![]() What they never seem to contain is links or references to primary sources that actually demonstrate the claims they are making. Their website includes a section called “The science behind alpha-brain.” I always find it amusing to following the links for promised evidence on such sites. This is a supplement that claims to “enhance” mental function, sleep, creativity, and athletic performance. Recently a product came to my attention which fits this mold perfectly – Alpha Brain. This strategy is more insidious, as it gives the public the sense that the product is science-based when it isn’t. Basic science evidence is used inappropriately to support clinical claims. Often these claims are based upon evidence – just the wrong kind of evidence. ![]() If your claims are outrageous enough the FTC can still go after you, but they are playing a game of whack-a-mole and losing.Īnother pattern that is common is for a supplement product to contain specific components that are claimed to have specific benefits. This was supposed to be good for the consumer, when in fact it is springtime for industry at the expense of the consumer. In other words, as long as you don’t mention a disease by name, you can make pretty much whatever claim you want. In the US, regulations (under DSHEA) specifically allow “structure/function” claims without any requirement for evidence to back up the claims. It is essentially a multivitamin with the unfounded claim that it will prevent infection by boosting the immune system. The popular product Airborne fits this mold. Usually the claim is implied in the name of the product itself – sleepwell, or brainboost. They tend to follow a similar pattern: put an essentially random assortment of vitamins, minerals, perhaps herbs and nutritional elements into a pill and then make whatever pseudo-health claims you want. ![]() There is an endless stream of supplement products on the market that are of questionable value. ![]()
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