(RxWiki News) Five companies are on notice for illegally selling dietary supplements that violate federal law.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent warning letters to five companies that were claiming that their dietary supplements treated, cured or prevented infertility and similar issues.
Selling supplements that make health claims violates the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because these products have not received FDA approval. On top of that, making potentially false health claims can hurt people who use these products instead of seeking actual medical care.
"Dietary supplements that claim to cure, treat or prevent infertility and other reproductive health conditions can potentially harm consumers who use these products instead of seeking effective treatments, such as FDA-approved drugs or assisted reproductive technology,” said Dr. Judy McMeekin, FDA’s associate commissioner for regulatory affairs, in a press release.
The FDA and FTC sent warning letters to the following companies:
- LeRoche Benicoeur/ConceiveEasy
- EU Natural Inc.
- Fertility Nutraceuticals LLC
- SAL NATURE LLC/FertilHerb
- NS Products, Inc.
Around 6 percent of women of reproductive age in the US have problems with fertility, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The unapproved products that these companies were selling could offer false hope or even cause harm to people who struggle with infertility.
“Women and families who face fertility issues deserve the best that science has to offer,” said Daniel Kaufman, acting director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, in a press release.
The FDA said consumers should be cautious of any product sold online that makes unproven health claims. Always speak with your health care provider before taking any new supplement or drug.
