Rebecca Wright09.12.07
According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), Washington, D.C., a red clover dietary supplement called Promensil is being deceptively marketed to women for the relief of hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. In fact, CSPI says, most of the research on the pills shows that it’s ineffective, which is why the organization is asking FDA and FTC to crack down on the product’s "deceptive" advertising and labeling. Promensil is sold by Natrol, the company CSPI blames for the "dishonest" advertising.
“Natrol’s ads for Promensil are some of the most dishonest we’ve seen for a dietary supplement in a while,” said CSPI senior nutritionist David Schardt. “It’s a shame that companies like this exploit the desire of women to find a safe, effective alternative to estrogen for the relief of their symptoms during menopause.”
Advertising for Promensil includes a recent television ad that calls it “the only supplement proven to reduce menopause symptoms” and ads in women’s magazines that claim “22 clinical studies can’t be wrong” in proving that Promensil eases hot flashes, night sweats, and other symptoms of menopause. In fact, most of the research on Promensil that looked at hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms—including the largest and the longest studies—found the red clover supplement to be no more effective than a placebo. The magazine ads also claim that Promensil promotes “heart health,” but most of the research shows that it has no effect on established risk factors for heart disease like blood cholesterol levels or blood pressure. (The risk of heart disease in women starts to climb at menopause.)
CSPI goes beyond Natrol to attack its founder and executive chairman, Elliott Balbert, who is currently spearheading a public relations campaign called "Just Like Me" to improve the image of the dietary supplement industry. A P.R. salvo of television and radio ads due to launch this fall is intended to close the “credibility gap” between companies and consumers.
CSPI claims it conducted a detailed analysis of the scientific research on Promensil, and how it doesn't support Natrol's claims. CSPI’s letters to the federal agencies ask that the company reimburse deceived consumers, run corrective advertising to set the record straight, and pay a fine.
“Natrol’s ads for Promensil are some of the most dishonest we’ve seen for a dietary supplement in a while,” said CSPI senior nutritionist David Schardt. “It’s a shame that companies like this exploit the desire of women to find a safe, effective alternative to estrogen for the relief of their symptoms during menopause.”
Advertising for Promensil includes a recent television ad that calls it “the only supplement proven to reduce menopause symptoms” and ads in women’s magazines that claim “22 clinical studies can’t be wrong” in proving that Promensil eases hot flashes, night sweats, and other symptoms of menopause. In fact, most of the research on Promensil that looked at hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms—including the largest and the longest studies—found the red clover supplement to be no more effective than a placebo. The magazine ads also claim that Promensil promotes “heart health,” but most of the research shows that it has no effect on established risk factors for heart disease like blood cholesterol levels or blood pressure. (The risk of heart disease in women starts to climb at menopause.)
CSPI goes beyond Natrol to attack its founder and executive chairman, Elliott Balbert, who is currently spearheading a public relations campaign called "Just Like Me" to improve the image of the dietary supplement industry. A P.R. salvo of television and radio ads due to launch this fall is intended to close the “credibility gap” between companies and consumers.
CSPI claims it conducted a detailed analysis of the scientific research on Promensil, and how it doesn't support Natrol's claims. CSPI’s letters to the federal agencies ask that the company reimburse deceived consumers, run corrective advertising to set the record straight, and pay a fine.