Better Business: Recognize bogus products that offer miracle health cures

A judge recently upheld an Federal Trade Commission complaint that two related companies made deceptive claims about the health benefits of their products. They advertised that their pomegranate juice and other products would “treat, prevent, or reduce the risk of heart disease, prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction.”

In his decision, the judge said expert testimony demonstrated that there was insufficient competent and reliable scientific evidence to support the claims. Ads for the products appeared in national publications, on websites, and on billboards and bus stops. Some products are available at grocery stores nationwide.

In a separate action, the FTC reached a settlement with a manufacturer of vacuum cleaners over health-related claims it made about two of its home cleaning products. The FTC alleged its claims that the products could “reduce the risk of flu and other illnesses, and eliminate virtually all common germs and allergens” were unfounded.

According to the FTC, consumers spend billions of dollars annually on bogus health-related products and treatments. Many are unproven, useless, expensive and not covered by health insurance.

Others are worse. They can have dangerous interactions with other medications people are taking; and can keep the users from getting properly diagnosed and treated by a health care professional.

The FTC says that fraudsters target people who are overweight or have serious conditions like cancer, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, HIV/AIDS and arthritis. Unproven arthritis remedies include shark cartilage, honey and vinegar mixtures, and gimmicks like magnets and copper bracelets.

Hucksters sometimes promote their products as “natural,” but that doesn’t mean they’re safe or effective. The FTC cites several supposed miracle cancer-fighting products, including black salve, essiac tea and laetrile.

The FTC advises you to avoid products that:

Claim to cure incurable conditions.

Make extraordinary promises like “shrinks tumors.”

Promise a long list of benefits, including “treats rheumatism, arthritis, infections, prostate problems, ulcers, cancer, baldness, and more!”

Are promoted with phrases like “scientific breakthrough,” “ancient remedy” or “miraculous cure.”

You should also check out clinics that require you to travel and stay far from home for treatment. Some are effective, but others prescribe unapproved, ineffective and even dangerous cures. They may also employ health care providers who aren’t licensed or don’t have other appropriate credentials.

The best advice the FTC and the Better Business Bureau offer is to talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professionals before using any new product or starting any new treatment.