Olly Gummies

The FDA has established that claims to enhance focus and mental clarity, help relieve digestive problems like bloating, balance hormones and grow hair (as well as reduce hair loss) are all drug claims requiring its approval.

But that has not stopped supplement maker Olly from claiming, without FDA approval, that its gummies help users “optimize [their] thinking power and stay on task,” “reduce belly bloat caused by digestion woes,” “keep hormones in check during PMS” and “boost healthy [hair] growth.”

Arguably, the names of two of the aforementioned products – Laser Focus and Beat the Bloat – themselves are unapproved drug claims.

The company doesn’t stop at product names, though — its marketing is awash in unapproved drug claims, including the following customer testimonials on the Laser Focus, Beat the Bloat, Miss Mellow and Heavenly Hair product pages:

• “[Laser Focus] has improved my focus, mental clarity and memory!!”
• “I was looking for a product that would help with bloating, especially during my menstrual cycle, that was also gentle on my stomach…Beat the Bloat by Olly is that product.”
• “They contain Chasteberry, Isoflavones and Dong Quai to help balance hormones and irritability. … Overall this appears to be a quality supplement. I would recommend these to anyone looking for some help with mood and irritability.”
• “I have been using this for a month now and it has really improved the quality and speed of my hair growth. I have very thick hair that is constantly falling out and this really helped to decrease the amount of hair I was losing. Totally recommend!”

However, the FTC warns that, “[c]onsumer endorsements themselves are not competent and reliable scientific evidence,” which is what is required to properly substantiate health claims like Olly’s.

In addition, while Olly states that, “any claims we make about the ingredients in our products are fully supported by published scientific literature,” the supporting studies are nowhere to be found on the company’s website. Also, studies examining individual ingredients, as opposed to the actual product, may not be adequate substantiation, according to the FTC.

TINA.org reached out to Olly for comment. Check back for updates.

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