Health Supplements

Avoiding Health Supplement Scams

Live longer, lose weight, burn fat or get smarter with a dietary supplement? Americans spend billions of dollars every year on so-called health supplements in hopes of taking an easy shortcut towards improving their health and fitness.

But very few of these miracle products live up to their big advertising claims. They simply don’t help people lose weight, combat disease, or improve cognitive abilities – and this type of deceptive advertising is on the rise as more and more of us turn to taking dietary supplements as a way of improving our health.

False advertising is one thing, but there are supplements that go so far as to make unsubstantiated medical claims – something that isn’t just illegal but can endanger consumers.

And although supplements can legally go to market without any FDA approval, some have later been found to contain dangerous chemicals or high levels of lead and other poisons, putting supplement-takers in serious jeopardy.

The Internet and cheap advertising has put all of us in reach of the health scammers taking advantage of people’s legitimate concerns.

After all, the temptation of a quick fix coupled with realistic claims and glowing testimonials can be irresistible.

The FTC and the Food and Drug Administration have filed over one hundred and twenty cases challenging health claims made for supplements, warning “In recent years there has been a trend in food advertising toward making unproven claims that eating certain foods [and supplements] can improve health and even reduce the risk of serious illnesses such as prostate cancer and heart disease.”

The fact is the law states that companies must support their advertising claims with solid proof. This is especially true for businesses that market dietary supplements and other health-related products.

All companies – including marketers of dietary supplements – must comply with truth-in-advertising standards.

But many don’t – and will continue to skirt the law when the profits can be so great.

So how can you protect yourself when buying dietary supplements?

• Only use legitimate and trusted companies or services, such as those we list above.
• Promises of miracle cures, no-effort weight loss or any other big fast-fix shortcuts should make you very suspicious.
• Check that the supplement offer complies with the FTC’s health and fitness claims or advertising guides. If not, walk away.
• Check a company’s credentials at the BBB and with your local Chamber of Commerce if they are in-state.
• Read online reviews – is there a pattern of complaints with the company or service concerned?

Remember, no supplement can take the place of a healthy balanced diet.

Example Cases
FTC-FDA warning letters target treatment claims for Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other serious diseases
Endorsement enforcement: Deceptive diabetes claims challenged
The Younger Games? FTC challenges anti-aging claims as unsubstantiated
Ad agency to pay $2 million for role in deceptive weight loss and “free” offers
FTC, FDA warn sellers of questionable opioid treatment products