In 2006, we published a review of the multi-level-marketing product known as MonaVie. MonaVie is similar to other fruit juice “supplements” in that it’s really just plain old fruit juice spiked with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
So why are we re-opening our review of MonaVie? Well, in our first review we used statements like “we were impressed” and “breath of fresh air”.
Now, to be clear, we weren’t talking about MonaVie’s taste or any potential health benefits. And we never actually recommended it to anyone. What we did like was the absence of ridiculous health claims. In our research of dozens of MonaVie web sites we couldn’t find a single one claiming that MonaVie cured anything.
“Thanks to everyone who found what we didn’t—MonaVie marketers making exaggerated (and sometimes illegal) health claims.”
Unfortunately, several people have written us since then with examples of blog entries and forum posts in which those kinds of claims are being made. Often those claims are cloaked as “testimonials” and when someone dissents from public opinion he or she is told to give the product “more time”. That leaves a very bad taste in our mouths.
Where We Stand Now On The MonaVie Issue
Our view of the product hasn’t changed. It’s still an over-priced supplement with some very exciting research behind it. What has changed is our view of the company.
If MonaVie is, in fact, turning a blind eye to absurd claims regarding cancer, diabetes, infection and other potentially serious health issues, then it becomes no better than Veema, Tahitian Noni or any other fruit juice product.
Some Carefully-Worded Claims About MonaVie: