Why did Consumer Affairs call Isagenix the "Worst Diet" based on their research?

I'm trying to piece together the marketing and sales messages from Isagenix with this from the a consumer-protection organization, Consumer Affairs.

Consumer Affairs Magazine slammed Isagenix for making what they consider the "Most Outrageous Claim" in marketing the IsaCleanse product and concept   


....and continued by saying:


"Isacleanse The detox idea is seemingly the perfect scam -- it sets up a problem that doesn't exist, then provides a solution.

Ads for Isacleanse warn of toxins building up, clogging organs and deteriorating the body -- unless regularly detoxified. (This doesn't happen, as the human body is naturally self-cleaning.)

A 'healthier, leaner body' is promised in 30 days through ingesting a medicine chest full of Isagenix cures including IsaFlush for 'regularity,' diuretics, aloe pills, vitamins, ionic trace minerals, electrolyte drinks, Isalean Shakes and herbal teas.

For those who are frankly more interested in wealth-building, Isagenix turns a neat trick; on the same web page it alternately pushes a get-rich-quick scheme for deceiving others about the need to detoxify.""

Isagenix Cleans Questions?

What questions do YOU have about Isagenix Cleans Claims?

Some of the most popular we've received so far are;

Is Isagenix a Scam?

If Isagenix is a Scam, why is the internet full of people who deny that Isagenix is a Scam?

Why is Isagenix Sold via Multi Level Marketing (MLM)?

Why is Isagenix NOT sold by reputable local merchants?

Is Isagenix Worth the Money?

Of the Cost of Isagenix what Percentage Goes to Sales and Marketing?

What would Jesus say about Isagenix?

Is Multi Level Marketing inconsistent with Christian Values?

Why isn't Isagenix and Other Nutritional Supplements Regulated?

Isagenix Questions or isogenics scam

What are your most pressing isagenix questions?

I've been adding questions as quickly as I can type, but there may be others you have which I haven't gotten in here yet. So do post your comments and isagenix questions.

Thanks in advance.

Isagenix fraud

Isagenix fraud: "Three ways to identify diet fraud and quackery:

- Claims large rapid weight loss, often 'easy, guaranteed and lasting.' (Weight loss should not exceed one or two pounds per week.)

- Relies heavily on undocumented case histories, before and after photos, and testimonials by 'satisfied customers.' (Paid models are often used in photos, with testimony written by marketers.)

- Claims to get rid of 'cellulite.' (Cellulite does not exist; such claims are a red-flag-warning of misinformation.)"

Gambino Family Chiropractic | Rip-off Report: 397627

Gambino Family Chiropractic | Rip-off Report: 397627: "Isa"

Consumer Affairs Report: Isagenix one of the "Worst Diets of 2006"

Worst Diets of 2006: "Most Outrageous Claim: Isacleanse The detox idea is seemingly the perfect scam -- it sets up a problem that doesn't exist, then provides a solution.

Ads for Isacleanse warn of toxins building up, clogging organs and deteriorating the body -- unless regularly detoxified. (This doesn't happen, as the human body is naturally self-cleaning.)

A 'healthier, leaner body' is promised in 30 days through ingesting a medicine chest full of Isagenix cures including IsaFlush for 'regularity,' diuretics, aloe pills, vitamins, ionic trace minerals, electrolyte drinks, Isalean Shakes and herbal teas.

For those who are frankly more interested in wealth-building, Isagenix turns a neat trick; on the same web page it alternately pushes a get-rich-quick scheme for deceiving others about the need to detoxify."

Catherine MacDonald Spiritualist Medium/Psychic Advisor: Isagenix Was a No Go: Great Product but Network Marketing Business Model is a Drag.

Catherine MacDonald Spiritualist Medium/Psychic Advisor: Isagenix Was a No Go: Great Product but Network Marketing Business Model is a Drag.: "This is why many people refer to network marketing/ multi-level marketing type businesses as “cult-like” experiences."

nutrition supplement hype or hope - Nutrition - MedHelp

nutrition supplement hype or hope - Nutrition - MedHelp: "I have an aquaintance who has been practically inundating me with information on Isagenix and wants me to endorse it as I am a medical professional. However, I have been unable to find any studies on this product. Everything is testimonial. I actually did purchase some product, but felt unwell during the very first day, and feel uncomfortable with the hard sell. She has had her supervisor come in on a conference call to try to convince me to use and endorse the product. It has an almost cult feel to this---a 'born again' advertising feel. I feel a little guilty about not returning any of her calls, but I also do not want to perpetuate anything that may be even remotely 'snake
Snake bite
Snake bite on the finger
Snake bites
oil' on friends and relatives. She wanted the name and address of my daughter, and I would not relate this at all. I would be happy to evaluate the so-called 'cleanse' aspect of this, if I could find any articles in any journals, but have found no research articles regarding this on either Medline or Medscape. Can you help?"

Isagenix Cleanse???? - Page 2

Isagenix Cleanse???? - Page 2: "Isagenix community is very similar to a cult."

Isagenix Scam?

Isagenix

How to cope with a MLM-programmed sibling? - mlm scam multilevelmarketing | Ask MetaFilter

How to cope with a MLM-programmed sibling? - mlm scam multilevelmarketing | Ask MetaFilter

Science-Based Medicine � Defending Isagenix: A Case Study in Flawed Thinking

Science-Based Medicine � Defending Isagenix: A Case Study in Flawed Thinking

Is isagenix a scam? - Clutch Fitness

Is isagenix a scam? - Clutch Fitness

A (rare) critique of Isagenix Online

As often observed on this blog, self interest prevents most online content about Isagenix from being fair balanced or accurate.  The people with the most to gain or lose are those who make money by pressuring family friends and acquaintances to buy the product, whereas those with doubts have little to gain by sharing facts related to the risks or innaccuracies of the Isagenix marketing agenda....

A rare exeption is this blog post @ http://seamedicine.blogspot.com/2010/03/critique-of-isagenix.html

"I went through the website (http://www.isagenix.com/) and watched the promotional videos. There is so much to criticize that I hardly know where to start. It"s all misinformation, unsupported claims, testimonials, and money-making ploys.

I couldn"t find a critique of Isagenix on the Web, but that"s not surprising. No serious medical scientist would take it seriously enough to bother about it. And it"s basically all been done before; it"s just a slightly new wrinkle on an old scam."

The rest of the post can be found here.....

Is Isagenix a Waste of Money?

According to this post, it might be:

http://www.aeonity.com/frost/isagenix-complete-waste-time-money

Other inputs?

Does Isagenix Work?

Not for a single person, but in consistently in a scientifically proven and logically explainable way?

Please inform.

Have Medical Emergencies been Linked to the Isagenix Cleanse?

It's great to see the anecdotes about people who think Isagenix helped them. But to be fair, if there are real people, good people, who tried the products or tried Isagenix Cleanse program and ended up in the hospital, it would be good to know their stories too...

Here is one testomonial from a comment on the web regarding isagenix:

"This week I took my cleanse drink [berry]that I just purchased. I followed up with an accelerator pill a few minutes later. Within 20 minutes, I had a rash on my face. Later that day I started having cramps in my abdomen, this was followed by blood in my stool. I called my doctor immediately not thinking it had to do with the products but that something was really wrong with me. The past three days I have had a back ache and feel very tired. I thought perhaps this was only me and then two days ago my daughter had the same reaction after taking a cleanse drink followed by an accelerator pill. I am having a full work up done by my physician. Last night really scared me because I felt my eyes burn and my mouth and tongue tingle even though I hadn't had any products. There has to be something wrong with this product too many people are having serious reactions. I have contacted my rep to get answers. Does this become toxic over time? or do we all have a bad batch."

Is the Isagenix Cleanse Safe?

Has Feedback been Systematically Collected on Isagenix after use?

Many users would be more likely to use Isagenix if they knew that users, without any financial incentives to influence their feedback, were consistently satisfied with their experience with Isagenix. Has this been studied?

Can Dieters lose the same amount of weight with less cost and risk?

Jesus Christ and Isagenix

How might that have affected HIS legacy?

Would Jesus Have Taken Isagenix?

In between his primary mission, would he have been a Product Evangelist?

Would he have respected those who found and run MLM programs and companies?

When I first heard this question I thought it was a joke...now I think it helps me step back, look at the bigger picture, and put things into greater prespective.

Products marketed via Pyramid Marketing (Schemes) remind me of cults...

They remind me of the second commandment ""Though Shalt not Worthip False Idols" like the Golden Calf..."

They Remind me of Exodus, starting with Exodus 32:4:

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
After he had worked on the gold with a tool, he made it into a statue of a calf. Then they said, "Israel, here are your gods who brought you out of Egypt."
...
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Early the next day the people sacrificed burnt offerings and brought fellowship offerings. Afterward, they sat down to a feast, which turned into an orgy.
...
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Then the LORD spoke to Moses, "Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up from the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves.


GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
They've already turned from the way I commanded them to live. They've made a statue of a calf for themselves. They've bowed down to it and offered sacrifices to it.,,,


GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
The LORD added, "I've seen these people, and they are impossible to deal with.


GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Moses turned and went down the mountain carrying the two tablets with God's words. They were written on both sides, front and back.


GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
The tablets were the work of God, and the writing was God's writing inscribed on the tablets.

Would Jesus SELL Isagenix to those who trusted HIM?

What are the interests of those selling Isagenix? And of the company founders and employees?

I was struck by the quality of this post about isagenix written some time ago on the SCAM Blog.  In response, I wrote this coment:

"I can't thank you enough for this high-quality post, and the work you do in general on your blog.  Those who benefit from quackery are a concentrated, motivated, and even desperate set of "special interest groups," whereas info like your blog benefits anyone who takes the time to read it...

In particular I am concerned with Isagenix, as I have seen many friends and family members get sucked in without asking enough of the right questions about Isagenix, or for that matter, the supplements industry, or Multi Level Marketing.

Your article helps.  Thank you.
NOL

What would Jesus Say about Isagenix?

High prices of MLM products

"# Average price from MLM sponsors (including Pharmanex, Quixtar, Melaleuca, Shaklee, Usana, Isagenix, Sunrider, Herbalife, Arbonne, and Neways) – $61.22 per person per month (not much less at wholesale, after taxes and shipping are added)
# Average price for ten separate products from ten separate retail outlets – $11.52 per person per month (including shipping)"

MLM The Truth � Blog Archive � High prices of MLM products

MLM The Truth � Blog Archive � High prices of MLM products: "Another option for getting MLM products cheap – ebay!

If you really want some specific MLM products, but don’t want to pay exorbitant prices, there is another option some people are discovering – ebay. Ex-MLM participants often seek to unload these overpriced “potions & lotions” – or other MLM products far below wholesale! Just click on the “Buy” tab, select the product category (such as “health & beauty”), enter the name of the company, click “search,” and see what you get. Here are some examples: For Usana, I found (among a variety of Usana products) Healthpak 100 going for about $34 (US) plus shipping. For Pharmanex (Nu Skin), I found LifePak for $0.99 (US) plus shipping. Melaleuca’s Vitality Mineral Complex was going for $2.01 (US) plus shipping."

MLM Bloat

MLM The Truth � Blog Archive � High prices of MLM products: "Since MLMs are structured with a bloated hierarchy of participating “distributors” ( or whatever they choose to call them), the prices of their products are high to accommodate them. So MLM founders typically select or develop products that are unique enough to make comparison shopping difficult for unsophisticated consumers. And since most purchases are by the participants themselves, and not the general public, products must be consumable – assuring repeat purchases by participants who must buy a specific amount of products on a regular basis to qualify for commissions and advancement in the scheme. These can be considered “pay to play” or incentivized purchases – and are what typically finances product-based pyramid schemes that are dependent upon recruitment of (and personal consumption of) a revolving door of recruits, rather than on sales to the general public."

MLM Companies Often Sell Over-Priced and Under Performing Products -- Even More So In The Nutrition Market.� Beware!

MLM Companies Often Sell Over-Priced and Under Performing Products -- Even More So In The Nutrition Market.� Beware!: "Here is an article with some of the explanations of why MLMs often are such immense failures. Many of the so-called competitive oral chelation products on the market are sold by MLM and every one of them is relatively worthless when you do any comparisons."

Dangerous Supplements -- Watch what you pop

Bad medicine: Why echinacea won’t fix your cold - Features, Health & Families - The Independent: "the popularity of supplements isn't just misguided – it's dangerous, says New Yorker science writer Michael Specter"

Bad medicine: Why echinacea won’t fix your cold - Features, Health & Families - The Independent

Bad medicine: Why echinacea won’t fix your cold - Features, Health & Families - The Independent: "As the flu season approaches, sales of multivitamins soar. But the popularity of supplements isn't just misguided – it's dangerous, says New Yorker science writer Michael Specter"

Are Supplements Safe or Dangerous?

As the books below outline we should be more careful than many of us.  For more about WHY it is possible to take so many risks, see our post about how poorly regulated supplements are in the USA.

    

Books that Warn of the Risks of Supplements

  

Key Misconception: personal experience is the best way to tell whether something works.

More insights from The Mirage of Multilevel Marketing:

"The 'success' of network marketing lies in the enthusiasm of its participants. Most people who think they have been helped by an unorthodox method enjoy sharing their success stories with their friends.

People who give such testimonials are usually motivated by a sincere wish to help their fellow humans. Since people tend to believe what others tell them about personal experiences, testimonials can be powerful persuaders.

Perhaps the trickiest misconception about quackery is that personal experience is the best way to tell whether something works. When someone feels better after having used a product or procedure, it is natural to give credit to whatever was done. However, this is unwise. Most ailments are self-limiting, and even incurable conditions can have sufficient day-to-day variation to enable bogus methods to gain large followings. In addition, taking action often produces temporary relief of symptoms (a placebo effect). For these reasons, scientific experimentation is almost always necessary to establish whether health methods are really effective. Instead of testing their products, multilevel companies urge customers to try them and credit them if they feel better. Some products are popular because they contain caffeine, ephedrine (a stimulant), valerian (a tranquilizer), or other substances that produce mood-altering effects."

Warning from an Expert on Health Care Products like Isagenix

The Mirage of Multilevel Marketing: "More than a hundred multilevel companies are marketing health-related products. Most claim that their products are effective for preventing or treating disease. A few companies merely suggest that people will feel better, look better, or have more energy if they supplement their diet with extra nutrients. When clear-cut therapeutic claims are made in product literature, the company is an easy target for government enforcement action. Some companies run this risk, hoping that the government won't take action until their customer base is well established. Other companies make no claims in their literature but rely on testimonials, encouraging people to try their products and credit them for any improvement that occurs."

The Mirage of Multilevel Marketing

The Mirage of Multilevel Marketing: "The Mirage of Multilevel Marketing
Stephen Barrett, M.D.

Don't be surprised if a friend or acquaintance tries to sell you vitamins, herbs, homeopathic remedies, weight-loss powders, or other health-related products. Millions of Americans have signed up as distributors for multilevel companies that market such products from person to person. Often they have tried the products, concluded that they work, and become suppliers to support their habit."

Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA)

Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA)

What are the side effects of Isagenix Cleanses?

E-how has published a partial list of the worst side effects...see link below
Side Effects of Isagenix

By Jennifer Eblin, eHow Contributor

Isagenix is a cleansing program designed to help individuals lose weight over a 9-day period. Many people have done this over the years and lost several pounds or more during that period, while others have experienced no weight loss. As with any diet plan or program, there are side effects associated with using the program.

Headache

1. Headaches are one of the most common side effects associated with Isagenix. Both those who lost weight on the program and those who did not have reported feeling pain in their temples. These headaches ranged from minor, dull pains to intense, blinding headaches. In a large number of cases, the headaches disappeared after a few days on the plan as the body adjusted to the program. There are only a small number of people who had to stop the plan.

Shaking

2. Those who have completed the Isagenix program sometimes complained about feeling nervous or having a "shaky" feeling. Experts believe that this is the result of the body not getting enough food while on the program. Those who use the shakes and snacks on the program experience this less and claim that if they ate a snack, the shaky feeling disappeared. Those who have this feeling are encouraged to eat something to raise their blood sugar.

Vomiting

3. A very small number of people on the Isagenix program experienced vomiting, especially when using the shakes as part of the program. The vomiting is sometimes the result of the stomach and taste buds reacting with the ingredients used. Many of the people who claimed to experience vomiting said that the side effect disappeared after a few days. This is one of the very rare side effects associated with using Isagenix, and it is reported in only a small number of cases.

Dizziness

4. Dizziness is an often reported side effect associated with Isagenix. Like the shaking, this is often connected to the lack of food. It typically appears towards the end of the cleanse because the body needs more food to survive. In other cases, it may begin to appear earlier as the body tries to adjust to the sudden reduction in calories. The user usually feels dizzy when standing suddenly or making quick movements.

Heart Rate

Read more: Side Effects of Isagenix | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_4793346_side-effects-isagenix.html#ixzz1APGEyucu

Side Effects of Isagenix |

Is Isagenix Packaging BPA Free?

Unfortunately the answer is nobody knows...except the company.  We have emailed and called the company and asked for this information, but received no reply.

What is in Isagenix

What is Multi Level Marketing and Why is Isagenix Sold that Way?

Isagenix is sold via Multi Level Marketing program aka MLM.  This post provides more information about MLM programs so that you can understand the implications of this.

For more about why products like Isagenix are sold this way, see our additional post on this.

Multilevel Marketing (MLM) is also called “Network Marketing (NWM)”, “Direct Selling”, “Personal Retailing” and/or “Consumer Direct Marketing” is:

•Network of distributors that sell retail products through nontraditional distribution systems; is a product-based distribution system.

•Pyramid infrastructure based on recruiting individual distributors of goods and services.

•Recruitment-centered, rather than product-centered.

•Products that are sold through MLM networks most likely cannot be found in traditional retailing markets or sectors.

•Products are mostly beauty and health related; (high-priced “potions and lotions”) lotions, skin care, vitamins and health drinks.

•MLM has expanded into service related industries (i.e. Prepaid Legal Services, ACN, Primerica Financial Services).

The History of  Ponzi Schemes, Pyramids and Multilevel Marketing (MLM)

•“Ponzi scheme” began in 1920’s by Italian immigrant named Carlo “Charles” Ponzi. Thus emerged the term “Ponzi Scheme.”

•This scheme was based on paying the earlier investors with the incoming money from the new investors.

•The scheme was not based on actual earnings.

•Although cash rich, Ponzi was not wealthy.

•This scam was financially insolvent; robbing “Peter to pay Paul”

 Ponzi took in about $200K per day; paying out 50% ROI to first investors.

•In 1934,Ponzi was later arrested, convicted and deported back to Italy.

•Other Ponzi schemes examples: chain letters and pyramid schemes.

•From 1930’s to 1970’s more Ponzi/pyramid schemes grew in U.S.-classic 1-2-4-8  no-product pyramid schemes (“The Airplane Game”).

•MLM (product-based pyramid scheme) emerged in the late 40’s; Amway Corporation founded in 1949 by Jay Van Andel and Richard DeVos; selling soap door-to-door and recruiting distributors.

•In 1979, FTC Judge ruled that Amway was not a pyramid scheme, assuming “retail rules” were satisfied (10 retial customers, 70% sold or consumed before reorder, refund provisions).

*********************************************************

Key Attributes of a MLM Scheme

1)Recruiting of participants is unlimited in an endless chain of empowered and motivated recruiters recruiting recruiters.

2)Advancement in a hierarchy of multiple levels of “distributors” is achieved by recruitment rather than by appointment.

3)Ongoing purchases (products, sales “tools” and etc.) by distributors are encouraged in order for them to be eligible for commissions and to advance to the business (“pay to play”).

4)The company pays commissions and/or bonuses to more than five levels of “distributors.”

5)For each sale company payout for each payout upline participant equals or exceeds that for the person actually selling the product creating an inadequate incentive to sell the products directly and an excessive incentive to recruit.

  

Common Behaviors in MLM Marketing:

•Mulitlevel Marketing (MLM) is a direct descendant of Ponzi/ pyramid schemes.

•MLM’ers typically operate as independent contractors, not entrepreneurs.

•Many MLM’ers do not acquire a tax ID to operate as a legitimate business.

•Usually prey on people’s fears during difficult economic times.

•Notorious for deceptive practices in recruiting individuals.

•Utilizes a complex web of deceptions in recruiting participants- - For example, refusal to disclose upfront the firm’s name and pyramidal nature of the scheme. their firm’s name up front.

•Misrepresentation of past and potential earnings is common in recruiting.

•MLM performs well in the Bible Belt, Sunbelt, Intermountain West,  California and Northwestern U.S.

•MLM’ers exploit personal relationships: friends, family & business associates.

  

Who are these People Who Join Multi Level Marketing Programs?

A lot of research has been done and the findings are sad...

 

In one study, Small Business Development Center (SBDC) counselors characterized participants of MLM as:

•Somewhat gullible, socially unable.

•Not very educated about business.

•High-risk dreamers in search of the entrepreneurial “golden fleece.”

•SBDC refuses to counsel anyone involved with MLM as an entrepreneurial venture.

•SBA refuses to finance any enterprise characterized as MLM (SBA 2006).

 

Behavioral and personality differences between

MLM’ers and real entrepreneurs are:

•Lack of education;

•Lack of business experience;

•Lack of innovation skills;

•Motivated by symbolic aspects of success such as money, lavish lifestyle and identity

•Willingness to take on high risk concerning questionable endeavors.

•Entrepreneurial businesses are product/service centered, not recruitment-centered.

At the end of the day, MLM is a specious business model with many risks and limited benefits.  Key things to know:

•Highly labor and time intensive; recruiting is difficult.

•99.9%of all people involved in MLM firms never earn a profit.

•High attrition rate: more than 50% who join MLM quit within 1 year;

•SBDC counselors refuse to assist any client involved in MLM;

•SBA refuses to finance any individual or business that is MLM.

•Often sell commodity-based products; that can purchased through traditional supply chains.

•Too recruitment-centered, not product-centered.

•Unethically exploits and strains personal relationships;

•Products are very difficult in terms of brand loyalty;

•Suffers from bad public image. People have strong distrust of MLM.

•MLMer’s are typically “subcontractors”, “salesmen” not entrepreneurs.

•MLM, aka “Personal Retailing”, does not work in this “Wal-Mart Era.”

•MLM is not technically entrepreneurship.

 

Why is Isagenix Sold Via Multi Level Marketing?

Q: Why is Isagenix Sold Via Multi Level Marketing?

A:  Multi Level Marketing is just one way to sell products and it is an usual method.  The majority of products including nutritional supplements are NOT sold via Multi Level Marketing (MLM).

MLM is generally considered a less reputable way to sell products, because many products sold via MLM are of low quality.  It is often called "pyramid selling" because it has the same structure as a pyramid scheme. Some MLM programs sell products or services of now value at all, in which case they are literally pyramid schemes where the "product" is just a vehicle for the scam.

It is therefore worth considering what factors would cause a company to CHOOSE to market a product using MLM?  Why not just sell like most high quality products are sold and distributed:  on the shelf of reputable retailers.  That's where most consumers buy products.  Why miss out on that distribution channel, which by the way is much cheaper?  The cost of distribution via retail outlets is lower than the cost of distribution via MLM, but the way.

In a nutshell, there are a few reasons a rational business would choose to market the product via MLM.  Multi Level Marketing is needed by companies WHEN:

1. They NEED people to pressure people they know including friends and family to buy the product.  It won't just jump off the shelves in a retail store. In a MLM program, people have a financial incentive to convince people they know to buy the product, leading to aggressive "product evangelism."
2. Respectable retailers WON'T put the products on the shelves, because they don't want to associate the product with their brand and reputation.  For example, when Whole Foods chooses to sell a certain product on their shelves, they are essentially endorsing the product as good quality and worth buying.  If consumers discover later that it's worthless, they will blame Whole Foods, which is why some products just can't get sold in stores....which makes MLM a better option.  

So MLM is an expensive way to distribute products, in the sense that a large percentage of sales revenues are paid out in commissions.  But if your product "doesn't sell itself," if it won't jump off the shelves at Whole Foods (or if Whole Foods won't even stock it) then MLM becomes the right option.

As a result, the type of product available via Multi Level Marketing tends to be lower quality, less reliable, and less reputable.  Some may do what they claim....many don't.  I hope the summary has helped you understand some of the reasons why this is.

**************

Brought to you by Isagenix Fraud Education

What Books Should I Read to Understand Isagenix

Q: What Books Should I Read to Understand Isagenix?

A: To understand Isagenix you should read more about science and research related to unregulated supplements in the USA, as well as the history of how they have been regulated or rather, not regulated.  Here are a few books worth reading on the subject:






 
  Death by Dietary Supplement.(Western countries' supplement industries in dire need of regulation): An article from: Policy Review