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Airborne Paying Out the Big Bucks

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:45:00 -0800

While we are all looking for a magic bullet to protect ourselves from germs and viruses, one popular cold preventative has been debunked, and quite publicly at that. Makers of Airborne, the herbal supplement that originally advertised itself as a " miracle cold buster," have settled a false advertising lawsuit to the tune of $23.3 million. The company, however, does not admit wrongdoing or illegal conduct. Airborne now claims to be an "immune booster" rather than a supplement that can prevent or treat colds.

The controversy over Airborne's claims began in 2006 when a national television report questioned the validity of a clinical trial used by the company as proof that the supplement worked as advertised. Airborne has a diverse product line, but all the supplements contain a base formula containing vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E as well as magnesium, zinc, selenium, and herbs. Not only will this formula not prevent colds, it might be dangerous to your health, too. Two tablets contain the 10,000 IU of vitamin A, the upper limit of daily intake of the vitamin. The dose instruction on the box warn to not exceed three tablets a day.

To find out if you are eligible for a refund for Airborne purchases, call 888-952-9080 or airbornehealthsettlement.com for details.

When looking to protect yourself from colds and viruses, the best defense is regular hand washing. Hope this cold and flu season ends soon.

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Dannon Activia's Health Claims False? WTF?!

FitSugar — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 12:13:37 -0800

A newly filed proposed class action suit is accusing Dannon Co Inc of creating a massive false advertising campaign that convinces consumers to pay more for Activia — yogurt containing "probiotic" bacteria — because of the product's health benefits.

The lawsuit refers to scientific reports showing, counter to Dannon's advertising, that there is no real or "clinical" evidence that the bacteria prevents illness or is beneficial to healthy adults. What's more? The suit says that Dannon's own studies failed to support its advertised claims and that the company was aware of it the whole time.

OK, what now? I, for one, buy Activia a lot. Not only do I like its smaller size in comparison to other yogurt containers, but I also thought I was doing great things for my gut, but it is definitely a bit pricier. I'm going to be holding off for a bit and sticking to other brands of yogurt that aren't facing class action suits, but boy, what a bummer.

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Kate Wins Suit Against Glossy!

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 09:17:49 -0800

I have been following Kate Winslet's fight against the British magazine Grazia due to their story that she was seeking outside help to diet.

Kate, as we all know by now, has no tolerance for the fashion industry's size zero culture and wants young women to know that having curves is ok, so she was appalled when the claims came out that she was seeing a diet doctor.

People is reporting that Kate has won an undisclosed amount in libel damages from Grazia. Keeping with her signature grace and poise, Kate told People her thoughts after winning:

"Grazia magazine has apologized to me in full, and admitted that their story was incorrect, which gives me tremendous peace of mind. I feel very strongly that 'curves' are natural, womanly and real.

I shall continue to hope that women are able to believe in themselves for who they are inside, and not feel under such incredible pressure to be unnaturally thin. I am donating the 'damages' given to me by Grazia, to an eating disorder charity."

Yet another reason to love Kate. Congrats Kate!

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