I found one possible answer. If you are still using IOS 6.XX then some apps that didn't/can't update because they are for IOS 7.XX are causing the counter to increment.
I tried the recommended solution which was to attempt to update the 3 offending apps but it failed to correct the problem. If you attempt to upgrade to an IOS version 7.XX only app you get the answer that the latest compatible version will be downloaded only.
Bottom line is that you probably should either delete the offending app, update to IOS 7.XX or live with the counter being off.
UPDATE: I deleted the 3 offending apps and the counter is now empty.
I also am on IOS 6 but that's because the iPhone 5 is jail broken. I have an iPad that is on IOS 7 and I'm very pleased with the performance and new features. I find it's a big improvement over IOS 6.