Consumers Claim This Joint is Not Jumping

At least nine class-action lawsuits have been filed this year claiming that companies are falsely marketing the health benefits of supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin or both. According to the various lawsuits, the range of claims companies are making include that products:

• Increase joint comfort and flexibility
• Reduce joint pain
• Rebuild cartilage
• Treat arthritis
• Improve joint and cartilage health
• Help with joint discomfort
• Improve mobility and flexibility
• Cushion joints
• Improve joint comfort
• Strengthen and repair joints

All of the lawsuits assert that there is no competent and reliable scientific evidence to support any of these claims.

This summer, a class action against companies that manufacture and sell glucosamine supplements in Costco stores under the Kirkland label settled for $2 million. The companies are providing consumers with a $5 refund per purchased bottle and have agreed to remove deceptive language from the supplement labels.

For more information on these and other false advertising cases click here.