The FAQs
These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are designed to help you answer common questions about MonaVie, its products and opportunity. If you don’t find your answer here, please contact the person who directed you to this TheAçaiStory.com website.
Does harvesting the acai berry destroy the Amazon rainforest?
What fruits are contained in MonaVie products?
Why does the acai berry seem to get more attention than the other healthful fruits in MonaVie?
Does acai have a high ORAC score?
What causes excess free radicals?
Does MonaVie use flash pasteurization?
Is MonaVie's acai certified organic?
How much acai is contained in MonaVie products?
Where are MonaVie products manufactured?
What is glucosamine hydrochloride?
Is one form of glucosamine more effective than another?
What is the shelf life of the MonaVie Original and Active Juices and MonaVie Active Gel?
Are MonaVie products FDA approved?
Do MonaVie products treat, cure, or prevent disease?
What are esterified fatty acids?
How much potassium is in MonaVie Original and MonaVie Active?
Is there any vitamin K in MonaVie Original or MonaVie Active?
Are MonaVie products gluten-free?
If someone is allergic to shellfish can they consume glucosamine hydrochloride?
Why do MonaVie Original and MonaVie Active contain the preservative polysorbate?
Why do MonaVie products contain the preservative sodium benzoate?
Why are there natural flavors in MonaVie products?
Does MonaVie use recycled glass in its glass bottles?
What's the difference between MonaVie Active Gel and the new MonaVie Gel?
Will the new MonaVie Gel promote joint health?
Were any ingredients added to the new MonaVie Gel?
Is the MonaVie Gel safe for children and pregnant or nursing women?
Why does the new MonaVie Gel now list 1 gram of fiber per serving?
What is acai?
Acai is a small,
round, dark-purple berry with amazing nutritional properties. Its
appearance is similar to that of a grape, but it has a smaller amount
of pulp and a single large seed. Scientific experts have referred to
the acai berry as the most nutritious and powerful food in the world. 
Back to Top
What is MonaVie?
MonaVie is a
delicious and energizing blend of the Brazilian açai berry — one of
nature's top super-foods-and other nutrient dense fruits. Developed
with the philosophy of Balance — Variety — Moderation, MonaVie delivers
the phytonutrients and antioxidants you need to maintain a healthy and
active lifestyle. Back to Top
Where does acai grow?
The acai
berry grows in clusters on the acai palm, a genus of 25-30 species of
palms native to tropical Central and South America. These tall,
slender, and attractive palms can grow 15-30 meters tall, with leaves
up to 3 meters long. The prime commercial source of acai comes from the
area where several rivers converge within the Amazon estuary, emptying
along the northeastern corner of Brazil into the Atlantic Ocean between
the states of Para and Amapa. The people of Brazil refer to acai as the
"Milk of the Amazon."Back to Top
Does harvesting the acai berry destroy the Amazon rainforest?
No.
In fact, MonaVie is helping to preserve the Amazon rainforest by
harvesting the acai berry. Each week, poachers illegally chop down
5,000-10,000 palm trees to obtain and sell a 12-inch section of the
palm known as the "palmito." As a result, the entire tree dies. On the
other hand, by harvesting the acai berry, the palm tree continues to
thrive and the natives have an incentive to preserve the acai-bearing
palm tree. By buying the acai berry from Brazilian suppliers, MonaVie
preserved over 250,000 acai palm trees in 2006 alone.Back to Top
What fruits are contained in MonaVie products?
In
addition to the açai berry, MonaVie products contain white grape, nashi
pear, acerola, pear, aronia, purple grape, cranberry, passion fruit,
banana, apricot, prune, kiwi, blueberry, bilberry, camu camu,
wolfberry, pomegranate, and lychee fruit.Back to Top
Why does the acai berry seem to get more attention than the other healthful fruits in MonaVie?
While
all the fruits contained in MonaVie have unique properties that benefit
your body, the acai berry has become the "headliner" fruit because it
is packed with nutritional value—proteins, healthy fats, fiber,
vitamins, minerals, and trace minerals. It also has a low glycemic
index. So complete is this berry that the Brazilian people living along
the Amazon can survive on it as their sole source of food and
demonstrate amazing vitality and energy. More important than this,
however, is the impressive amount of phytonutrients that MonaVie is
able to capture from the acai berry.Back to Top
Does acai have a high ORAC score?
Yes,
with an ORAC score of 1,027, the acai used in MonaVie boasts the
highest ORAC score of any fruit or vegetable tested to date. The acai
fruit is the star among other well-known antioxidants, such as
blueberries, grapes, red wine, green tea, cranberries, blackberries,
and pomegranates. By comparison, acai has more than 10 times the
antioxidant power of cranberries.Back to Top
What does ORAC mean?
An acronym
for "oxygen radical absorption capacity", ORAC is a way to measure the
antioxidant capacity of a food. Foods with high ORAC values are
desirable for their ability to inhibit free radical activity. The ORAC
measurement was developed by a scientist at the National Institute of
Aging in 1992 and has proven to be a valuable tool in quantifying
health benefits associated with consuming fruits, vegetables, and other
antioxidant-containing foods and supplements.Back to Top
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants
are "agents" that inhibit harmful compounds known as free radicals.
Free radicals cause damage to your cells through the process of
oxidation. By donating an electron to unstable free radicals,
antioxidants neutralize their harmful effects. Obtaining a variety of
antioxidants through diet or supplementation is essential to
maintaining your good health.Back to Top
What are free radicals?
Free
radicals are atoms with at least one unpaired electron. In excess, free
radicals produce harmful oxidation that can damage cell membranes. Free
radicals are analogous to cattle let loose on a field of planted crops.
Uncontrolled, the cattle would destroy the crops. Ranch hands are hired
to make sure the cattle stay in place and graze. Antioxidants act much
the same way. As the ranch hands for our bodies, antioxidants prevent
free radicals from potentially damaging millions of healthy,
functioning cells.Back to Top
What is oxidative stress?
Oxidative stress occurs in your body when there are not enough antioxidants to counter the effects of damaging free radicals.Back to Top
What causes excess free radicals?
Tobacco
smoke, alcohol, pollution, insecticides, radiation, chemicals in the
home or at work, and excessive amounts of sunlight are all prolific
contributors to the formation of free radicals. Other causes include a
high-fat diet, stress, insufficient sleep, and strenuous exercise.Back to Top
How well do MonaVie products scavenge other free radicals such as peroxynitrite (NORAC), hydroxyl (HORAC), and superoxide anion (SORAC)?
The MonaVie Juice blend is a very
powerful antioxidant against these additional free radicals; in fact,
the SORAC assay score of 1,614 unit/g represents the highest value ever
reported for superoxide scavenging activity in vitro of any food.Back to Top
What are phytonutrients?
Phytonutrients
are naturally occurring compounds that contribute to the flavor, color,
and disease-resistance of plants (i.e., fruits, vegetables, whole
grains, and legumes). Phytonutrients are powerful antioxidants, but
their value extends much beyond free radical protection. Maximum health
benefits are derived from consuming a variety of phytonutrients with a
full spectrum of colors and pigments, such as those found in MonaVie
products.Back to Top
Does MonaVie use flash pasteurization?
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.Back to Top
Is MonaVie's acai certified organic?
Yes.
The acai used by MonaVie is certified organic through The Institute for
Marketecology (IMO). IMO is one of the first and most renowned
international agencies for inspection, certification, and quality
assurance of eco-friendly products. IMO's worldwide activities are
accredited by the Swiss Accreditation Service (SAS), according to EN
45011 (ISO 65), which is the international standard for organic
certification.Back to Top
How much acai is contained in MonaVie products?
Because
MonaVie product formulas are proprietary, the exact amount of acai or
the other fruits contained in our blend is not disclosed.Back to Top
How many servings of fruits and vegetables does the U.S. National Research Council recommend we eat daily?
The
U.S. National Research Council recommends that you consume at least
five servings of fruits and vegetables per day to maintain a proper
supply of food — derived antioxidants for your body. Research indicates
that only five percent of the U.S. population consumes five servings of
fruits and vegetables per day.Back to Top
Where are MonaVie products manufactured?
To
ensure the highest level of quality, MonaVie blends and produces
MonaVie products at its manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah
not far from the corporate office.Back to Top
What is glucosamine hydrochloride?
Glucosamine
hydrochloride is a natural compound found in the body that is used to
help create and form cartilage. Glucosamine has also been shown to help
lubricate, cushion, protect, and rebuild jointsBack to Top
Is one form of glucosamine more effective than another?
There
are three types of glucosamine: glucosamine hydrochloride (HCl),
N-acetyl glucosamine, and glucosamine sulfate. Both glucosamine HCl and
glucosamine sulfate are rapidly converted into "free" glucosamine in
the stomach. So, from a medicinal standpoint, they are equally
effective. However, glucosamine HCl is 79 percent glucosamine, while
glucosamine sulfate is only between 47 and 52 percent glucosamine.
MonaVie Active Gel and the MonaVie Active Juice contain glucosamine HCl
because it contains the highest level of free glucosamine.Back to Top
What is the shelf life of the MonaVie Original and Active Juices and MonaVie Active Gel?
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.Back to Top
Are MonaVie products safe?
Yes,
MonaVie products are safe and contain only well-tolerated foods.
MonaVie contains fruit juices and purees naturally found in the food
supply that have been consumed by various cultures for hundreds of
years. However, if you have any health concerns, you should consult a
physician before starting any new product or program.Back to Top
Are MonaVie products FDA approved?
There is no official approval process or certificate issued from the
FDA to approve the sale of food or juice products in the United States.
The Food and Drug Administration, however, has established stringent
laws and regulations, called Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to
ensure the safety of foods manufactured and sold in the U.S. MonaVie is
manufactured in a GMP compliant facility. The ingredients contained in
MonaVie products are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and obtaining
prior approval to sell them from the FDA is not required.Back to Top
Do MonaVie products treat, cure, or prevent disease?
Eating a diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables is
well-known to aid in the prevention of disease and in living a long
active, healthy life. It is not the purpose of a natural product like
MonaVie to treat, cure, or prevent disease; the FDA approves drugs (not
food products) for those purposes. MonaVie's products are made with a
specific selection of powerful superfruits and other natural compounds
such as glucosamine hydrochloride and esterified fatty acids. The
fruits and compounds of MonaVie have been shown in some studies to help
support the body's ability to protect itself against various ailments. Back to Top
What are esterified fatty acids?
Esterified fatty acids are thought to reduce pain-like symptoms and
rapidly promote joint health, improving flexibility and mobility.
Esterification is the general name for a chemical reaction in which two
chemicals (typically an alcohol and an acid) form an ester as the
reaction product.Back to Top
How much potassium is in MonaVie Original and MonaVie Active?
For customers concerned about potassium levels for reasons relating
to dialysis, please consult a physician before taking MonaVie products.
The potassium level in MonaVie Original and MonaVie Active is
approximately 62-66 mg/oz. MonaVie Original and MonaVie Active contain
no potassium additives, grapefruit, or cantaloupe.Back to Top
Is there any vitamin K in MonaVie Original or MonaVie Active?
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.Back to Top
Are MonaVie products gluten-free?
Yes.Back to Top
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 percent pure. Because shellfish is a known
allergen, please consult with a physician before taking MonaVie Active
Gel.Back to Top
Why do MonaVie Original and MonaVie Active contain the preservative polysorbate?
To create a blend of water-based fruits and essential fatty acids
that tasted palatable, MonaVie considered a number of emulsifiers. The
safest, by far, was polysorbate. Polysorbate has been thoroughly
researched by the FDA and has been found to be nontoxic and safe at the
amounts used in MonaVie Original and MonaVie Active. The Center for
Science in the Public Interest (the "food police" for the USDA) awarded
polysorbate their highest safety rating.Back to Top
Why do MonaVie products contain the preservative sodium benzoate?
Sodium benzoate, an organic chemical preservative, can prevent the
growth of almost all microorganisms (e.g., yeast, bacteria, and fungi)
and occurs naturally in some fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, nuts,
wines, and teas.Back to Top
Why are there natural flavors in MonaVie products?
MonaVie uses natural flavors in its products because a juice
concentrate, which contains only the juice from a fruit, does not give
you the entire flavor of the fruit. MonaVie's natural flavors make our
products more palatable and balanced by staying true to the natural
flavor of the entire fruit. The natural flavor used in MonaVie
Original, MonaVie Active, and MonaVie Active Gel is a mixed berry
natural flavor.Back to Top
Does MonaVie use recycled glass in its glass bottles?
Yes. MonaVie also encourages its distributors and customers to take
advantage of recycling services in their state or country (where
available).Back to Top
MonaVie Juices contain the preservative sodium benzoate and the antioxidant vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Is it true that sodium benzoate and vitamin C can react to form benzene?
In the presence of trace amounts of certain metals, which act as
catalysts, vitamin C can produce free radicals that convert benzoate
into benzene. The FDA and World Health Organization have set a standard
for benzene levels in water and that level is 5 parts per billion.
MonaVie tests its MonaVie Juices for benzene, and we are always well
below the FDA's and World Health Organization's acceptable levels for
benzene. Back to Top
What's the difference between MonaVie Active Gel and the new MonaVie Gel?
Back to TopWill the new MonaVie Gel promote joint health?
More than any fruit or vegetable tested to date, the açai berry has
the highest recorded ORAC value against the damaging superoxide free
radical. Left unchecked, the superoxide radical targets healthy joints,
which can lead to the decline of joint function and mobility as we age.
With a substantial increase of açai in the new MonaVie Gel, you are
getting even more ammunition against the superoxide radical. We are
confident you will enjoy even greater benefits to your health.Back to Top
Were any ingredients added to the new MonaVie Gel?
MonaVie Gel now contains substantially more açai than the previous
MonaVie Active Gel. This means you are getting more of the açai berry's
powerful nutritional benefits. The açai berry is packed with nutrients,
including carbohydrates, good fats, and protein. Açai also delivers a
complex of B vitamins; vitamins A, C, and E; potassium; calcium;
magnesium; copper; zinc; iron; and, most importantly, a powerful array
of phytonutrients — age-defying compounds necessary to sustain an
active, healthy life.Back to Top
Is the MonaVie Gel safe for children and pregnant or nursing women?
The MonaVie Gel formula is extremely safe; it can be taken by all
types of individuals. It can safely be consumed by children under the
age of 12, pregnant women, and women who are nursing.Back to Top
Why does the new MonaVie Gel now list 1 gram of fiber per serving?
Açai-the key ingredient in MonaVie — is a nutritional powerhouse of
beneficial carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. A significant portion of
the naturally occurring carbohydrates in the açai berry are
health-promoting dietary fibers. With the substantial increase of açai
in the product, you are now getting a greater portion of these
beneficial carbohydrates in a single serving. While 1 gram is not a
significant source of dietary fiber, getting an adequate level in your
diet helps promote intestinal regularity, regulate blood sugar levels,
and optimize cardiovascular health.Back to Top
