HCRC FAQ Sheet

Barleygreen™

By Ellen Coleman, RD, MA, MPH

Barleygreen™ is a powder made by dehydrating juice squeezed from barley grass. It is promoted by George Malkmus and distributed by American Image Marketing (AIM). A video tape for the distributors claims the American diet is lacking in nutrients and filled with toxins. The claims are that Barleygreen contains organic vitamins, amino acids, trace minerals, enzymes. In addition to the barley extract, a crucial ingredient is said to be kelp. Malkmus claims that Barleygreen fights pollutants in the body. Two of the "vitamins" listed (B15 and P) are not vitamins. Most nutrients in Barleygreen are insignificant.

Testimonials on the tape claim that Barley Green enhances athletic performance, increases energy, and remedies various problems (problems that weren't specified, by the way.) Distributors have claimed that Barley Green cured or helped people with cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.

In 1988, the FDA ordered AIM to stop making uproven claims for the product and to stop disparaging the American food supply. Many distributors continue to make false claims -- including that Barleygreen is effective against cancer.

For More Information

• HCRC FAQSheet: George Malkmus

• HCRC FAQSheet: Nutritional Quackery

• Search the HCRC and NCAHF Websites