American Cellular Labs Raid
July 24, 2009
Tren Xtreme and Mass Xtreme, are manufactured by American Cellular Labs and marketed as a “potent legal alternative to” steroids. But according to the New York Times, authorities alleged in search warrants that the supplements contain steroids!
Are Max Muscle Stores In On It?
Authorities said that Max Muscle, a supplement store with about 100 locations, paid American Cellular Labs to be the exclusive retailer of these products. Maurice Sandoval (American Cellular’s CEO), said in a telephone interview that he himself never personally sold steroids but declined to comment on whether the company had ever sold steroids. Reporters phoned Max Muscle’s head office in Anaheim, California and were told that no one was available to comment on how many Max Muscle stores carried the American Cellular products. “This is not our product,” said the man, who would not give his name and hung up.
Liver & Kidney Damage
Investigators grew concerned over supplements made by American Cellular Labs after the FDA. received reports of severe liver and kidney problems in people who had used the two products, according to court documents. In one case, a liver transplant doctor reported that a 38-year-old male patient who had used these products was later hospitalized with severe liver dysfunction and acute kidney failure which needed to be treated with dialysis, the documents said.
Prohormones Are Untested DRUGS
Steroids come with health risks. But unknowingly taking supplements that contain steroids is even riskier said Dr. Pieter Cohen, an instructor at the Harvard Medical School who is studying the dangers of adulterated dietary supplements. When doctors prescribe testosterone for men who have a testosterone deficiency, physicians monitor the patients health closely. But taking prohormones and designer steroids is even more dangerous for people, he said, because these compounds have not been studied for safety.
“It’s placing the consumer at very serious risk of harm because there is absolutely no research showing that this new compound is safe in humans,” said Cohen, a general internist at the Cambridge Health Alliance, a network of public hospitals in Massachusetts. “We do have evidence that, in the past, analogs of pharmaceutical compounds have led to unexpected life-threatening disease such as liver failure that required transplantation.”
SOURCE: NEW YORK TIMES
NBTY Buys 350 Stores In The U.K.
July 23, 2009
Do you shop at Vitamin Shoppe, Vitamin World or GNC? Well the company that owns “Vitamin World” is called “NBTY” and they are absolutely massive. In fact, back in 2003 they plucked a small piece of GNC when they bought all the GNC stores in the U.K and some in Germany! The acquisition was relatively small: NBTY paid Numico $12 million for 49 GNC stores in the U.K. and 7 in Germany. They also bought store chain Holland & Barrett a few years ago (by outbidding GNC) to get a further foothold on the supplement market in the U.K. Well to solidify their dominance over the pond they’ve now just bought “Julian Graves” which is a chain of 350 food and confectionary stores in the U.K. The cost of the purchase was approximately $25 million USD. One has to wonder if NBTY’s next purchase will be GNC’s U.S. store chain?
SOURCE: PR NEWSWIRE
FXsupplements.com Lawsuit
July 22, 2009
FXsupplements.com has agreed to stop shipping unauthorized orders to customers, refrain from making false health claims, and clearly disclose its terms of service to future purchasers. The online vendor also agreed to provide refunds to customers that it overcharged for its products. Distributor Austin Hilton widely advertised their “acai berry” supplement as reducing the risk of heart attack, Alzheimer’s disease and cancers. Their ads also claimed the product could limit premature aging! Web advertisements indicated that the Acai Berry Maxx product was “naturally potent in antioxidants” and could flush up to 30 pounds of waste and toxins from the body. Hilton’s claims are not backed by sound scientific studies, and they have not been approved by the FDA.
4 Minutes To Order
When customers clicked on the FXsupplements.com or acaiberrymaxx.com advertising links, they were informed that they would have four minutes to place their orders before the free trial of the Acai Berry Maxx product expired. Customers who completed orders were asked to pay a $5.95 shipping and handling fee. To make the required payment, purchasers had to provide their credit or debit card numbers. The Attorney General’s investigation found that this transaction led customers to a “terms and conditions” page that failed to clearly disclose several problematic provisions. By accepting the “free” 15-day supply valued at $65, customers unwittingly entered into a “negative option” plan with the company. Under this scheme, FXsupplements.com would automatically “renew” orders after the 14-day trial period expired without customers’ express authorization to continue. The renewal forced customers to pay $80 for one-month supplies of Acai Berry Maxx, even after customers demanded cancellation. According to state investigators, the negative option language embedded within the “terms and conditions” violated state law. Under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, terms providing for ongoing contractual obligations must be disclosed clearly and conspicuously on the contract. Investigators also discovered that FXsupplements failed to promptly ship orders. As a result, customers did not receive their free products until the free-trial had nearly expired. This gave customers little time to try the products without obligation and decide whether to order additional products. Meanwhile, Hilton and his companies automatically put customers onto a revolving shipment of prepaid products after the trial period ended without customers’ knowledge or consent.
Always Read The Fine Print
While Hilton touted Acai Berry Maxx as a remedy or cure for diseases, FXsupplements’ “terms and conditions” contained fine-print language acknowledging that the products were not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disorders and diseases. Importantly, the FDA has not approved Acai Berry Maxx as a drug with the curative properties.
Judgement Order
Hilton and the defendant companies agreed to provide customer restitution and Web page modifications. The judgment also prohibits Hilton and FXsupplements from relying upon false advertising or deceptive schemes to sell the products. Under the agreement, material information cannot be obscured within the purchase agreements’ “terms and conditions.” If the defendants employ the “negative option” billing plan in the future, they must clearly disclose the steps customers can take to discontinue their contract. Additionally, customers who are wrongly charged for unwanted products must receive prompt refunds.
SOURCE: The Police News
GNC’s First NO Product Proven to Improve Performance
July 17, 2009
GNC, the leading global specialty retailer of nutritional products, released clinical results for their first nitric oxide product, proven to demonstrate a delay in the onset of neuromuscular fatigue. The key findings were unveiled at the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) conference in Las Vegas, NV. GNC’s Amplified Maxertion N.O.(TM) was shown to increase power output at the onset of neuromuscular fatigue by an average of 20% and improve physical performance by helping athletes push past their normal point of exhaustion. This product is designed to increase nitric oxide levels in the body causing a hemodilation effect which expands blood vessels, allowing more blood, oxygen and nutrients to flow to muscles.
“This is truly groundbreaking research that has resulted in the delivery of a truly novel and clinically-validated product to the industry,” said Guru Ramanathan, SVP Technology and Product Innovation for GNC. “Using advanced technology and ingredients, this is the first Nitric Oxide enhancing product to demonstrate significant athletic performance effects that are relevant and meaningful to all types of athletes.”
The purpose of the double-blind placebo-controlled study was to examine the effects of daily administration of arginine-based supplements on the physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWC(FT)). The PWC(FT) test estimates the highest power output that can be maintained without neuromuscular evidence of fatigue.
Using a cycle ergometer (stationary bicycle), all subjects performed an incremental test to exhaustion prior to supplementation and after four weeks of supplementation. Key study findings demonstrate significant mean increases in PWC(FT) for the 1.5 gm (22.4%) and 3.0 gm (18.8%) supplement groups, but no change for the placebo group (-1.6%).
The study followed 50 college-aged males over the course of four weeks who were randomized into one of three groups - a. placebo (microcrystalline cellulose), b. 1.5 gm of micronized arginine and 300 mg of grape seed extract, and c. 3.0 gm of micronized arginine and 300 mg of grape seed extract.
Amplified Maxertion N.O. is part of a comprehensive line of eight new advanced muscle performance and sports nutrition products from GNC. The entire Pro Performance® AMP line was developed through rigorous clinical research and is designed to suit the needs of a wide range of dedicated athletes, from the weekend warrior to the ultra competitive athlete.
More Diet Pills Spiked With Prescription Drugs
July 17, 2009
Young You Corporation has been informed by the FDA that their four weight loss supplements contain an undeclared drug called “Sibutramine” which is an FDA-approved drug used as an appetite suppressant for weight loss. The following products are affected by the recall:
- Slimbionic
- One Weight Loss Pill
- SlimDemand Capsules
- Botanical Weight Loss
The products listed above were sold and distributed nationwide via the internet and at the company’s Weight Loss and Rejuvenation Center in Tarzana. FDA advises that these products pose a threat to consumers because sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke.
Why Spike Diet Pills With Drugs?
Because drugs work and most supplements don’t. Yes, I said it. Nearly all of the herbs you see on diet pill labels do not cause fat loss. When people want to lose fat quickly, they turn to diet pills for a quick fix. If a company can add drugs or other herbal stimulants to their products, consumers will “feel” the product working and tell others about how great the product works. This of course creates positive word of mouth which leads to further sales. It’s for this reason that caffeine is in nearly every diet pill on store shelves.
Sixth Supplement Recall This Week
Yes the FDA has recalled a ton of supplements in the last few months and this is only the beginning. With new government regulations being placed on supplement companies and the factories that make these products, all companies will be forced to start improving the quality of their products. This is great for consumers but many of the small and mid-sized supplement companies will not be able to afford to adhere to the new government regulations. This will lead to fines being issued and business closures. Of course, we will keep covering all the supplement news here at SupplementGenius.com. If you want to get the scoop immediately, follow us on Twitter by clicking HERE.
Shawn Ray Signs With GENR8
July 17, 2009
Retired IFBB Pro Shawn Ray has dropped supplement sponsor VYO-TECH and has now joined GENR8. Shawn will be a “Chief Consultant and Strategist” to GENR8 in the areas of marketing and promotions related to bodybuilding and its athletes, charity events, muscle camps, pro bodybuilding competitions, and sponsorship opportunities. Shawn also a writer and radio host of MD Radio with Muscular Development Magazine and has over 22 years experience in the sport.
“My time on the contest stage and behind the scene in the sport of Bodybuilding has prepared me for an opportunity such as this, where I can continue to help others grow while sharing the superior benefits of a patented, scientifically proven product like Vitargo S2“, stated Mr. Ray.
Shawn will be working directly with GENR8 President and CEO, Anthony Almada. Anthony is a nutritional and exercise biochemist and was the co-founder and past-president of EAS. He has collaborated on over 50 university-based sports nutrition studies and has worked in the nutrition industry since 1975.
“We are elated to bring Shawn onto the team. He is a uniquely business savvy retired pro athlete that brings a wealth of insight and value, and a fantastic relationship network. The value and integrity in his name and persona only add to his impressive skills and work ethic” offered Almada.
GENr8
Is a company Anthony Almada formed with a few others which have acquired the distribution rights to Vitargo since December 2007. Vitargo is not a new carb source as it’s been around for almost 10 years now. In fact, EAS included Vitargo in one of their products back when Anthony worked for them. The stuff does not mix very well but does provide some advantages to ultra endurance athletes looking to replenish severely depleted glycogen stores. The team at GENR8 are supposed to be coming out with an RTD format which should make it easier to use.
SOURCE: GETBIG.com
Libimax Recall
July 16, 2009
A supplement company called “Nature & Health” is conducting a voluntary recall of the company’s five sex-enhancement supplements because they’ve been spiked with drugs used to treat erection disorders! The supplements being recalled include: LibieXtreme, Y-4ever, Libimax X Liquid, Powermania Liquid and Capsule, Herbal Disiac. The company’s been informed by the FDA that all 5 products contain various drugs used to treat erection disorders. Hmmm, I wonder if they knew that already? The drugs detected are: Tadalafil (Cialis), its analog Aminotadalafil, or the analog of Sildenafil (Viagra). None of the active drug ingredients are listed on the product labels. The undeclared ingredients may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs such as nitroglycerin and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. Consumers with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates. Additionally, the product may cause side effects, such as headaches, flushing and of course n increase in penis hardness!
SOURCE: FDA
BOSS Shuts Down
July 16, 2009
The second largest supplement distributor in the US has now closed its doors! The company Bob O’ Leary Sports Science (BOSS) has shut down which leaves industry leader Europa Sports Products in a great position. It also paves the path for up-and-coming distributor Lone Star and of course DNA to make a move. But before we get too ahead of ourselves, a new company called “USA Sports, LLC” has purchased the assets to the company and is rumored to be picking up where BOSS left off. They even brought over Joe Miles, the former head of BOSS to lead the new company. BOSS has issued no official company statement but one has to think that this economy has had a thing or two to do with it!
SOURCE: Inside Bodybuilding
Max Muscle Protein Recall
July 15, 2009
Max Muscle Sports Nutrition has issued a voluntary recall for Max Muscle products containing whey protein concentrate due to potential Salmonella contamination. Some of the products affected include: Max Gourmet, Max Gourmet Gainer, Max Lean, High Five, Big Max 50, Triple Whey, and Max Pro. This is an extension of the voluntary recall being conducted by one of the company’s suppliers, Plainview Milk Products Cooperative. The products in question were manufactured in January and February of 2009 and lot numbers for these can be viewed by clicking HERE. Customers are advised not to consume any of these products and should return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund. Consumers with additional questions may call the Max Muscle Customer Service Department at 1-888-MAX-MUSCLE (1-888-629-6872), Extension 119.
SOURCE: FDA
SNI Pro Whey Recall
July 15, 2009
Another protein powder recall! This time it’s Nutrition Global LLC of Milford, Connecticut and they’re recalling certain batches of SNI Pro Whey, SNI Pro Mass and Sci Labs Mass Fuzion Dietary Supplement because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. Their products contained instant non-fact dry milk manufactured by the Plainview Milk Products Cooperative - a company that recently initiated a voluntary recall of its instant non-fact dry milk that has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Nutrition Global’s products are packaged in dark blue bottles with silver caps and those affected are distributed to Spain, Poland, Columbia and the state of Florida. Consumers with questions may contact Nutrition Global LLC at 1-888-663-1113. For pictures of the affected products, please visit www.nutritionglobal.net.
SOURCE: FDA