Balance of Nature
TINA.org investigated Balance of Nature, Inc., a Utah-based dietary supplement company founded by Dr. Douglas Howard, and found that the company and its founder deceptively claimed that taking Balance of Nature’s “Fruits and Veggies” supplements could prevent and help treat the coronavirus by boosting a person’s immune system. As a result of these findings, TINA.org filed complaints with the FTC and the FDA urging the agencies to take action.
Highlights
- Filed complaint with FTC
- Filed complaint with FDA
Timeline
2020
April 14
TINA.org files complaints with the FTC and FDA against Balance of Nature for deceptively claiming that its supplements can prevent and help treat the coronavirus by boosting a person’s immune system, and urging the agencies to take action.
2019
August 20
The FDA sends the company a warning letter because of its use of unapproved drug treatment claims to market its supplements – claims such as “Fruits and Veggies’” ability to treat multiple sclerosis, diabetes and arthritis.
2018
June 20
The FTC declines to take action against Balance of Nature.
2017
November 6
The National Advertising Division refers the company to the FTC’s attention for its use of unsubstantiated health claims about its dietary supplement, including claims that it enhances the immune system, prevents pneumonia, mitigates symptoms of multiple sclerosis and prevents cancer.
Evidence
Featured
TINA.org Reports Balance of Nature’s Coronavirus Claims to FDA, FTC
Company falsely claims its ‘Fruits’ and ‘Veggies’ supplements can prevent and help treat the coronavirus.
The Latest
A Growing List of Coronavirus Scams
A master list of known and alleged scams.
A supplement company is using conservative radio to market itself as a coronavirus defense and treatment
Eric Hananoki, Media Matters
Balance of Nature Founder Claims Supplement Helps Ward off Coronavirus
This comes seven months after receiving an FDA warning letter citing unapproved drug treatment claims.
Balance of Nature
Off-balance testimonials abound on supplement site, as NAD refers health claims to the FTC.