Danger in deceptive supplement ads

The first few weeks after each Winter break, students pack the University Recreation Center. Some drastically cut calories hoping a slow starvation will swing the scale to their desired weight. A slim minority will persist and drop the pounds they "accumulated" over the break. The majority won't make it and know it.

In an effort to get the extra edge in your quest to lose weight, you might turn to supplements. You've seen the commercials late at night from those irrationally exuberant people promising significant weight loss in the form of a pill. You've also seen the rows of herbal supplements in your local grocery store, promising remedies for all sorts of aliments and conditions. GNC carries all sorts of canisters, foods and bottles resembling apothecaries of old.

If it fails, all you lose is a couple of dollars, right? Are a couple of pounds and dollars the only thing at risk here?

Well, yes and no.

At the start of the new year, the Federal Trade Commission ordered several marketing companies to pay $25 million in penalties. Among the list of "sketchy" supplement companies, well-known pharmaceutical company Bayer made a surprising appearance for its marketing of One-A-Day Weight Smart. One-A-Day Weight Smart was as useful as a multivitamin, but there was not enough scientific evidence to support their insinuations that it can help control weight. Even though Bayer deceptively marketed the multivitamin there appear to be no serious health risks.

Xenadrine, however, is a different story. Companies marketing Xenadrine EFX were ordered to pay at least $8 million to settle allegations of false and unsubstantiated claims. In addition, endorsers were paid between $1,000 and $20,000 in connection with their claims for damages. Perhaps even worse is one Xendadrine ingredient: bitter orange. It is chemically similar to ephedra, which is banned by the FDA. Ephedra has been linked to a host of cardiovascular problems including heart arrhythmia, heart attack and stroke. Two American professional athletes died while taking ephedra, prompting public opinion to turn against it. Consumer Reports lists bitter orange as "likely hazardous." You probably don't want to risk your health on a product that doesn't work at all. One complaint alleged a study showed more weight loss with a placebo than Xenadrine EFX.

Despite the obvious exaggeration, deceptive advertising and even hazards to health, there may be a kernel of truth in some of these ads. Although TrimSpa was fined for deceptive advertising and unsubstantiated claims, there is some evidence that at least one of the ingredients, glucomannan, may actually be effective in weight loss. Glucomannan is a dietary fiber usually derived from the konjac plant. A Harvard Medical School review of common dietary supplements reported "glucomannan in dosages of three to four grams per day may be well tolerated and yield modest weight loss."

Although there were a limited number of studies concerning the efficacy of this supplement, the review labeled the product safety as "present." Because the majority of Americans don't consume enough dietary fiber it may be worthwhile to take this supplement for that reason alone. Several studies have shown that glucomannan may help decrease total cholesterol levels and control some deleterious effects of type-II diabetes, but other studies suggest it might interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

So what does this mean for us, the hapless and confused consumer?

There is a risk whenever you put drugs or chemicals in your body. Just read the side effects on any drug label, and you'll get an idea of all the bad things that can happen. This risk is greatly compounded when there is no official oversight by any third party like the FDA. To reduce your risks, treat research as your best friend as it can be a potential lifesaver. With the advent of the Internet, research has become easily accessible. Besides government websites like the FDA, FTC, and PubMed, forums and discussion Web sites are populated by people seeking the same goals as you. These people can help you determine whether a supplement is right for you. And of course you should always carefully monitor any physical or mental changes in your health while taking these products. Talking to a physician is highly recommended.

Above all, caveat emptor. Your health isn't worth losing a few pounds.

----- Contact Jonathan Lo at jlo@lsureveille.com