Can you trust that ad for a dietary supplement?

Can you trust that ad for a dietary supplement?

• November 20, 2017

by

Cristina Miranda

Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

Lately, my left knee has been cracking, popping, and locking into place. At some point in our lives, most of us will suffer from aches and pains like these. We might think about taking a health or dietary supplement to help whatever is bothering us.

 

Although some supplements found in pills, powders, and shakes have proven benefits, some don’t. If you’re looking online and you see a site that claims a supplement will cure a disease, stop the aging process, or lose weight fast, be skeptical.

 

Recently, the FTC investigated, and took action against NextGen Nutritionals, LLC. The FTC says the company advertised its supplements would cause dramatic weight loss, treat cancer, treat high blood pressure, and also prevent and treat HIV/AIDS – but it didn’t have reliable evidence that those claims were true.

 

If you’re in the market for a dietary supplement, be skeptical about ads promising miraculous results, or cures for lots of medical issues. Before you buy – or take – a supplement, talk to a healthcare provider to make sure it’s right for you.

To learn more about dietary supplement ads, check out this handy infographic, and visit Ftc.gov/dietarysupplement. If you come across a dietary supplement scam, report it to the FTC.