half cup serving of broccoli, while Juice Plus recommends 4 capsules a day”, she said, musing “hmmm, that’s about as much broccoli as you’d get in a small sprig.”
Somer noted that “yes, the company adds some extra vitamin C, beta carotene, and other nutrients to make up the difference”, but she cautioned “you’ll still be missing out on the fiber and 12,000 health-enhancing phytochemicals identified so far in produce, not to mention the cost to your pocketbook”.
Rather than taking Juice Plus, Somer strongly advised “just bite the bullet and make a pact with yourself to include at least 2 servings of real fruits and vegetables at every meal and at least 1 at every snack – period.”
References
- Center for Science in the Public Interest crucifies Juice Plus. Juice Plus Research Blog. February, 18, 2007.
http://juiceplusresearch.blogspot.com/2008/02/center-for-science-in-public-interest.html - Elizabeth Somer. Foods That Fool. AM Northwest; Station KATU (Seattle, WA): February 18, 2008.
http://www.amnorthwest.tv/display.cfm?CID=949
