Lutonians, browsing the papers on a Sunday morning after a hard week's work in the hat factories, have found themselves besieged by adverts for a revolutionary new weight-loss treatment.
UPDATE, 17 Oct: An ASA adjudication this morning, in response to someone else's complaint, ruled against the Slimline Clinic's health claims.
By focusing a beam of ultrasonic energy on those hard-to-shift fat deposits in the belly, the adverts (available here, here, here and here) boast that
"Fat will leave your body naturally after being broken down by Ultrasound, which is targeted on the area of the body you want to change. Treatment is FAST, EFFECTIVE & PAINFREE [sic]
"
Furthermore, the treatments appear to be proven:
"3.5 INCHES can be lost from your waist after 12 sessions, recent studies have shown!"
How reliable are these "recent studies"? We need look no further than that esteemed medical journal, the Daily Mail, who carried an article on so-called ultra-sonic liposuction just two days ago.
"Plastic surgeons, the doctors who carry out liposuction, are also sceptical. Bryan Mayou, one of the country's top plastic surgeons, introduced liposuction to the UK almost 30 years ago. He has tried non-invasive machines but abandoned them because he says the results are so poor. 'The main failure is that these treatments do not remove significant amounts of fat. Big claims are made but the clinical trials are not properly conducted."
Using the Daily Fail as my principle source of evidence is a risky tactic, but times are hard. ASA complaint follows!
1. I'm writing to challenge three promotions for The Slimline Clinic - two appearing in the Luton on Sunday newspaper (October 7th and 14th, 2012), and a third appearing on the company's own website, www.theslimlineclinic.co.uk
2. The promotions make claims for the efficacy of a weight-loss treatment, "Non-Surgical Ultrasonic Liposuction". The treatment is described on the advertiser's website [1]:
"The consultant glides the ultrasonic probe over the targeted area, such as the stomach and short pulses of ultrasonic energy are delivered into the subcutaneous fat cell... Each pulse breaks down fat in the cells, without affecting areas such as blood vessels, nerves or connective tissue... When treated the membranes of the fat cells are disrupted and the fat content (triglycerides) is dispersed into the fluid between the cells and then transported to the veins and lymphatic system to the liver. The fat is then excreted via the bodies natural mechanisms."
3. I'm concerned because I understand the evidence base for these kinds of treatments is weak. In addition, although the treatment appears plausible, there seem to be some worries that the body can't remove the treated fat cells in the way the adverts claim.
4. Just this weekend, the Daily Mail quoted [2] two UK-based doctors:
"Plastic surgeons, the doctors who carry out liposuction, are also sceptical. Bryan Mayou, one of the country’s top plastic surgeons, introduced liposuction to the UK almost 30 years ago. He has tried non-invasive machines but abandoned them because he says the results are so poor. ‘The main failure is that these treatments do not remove significant amounts of fat. Big claims are made but the clinical trials are not properly conducted.’"
"Dr Mike Comins, a top cosmetic doctor... still believes that at some point, fat needs to be sucked out for patients to see long-term results. He offers his patients a gentle form of liposuction under local anaesthetic, using tiny tubes to suck away the fat... ‘I would love my patients to have walk-in, walk-out fat removal with no down-time. But with my hand on my heart I could not say that is the case with the new machines. There is a massive variable in how the body breaks up the fat and results could be inconsistent from one patient to the next.’
5. With that in mind, I'd like to challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate the following claims with rigorous clinical evidence:
(LoS, 7th October)
6. "Studies show that a 12 session course can result in a reduction of 3.58" around your waist!"
7. "Slimline have helped thousands of people achieve the size & shape they desire over the last 2 years!"
8. "Fat rapidly leaves your body after each targeted session of Non-Surgical Ultrasonic Liposuction"
(LoS, 14th October)
9. "Achieve the body you dream of with revolutionary Inch-Loss treatment. Fat will leave your body naturally after being broken down by Ultrasound, which is targeted on the area of your body you want to change. Treatment is FAST, EFFECTIVE..."
(http://www.theslimlineclinic.co.uk/)
10. "Our non-surgical Ultrasonic Liposuction makes losing inches from areas of your body such as your belly, hips, arms, legs and back easy!"
11. "As the Ultrasound passes through the fat cells inside your body it causes the fat inside to change from a semi-solid state and to become a liquid. Once liquefied, the fat will begin to drain from the cell. The fat then passes through the lymph node system and exits the body through the digestive system in the normal manner. All you need to do is consume equal to or less energy than what you burn on a daily basis. The fat will continue to drain from the body for the next 72 hours."
12. I'd also like to challenge whether the claim in the 14th October advert that the treatment is the "No 1 SLIMMING TREATMENT IN THE USA" is misleading, because I understand that the American Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved "ultrasonic liposuction" treatments for general use.
[1] http://www.theslimlineclinic.co.uk/Treatments.aspx
[2] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2217221/Med-Contour-The-flab-zapper-spell-end-liposuction.html
Chris Large is the allegedly non-fictional pseudonym of a chap I met at Mind Body Spirit the other week.Occupying a lonely corner of the exhibition hall, "Chris" was trying to flog his miracle weight-loss product, Bios Life Slim.According to the handout "Chris" gave me (available here and here), the benefits of taking Bios Life Slim include"1. Promotes fat loss 2. Reduces appetite and cravings 3. Improves cholesterol levels 4. Balances blood sugar 5. Reduces fat levels in the blood 6. Regulates bowel functions 7. You don't have to change your eating habits for Bios Life Slim to work"The company website claims that Bios Slim is clinically proven.
Unsurprisingly, all of these claims seem to be unencumbered by the truth. ASA complaint follows!"I'm writing to complain about a handout for "Chris Large" / Unicity Service GmbH, which I picked up from their own stall at the 'Mind Body Spirit' exhibition in London on 26th May.The handout promotes a weight-loss product, the "Bios Life Slim", which is described as a "Revolution in Fat Loss".1. "What are the benefits of taking Bios Life Slim? - 1. Promotes fat loss 2. Reduces appetite and cravings 3. Improves cholesterol levels 4. Balances blood sugar 5. Reduces fat levels in the blood 6. Regulates bowel functions 7. You don't have to change your eating habits for Bios Life Slim to work"I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate any of these health claims. I'd also like to challenge whether the claim "You don't have to change your eating habits" gives the impression that dieters cannot fail or can eat as much as they like and still lose weight.2. The handout shows four pairs of photos, ostensibly taken over the course of 90 days. Below the photos, text appears claiming that the man pictured reduced the size of his neck, chest and waist with the advertised product. I challenge whether this breaches Section 13.9 of the CAP Code.3. The handout includes four testimonials. One of the testimonials boasts of a user who lost 29 lbs in 60 days, and 36 lbs in 90 days; another boasts of a user who lost 8 kilos in 8 weeks; another user apparently lost 80 pounds. I'd like to challenge whether the testimonial claims are misleading and whether the testimonials themselves are genuine.I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with any related company."
Leslie Kenton, a writer and beauty guru, has this week been unmasked as a fraud, a confidence trickster, and a dealer in unlicensed medicines.Several websites controlled by Kenton - an American by birth, but who has long lived in London - are busily promoting a new miracle weight-loss programme. Dupes are lured into the scam by adverts for her book, which she claims, somewhat implausibly, is "full of well-referenced scientific information".The unfortunate marks are then directed to Leslie's Amazon shop, where they can pick up ruinously expensive bottles of an unlicensed medicine, homeopathic hCG. As I have been busy repeating this week, trading in homeopathic hCG - or, indeed, in non-homeopathic hCG - is an offence in the UK.My complaints to Trading Standards, the ASA and the MHRA are part of a wider effort to protect vulnerable consumers from Leslie's ruthless and cynical exploitation.ASA Complaint"Leslie Kenton, who lives in London, makes a number of claims for her weight-loss programme, "Cura Romana", across several websites that she controls. The programme is based on homeopathic hCG, an unlicensed medicine.To reduce any time you might spend investigating my complaint, I have highlighted claims from just one of the sites; I can supply a much longer list of claims if it would be helpful.1. ( http://www.lesliekenton.com/home.htm )"THE BRAND NEW ON-LINE GUIDED PROGRAM: The Leslie Kenton's Cura Romana® comes on line towards the end of January. Our Cura Romana Journey is the only interactive programme available for body, mind and spirit weightloss you'll find anywhere. It is based on daily videos, audios, written materials, tools, techniques, information and spiritual practices led by me personally. In addition to safe, rapid weightloss, it has also been designed to bring enhanced health, regeneration, and spiritual growth to men and women all over the world,."Given the known dangers of hcG consumption, I challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claim that the programme is "safe", causes "rapid weightloss [sic]" and causes "enhanced health".I challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claim that her "Cura Romana" weight-loss programme is the "only interactive programme available for body, mind and spirit weightloss [sic] you'll find anywhere".2. ( http://www.lesliekenton.com/home.htm )"Revolutionary, safe, fast and effective, Leslie Kenton's Cura Romana can transform not only the way you look and feel, but the way you live your life now and long into the future."I challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that the programme is "safe, fast and effective" and can "transform... the way you look".3. ( http://www.lesliekenton.com/home.htm )"Cura Romana - Permanent Weight Loss for Body and Soul - You can lose from 15 to 30 pounds a month - in safety, without hunger. Shed resistant fat from thighs, hips and waist that slimming diets don’t budge. Restore your body’s natural shape permanently. I will show you how and guide you through your process day-by-day as Cura Romana’s natural homeopathic protocol resets the fat-controlling center in the brain, transforms your body, increases your vitality and rejuvenates your life. Cura Romana has already changed the lives of thousands. Read more click here..."I challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that the programme causes "Permanent" weight loss, that "You can lose from 15 to 30 pounds a month, in safety, without hunger", that you can "Restore your body's natural shape permanently" and that homeopathic hCG "resets the fat-controlling centre in the brain, transforms your body, increases your vitality and rejuvenates your life"Also, I challenge whether the claim "Cura Romana has already changed the lives of thousands" can be substantiated, given that the programme has only been available since January 2011.Finally, I challenge whether the promotion breaches sections 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, 13.4, 13.5, 13.8 and 13.9 of the CAP Code. I've made some screenshots of the relevant pages, which are available at: http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=x3OYaCPP7M http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=JLuKmngXIzI can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative medicine industry in general."Trading Standards Complaint
"Leslie Kenton, who lives in London, is advertising a weight-loss programme based on an unlicensed medicines (homeopathic hCG) on her website http://www.lesliekenton.com.
The company sells the unlicensed medicine on its Amazon UK shop ( http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004ITEE1A?ie=UTF8&tag=lesliekentonc-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B004ITEE1A ). I understand that dealing in these products is an offence in the UK.
In addition, the company makes a number of health claims which I don't believe can be substantiated with clinical evidence.
If the company are unable to provide robust evidence to back up these claims, they would be operating an Unfair Commercial Practice under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations, 2008.
As you are no doubt aware, under these regulations is it not the duty of the enforcement officer to prove that claims being made are false. The regulations state that if someone is unable to provide robust evidence to support the claims they are making when asked, then they are operating an unfair commercial practice.
1. ( http://www.lesliekenton.com/home.htm )
"THE BRAND NEW ON-LINE GUIDED PROGRAM:
The Leslie Kenton's Cura Romana® comes on line towards the end of January. Our Cura Romana Journey is the only interactive programme available for body, mind and spirit weightloss you'll find anywhere. It is based on daily videos, audios, written materials, tools, techniques, information and spiritual practices led by me personally. In addition to safe, rapid weightloss, it has also been designed to bring enhanced health, regeneration, and spiritual growth to men and women all over the world,."
I challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claim that her "Cura Romana" weight-loss programme is the "only interactive programme available for body, mind and spirit weightloss [sic] you'll find anywhere".
Since the programme is based on an unlicensed medicine, I challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claim that the programme is "safe" causes "rapid weightloss [sic]" and causes "enhanced health".
2. ( http://www.lesliekenton.com/home.htm )
"Revolutionary, safe, fast and effective, Leslie Kenton's Cura Romana can transform not only the way you look and feel, but the way you live your life now and long into the future."
Since the programme is based on an unlicensed medicine, I challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that the programme is "safe, fast and effective" and can "transform... the way you look".
3. ( http://www.lesliekenton.com/home.htm )
"Cura Romana
Permanent Weight Loss for Body and Soul
You can lose from 15 to 30 pounds a month - in safety, without hunger. Shed resistant fat from thighs, hips and waist that slimming diets don’t budge. Restore your body’s natural shape permanently. I will show you how and guide you through your process day-by-day as Cura Romana’s natural homeopathic protocol resets the fat-controlling center in the brain, transforms your body, increases your vitality and rejuvenates your life. Cura Romana has already changed the lives of thousands. Read more click here..."
Since the programme is based on an unlicensed medicine, I challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that the programme causes "Permanent" weight loss, that "You can lose from 15 to 30 pounds a month, in safety, without hunger", that you can "Restore your body's natural shape permanently", that the unlicensed medicined homeopathic hCG "resets the fat-controlling centre in the brain, transforms your body, increases your vitality and rejuvenates your life"
I've made some screenshots of the relevant pages, which are available at:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=x3OYaCPP7M
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=JLuKmngXIz
I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative medicine industry in general."
.
Simon Perry has written an excellent beginner's guide to writing ASA complaints. But where can novice sceptical letter writers find the adverts? A great place to start is just about any "Ayurvedic Beauty Salon" - such as this one.Ayurveda Pura - a beauty salon a stone's throw from the O2 Arena in London - produce a handy 8-page booklet (available here, here, here and here) listing the treatments they offer.
It's full of dubious claims for "detox" therapies, weight-loss massages and the like. ASA complaint follows!"I write to complain about a booklet I picked up at the CamExpo exhibition in London on 24th October this year.The booklet promotes the "Ayurveda Pura London Health Spa & Beauty Centre".I suspect that the booklet may be in breach of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP Code). I can provide the original booklet by post, if necessary.1. The UK's leading authority on complementary medicine, Professor Edzard Ernst, has recently written about "detox" therapies [1]:"Detox, as used in alternative medicine, is based on ill-conceived ideas about human physiology, metabolism, toxicology etc. There is no evidence that it does any good and some treatments...can be harmful. The only substance that is being removed from a patient is usually money."2. Under Section 12.1, I challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate any of the following claims:(i) The "Aromatherapy Facial" (p3) can "eliminate toxins" from the skin(ii) The "Detoxifying Back Cleanse" (p3) is capable of detoxifying any part of the body(iii) The "Ayurvedic Detoxifying Face Massage" (p4) can "assist is detoxifying the facial skin..."(iv) The "Nasya - Nasal Cleansing Treatment" (p4) is "highly effective in relieving...migraines"(v) The "Abhyanga - Ayurvedic Whole Body Massage..." (p4) "...stimulates the immune system, detoxifies...the entire body"(vi) The "Marma Abhyanga - Ayurvedic Energy Point Massage..." (p4) "...stimulates the...imune...systems"(vii) The "Vishesh - Ayurvedic Deep Tissure Massage" (p5) is capable of "removing toxins and impurities from the body"(viii) The "Hridaya Basti" treatment (p5), in which "the heart area is continuously bathed with warm Ayurvedic oils" can help with "ailments like high blood pressure and heart conditions"(ix) The "facial treatment" included in the "Rejuvenation Package" (p6) is capable of "detoxifying" any part of the body(x) The "Panchakarma - Ayurvedic Detoxification Packages" (p6) are capable of detoxifying any part of the body, and are capable of "internal cleansing", "restor[ing] and maintain[ing] good health", "strengthen[ing] the immune system", "protect[ing] the body against diseases by removing toxins and rejuvenating your body's internal systems"3. Regarding Shiatsu, Ernst has written [2]:"Shiatsu is based on the biologically implausible theory of yin and yang. There is no evidence that it is effective for any specific conditions. Shiatsu massage therefore seems to be a waste of effort and expense, which offers nothing above conventional massage."4. Under Section 12.1, I challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate the following claim:(i) "Shiatsu" (p7) can "help in a wide range of conditions" including "specific injuries"5. Under Section 13.1, I challenge whether the following claim can be substantiated, under 13.4, I challenge whether the advertisers have established that weight-reduction is caused by loss of body fat, and under Section 13.9, I challenge whether the advertisers are claiming that weight or fat can be lost from specific parts of the body:(i) The "Nabhi Abhyanga - Abdominal Massage..." (p5) "...assists in weight loss around the stomach area"6. Under Sections 12.1 and 12.7, I challenge whether the following claim can be substantiated:(i) The "Mukhabhyanga - Traditional Ayurvedic Face-Lift Massage" (p4) is capable of "keeping away wrinkles" and "promoting the regeneration of healthy, younger looking [sic] skin"7. I confirm I have no connections with the advertiser. I confirm I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser.Footnotes:[1] Simon Singh, Edzard Ernst, "Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial", American edition 2008, p308[2] Ibid., p326"
Drink Dr Red Spearole Tea, says the publicity, and just "3 cups a day help the pounds melt away"!
(
Image credit)
Xynergy Health Products describe themselves as the product's UK distributors. Their flyer (available here) proudly boasts of the clinical research that's been conducted on this miracle weight-loss product."Dr Red Spearole Tea is...believed to reduce blood pressure and help the body process sugar. In tests, Spearole Tea shows a remarkable capacity to inhibit fat. Just three cups a day could be part of your weight management regime..."Intrigued, I rushed off to look for the research....and found nothing. Nothing, that is, except for an article in the Daily Mail, which said:"Dr Brown, a pharmacologist at Brisbane's Queensland University, studied the effect of the tea on the health of a group of rats..."That's rather unfortunate, because the UK advertising regulations insist that"Any claim made for the effectiveness or action of a weight-reduction method or product must be backed, if applicable, by rigorous trials on people..."ASA complaint follows!"I write to complain about a flyer I picked up at the CamExpo exhibition in London on 24th October this year.The flyer, for Xynergy Health Products, promotes "dr red SPEAROLE TEA", a weight-loss product.I suspect that the flyer may be in breach of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP Code). I can provide the original flyer by post, if necessary.1. The front side of the flyer contains the text:"dr red SPEAROLE TEA - 3 cups a day helps the pounds melt away..."2. The text continues:"Dr Red Spearole Tea is...believed to reduce blood pressure and help the body process sugar. In tests, Spearole Tea shows a remarkable capacity to inhibit fat. Just three cups a day could be part of your weight management regime. What's more, the antioxidant-rich ingredients also appear to work together to block inflammation. Biochemist and Spearole creator, Greg Jardine says: 'High calorie meals trigger inflammation. Evidence now suggests that anti-inflammatory foods deliver long term and sustainable benefits.'..."3. It is not easy to find information about these "tests". A search in PubMed produced no results and the manufacturer's website [1] does not link to any research.4. However, there are a number of articles in the media describing the "tests", which all seem to be based on the same press release. For example, a Daily Mail article [2] reads:"Dr Brown, a pharmacologist at Brisbane's Queensland University, studied the effect of the tea on the health of a group of rats..."5. Section 13.1 of the CAP Code says:"Any claim made for the effectiveness or action of a weight-reduction method or product must be backed, if applicable, by rigorous trials on people..."6. Therefore, under Section 13.1 of the Code, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate any of the following claims, and under Section 3.1 I challenge whether they are misleading:(i) "3 cups a day helps the pounds melt away..."(ii) The product "reduce[s] blood pressure and help[s] the body process sugar"(iii) "In tests, Spearole Tea shows a remarkable capacity to inhibit fat"(iv) The product's "antioxidant-rich ingredients also appear to work together to block inflammation"7. I confirm I have no connections with the advertiser. I confirm I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser.Footnotes:[1] http://www.drred.com.au/?p=spearoletea[2] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1087134/How-cups-green-tea-day-help-lose-weight--eating-junk-food.html"
I've been harbouring a lingering grudge against the A Vogel Institute for quite some time.Earlier this year I complained to the ASA about some preposterous claims the company were making for a couple of their flagship products.
The complaint was rejected because each of the claims were appended by the words
"...based exclusively on use as a traditional medicine..."Despite my disgust, I felt sure that one day I'd get my revenge.
Today I spotted a series of wacky statements in the company's "Cleanse & Revitalise" booklet (available here, here and here).I also noticed some dodgy research which had been cherry-picked from a wider, more negative pool of clinical studies and duly inserted into another booklet, "Prostrate Health" (available here, here and here).
Both of the adverts are now sitting in the ASA's in-tray. (It's rather odd that no-one at the company spotted the glaring errors, but I suppose that's what comes from accumulating so much bad karma.)
"I write to complain about a booklet I picked up at the CamExpo exhibition in London on 24th October this year.The flyer, for A. Vogel, promotes a number of "detox" products.I suspect that the booklet may be in breach of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP Code). I can provide the original booklet by post, if necessary.1. The booklet is titled:"Cleanse & Revitalise - Information on detoxification & weight management - Health Information Series"2. The UK's leading authority on complementary medicine, Professor Edzard Ernst, has recently written about "detox" treatments [1]:"Detox, as used in alternative medicine, is based on ill-conceived ideas about human physiology, metabolism, toxicology etc. There is no evidence that it does any good and some treatments...can be harmful. The only substance that is being removed from a patient is usually money."3. (i) The section "Here's what to do about it" starts on p5, and reads"When attempting to clean up, it is vital to open the exit routes first. This is so that toxins lifted from the tissues and the organs will actually leave the body rather than circulate in the bloodstream (making you feel terrible) before settling back in again. Fasting on organic seaweed...won't help your body to cleanse unless you've got those exit routes open and are encouraging a plentiful emptying of toxins into the outside world."(ii) In response to this problem, the booklet suggests a number of the advertisers products.(iii) "Linoforce is an extremely effective remedy for constipation, certain to get your bowels moving again with no delay..."(iv) "Urinary tract: Drinking...water...will really help reduce fluid retention, allowing toxins to leave through the urinary tract rather than get trapped in the body. Golden Rod Tea [an A Vogel product] is good for this too..."(v) "User Milk Thistle Complex to cleanse your liver and improve the way it metabolises both toxins and fats...So with Milk Thistle Complex you can give your liver a proper overhaul, leaving it better equipped to deal with toxins and fats."(vi) "Solidago Complex will cleanse and support your kidneys, helping them to deal with toxins and keep your fluid [sic] balanced properly"(vii) "...pay some attention to your lymphatic system...with a dose of Calendula Complex"(viii) Under Section 12.1, I challenge whether any of these claims can be substantiated.4. Under Section 3.1, I challenge whether the claim in the section "What should I eat whilst detoxifying?" that the named foods should be eaten in order to detoxify the body is misleading.5. Under Section 3.1, I challenge whether the claim in the section "Will my skin improve with all this detoxifying?" that "Doing regular detoxing of your liver and kidneys to keep toxicity levels down" is misleading.6. Under Section 12.1, I challenge whether the claim that the "Viola tricolor" product can "[increase] the flow of nutrients to the skin and the removal of wastes from the skin, as well as reducing inflammation in the skin cells" can be substantiated.7. (i) The section "How will detoxifying help my metabolism?" promotes more of the advertiser's products.(ii) "Taking Linoforce will move things along nicely [in your bowel]"(iii) "Restoring the balance of friendly bacteria in your gut...Do this by drinking a couple of glasses of Molkosan Vitality every day...It provides the kind of environment that friendly bacteria like and is also very good for your pancreas."(iv) "Milk Thistle Complex to improve liver function will have a beneficial knock-on effect on weight control."(v) "Improving kidney function with Solidago Complex...can do wonders for your weight..."(vi) Under Section 12.1, I challenge whether any of these claims can be substantiated.8. (i) More products are promoted in on p10.(ii) "Helix Slim improves the way your body extracts the energy from carbohydrates, keeping your blood sugar on an even keel...the one to use if you are a sugar addict and find dieting makes you famished..."(iii) "[The advertiser's] Kelp [Tablets]...ha[ve] the ability to bind toxins such as heavy metals and carry them out of the body. This detoxifying effect is also energising."(iv) "Craving Essence" is good for people who feel "unhappy or stressed" and thus "eat badly"(v) Under Section 12.1, I challenge whether any of these claims can be substantiated.9. (i) The "A Vogel Detox Box" is prominently promoted on p11.(ii) Under Section 12.1, I challenge whether the product label description, clearly visible in the photo, that the product is a "10 day toxin elimination programme" can be substantiated, and under Section 3.1 I challenge whether it is misleading.10. I confirm I have no connections with the advertiser. I confirm I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser."
"I write to complain about a booklet picked up at the CamExpo exhibition in London on 24th October this year.The booklet, for A. Vogel, promotes Saw Palmetto as a treatment for an enlarged prostrate gland. The advertisers have a number of Saw Palmetto products in their product range.I suspect that the booklet may be in breach of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP Code). I can provide the original booklet by post, if necessary.1. (i) The booklet makes the following claim for Saw Palmetto, an extract from the fruits of the palm "Serenoa repens":"Research has now shown that Saw Palmetto extract provides mild to moderate improvement in urinary symptoms for men with an enlarged prostrate gland. Saw palmetto extracts have been shown to reduce inflammatory activity within the prostrate..."(ii) (Benign prostatic hyperplasia is the medical term for an enlarge prostrate gland.)2. The claim is presumably referring to a 2002 study, "Serenoa repens for benign prostatic hyperplasia" [1], whose conclusions were:"The evidence suggests that Serenoa repens provides mild to moderate improvement in urinary symptoms and flow measures. Serenoa repens produced similar improvement in urinary symptoms and flow compared to finasteride and is associated with fewer adverse treatment events. The long-term effectiveness, safety and ability to prevent BPH complications are not known. The results of this update are in agreement with our initial review.3. However, other more recent studies do not demonstrate any effect beyond placebo.4. (i) A 2006 study, "Saw Palmetto for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia" [2], found the following result:"There was no significant difference between the saw palmetto and placebo groups...during the one-year study. The incidence of side effects was similar in the two groups."(ii) The study's conclusion was:"In this study, saw palmetto did not improve symptoms or objective measures of benign prostatic hyperplasia."5. A 2008 review, "Phytotherapy for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia" [3], investigated a number of plant extracts, among them saw palmetto. The review concluded:"Most clinical trials of investigating the efficacy of botanicals suffer from well documented methodological flaws. Saw palmetto has been clearly shown as comparable to placebo in a trial of sound methodology. While preliminary results appear promising, to our knowledge the remaining botanicals have yet to be evaluated in a trial of similar quality."6. (i) The booklet seems to claim that saw palmetto's effects are supported by moderate quality evidence, yet there is no mention of more recent studies that each conclude the effects of saw palmetto are indistinguishable from placebo.(ii) Therefore under Section 3.1 of the CAP Code (2010), I challenge whether the claim is misleading.7. I confirm I have no connections with the advertiser. I confirm I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser.Footnotes:[1] Wilt T, Ishani A, Mac Donald R (2002). "Serenoa repens for benign prostatic hyperplasia". Cochrane Database Syst Rev (3): CD001423. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001423. PMID 12137626.[2] Bent S, Kane C, Shinohara K, et al (February 2006). "Saw palmetto for benign prostatic hyperplasia". N. Engl. J. Med. 354 (6): 557–66. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa053085. PMID 16467543.[3] Dedhia RC, McVary KT (June 2008). "Phytotherapy for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia". J. Urol. 179 (6): 2119–25. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2008.01.094. PMID 18423748."
I feel sorry for sufferers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).As well as living with an incurable (though treatable) condition, they have to suffer the advances of innumerable snake-oil salesmen. When it comes to inventing health claims for one's products, IBS always seems to be top of the list.Conscious Foods describe themselves as "...an Indian organic food company producing hand baked [sic], artisan snacks..."The company list their core values on their website, which amusingly include"...Alas, this "honesty" and "integrity" doesn't seem to extend as far as their customers. The company's trade show flyer (available here and here) makes some impressive health claims through two testimonials:"After taking digestive mix for a week, my IBS has vanished." - Lizzie B"My acid indigestion disappeared within a day and I've lost 4lbs in just 2 weeks." - Lindsay SBy my count, that's at least six breaches of the UK advertising codes in just two sentences. Oh, and the company have illegitimately registered their UK website as belonging to a non-trading individual. So much for "honesty"! ASA complaint follows."I write to complain about a flyer I picked up at the CamExpo exhibition in London on 24th October this year.The flyer, for Conscious Food, promotes their "Ayurvedic Digestive Mix" food supplements.I suspect that the flyer may be in breach of six sections of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP Code). I can provide the original flyer by post, if necessary.1. (i) The front side of the flyer contains the text:"DO YOU SUFFER FROM: Bloating/Wind - Indigestion - Acid - Heartburn - IBS - Constipation"(ii) Each of the named conditions is preceded by a tick, presumably implying the product can help with them.2. The text is supported by two testimonials:"After taking digestive mix for a week, my IBS has vanished." - Lizzie B"My acid indigestion disappeared within a day and I've lost 4lbs in just 2 weeks." - Lindsay S3. (i) Under Sections 15.1 and 15.7 of the CAP Code (2010), I challenge whether the health claims for the named conditions (bloating, wind, indigestion, acid indigestion, heartburn, IBS, constipation and weight loss) are supported by documentary evidence.(ii) Regarding the claim and testimonial for IBS, under Section 15.6.2, I challenge whether the flyer claims the product "...treats or cures human disease".(iii) Under Section 15.6.6, I challenge whether the flyer refers to a "rate or amount of weight loss".4. (i) Under Section 3.45, I challenge whether the advertisers hold documentary evidence that the testimonials are genuine.(ii) Under Section 3.47, I challenge whether the claims in the testimonials for a cure for IBS, acid indigestion and weight loss of 2 lbs per week, which are presented as factually true, are likely to mislead the consumer.5. I confirm I have no connections with the advertiser. I confirm I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser."
Today I made a remarkable discovery - a diet that gives the body "complete rest from digestion".
Wow! (I wonder how nutrients are absorbed, though - perhaps they find their way into the bloodstream with the aid of a map and a compass?)
Health Etcetera offer a residential weight management course. Their glossy brochure elaborates further:"Juice Feasting involves nourishing the body through pure vegetable juices while abstaining from solid foods..."What drew my attention to the flyer (available here and here) is not the raw food diet, but a number of detox claims which I suspect can't be substantiated. This one, for example:"Principles of Health: ...Optimum nutrition and detoxification...will aid you to restore your health and achieve your ideal weight."And this one:"Why Living Foods? ...For...detoxification, living foods provide the perfect tools through a simplistic and natural approach that you can easily continue on your return home.""Detox" therapies are, of course, nothing but flim-flammery, as my latest ASA complaint labours to explain."I write to complain about a flyer I picked up at the CamExpo exhibition in London on 24th October this year.The flyer, for Health Etcetera, promotes a residential weight management course.I suspect that the flyer may be in breach of one section of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) code (2010). I can provide the original flyer by post, if necessary.1. (i) The subject of this complaint are the "detox" claims the flyer makes.(ii) Regarding detox treatments, Edzard Ernst, Professor of Complementary Medicine at the University of Exeter, has recently written [1]:"Conclusion: Detox, as used in alternative medicine, is based on ill-conceived ideas about human physiology, metabolism, toxicology, etc. There is no evidence that it does any good and some treatments, such as chelation and colonic irrigation...can be harmful. The only substance that is being removed from a patient is usually money."2. Under Section 3.1 of the CAP Code, I challenge whether the following claims are misleading:(i) "Essential Programme: This programme allows you the opportunity to sample living foods and learn about new ways to prepare them when you go back home. Detoxification...[is] highly effective, almost as good as when juice feasting."(ii) "Juice Feasting Programme: Juice Feasting involves nourishing the body through pure vegetable juices while abstaining from solid foods. It gives the body almost complete rest from digestion, so it can fully focus on elimination. It provides the deepest detoxification benefits..."(iii) "Principles of Health: ...Optimum nutrition and detoxification...will aid you to restore your health and achieve your ideal weight."(iv) "Why Living Foods? ...For...detoxification, living foods provide the perfect tools through a simplistic and natural approach that you can easily continue on your return home."3. I confirm I have no connections with the advertiser. I confirm I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser.Footnotes:[1] Simon Singh, Edzard Ernst, "Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial", 1st American Edition 2008, p308"
As the winter months begin to draw in, and the supermarkets begin to stock up on deliciously cheap tins of Quality Street, it's an unfortunate fact that many of us middle-aged sceptics are finding our waistlines swelling faster than the GCC's complaints in-tray.If only there was a way to make that unwelcome fat disappear, for just £85 or less!Meet Molly Ann Fairley.Molly isn't the gorgeous pouting supermodel pictured above, but rather"...the founder of the School of Psychic Studies. She is a channel [sic], medium and clairvoyant. She teaches all aspecct of the psychic sciences and has helped many women to lose weight and stay thin..."How, I wonder, does she do that? Why, with a "Psychic Slimming" service, of course!"Psychic Slimming - Lose Weight! Keep it off! Stop Comfort Eating - Love Your New Body - What would you be like if you were thin? If you could eat whatever you wish and stay thin? If you could lose that weight for good and be like others? I will tune into spirit [sic] and find out why you have a weight issue and then psychically clear it and heal you."Although the service is quite expensive - £85.00, according to her flyer - who could resist the opportunity to meet a future Nobel Prize winner? ASA complaint follows!"I write to complain about a flyer I picked up at the "Mind - Body - Soul" exhibition in London on 2nd October this year.The flyer, for Molly Ann Fairley of the "School of Psychic Studies", promotes a "psychic slimming" service costing £85.I suspect that the flyer may be in breach of two sections of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) code (2010). I can provide the original flyer by post, if necessary.1. The flyer contains the text:"The School of Psychic Studies - Psychic Slimming - Lose Weight! Keep it off! Stop Comfort Eating - Love Your New Body - What would you be like if you were thin? If you could eat whatever you wish and stay thin? If you could lose that weight for good and be like others? I will tune into spirit [sic] and find out why you have a weight issue and then psychically clear it and heal you."2. Under Section 13.1 of the CAP Code, I challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claim permanently to reduce the weight of her clients using her psychic powers.3. Under Section 13.8 and in relation to the text "What would you be like...If you could eat whatever you wish and stay thin?", I challenge whether the flyer gives prominence to the role of diet, and whether it gives the impression that "dieters...can eat as much as they like and still lose weight". 4. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser."
Deepak Chopra, the alternative medicine guru, needs no introduction.
Deepak (he's the one on the left - or is that him on the right? I can't be sure) is the author of Magical Mind Magical Body, a set of CDs offered to readers of Kindred Spirit magazine (advert available here and here).
Alongside the usual preposterous mumbo-jumbo can be found a series of altogether more serious claims."Doctors are baffled...Is it possible [to]...erase pain better than drugs...?""Dr Deepak Chopra will explain his ideas on how to: ...Say goodbye to pharamceutical drugs...""In the West doctors believe in the "magic bullet" - take a sleeping pill, take an antibiotic...this approach does work to some extent but only to relieve symptoms...not the underlying cause...the imbalance is still present."That sounds suspiciously like discouraging essential medical treatment to me - an act which is specifically forbidden by the ASA's advertising codes.Not content with this offence, the advertisers (Nightingale Connant of Torquay) boast that listening to the CDs will teach you"How to eat whatever you wish without gaining weight"I didn't even bother counting the sections of the code that claim breaches. Here's my complaint to the ASA!"I write to complain about a leaflet inserted into copies of "Kindred Spirit" magazine (Issue 106, Sep/Oct 2010).The leaflet, for Nightingale Conant, promotes a pack of six CDs entitled "Magical Mind Magical Body".I suspect that the advert may be in breach of several sections of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) code (2010). I enclose a scan of the leaflet.1. The leaflet contains the text:"Doctors are baffled... Is it possible for the mind to create perfect health...heal illness, erase pain better than drugs, protect you against disease, reverse the ageing process, help you lose weight...?"2. The leaflet continues:"In this remarkable 6 hours talking book...Dr Deepak Chopra will explain his ideas on how to: Unleash the healing powers of your mind...Increase your immunity to illness...Learn a simple way to overcome addiction...Say goodbye to pharmaceutical drugs...How to eat whatever you wish without gaining weight...Create perfect health and total wellbeing..."3. Under Sections 3.7 and 12.1 of the CAP Code (2010) I challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate any of the following claims:(i) Listening to the CDs can "create perfect health", "heal illness", "erase pain better than drugs", "protect you against diseases", "reverse the ageing process" or "help you lose weight"(ii) Listening to the CDs can "increase your immunity to illness", "overcome addiction", help you "say goodbye to pharmaceutical drugs", allow you to "eat whatever you wish without gaining weight" and "create perfect health"4. The leaflet continues:"Deepark Chopra's work combines his training in western medicine with the 6000 year old [sic] science of healing called Ayurveda from his homeland of India..."5. (i) Despite careful searches, I have been unable to find a substantial body of clinical evidence attesting to the efficacy of Ayurveda. Nor can I find a description of the Ayurvedic methodology that seems to be congruent with the scientific method. (ii) Therefore, under Section 3.1 I challenge whether the claim that Ayurveda is a "science" is misleading.6. The leaflet continues:"In the West doctors believe in the "magic bullet" - take a sleeping pill, take an antibiotic...this approach does work to some extent but only to relieve symptoms...not the underlying cause...the imbalance is still present."7. Under Sections 3.7 and 12.1 of the CAP Code (2010) I challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate the claim that antibiotics do not treat the "underlying cause" of infections, and under Section 3.1 I challenge whether the quoted text is misleading.8. Under Section 12.2, I challenge whether the following statements are likely to discourage essential treatment:(i) "Doctors are baffled...Is it possible [to]...erase pain better than drugs...?"(ii) "Dr Deepak Chopra will explain his ideas on how to: ...Say goodbye to pharamceutical drugs..."(iii) "In the West doctors believe in the "magic bullet" - take a sleeping pill, take an antibiotic...this approach does work to some extent but only to relieve symptoms...not the underlying cause...the imbalance is still present."9. I challenge whether the statement "How to eat whatever you wish without gaining weight" is in breach of several parts of Section 13 of the CAP Code.10. Finally, I challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate their claim that the mind has "magical healing powers" which can be "unleash[ed]" by listening to the CD.11. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or the magazine. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser or the magazine."
Out shopping for a loaf of bread today, I thought I'd pop into my local Ayurvedic Beauty Salon.UPDATE, 16 Sep: The ASA have been in touch to say the brochure contains many claims that seem to be in breach of the CAP Code. It has therefore been passed to their Compliance Team. 
(Image credit - brochure front cover)
ASA complaint follows, and the relevant pages of the brochure are viewable here and here.
"I write to complain about a brochure promoting the "Karma" beauty salon in Luton.The brochure was picked up from inside the salon itself and makes claims about various complementary therapies which I suspect cannot be substantiated.1. The brochure contains the text (page 5):"Thermal Auricular Therapy...clears sinuses, blockages and helps Hay Fever"2. Under Sections 3.7 and 12.1 of the CAP Code (2010), I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that thermal auricular therapy (popularly known as "Hopi Ear Candling") can "[clear] sinuses, blockages and [help] hay fever".3. The brochure continues (page 7):"Ahava Deluxe Dead Sea Mud Envelopment...An application of dead sea [sic] mud follows providing you with an all over [sic] detoxification aiding blood circulation and lymphatic drainage...This treatment helps to relieve joint inflammation, muscle pain and psoriasis. It also detoxifies the skin, cleanses the body of impurities..."4. Under Sections 3.7 and 12.1, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate any of the following claims:(i) The treatment can provide an "all over [sic] detoxification aiding blood circulation and lymphatic drainage"(ii) The treatment can relieve psoriasis(iii) The treatment detoxifies the skin and cleanses the body of impurities5. The brochure continues (page 7, repeated page 8):"Health Body Wrap...For instant inch loss - works by stimulating the lymphatic system with essential oils and forcing natural waste through the body using unique wrapping technique [sic]...Course of 6 wraps recommended..."6. (i) Under Section 13.1, I challenge whether the claim "instant inch loss" can be substantiated.(ii) Under Section 13.4, I challenge whether the brochure has shown that "weight reduction is achieved by loss of body fat".7. The brochure continues (page 8):"Vibrosaun...at the same time detoxifies the body and reduces calorie counts (up to 300 calories per session!...The unit is designed to increase blood circulation, reduce high blood pressure and aid kidney function. It can also assist in reducing symptoms of insomnia and aid asthma sufferers..."8. Under Sections 3.7, 12.1 and 13.1, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate any of the following claims:(i) The Vibrosaun detoxifies the body and "reduces calorie counts (up to 300 calories per session!)"(ii) The Vibrosaun reduces high blood pressure and aids kidney function(iii) The Vibrosaun can aid asthma sufferers9. The brochure lists (pages 12-14) a number of Ayurvedic treatments available at the salon. Under Sections 3.7 and 12.1, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate any of the following claims:(i) The "PAADA ABHYANGA FULL LEG AND FEET MASSAGE...helps those suffering from arthritis"(ii) The "AYURVEDIC BACK MASSAGE...assists with whiplash injuries"(iii) The "PODI KIZHI BOLUS BAG MASSAGE WITH MEDICATED POWDER" can help "treat arthritis, paralysis..."(iv) The "KAYASEKAM OIL BATH (ROYAL TREATMENT)...slows down the aging process, helps heal fractured bones, increases body immunity and increases muscular, digestive and sexual power" and "Removes all Vata and Kapha toxins"(v) The "SHIROABHYANGA TRADITIONAL INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE...drains any accumulated toxins"(vi) The "KADI VASTI POURING OF OIL" is "An effective treatment for low back pain, sciatica, slipped disc and neurological diseases of the lower limbs"(vii) The "GREEVA VASTI" treatment "helps with...paralysis and any whiplash"(viii) The "NETRA VASTI...protects and promotes good vision, help[s] with...cataract[s], night blindness, glaucoma, and decreases any pain or secretion of lachrymal fluid"(ix) The "NASYA" treatment "Relieves headaches, migraines, sinusitis" and "helps with diseases of the eyes, ears[,] nose, mouth and throat, with swellings, gland enlargement and tonsilitis"10. Under Section 12.23, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claims that the "SHIROABHYANGA MASSAGE" (page 13) "relieves...baldness" and "prevents hair fall [sic]".11. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser."
This calming vista is the interior of Beauty Scene, a salon in Nottingham.The proprietress, one Paula Arnold, has persuaded a neighbouring cafe to stock her flyers. An unwise move, perhaps, because Nottingham is teeming with coffee-drinking sceptical troublemakers!Among Paula's services are the usual facials, manicures, massages and full-body waxes.
But what's this - "SHAPE CHANGERS DETOX WRAPS"? Tell me more!"This is an all-natural detox wrap guaranteed to achieve inch reduction, detoxify the body, cleanse the skin and leave you feeling rejuvenated with a smooth and silkier skin..."And to think that, for all these years, I've been relying on my liver and moderate exercise to keep me healthy. What a fool I've been!
Still, before I give up the swimming and moderate drinking, I'd like to see some actual clinical evidence first.
I wonder if Paula can also substantiate her claims for refloxology, Hopi ear candles and Indian head massage? ASA complaint follows!
"I write to complain about a leaflet promoting the "Beauty Scene" clinic in Nottingham, which was picked up from a cafe adjoining the clinic.The leaflet makes claims about various complementary therapies which I believe cannot be substantiated.I suspect that the advert may be in breach of three sections of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) code.1. The leaflet contains the text:"SHAPE CHANGERS DETOX WRAPS...This is an all-natural detox wrap guaranteed to achieve inch reduction, detoxify the body, cleanse the skin and leave you feeling rejuvenated with a smooth and silkier skin."2. Under Sections 3.1. 50.1 and 51.1 of the CAP Code, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claims that the detox wraps can:(i) "...achieve inch reduction" (i.e. weight loss)(ii) "...detoxify the body"3. The leaflet continues:"INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE...This relaxing head massage relaxes tight and uncomfortable muscles, eases stiffness, stimulates blood circulation and drains away toxins which will eliminate headaches and eyestrain..."4. Under Sections 3.1 and 50.1, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that Indian Head Massage "drains away toxins which will eliminate headaches and eyestrain..."5. The leaflet continues:"HOPI EAR CANDLES...This treatment will help clear congestion from the ear and sinus area..."6. Under Sections 3.1 and 50.1, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that Hopi Ear Candles "clear congestion from the ear and sinus area..."7. The leaflet continues:"REFLEXOLOGY...Relieves stress and improves circulation. This ancient healing art works through pressure point massage on your feet to restore the free flow of energy to the whole body and encourage self healing [sic]. Congestion or tension in any part of the foot mirrors congestion and tension in a corresponding body part and so treating the whole foot will relax and help heal the whole body."8. Under Sections 3.1 and 50.1, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that Reflexology can "encourage self healing [sic]" and "help heal the whole body".9. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser."
It's always a pleasure to bump into an old friend.An old friend like GoodVitality Ltd, for example!UPDATE, 6 Oct: The ASA say the advertisers have agreed to "remove the 'weight loss' claim and advertise on a platform-only basis".GoodVitality sell a number of bullshit products like the ones picture above, but this complaint concerns a homeopathic tincture which their advert claims can contribute to weight loss.I don't dare look up where "Human chorionic gonadotropin" comes from - I just haven't got the balls.What actually concerns me about this advert is that, in the UK, homeopathic products have to be registered.
I can't find any evidence that GoodVitality have registered theirs, though it's quite possible I'm wrong.What I am certain about, is that homeopathy cannot cause "weight loss". ASA complaint follows!"I write to complain about an advert appearing in "Nexus" magazine (August-September Issue, Vol 17 No 5, p3)The advert, for GoodVitality Ltd, promotes a homeopathic tincture.I suspect that the advert may be in breach of three 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 advert contains the text:"hCG Weight Loss - Human chorionic gonadotropin - As a Homeopathic tincture 50ml, 30c potency for just £15 - See our new You Tube video for some great ideas to help weight loss..."2. I understand that the "homeopathic tincture" advertised is not a registered homeopathic product in the UK.3. Therefore, under Section 50.19 of the CAP Code, I challenge whether:(i) The advertised homeopathic medicinal product is registerd in the UK(ii) The advert contains product information that is not confined to that which appears on the label (a picture of which I enclose [1])(iii) The advert does not "include a warning to consult a doctor if symptoms persist"(iv) The advert makes "medicinal or therapeutic claims" for an anauthorised product4. Under Sections 3.1 and 51.1, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that the homeopathic product can cause "weight loss".5. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative medicine industry in general. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser. Footnotes:[1] Source: http://www.goodvitality.com/hcg-human-chorionic-gonadotropin-tincture-50-ml-228-p.asp"
Have you been searching high and low for something that "Does not cause calcification [like] most calcium supplements"?Then, you've found it! New Dawn Nutrition - who have already had a brush with the ASA - are offering Pearlcium, a "most unique calcium supplement" which apparently causes "bone mass increase".Their advert in Nexus Magazine contains a rather pitiful attempt to support the claim with some decidedly unscienfitic evidence. It won't be enough.My second ASA complaint follows, in which I also whinge about the company's bullshit weight-loss product, "Mandura Trim"."I write to complain about an advert appearing in "Nexus" magazine (August-Septemeber issue, Vol 17 No 5, p65).The advert, for New Dawn Nutrition, promotes a weight-loss product and a food supplement.I suspect that the advert may be in breach of seven 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. (i) The advert contains the text:"PEARLCIUM Now available in the UK and EU - A most unique calcium supplement...Has been tested via EAV biofeedback, tests consistently positive on people. Contains signal proteins, trace elements, polysaccharides, and of course calcium in a very bio available [sic] form. Does not cause calcification unlike most calcium food supplements..."(ii) "EAV biofeedback" refers to a pseudoscientific [1] device, "Electroacupuncture according to Voll (EAV)", which is for the most part illegal in the USA [2].(iii) Under Section 7.1 of the CAP Code, I challenge whether the claim "PEARLCIUM...Has been tested via EAV biofeedback, tests consistently positive on people" is misleading, under Section 6.1 I challenge whether the claim exploits the "lack of knowledge" of consumers, and under Sections 3.1 and 50.1 I challenge whether the claim can be substantiated by documentary evidence, if appropriate consisting of trials conducted on people.(iv) Under Sections 3.1 and 50.1, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that Pearlcium does "not cause calcification unlike most calcium food supplements..."2. (i) The advert continues:"[Pearlcium:] Reports of bone mass increase have been sent to the Pearlcium Company and many other benefits from satisfied users. We make no such claims of course!"(ii) Under Sections 3.1, 14.1 and 50.1, I challenge whether the claim that Pearlcium increase bone mass can be substantiated.(iii) Under Section 14.3, I challenge whether the advertisers hold signed and dated proof for these testimonials.(iii) Notwithstanding the disclaimer "We make no such claims of course", under Section 7.1 I challenge whether the claim is misleading, and under Section 6.1 I challenge whether it exploits the "lack of knowledge of consumers".3. (i) The advert continues:"MANDURA TRIM!...An effective, natural weight support product. Safe, steady weight loss combined with sensible eating...It works!"(ii) Under Sections 3.1 and 51.1, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate the claim that Mandura Trim is an "effective, natural weight support product", the claim that users will experience "steady weight loss combined [when combined] with sensible eating", and the claim that "It works!"4. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or the magazine. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser or the magazine.Footnotes:[1] http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/electro.html[2] http://www.quackwatch.org/02ConsumerProtection/eav.html"
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