*Kindred Spirit (part n+1) - Luanne Oakes

This month's Kindred Spirit magazine had a free CD on the front cover.

Unfortunately, the CD on my copy had fallen off by the time it arrived in the newsagents.

For that reason, the only way I can judge the veracity of the implausible claims I found on p28, is to put in a complaint to the ASA!

UPDATE, 17 Nov: Today the ASA Council has upheld my complaint in full.

(Image credit)

This is Luanne Oakes, by the way. The advert says she's a PhD but, unsurprisingly, the swarm of websites promoting her work don't mention where and in what subject she qualified.

The ASA complaint follows, and the advert is visible here.

"I write to complain about an advert appearing in "Kindred Spirit" magazine, Summer 2010 issue, p28.

The advert promotes four CDs available through mail-order.

I suspect that the adverts may be in breach of two sections of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) code. I can provide an original copy of the advert by post, if required.

1. The first of the four CDs was given away as a free gift on the cover of the magazine. Unfortunately, my copy did not contain a CD, so I can't comment on its contents.

2. Under Sections 3.1 and 50.1 of the CAP Code, I challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate any of the following claims:

(i) The CD can cause changes in your body at the cellular level

(ii) The CD creates "powerful biochemical messengers that may enable you to access your DNA healing codes"

(iii) The CD can strengthen your immune system

3. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser."