I get many questions about MonaVie. There is a lot of valid and not-so-valid information out there. I found this information to be very helpful and complete. Below is a summary of MonaVie and what it contains:

Monavie Product Review
MonaVie is a delicious and energizing blend of Brazilian acai berry -- one of nature's top superfoods -- and other beneficial fruits. A Gift from the Amazon. Developed with the philosophy Balance-Variety-Moderation, this singular nutritional beverage delivers the phytonutrients and antioxidants you need to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

For countless centuries, the people of the Amazon have revered this unique fruit for its health-promoting properties, used in the treatment of numerous ailments, and prized it as a source of health and vitality. Recently, the remarkable health benefits of acai have been validated by modern science. And because of its unparalleled antioxidants levels and superior nutrient content, acai is now widely regarded as one of the world's top super foods.

Antioxidants
An antioxidant is a phytonutrient that prevents or delays oxidation. They are common components of foods that prevent changes in color or flavor caused by oxygen in the air. They prevent rancid tastes and odors from developing in foods containing fat. An antioxidant is most helpful when it spots a “free radical” (a molecule which has an unpaired electron). An antioxidant neutralizes the free radical by supplying the missing electron and forming a complete pair.

The Fruits Overview
MonaVie is a delicious and energizing blend of Brazilian acai berry -- one of nature's top superfoods -- and 19 other beneficial fruits.

ACAI Berry
Modern science has now validated the remarkable wellness benefits of the acai fruit. As a whole food by itself, the berry would provide a remarkable source of complete protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Particularly valuable are the class of polyphenols of which the acai contains over a dozen. High on the list are anthocyanins, which contribute the deep red, blue and purple of the plant's appearance. Anthocyanins have a host of health benefits that have been identified in several studies.

ACEROLA CHERRIES
Acerola thrives in the sandy soils. They are rich in both antioxidants and a range of important vitamins. Acerola Cherries are an especially potent source of Vitamin C.

APRICOTS
Apricots provide a rich assortment of antioxidants and are abundant with soluble fiber, beta-carotene, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, potassium and Vitamin C. They also include a natural salicylate.

ARONIA - (Black Chokeberry)
Aronia juice contains very high levels of anthocyanins and flavonoids -- five to ten times higher than cranberry juice. Its beneficial nutrients include antioxidants, polyphenols, minerals and vitamins, as well as important trace minerals. Aronia has Polyphenols • Anthocyanidans • Quinic acid • Vitamins • Minerals • Flavinols.

BANANA
Bananas are a common supermarket fruit and are often taken for granted (few realize the health benefits bananas bring to them). Bananas are the ONLY fruit that comes not from trees or bushes but from large plants that are giant herbs and are related to the lily and orchid family. Bananas have been linked to antioxidant protection.

BILBERRIES
The Bilberry is a close relative of the blueberry and is noted for its phytonutrient content. Bilberry fruit and its extracts contain a number of biologically active components, including a class of compounds called anthocyanosides, which are potent antioxidants.

BLUEBERRIES
Blueberries are an antioxidant powerhouse. They contain large amounts of health-promoting phytochemicals such as anthocyanins and phenolics, currently being studied for their antioxidant benefits. Besides antioxidants, blueberries contain condensed tannins, and they offer a great lineup of nutrients like potassium and iron, as well as being an excellent source of Vitamin C.

CAMU CAMU BERRY - (Rumberry)
The Camu Camu berry is the planet’s richest source of natural Vitamin C. Its content has been measured as 30-60 times higher than an equal amount of citrus fruit. The Camu Camu berry is legendary for its powers.

CRANBERRIES
Cranberries are rich in many phytonutrients and proanthocyanidins (PACs), including important tannins and Vitamin C. Cranberries contain high amounts of vitamins, minerals, organic acids and various other phytonutrients. Cranberries are a good source of vitamin A, C, B complex, Folic Acid and Fiber. Also included are the minerals Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium and Sulfur. But there is more to them than just vitamins. Cranberries contain important plant pigments called bioflavanoids.

GRAPES - (purple/white)
The varying colors of grapes bring a spectrum of antioxidant protective power to this versatile fruit. Purple grapes contain resveratrol, the potent antioxidant found in red wine and other grape products that have been making headlines around the world.

KIWI
Kiwi fruit contains abundant phytonutrients and has gained fame as a delicious source of ample amounts of vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, trace minerals and dietary fiber. Native to China.

LYCHEE
The Lychee is native to the warmer forests of Southern China and probably Vietnam. It has been cultivated in China for well over a thousand years, and would no doubt have been a keenly sought after forest fruit in subtropical Sino-Vietnamese Asia. At 72mg of vitamin C per 100 grams of flesh, lychees are a very good source for this essential vitamin, as well as potassium and other nutrients.

NASHI PEARS
Once reserved as a food to be served only to the wealthy and to Chinese nobles, Nashi pears have been grown, cultivated and eaten for centuries. Little is known about their origin...it’s estimated that they began appearing at least 3,000 years ago in China. Nashi pears are a great source of dietary fiber, and they’re also very high in potassium and other essential minerals. They contain nearly 10% of the USRDA for Vitamin C, and a high concentration of folates, which make up the Vitamin B complex group.

PASSION FRUIT
Passion fruit is rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber, including: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and sulphur and B Vitamins. The legend of passion fruit dates back to Biblical time and rainforest natives have for generations used Passion fruit juice.

PEARS
Pears have been revered throughout time. Their cultivation has been traced back 3,000 years in western Asia, and some speculate pears might have been discovered by people in the Stone Age. They were an exotic food item in the court of Louis XIV and were called the “gift of the gods” by Homer in his epic, The Odyssey. Pears have been linked to Antioxidant protection.

POMEGRANATE
Pomegranate juice contains more antioxidants than even red wine, green tea, blueberry juice, cranberry juice or orange juice. Studies show that pomegranate juice is one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants, containing more polyphenol antioxidant than any other drink. Period! And pomegranate polyphenols are now being shown by science to be very useful.

PRUNES
Prunes are dried plums, rich in minerals and phenols, plus they have an extremely high ORAC value. The drying process actually increases antioxidant powers by more than six times! USDA researchers believe that people of all ages should add prunes to their diets.

WOLFBERRY
For thousands of years in China, the Wolfberry has been known as “the herb of longevity.” It provides a powerful combination of antioxidants and polysaccharides. Wolfberry also provides eighteen amino acids and twenty-one trace minerals. Wolfberry, like açai, is known for the many health conditions that are helped by this fruit.

Monavie FAQ

How many calories are in MonaVie?
MonaVie contains 20 calories per 1 ounce serving. Shake well before using. Drink 1 to 2 ounces twice daily. Refrigerate after opening. Do not use if safety seal is broken. Go ahead, drink to your health!

What does MonaVie taste like?
This is a difficult question to answer because everyone has different tastes. People usually describe it as a pleasant tasting "fruity" drink. Try some for yourself today!

How does Regular MonaVie differ from MonaVie Active?
MonaVie Active is the original MonaVie with two additional ingredients meant specifically to help relieve joint/muscle pain and inflammation, as well as regenerate the cartilage that is lost through the normal wear and tear of the body. Even with the full impact of all the nutrients available in fruits, your body needs extra care and attention as we age. MonaVie Active contains all-natural Esterified Fatty Acids
and Glucosamine that reinforce the original fruit blend by controlling and repairing the damage our bodies experience. By helping to repair previous damage, the benefits of these powerful fruits can then be felt as they make a significant difference in the body. MonaVie is a unique proprietary blend, the only blend of this kind, where scientific techniques have allowed a water-based fruit mixture to be mixed, or emulsified, with a fat (Celadrin® is made up of fatty acids), and then made available as a stable and appetizing product.

What are Esterified Fatty Acids?
MonaVie Active contains necessary essential fatty acids that lubricate your body’s cells and revitalize the membranes that cushion the bones and joints. The essential fatty acids have been shown to be useful in assisting in the regulation of your immune response. Research indicates that esterified fatty acids significantly contribute to improved joint function and pain reduction for anyone struggling with aches and discomforts resulting from arthritis.

What is Glucosamine?
Glucosamine hydrochloride is a natural compound found in the body that is used to help make and form cartilage. Glucosamine has also been shown to help lubricate, cushion, protect, and rebuild joints.

Why are the phytonutrients found in MonaVie important to our health?
Phytonutrients are dietary components that are somewhat new to the field of nutrition. Phytonutrients are generally described as chemical components of plants that favorably alter the structure or function of the body. They have been shown to have beneficial effects on health and disease prevention. In an era of remarkable nutritional discoveries, it is appropriate to broaden our definition of a nutrient to include substances proven by rigorous scientific methods that are involved in disease prevention.
We include 19 deeply pigmented fruits from around the world, since this provides the widest spectrum of health-enhancing phytonutrients and antioxidants.

Can children drink MonaVie?
Yes. It is recommended that children under 10 drink the Original MonaVie Blend. Only 17% of the population consumes the recommended 2 to 3 servings of a variety of fruits each day. By not getting our recommended intake of fruits, we are missing out on the health benefits of vitamins, antioxidants, phytonutrients and fiber. One serving of MonaVie each day contains a variety of the most nutritionally dense fruits available for families on the go and picky-eating children.

What is the shelf life of MonaVie?
If unopened, both the MonaVie juices and MonaVie Active Gel have a shelf life of one year. If the MonaVie juice has been opened, then the shelf life is approximately 30–60 days, as long as the opened bottle is refrigerated. The MonaVie Active Gel should be consumed in its entirety as soon as it is opened.

If someone is allergic to shellfish can they consume glucosamine hydrochloride?

Shellfish are a known allergen and glucosamine is derived from shrimp shells. However, people who are allergic to shellfish are actually allergic to the protein troponin, which is found in the muscle (protein) of shrimp. Analyses do not find any protein in the glucosamine hydrochloride used in MonaVie Active Gel. Glucosamine hydrochloride (GHCl), the form of glucosamine used in MonaVie Active Gel, is more than 99% pure. Because shellfish is a known allergen, please consult with a physician before taking MonaVie Active Gel.

Is there any vitamin K in MonaVie?
For customers concerned about vitamin K levels because of blood thinning medication, please consult a physician before taking any MonaVie products. The vitamin K level in MonaVie Original and MonaVie Active is approximately 12.4 µg/oz.

Are MonaVie products Gluten free?
Yes.

Is MonaVie approved by the FDA?
MonaVie is labeled as a nutritional product or food, as opposed to a supplement. Because of this, there is nothing in the product that warrants FDA review or approval.

Is MonaVie Kosher or Halal Certified?
As an international company, we are looking into various cultural and religious certifications. However, at this time MonaVie is not Kosher or Halal certified.

Is MonaVie pasteurized?
Yes. With flash pasteurization, the product is heated for approximately 15–30 seconds and then immediately cooled. By only briefly subjecting the product to high temperatures, most—if not all—taste and color changes are avoided. Flash pasteurization is preferred to other methods because it kills microbes without destroying beneficial phytonutrients.

Can people with diabetes drink MonaVie?
Technically glucosamine is a carbohydrate. The body is not able to convert it into glucose so it does not provide additional sources of glucose. If you are a diabetic, check first with your doctor and always monitor your blood sugar. In diabetes, many factors can lead to changing blood sugar levels. Studies show glucosamine did not affect insulin sensitivity in humans. (Pouwels 2001).

Are preservatives added to MonaVie?
Sodium Benzoate is the preservative used in MonaVie. Once the bottle is opened, the fruit mixture would be an ideal medium for pathological organisms were it not for an insignificant and harmless addition of 0.1% sodium benzoate. Foods containing this preservative are much healthier than non-preservative foods since harmful microorganism growth are inhibited, food oxidation is prevented, and food nutrients are preserved. Sodium benzoate is completely out of the system within ten hours of consumption. The limit of sodium benzoate in foods is not because of its toxicity or potential ill effects; rather, it is a taste issue -- levels higher than 0.1% will leave an unacceptable aftertaste.