Kiefer et al. Journal of the American College of Nutrition 2004
Medical University of Vienna
Study summary and findings:
When compared to placebo, Juice Plus+ effectively increased plasma levels of important antioxidant nutrients and folate.
This study compared the effect of Juice Plus+ or placebo on plasma levels of various micronutrients, and on a urinary marker of oxidative stress while monitoring dietary habits of the study subjects. This investigation had a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized crossover of 59 healthy Austrian men and women, aged 40-60 years. The study subjects were divided into two groups, who took either Juice Plus+ or a placebo first for a total of 14 weeks (for example, seven weeks on Juice Plus+ , seven weeks on placebo). Blood concentrations of beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and folate were measured at baseline and at the end of each crossover phase (week 7 and 14). Quantitation of the urinary marker and retrospective food frequency questionnaire responses were also determined at these times. Significant increases in beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and folate were detected after the Juice Plus+ phase but not after the placebo phase. No significant changes were observed in the urinary measure. All participants fell short of the recommended goal of five fruit and vegetable servings at each time point in the study.
Article Abstract: Journal of the American College of Nutrition 2004; 23 (3): 205-211
