Healing Noni

The FDA has put a Hawaiian health drink company on notice regarding labeling claims that ingredients in the noni fruit-based supplement ward off tumors and serious diseases like cancer.

A recent FDA warning letter to Healing Noni listed a number of unapproved disease treatment and prevention statements tied to ingredients such as benzoic acid, limonene, linoleic acid and myristic acid.

The pockmarked potato-looking and grandmother-sounding noni fruit is native to the tropical regions of the Pacific Ocean.

While preliminary laboratory research has shown the tropical fruit to possess certain antioxidant, immune-stimulating and tumor-fighting properties, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) warns that “noni has not been well studied in people for any health condition.”

On a fact sheet about the fruit and its uses and side effects, the NCCIH also notes how several noni juice manufacturers have gotten in trouble with the FDA for making unsupported health claims.

Remember, readers, marketing supplements as having the ability to treat, cure, alleviate the symptoms of, or prevent developing diseases and disorders is simply not permitted by law. If a supplement really could do all that, then it would be a drug subject to rigorous study and testing to gain FDA approval.

Find more of our coverage on Hawaiian drinks here.