Main content

Health & Wellbeing

We investigate issues with products claiming to keep you healthy.

Juice Plus+: Do the claims of this health supplement add up?

Dietary supplements are big business, and on social media it's hard to avoid the ads for the huge range of "healthy" pills and powders available.

Sorry, this clip is not currently available

One brand is Juice Plus+, a franchise with 'independent brand advocates' worldwide, some of whom are making questionable claims about the supplement's effectiveness. We asked a dietician to put them to the test...

In response to our report Juice PLUS+ told us: “Our capsule are, unique products that have been sold globally for almost 25 years, are among the most-researched nutritional supplements on the market. Thirty-five peer-reviewed scientific studies, conducted by revered institutions such as King’s College, London and the University of Birmingham, illustrate their many health benefits.

“We certainly do not claim that our capsules have any benefits related to weight loss. We market our products as long-term support for healthy living rather than to cure any specific ailments.

“We recognise that a very small proportion of our 150,000 worldwide, independent brand advocates occasionally stray off-message and we have a department that takes swift, decisive action when we discover it ourselves, or when it is brought to our attention. We are grateful that these violations of our policies were communicated to us and always welcome reports of inappropriate behaviour involving our company and its products.”

Are Fitbit’s straps fit for purpose?

Fitbit - the revolutionary fitness device that tracks your every move and helps you to stay in shape. What's not to like? Peeling, broken and disintegrating straps on a fairly widespread scale, that's what. So, can Fitbit's straps take the strain?

In response to our report Fitbit told us: "The quality of our products and the health and safety of our customers are our top priorities. The experiences reported are not typical for the tens of millions of users around the world who enjoy our products every day. We conduct extensive testing and consult with top industry experts to develop stringent standards so that users can safely wear and enjoy our products. We also are committed to delivering a superior customer experience. As with Ms. Surguy, we respond quickly when customers report issues and Ms. Surguy’s Fitbit Charge HR was replaced with a new Charge HR device. At Fitbit we strive to work closely with our customers through our customer service channels to ensure their satisfaction. If consumers have any questions or concerns, they can contact us at help.fitbit.com.

“Fitbit trackers are water-resistant but to best preserve your band, we recommend that customers rinse the band with water but do not use soap, hand sanitizers, cleaning wipes or household cleaners to clean it, and that they also try to avoid exposure to any chemicals like sunscreen, alcohol, etc. For more wear and care tips, users can visit www.fitbit.com/productcare."

Is Tesco misleading the public with their Healthy Living range?

We reveal that some products in Tesco's Healthy Living range contain more fat than their Everyday Value range. Could Tesco be cashing in on our desire for low fat food?

Sorry, this clip is not currently available

In response to our report a Tesco spokesperson said: “Our Healthy Living range includes great-tasting, lower calorie options which mean customers don’t have to compromise on taste. Products are always clearly labelled with their nutritional content so that customers can make an informed decision about what to buy.”