Greens and Whole Food Powders and Supplements
Choose the Best Greens
and Whole Food Powder or Pill. Contamination Remains a Problem.
Medically reviewed and
edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D. 
Last Updated
: 08/31/2021 | Initially Posted:
01/25/2019
Recent Reviews
·
Aloe Juices, Gels, and Supplements
Review
·
NAD Booster Supplements Review
(NAD+/NADH, Nicotinamide Riboside, and NMN)
·
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)
Supplements Review
Table of Contents
Summary
·
Do they help? Greens and whole food powders contain a
variety of nutrients such as carotenoids, antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes,
nucleic acids, fiber, vitamins and minerals from plants which may have some
healthful benefits. Chlorella, an ingredient found in some greens
products, may help to lower triglycerides and total cholesterol. However, these
products should not be considered a substitute for a healthy diet rich in
fruits and vegetables. Also, be aware that claims of antioxidant activity and
"alkalinizing" effects do not necessarily translate into proven
health benefits (see "What They Do").
·
What type? Most products tend to be high in fiber, low in sodium and
fats, and usually only contain a small number of calories. Some contain
additional ingredients such as prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, or
added fiber. Unlike protein powders and meal replacements, these products
typically provide little protein (see "What CL Found"). (If you want to
supplement with protein, see our Protein Powders Review).
·
Which brand? ConsumerLab.com discovered that one of the greens and
whole food products it selected and tested had unacceptable contamination with
lead (See "What CL Found"). Among those that were
Approved for quality, CL selected Top Picks among unsweetened
powders, sweetened powders, and capsules based on features, cost, and, for
powders, taste.
·
How to Use? Products sold as powders are typically mixed with water or
other liquids. Although many greens products contain a long list of
ingredients, specific amounts for each ingredient are not always provided. If
you are looking for a particular active ingredient, such as CoQ10 or
probiotics, and the amount is not listed, you may want to consider getting it
from a separate supplement (see ConsumerTips™).
·
Cautions: Greens products should not be considered a substitute for
a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. While most of the food
ingredients in greens products are generally safe, some may contain herbal
extracts, vitamins and minerals, and other ingredients that could potentially
cause unexpected side-effects and/or interact with other nutrients and drugs.
Other common greens ingredients have been reported to cause side effects:
chlorella may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea or
constipation, and allergic reactions and other adverse events have been
associated with the use of Spirulina (see Concerns and Cautions).
What They Are:
The
main ingredients in most foods and supplements marketed as containing
"greens" are typically the chlorophyll-containing leaves or the
sprouts of alfalfa, barley, and wheat (including Kamut,
a trademarked wheat), sprouted grains, and various forms of algae (spirulina,
chlorella, and kelp). Additional ingredients often include "whole
foods" such as vegetables and fruits (as well as their extracts), whole
herbs and herbal extracts, probiotics, mushrooms, and enzymes. Greens and whole
food powders became popular as consumers became concerned about increasing
their daily intake of fruits and vegetables. There are now many powdered green
drinks on the market — each claiming to provide the nutritional benefits of the
whole, unprocessed green plants and vegetables that are often lacking in our
diets. The ingredients in these products contain many different
biologically active components including carotenoids, antioxidants, amino
acids, enzymes, protein, nucleic acids, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and various
other phytonutrients. An increasing number also include probiotic organisms and
prebiotics. The products tend to be high in fiber, low in sodium, and typically
have no cholesterol — all desirable features. They are also generally low in
fats, particularly saturated fats, and normally do not contain any hydrogenated
("trans") fats. Usually half or more of the weight of the powder is
carbohydrate (of which about half is dietary fiber and a quarter is
sugar). Unlike protein powders and meal replacement powders and drinks,
most greens/whole food powders provide little protein (generally only 1 or 2
grams per serving) and serving sizes are typically smaller (only about 8 grams
versus about 25 grams for protein powders). Due to modest serving sizes and
lack of fat, the "greens" products usually contain only a small
number of calories per serving — about 10 to 30 calories — the exception being
products with larger serving sizes, such as those with added protein.
What They Do:
The popularity of these products is based on the belief that
powders made from "whole food" or "greens" are an easy
alternative to eating vegetables and fruits on a daily basis and that they may
help increase energy levels, detoxify the body, improve digestion, alkalinize
the body, and provide antioxidants to improve overall health and well-being.
While they may provide some benefits, they should not be considered a
replacement for a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Dried, powdered,
and/or processed fruits and vegetables do not contain the full breadth of
nutrients and chemical compounds (fiber, volatile oils, etc.) found in fresh
fruits and vegetables. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends about 2
to 4 cups of vegetables and fruits per day for optimal health. To find out how
much the CDC recommends for
you (based on age, gender and activity level).
Chlorella and spirulina -- Cholesterol-lowerers?
Chlorella, a source of carotenoids such as lutein, zeaxanthin and
beta-carotene, and an ingredient in some greens and whole food powders and
pills, was shown in one clinical study to significantly lower triglycerides and
total cholesterol levels in men and women with mild hypercholesterolemia (Ryu, Nutr J 2014).
In the study, 5 grams of chlorella taken daily (4 tablets each containing 416
mg of chlorella powder -- taken with water immediately after each meal) for 4
weeks significantly reduced triglyceride levels (by 10.3%), very low-density
lipoprotein (VLDL) (11%) and total cholesterol (1.6%). (Several products in
this review provide chlorella, although most don't list the actual amount, as
chlorella is just one ingredient in a proprietary blend. Only one product
listed the amount of chlorella per serving: Vibrant Health Green
Vibrance claims 1 gram of chlorella per 11.83-gram scoop.) (Also
see Concerns and Cautions for chlorella).
A study among non-obese and obese men and women in Korea found
that 8 grams of spirulina consumed daily for four months significantly reduced
total cholesterol (from an average of 191 mg/dl to 170 mg/dl) and LDL
cholesterol (from an average of 120 mg/dl to 109 mg/dl), but only among those
who were not obese (Park, Nutr Res Pract 2016). However, HDL and triglycerides were
not significantly affected, nor was the LDL/HDL ratio. The researchers
speculated that obese men and women may need a higher dose in order to have a
similar effect. The study was partially funded by Earth Spirulina Co. of Korea,
which provided the product.
Spirulina — Blood Sugar
Control?
There is mixed evidence regarding the ability of spirulina to help control blood
sugar levels in diabetes.
A small study in India among 25 people with type 2 diabetes (average age 67) —
all of whom were already taking medication for diabetes (including metformin or
sulfonylureas) — found that taking 1 gram of spirulina (Sunova
Spirulina, Sanat Products Ltd) at lunch and
dinner for two months lowered levels of HbA1c (an indicator of long-term blood
sugar levels) from 9.0% at baseline to 8.0% after treatment — a moderate but
statistically significant improvement. There was no change in HbA1c for those
in the control group, who did not supplement with spirulina. Taking spirulina
also tended to lower fasting blood sugar and post-meal blood sugar compared to
baseline, but these improvements were not statistically significant. The effects
of spirulina on blood sugar control were speculated to be attributed to its
fiber content, which might help reduce the absorption of sugar from food, and
its protein content, which may help stimulate insulin secretion (Parikh, J Med Food 2001). A study among 37
people with type 2 diabetes who had lower levels of HbA1c and were not taking
medication for diabetes found that taking 8 grams of spirulina powder daily for
three months did not improve fasting blood sugar levels or
HbA1c compared to baseline levels or a control group not given spirulina (Lee, Nutr Res Pract 2008).
Juice Plus+: Anti-Inflammatory Effect?
Obesity is characterized by chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation which puts
people at risk for diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and
cancer. To determine the effect of Juice Plus+ fruit and
vegetable concentrates on systemic inflammation, a placebo-controlled study was
conducted among 56 obese adults put on a low fruit and vegetable diet and
given Juice Plus+ Orchard Blend (2 pills), Garden Blend (2
pills), and Berry Blend (2 pills) daily with meals for 8 weeks. JuicePlus+ did not cause significant
improvements relative to placebo in systemic inflammation (as measured by CRP
levels), nor in cholesterol levels, weight, body mass index, waist
circumference, or quality of life. Total lean body mass increased in the Juice
Plus+ group, although not to a degree which was statistically
significant relative to placebo (Williams, Nutrients 2017). Oddly, the
researchers concluded that the Juice Plus+ concentrate
"improves the metabolic profile... by reducing systemic inflammation and
blood lipid profiles," although these claims do not appear to be supported
by this study, which was funded by the NSA, LLC, the maker of Juice
Plus+.
Powerful Antioxidants?
The antioxidant activity of greens/whole food powders is often reported in
terms of the value obtained from a laboratory test known as ORAC (Oxygen
Radical Absorbance Capacity). Many products on the market claim to have
extremely high ORAC scores and claim superiority based on that number. Bear in
mind that an ORAC score is a measure of a substance's ability to neutralize
specific free radicals in vitro (in a test tube) and does not necessarily
translate to how that substance will perform in vivo (in the body). The reverse
is also true, for example, vitamin E, which is known to be a powerful
antioxidant in the body, has a very low ORAC score. There is also some debate
as to the benefits of antioxidants, and there are possible negative effects of
large amounts of antioxidants. The FDA does not permit "antioxidant"
claims to be made on supplements unless specifically referring to the
antioxidant activity from select vitamins, such as vitamin C, or the mineral selenium. The
antioxidant activity of polyphenols and other plant based
"antioxidants" cannot be legally promoted on labeling.
Alkalinizing Myth
A benefit sometimes promoted for products made from "greens" is that
they are alkalizing, meaning they help to keep the body's pH at an optimal
alkaline state. Our blood is slightly alkaline, with a normal pH level of
between 7.35 and 7.45. However, the typical diet is more acidic, which, according
to the alkaline diet theory, disrupts this balance, promotes the loss of
essential minerals, and is thought to make people prone to illness.
"Alkalinizing" greens are purported to help restore this balance,
improve overall health and prevent many chronic diseases.
There is little evidence, however, to suggest that an acid-producing diet is
the foundation of chronic illness or that food consumption will easily change
the pH of your blood. Your body has a complex system of checks and balances to
keep the pH of blood tightly within the range noted above. The foods you eat
can temporarily increase or decrease the pH of your urine or saliva, but will
have little to no effect on the pH of blood. There is some evidence that
supplementation with sodium bicarbonate or
a combination of alkaline minerals can slightly increase blood pH, but still
within the normal range (Webster, Med Sci Sports Exercise
1993; Vormann, J Trace Elem
Med Biol 2001).
Alkaline diets may, however, help prevent the formation of calcium kidney
stones, osteoporosis, and age-related muscle wasting (Schwalfenberg, J
Environ Public Health 2012; Dawson-Hughes, Am J Clin Nutr
2008).
Quality Concerns and
Tests Performed:
Neither
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nor any other federal or state
agency, routinely tests powders with greens/whole food for quality prior to
sale. A quality concern specific to these products is potential contamination
with heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury in products containing
spirulina and kelp), microbes, and toxic pesticides obtained from their growing
environments. Even if ingested at low levels, these contaminants can accumulate
and cause damage over time. Arsenic, for example, is a carcinogen and can
damage organs. Cadmium can cause kidney damage. Lead, which accumulates in
bones, can cause a variety of symptoms including abdominal pain, impaired
mental functioning, high blood pressure and anemia. Mercury has toxic effects
involving primarily the kidney and central nervous system. (See Concerns and Cautions for information
about ingredients from algae.) Microorganisms can cause disease, particularly
of the gastrointestinal tract.
In ConsumerLab's last tests of greens and whole food
products, in 2016, three products were found to be contaminated with heavy
metals: Barlean's Greens (5.7
mcg of lead per 8 gram scoop; Greens Organics + Superfood RAW (6.5
mcg of lead per 8 gram scoop); and HealthForce
SuperFoods Vitamineral
Green (3.6 mcg of lead and 13 mcg of arsenic — of which 2.3 mcg was
inorganic arsenic -- in its maximum suggested daily serving size of 1.5
tablespoons, weighing 10 grams).
To see if products were contaminated, and as part of its mission to
independently evaluate products that affect health, wellness, and nutrition,
ConsumerLab.com purchased a variety of these products (see How Products were Selected). Each product was
analyzed for levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury (in products
containing spirulina and kelp), as well as pesticides, and microbes. Results
were compared to established standards for contamination (see Testing Methods and Passing Score). Also, any product that claimed
to be "gluten free" was tested for gluten. Due to the wide range of
ingredients in these products, ConsumerLab.com did not test for the accuracy of
ingredient listings as it does in other Product Reviews which focus on specific
ingredients.
What CL Found:
Among the 10 products which ConsumerLab.com selected for
testing, nine met the quality criteria. Contamination
Heavy metal contamination was discovered in Naturo
Science Green Food — Berry Flavored, and this was confirmed in a second,
independent laboratory. This powder contained 3.8 mcg of lead per scoop (8
grams), or as much as 11.3 mcg in the maximum suggested daily serving of 3
scoops. The amount of lead found is many times higher than the California
Proposition 65 limit (0.5 mcg per daily serving), above which a warning label
is required on a product.
Although no amount of lead is considered "safe," it has been
estimated in an entire a day, children should not be exposed to more than 3 mcg
of lead, and adults, to more than 12.5 mcg (note: previously higher limits
were lowered by the FDA in
2018). Lead is a potential contaminant in natural products. In children,
infants, and fetuses, even low levels of lead can adversely affect
neurobehavioral development and cognitive function. In adults, lead at somewhat
higher levels can cause elevated blood pressure, anemia, and adversely affect
the nervous and reproductive systems. Lead is of particular concern during
pregnancy as the mother can transfer it to the fetus.
Gluten
The amount of gluten was checked in every product claiming to be
"gluten-free," which, according to the FDA, means that it cannot
contain gluten at more than 20 ppm. Although none of the
"gluten-free" products exceeded this limit, Naturo
Science Green Food — Berry Flavored (which failed testing for lead, as
noted above) came close at 15.3 ppm. This may be of concern if you are
particularly sensitive to gluten.
Nutrients and ingredients to consider
As noted earlier, the products claimed to contain a very wide range of
vegetables, fruits, and other ingredients, making it impractical for
ConsumerLab.com to test for specific ingredients. Here are some things to
consider regarding these ingredients:
Vitamins and minerals
As shown in the table below (sixth column), many products provided at least 10%
of the adult Daily Value for various vitamins and/or minerals, the most common
being followed, for reference, by its adult Daily Value. Vitamin A (from
beta-carotene), vitamin B-12, vitamin C, vitamin E, and iron. None exceeded the
upper tolerable limit (UL) for any vitamin or mineral. (See details about Daily Values, ULs and
related values.)
Other dietary ingredients
Although labels of many products offered extensive lists of ingredients, it is
difficult to determine the importance of each ingredient unless you know how
much is present. In many cases, amounts were not listed. Below are some of the
ingredients more commonly found in greens and whole food products and the
products that claim to contain them:
·
Probiotics: (Amazing Grass, Garden of Life, GNC, Naturo Science, Nutrex, Vibrant
Health, Whole Foods Market): Probiotics may have digestive and immune
benefits, although it may be difficult to maintain the viability of probiotics
in an open powder due to exposure to moisture. (For more about probiotics see
the Probiotic Supplements Review.)
Some of the products also include inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides which act
as prebiotics-- promoting
the growth of intestinal bacteria.
·
Digestive Enzymes: (Amazing Grass, Garden of Life, GNC, Naturo Science, Juice Plus+, Vibrant Health): Digestive
enzymes may be helpful in digestion if you have a lack of enzymes. One of the
common digestive enzymes, bromelain, may be useful in other conditions, such as
recovery from surgery and athletic injuries, as well as for treating sinusitis
and phlebitis. For more information about enzymes, see the Digestive Enzyme Supplements Review.
·
Added Fiber: (Amazing Grass, GNC, Jarrow
Formulas Green Defense Detox, Vibrant Health): Fiber will naturally be
found in all of the products, but these three have added fiber. Fiber can help
aid digestion and support healthy bacteria in the gut. (For more about fiber,
watch the Fiber Supplements Webinar.)
·
Other Dietary Supplement Ingredients: Jarrow
Formulas Green Defense Detox contains a substantial dose of milk
thistle extract (1,000 mg — as much as in many milk
thistle supplements, although it does not list the "% silymarin" in
the extract. Milk thistle extract may help to protect the liver from certain
toxins but may also interact with medications (see the Milk Thistle Supplements Review for
more information), Other products include small amounts of ingredients such as
green tea extract and Ginkgo biloba, but the amounts are much
smaller than typically used as a stand-alone treatment.
Cost
As shown in the graph below, the cost to obtain greens/whole food powder can
vary significantly. To compare products on cost, we calculated the cost to get
a 5-gram (about 1 tablespoon) serving of powder from each of the products, including
capsules. This cost ranged by 9-fold from just 37 cents
from GNC Earth Genius SuperFoods Supreme powder
to $3.02 from Juice Plus+ Berry Blend +.
Top Picks:
The
products in this review provide a range of nutrients from natural sources. It
would seem advisable to avoid any with higher levels of contamination from
heavy metals, as noted above. If you are going to have more than a single
serving per day or share the product with children, it may also be best to
steer away from products with very significant amounts of added vitamin and
minerals — so as to avoid exceeding daily upper
tolerable limits, as discussed above (see "Vitamins and
minerals"). Among the products that were Approved in testing, the
following are ConsumerLab's Top Picks.
Bear in mind that, unlike Reviews in which single-ingredient products are
tested, like a single mineral or vitamin, the selection of Top Picks in
this review is extremely subjective as these are very complex products, the
tests focused on lack of contamination and not the presence of specific
ingredients, and taste is a factor.
·
Powders Without Stevia or Added Sugar
If you don't need a sweetened drink — or just don't like the taste of
stevia, Garden of Life® Raw Organic Perfect Food® Green Superfood -
No Stevia is our Top Pick, although, at $1.05 per
7-gram scoop, it's a bit more expensive that the average-priced powder. It has
a complex, herbaceous flavor with a hint of pineapple, provides good amounts of
vitamin C, vitamin K, and iron, and is certified organic, non-GMO, and gluten
free (which we confirmed through testing).
·
Powders With Stevia or Added Sugar
Many of the powders are sweetened with stevia, a natural, no
calorie sweetener. While it gives a sweet taste, it has a distinctive,
lingering, somewhat hollow sweetness that some people may not enjoy. Among the
products sweetened this way, our Top Pick is Amazing
Grass Superfood The Original. It has a grassy
but pleasant taste, with a mild lingering sweetness. When compared
gram-for-gram to the other powders, it is moderately priced at 73 cents per
8-gram scoop. Each scoop provides good amounts of vitamins A, C, and K as well
as some iron. It is also certified organic, non-GMO, and gluten free (which we
confirmed through testing).
If you want a fruity drink, GNC Earth Genius SuperFoods
Supreme — Mixed Berry Natural Flavor makes a smooth, slightly thick
reddish drink and is slightly sweet with a berry flavor and, gram-for-gram, is
the least expensive of the powders — although if you use the included 21-gram
scoop (about 3 times the size of scoops in other products -- which helps
explain the thicker textured drink), the cost is $1.57 per scoop.
·
Greens/Whole Food Supplements
It is particularly difficult to select a Top Pick among the
products in capsules, as their ingredients vary greatly. However, among the
capsules that were Approved in our testing, on a gram-for-gram basis, Trader
Joe's Very Green vegan capsules (13 cents per 2 capsules) is by far the least expensive (as shown in the chart further
above), making it our Top Pick for capsules. Trader
Joe's was less than one-third the cost of Dr. Berg's and
less than one-sixth the cost of Juice Plus+.
Test Results by Product:
Listed
alphabetically below are the test results for 13 products containing
"greens" and/or "whole food" as powders or pills.
ConsumerLab.com selected 10 products. Three products (indicated with a CL
flask) were tested at the request of their manufacturer/distributor through
CL's Quality Certification Program and are
included for having passed testing. Any contamination with arsenic, cadmium,
mercury (in products containing spirulina and kelp), lead, microbes,
pesticides, or gluten (if product makes a "gluten free" claim) above
allowed limits is shown.
Also shown are the labeled serving sizes, top listed food ingredients, as well
as vitamins, minerals, and other notable dietary ingredients. Cost information
is provided in the final column. The full list of ingredients is available for
each product by clicking on the word "Ingredients" in the first
column. The ingredients listings are color-coded to help you identify types of
ingredients.
|
RESULTS OF CONSUMERLAB.COM TESTING OF GREENS AND WHOLE FOOD
POWDERS AND CAPSULES |
|||||||
|
Product Name, Serving
Size, and Suggested Daily Serving on Label |
OVERALL RESULTS: |
Did Not Exceed
Contamination Limits Heavy Metals1,
Pesticides, and Microbes2 |
Top Listed Food
Ingredients4* |
Grams Per Serving of
Total Carbs/Fiber/Sugar |
Vitamins and Minerals
at 10% or More of the Adult Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)5 Per Serving |
Cost Per Serving |
Other Notable
Features6 |
|
Powders: |
|||||||
|
|
APPROVED |
✔ |
Organic wheat grass,
organic barely grass, organic alfalfa, organic spinach, organic spirulina,
organic chlorella (cracked cell-wall), organic broccoli |
4 / 2 / <1 |
Vit. A: 187.5 mcg RAE
[1,250 IU] |
$0.73 |
CCOF Certified Organic
Non-GMO & More Seal |
|
|
APPROVED |
✔ |
Organic wheat grass,
organic barley grass, organic alfalfa grass, organic oat grass |
NL / NL / NL |
NL |
$0.50 |
USDA Organic Seal;
Quality Assurance International Certified Organic Seal |
|
|
APPROVED |
✔ |
Organic barley grass
juice, organic alfalfa grass juice, organic oat grass juice, organic wheat
grass juice, organic kamut® grass juice |
4 / 1 / 1 |
Vit. C: 25 mg |
$1.05 |
Certified Vegan
Vegan.org; USDA Organic Seal; NSF Certified Gluten-Free Seal; NON GMO Project Verified |
|
|
APPROVED |
✔ |
Organic pea protein,
organic rice protein, organic hemp protein, carob protein, algae protein |
11 / 2 / 2 |
NL |
$1.57 |
Suitable for
vegetarians, non-GMO, gluten free |
|
|
APPROVED |
✔ |
Powdered juice from
organic young barely grass, organic brown rice |
4 / NL / NL |
Vit. A: 150 mcg RAE
[1,000 IU] |
$0.65 |
USDA Organic Seal;
Certified Vegan Vegan.org Seal; Quality Assurance International Certified
Organic Seal |
|
|
APPROVED |
✔ |
Organic Broccoli,
Organic Kale, Organic Spinach Powder |
3 / 2 / 0 |
Vit. C: 90 mg |
$0.62 |
Suitable for vegan,
non-GMO |
|
|
NOT |
Found 3.8 mcg to 11.3
mcg lead per daily serving (0.47 ppm) |
Alfalfa herb, spinach
leaf, barley grass, wheat grass, spirulina, chlorella, broccoli |
5 / 1 / 1 |
Vit. A: 137.4 mcg RAE
[916 IU] |
$1.27 |
Gluten free |
|
|
APPROVED |
✔ |
Spirulina, organic
broccoli, organic kale, organic spinach powder |
4 / 1 / 1 |
Vit. A: 450 mcg RAE
[3,000 IU] |
$0.96 |
Certified Vegan
Vegan.org Seal; Non GMO Project Verified |
|
|
APPROVED |
✔ |
Barley grass leaf
powder, oat grass leaf powder, wheat grass leaf juice, barley grass juice
powder, oat grass juice powder, wheat grass juice powder, kamut®
grass juice powder |
7 / 2 / 1 |
Vit. A: 1,250 mcg RAE
[4,157 IU] |
$1.79 |
Contains: soy, milk |
|
|
APPROVED |
✔ |
Organic alfalfa leaf
powder, spirulina (Earthrise®) powder, brown rice bran powder, apple pectin
powder, organic flaxseed flour, sprouted barley malt powder, beet root juice
powder, organic barley grass powder, pineapple fruit powder, organic Kamut® grass juice powder |
5 / 2 / 2 |
Vit. A: 100 mcg RAE
[666.7 IU] |
$0.87 |
Contains wheat
ingredients, suitable for vegetarians |
|
Capsules: |
|||||||
|
|
APPROVED |
✔ |
Organic beet, organic
brussels sprout, organic collard green, organic asparagus, organic kale,
organic parsley, organic red radish, organic cabbage, organic garlic, organic
turmeric, organic kelp powder |
NL / NL / NL |
NL |
$0.3210 |
Organic |
|
|
APPROVED |
✔ |
Cocoa, concord grape,
pomegranate, blueberry, green tea, cranberry, ginger root, blackberry,
artichoke leaf, bilberry |
1 / NL / NL |
Vit. C: 28.8 DV11 |
$0.83 |
NSF® Contents Tested
& Certified Seal |
|
|
APPROVED |
✔ |
Powdered alfalfa
juice, powdered barley grass juice, powdered apple pectin, powdered Hawaiian
spirulina algae, powdered chlorella algae, powdered wheat grass juice,
powdered carrot root juice, powdered tomato fruit juice, powdered beet root
extract, powdered kelp extract, powdered milk thistle fruit extract |
NL / NL / NL |
NL |
$0.13 |
Contain wheat,
contains no yeast |
|
|
|||||||
|
Unless otherwise noted, information about the products
listed above is based on the samples purchased by ConsumerLab.com (CL) for
this Product Review. Manufacturers may change ingredients and label
information at any time, so be sure to check labels carefully when evaluating
the products you use or buy. If a product's
ingredients differ from what is listed above, it may not necessarily be of
the same quality as what was tested. |
|||||||
|
Copyright ConsumerLab.com, LLC, 2019. All rights reserved.
Not to be reproduced, excerpted, or cited in any fashion without the express
written permission of ConsumerLab.com LLC. |
|||||||
ConsumerTips™:
Read
labels carefully
Greens products often list a myriad of ingredients. Be aware that ingredients
are listed in order of amount (weight) in the product. An ingredient that is
not among the first listed may occur in very small amounts.
Be careful with ingredients other than grains, vegetables and fruits.
Herbal extracts, vitamins, and other active ingredients may be added to greens
products. As noted earlier, the amounts provided may or may not be at levels
known to be useful. If you want a particular active ingredient, consider
getting it from a separate product. This will increase the likelihood that the
supplement provides an adequate dose and, if tested by a reputable third party
such as ConsumerLab.com, provides quality ingredients.
Probiotics may not be viable
Probiotic organisms can be sensitive to heat, light and moisture. Getting
probiotics from a powder in a container that is repeatedly opened and closed
may lead to a loss of viability of the organisms. If you want a probiotic, a
safer bet may be from a separate probiotic supplement, particularly one in
which each serving is enclosed, such as in a capsule. See the Probiotic Product Review for more
information.
Concerns and Cautions:
While
most of the food ingredients in greens products are generally safe, these
products frequently include herbal extracts, vitamins and minerals, and other
ingredients that may potentially cause unexpected side-effects and/or interact
with other nutrients and drugs. Particular caution should be exercised by women
who are pregnant or nursing, and by parents seeking to give the product to
children.
Cyanobacteria
(formerly called blue-green algae): Spirulina & Aph. Flos-aquae
Contamination is a known
issue with ingredients derived from algae. Although Spirulina (a
cyanobacteria) has generally been found safe, all algae can accumulate heavy
metals such as lead and mercury, and, with Spirulina, there have
been rare reports of allergic reaction, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), and,
in a baby whose mother used Spirulina for a long period of
time, seizures (Heussner, Tox Appl Pharmacol
2012). An analysis of heavy metal and mineral levels in 25
supplements containing Spirulina which was grown in various
countries (including the U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan and India) found none
exceeded daily intake levels for nickel, zinc, mercury, platinum, manganese or
magnesium and concluded they were safe for consumption. However, the
supplements were not tested for levels of lead or arsenic (Al-Dhabi, Saudi J Biol Sci 2013).
Concern
has been raised with the environmental neurotoxin BMAA, as it can be produced
by cyanobacteria, although this has not been proven with Spirulina.
Chronic exposure to BMAA can lead to dementia due to the formation of
neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid deposits in the brain (Cox, Proc R Soc B, 2016).
Small studies of dietary
supplements containing Spirulina or, more generally,
cyanobacteria, have not found BMAA to be present. The most recent of these
studies included samples of Spirulina ingredients from two raw
material suppliers and four "green drink" supplements (not identified
by name but each listing 1,450 grams of Spirulina per
serving). Spirulina is considered safe by the USP. For a Spirulina product
to meet USP standards, it must not exceed limits for heavy metals and
microcystin toxin (see below), but there is no requirement regarding BMAA (McCarron, Aquat Biosys 2014; USP 2013).
A form of blue-green
algae known as Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (or Aph.
flos-aquae), typically harvested from Klamath
Lake in Oregon, is frequently contaminated with toxins, including microcystin
toxin -- a potential human carcinogen also known for acute toxic effects on the
liver. A study in 2010 of dietary supplements sold in Germany found this toxin
in every supplement containing Aph flos-aquae (sourced from Oregon) at levels
considered unsafe for infants and, in the case of single-ingredient
supplements, unsafe for older children as well. Although the levels were below
established limits of toxicity to adults, some researchers indicate that exposure
to microcystin should be minimized and eliminated where possible -- which would
suggest avoidance of supplements containing Aph.
flos-aquae.
A study in Canada of dietary supplements purchased mainly on the
Internet found that 3 out of 4 A. flos-aquae products
exceeded the microcystin toxin limit proposed by the World Health Organization,
which is 2.4 mcg per day for a 60 kg (132 lb) adult
and is based on daily use over a lifetime. Product names were not published,
but two were from Klamath Lake and were contaminated with 3.3 mcg and 4.5 mcg,
respectively, of microcystin toxin in their recommended doses of 800 mg and
3,000 mg per day. The highest microcystin toxin level was 16.4 mcg per 2,000 mg
daily dose in a product purchased at a store which didn't list its source of
ingredient. A fourth product, from Klamath Lake, had a lower amount (0.8 mcg)
in a 1,000 mg dose. These products had expiration dates in mid-2015. The study
also tested four Spirulina supplements with 2015 expiration
dates: one slightly exceeded the limit (based on a 3,000 mg dose) and one had a
lower amount (0.6 mcg in a 3,000 mg dose). Results were included for 10
other Spirulina products from earlier years (expiration dates
of 2006 to 2009), of which only one had a detectable amount of microcystin
toxins — 0.25 mcg in a 1,200 mg dose of the product, which was store bought and
listed Hawaii as the source of ingredient (Roy-Lachapelle, Toxins 2017).
The safety of chlorella
has been assessed in small studies. Although not found to cause toxicity, it
has often been reported to cause gastrointestinal side effects. In a 12-week
study of patients with hepatitis C infection given approximately 8 to 9.5 grams
of chlorella daily from a combination of dry pulverized chlorella (Sun
Chlorella A) in tablets and a liquid extract (Wakasa Gold), one
patient dropped out due to constipation, which resolved after stopping
chlorella treatment. Among other participants, the main side effects were mild
to moderate constipation or diarrhea, although these symptoms resolved within
the first two weeks of treatment. Levels of ALT, a liver enzyme, also decreased
in these patients, signifying decreased liver inflammation -- a beneficial
effect (Azocar, World J Gastroentrol 2013). In another study involving the
same chlorella products but among patients with fibromyalgia, most of the
participants reported increased episodes of diarrhea and abdominal cramping (Merchant, Phytother Res 2000).
Some members of ConsumerLab.com have reported vomiting after using chlorella
products (see these reports in the "Comments" section of this
related CL Answer).
Recommended Tolerable
Upper Intake Levels (ULs) have been established for many vitamins and minerals,
so it is advisable to keep track of the amounts that you may be ingesting from
the powders as well as from other foods and supplements (see www.ConsumerLab.com/RDAs for Recommended
Dietary Allowances (RDAs) and ULs).
+ 14 sources
Information on this site
is provided for informational purposes only. It is not an endorsement of any
product nor is it meant to substitute for the advice provided by physicians or
other healthcare professionals. The information contained herein should not be
used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Consumers should
inform their healthcare providers of the dietary supplements they take.
Latest Clinical Research Updates for Greens and Whole Foods
Powders
Spirulina for Type 2 Diabetes?
8/31/2021
Does taking spirulina
help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes? See what a
study found in the What They Do section of our Greens and
Whole Food Powders and Capsules Review.
3/28/2017
Some Spirulina supplements
and many A. flos-aquae supplements
were found to be contaminated with microcystin toxin — a liver toxin, according
to a recently published study. For details, see the "Concerns and Cautions"
section of the Greens and Whole Food Supplements Review >>
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Juice Plus+?
3/15/2017
Chronic systemic
inflammation is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
A recent clinical trial assessed the product Juice Plus+ for its ability to
reduce this inflammation in obese men and women. The abstract of the published
study indicates that it works, but the results tell a different story. For
details, see the "What It Does" section of
the Greens and Whole Foods Powders, Pills, and Drinks Review (which includes
our tests of products) >>
8/09/2016
Spirulina, a common
ingredient in greens and whole foods supplements, was found to lower total and
"bad" LDL cholesterol, but only in certain people. Get the details,
plus our tests of products containing spirulina, in the Greens and Whole Foods Powders,
Drinks and Pills Review >>
Gastrointestinal Side-Effects of Chlorella
2/21/2016
In response to a CL
Answer about Spirulina, CL members have reported vomiting after
using another algae-based supplement, Chlorella — a common
ingredient in "greens" powders and drinks. We then reviewed clinical
studies of Chlorella and found high rates of other
gastrointestinal side-effects. For details see the "Concerns and
Cautions" section of the Greens and Whole Foods Powders and
Pills Review >>
Related CL Answers (6)