FDA cracks down on Alzheimer's treatments, 17 firms targeted for false claims
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said Monday it sent warning letters to 17 firms that are “illegally selling” more than 58 products that claim to prevent, treat or cure Alzheimer’s disease and other serious health conditions.
The FDA warns that the products, which are often sold online through websites and social media platforms, have not been reviewed by them and “are not proven safe and effective” to treat the diseases as marketed.
“These products may be ineffective, unsafe and could prevent a person from seeking an appropriate diagnosis and treatment,” FDA said Monday in a press release.
FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb added that the announcement is part of its larger effort to “address the booming growth of the dietary supplement industry.”
Among the companies to receive letters were Gold Crown Natural Products, TEK Naturals and Pure Nootropics LLC.
In a letter sent to TEK Naturals, the FDA, along with the Federal Trade Commission, said five of its products, including its Mind Ignite, are advertised as “clinically shown to help diseases of the brain such as Alzheimer’s and even dementia.” Additionally, the company also has other products that claim to treat or prevent some forms of cancer, Parkinson’s disease, human papilloma, among others.
Pure Nootropics LLC was warned about claims for seven of its supplements, including a Turkey Tail Mushroom Power that claims to help dementia, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s.
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The FDA and FTC said it sent the warning letters last week and have given the companies 15 days to respond.
A spokesperson for TEK Naturals told FOX Business that it is reviewing the FDA's letter and has already reached to out to them. Pure Nootropics, however, did not immediately respond to FOX Business' request for comment.
Today, over 5.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and that number is expected to rise to 15 million by 2050, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Here's the full list of companies and products the FDA sent warning letters to.