Mona • Vie
Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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 Balance-Variety-Moderation, MonaVie delivers the phytonutrients and antioxidants you need to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

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.”

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. It is estimated that in 2006, MonaVie, by buying the acai berry from Brazilian suppliers, will preserve over 250,000 acai palm trees.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What is oxidative stress?
Oxidative stress occurs in your body when there are not enough antioxidants to counter the effects of damaging free radicals.

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.

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.

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.

What are polyphenols?
Polyphenols are a class of powerful antioxidants that play an important role in preventing cardiovascular diseases (e.g., heart disease, heart failure, and stroke) and that have been shown to reduce harmful LDL cholesterol. Polyphenols are also thought to be responsible for the French Paradox: the French have a diet relatively high in fat, yet have a decreased incidence of heart disease. This is attributed to the amount of polyphenols present in the grapes used to make French wines. MonaVie products contain a powerful variety of polyphenols, including anthocyanins. It is estimated that MonaVie products have 20–30 times the amount of anthocyanins found in red wine.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

What is glucosamine hydrochloride?
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.

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.

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.

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.

Are MonaVie products FDA approved?
There is no special approval or certificate needed from the FDA to approve the sale of a juice product. As long as the ingredients contained in MonaVie products are generally recognized as safe, which they are, FDA approval is not necessary.

Do MonaVie products treat, cure, or prevent disease?
It is not the purpose of a natural product like MonaVie to treat, cure, or prevent disease; the FDA approves drugs to treat, cure, and prevent disease. MonaVie’s products are made with a specific selection of fruits and other natural compounds such as glucosamine hydrochloride and esterified fatty acids. These fruits and compounds have been shown in some studies to protect from various ailments.

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.

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 53 mg/oz. MonaVie Original and MonaVie Active contain no potassium additives, grapefruit, or cantaloupe.

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.

Are MonaVie products gluten-free?
Yes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

What is MonaVie Active Gel?
MonaVie Active Gel is a synergistic blend of nutrient dense fruits (including the Brazilian açai berry), esterified fatty acids, and glucosamine hydrochloride. It comes in a convenient, single-dose gel pack for when you’re on the go.

How does MonaVie Active Gel compare to MonaVie Active Juice?
MonaVie Active Gel is a stand-alone product. It offers a convenient way to get all the benefits of MonaVie Active Juice—including glucosamine and esterified fatty acids—in a convenient, single-dose gel pack. MonaVie Active Gel is 1 fluid ounce and is approximately equivalent to 2 fluid ounces of the MonaVie Active Juice.

What fruits are contained in MonaVie Active Gel?
In addition to the açai berry, MonaVie Active Gel contains 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.

What is glucosamine hydrochloride?
Glucosamine hydrochloride is a natural substance that stimulates the manufacture of other substances necessary for cartilage repair and aids in restoring proper joint function.

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.

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 are a known allergen, please consult with a physician before taking MonaVie Active Gel.

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.

What is stevia?
Stevia is a plant native to South America. The whole leaf of the stevia plant contains numerous phytonutrients and trace minerals and is much sweeter than sugar, without the negative effects—it can sweeten with no calories, no carbohydrates, and no tooth decay. Stevia is safe for diabetics.

Who is MonaVie?
MonaVie is a company where the very best of nature and science have come together to unlock the power of the world’s most nutrient-dense fruits. Our health and nutritional products center on a proprietary blend of the acai berry (pronounced “ah-sigh-ee”)—found only in remote regions of the Amazon—and other unique fruits, each selected for its specific nutritional properties. MonaVie brand products are designed to provide you with the antioxidant protection and phytonutrients you need to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Why did you select network marketing to distribute your products?
That’s simple; it’s about people. The entire purpose of our company, our products, and our business opportunity is to improve and enrich the lives of people around the world. And what better way is there to accomplish this than through personal relationships and the power of network marketing.

When was MonaVie founded?
MonaVie was introduced in January of 2005 and has quickly become one of the fastest growing and most talked about network marketing companies in the world. We feel that the growth and excitement surrounding MonaVie can be attributed to the benefits that individuals have experienced with our unique products and the success that they have found with our rewarding business model.
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What is the M.O.R.E. Project?
The M.O.R.E. Project helps provide food, shelter, clothing, and education to the needy children of Brazil, often left orphaned in the slums of Rio de Janeiro. The M.O.R.E. Project not only stands for MonaVie’s Operation Rescue, but to the orphaned children of Brazil, it also represents More Hope, More Health, More Caring, and More Love.

How does MonaVie help to protect the Amazon rainforest?
Each week, poachers illegally chop down between 5,000 and 10,000 acai palm trees simply to harvest a 12-inch section of the tree known as the heart of the palm (or “palmito”). Once these trees are destroyed, they never return. By creating a demand for the acai berry, MonaVie has given locals an economic incentive to harvest only the berries and not the heart of the palm. This not only preserves the trees and the Amazon rainforest, but it also provides a continual source of income for the locals.

In what countries is MonaVie sold?
MonaVie currently operates in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Japan. We are rapidly expanding to other markets around the world as we build a truly global brand.

What type of compensation plan do you have?
MonaVie offers one of the most rewarding compensation plans in network marketing. Our plan is based on a binary model, which means that you will be compensated based on successfully building two teams. MonaVie’s compensation plan also offers several ways to earn income, including retail sales, team commissions, bonus pools, check matching, and more.

Is there a fee to become a distributor?
There is not a fee associated with becoming a MonaVie distributor; however, in some markets we do require the purchase of a $39 enrollment kit. This kit will provide you with materials you will need to begin building your business, as well as your very own MonaVie online Virtual Office. In addition to the $39 membership fee, an annual renewal fee of $20 is required to maintain your distributorship.

Do I need to be a distributor to purchase MonaVie products?
You can purchase MonaVie products at the wholesale price by becoming a distributor. Or, you can sign up as a retail or preferred customer. As a retail customer, you may purchase MonaVie products at the retail price from an existing distributor. Signing up as a Preferred Customer allows you to purchase MonaVie products at 15% off the retail price.

How much can I earn as a distributor?
One of the most rewarding aspects of the MonaVie business opportunity is that there is no limit to your potential success. By personally building a strong business organization and working with those in your business organization to do the same, you will not only be leveraging the efforts of many, but you may also begin earning income from the efforts of many. With MonaVie, you are in control of your success.