Claims Against Dietary Supplement Manufacturers

An estimated 40% of Americans use dietary supplements for a variety of purposes, such as body-building, weight-loss, and nutrition, and Americans spent over $28 billion on these supplements in 2010 alone. There is much debate over their regulation, however, and some may contain hazardous chemicals which are not FDA-approved and may lead to liver damage, heart attack, stroke, or even death.

The FDA is particularly concerned about potent mixtures of ingredients which can increase heart-rate and blood pressure, and one such ingredient is 1,3-Dimethylbutylamine (DMBA), more commonly known as “AMP.” In 2015 alone, the FDA has warned at least a dozen manufacturers of supplements containing AMP that the substance is not approved, and has heeded researchers’ warnings of its similarities with DMAA, a synthetic stimulant which has been linked to severe cardiovascular problems.
There are a few ways in which manufacturers of dietary supplements can be held liable for damages caused by these products:

Content claims – The most basic claims of consumer fraud allege that the product does not contain the ingredients (or proper amounts) which are stated on the label. Dietary supplements and their contents have been regulated since the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990.

Misleading ad claims – These allege that a product’s benefits are falsely advertised and not supported by sound scientific evidence. Supplement manufacturers may make structure/function claims about their products (claims about a nutrient or dietary ingredient which is intended to affect the structure or function of the body), but only if they are supported by strong evidence.

Product adulteration – These are claims that products contain contaminants and/or adulterants, and may lead to allegations of personal injury, consumer fraud, or both. Many of these claims involve the sourcing of ingredients for these supplements from overseas and manufacturers which may be in violation of GMP standards.

Personal injury (PI) – Personal injury claims against supplement manufacturers may arise when a supplement causes adverse health effects due to dangerous ingredients or quantities of ingredients and other forms of negligence.

Consumers must be wary of dietary supplements, especially those which are not FDA-approved, until the government allows the FDA to set tighter restrictions on manufacturers for the good of all U.S. citizens. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a company’s negligence, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.

Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.