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White kidney bean extract for weight loss?

By on 29 January, 2015 in Biogen, Dis-Chem, USN
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Posted 29 January 2015

White kidney bean extract (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) often pops up with claims of being effective for weight-loss. Even USN has used this ingredient in a product, USN “Carb Binder”, punted as a “STARCH INTAKE INHIBITOR”, and appears under the banner of “RAPID WEIGHT CONTROL” products. The ASA ruled on this product in July 2014

USN’s product contains StarchLite, a brand of white kidney bean extract. The company producing this ingredient is InQpharm. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which gives considers and approves claims for ingredients was asked by InQpharm to accept the claim that this ingredient is effective for weight loss.

EFSA evaluated the evidence and in a decision released on 26 January 2015, concluded “that the evidence provided is insufficient to establish a cause and effect relationship between the consumption of the standardised aqueous extract from white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris … Read the rest

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Biogen ZMA Testo – ASA ruling

By on 28 January, 2015 in Biogen, Dis-Chem
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Posted 28 January 2015

Dis-Chem were selling a product called Biogen ZMA Testo with the claim that it has an effect on ‘muscle protein synthesis”. At the Biogen website, the following claims are being made (now discontinued):

“ZMA Testo has been formulated using a precise combination of several key ingredients that are aimed at significantly enhancing your testosterone levels. These include Tribulus Terrestris and ZMA, key factors in maximizing free testosterone potential. Tribulus has been indicated to promote healthy hormone function, enhance muscle tone and support athletic training whilst ZMA has been proven to significantly increase anabolic hormone levels and muscle strength in trained athletes”.  It also claimed on the website that this product is effective as a “Natural Testosterone booster” “Increase strength and lean muscle” and “Aromatization Blocker”

A complaint was laid with the ASA, pointing out that the claims for the product are not … Read the rest

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Biogen Testoforte: ASA ruling – website advert

By on 10 November, 2013 in Biogen, USN
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For all Biogen Testoforte articles, including recent ones related to the sportsman, Demarte “The Wolf” Pena who was suspended for using steroids, and then dumped as the brand ambassador by Biogen, whose product caused him to test positive for steroids(!) click here (opens in a new browser window)

Biogen “Testoforte” / K Charelston / 19705
Ruling of the : ASA Directorate
In the matter between:
Kevin Charleston Complainant(s)/Appellant(s)
Ultimate Sports Nutrition (Pty) Ltd Respondent

16 Aug 2012
http://www.asasa.org.za/ResultDetail.aspx?Ruling=6210
Mr Charleston lodged a consumer complaint against website advertising on the URL www.biogen.co.za/products/testoforte.asp. The advertising promotes the respondent’s product using, inter alia, the following claims:

• “Increases testosterone within natural ranges”;
• “Maintains lean muscle”;
• “Heightens energy levels, sex drive and physical performance”;

… Read the rest
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Biogen Testoforte: ASA ruling – print advert

By on 10 November, 2013 in Biogen, USN
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Biogen “Testoforte” / K Charleston / 19706
Ruling of the : ASA Directorate
In the matter between:
Kevin Charleston Complainant(s)/Appellant(s)
Ultimate Sports Nutrition (Pty) Ltd Respondent

16 Aug 2012

http://www.asasa.org.za/ResultDetail.aspx?Ruling=6211

Mr Charleston lodged a consumer complaint against a print advertisement promoting the respondent’s “Testoforte” product. The advertisement appeared in the Sunday Times during February 2012.

The advertisement is headed “WHY TESTOSTERONE IS THE MALE DRIVER” and contains, inter alia, an image of the product packaging. The following claims are visible on the packaging:

• “TESTOFORTE FOR INCREASED STAMINA”;
• “Increases testosterone production within natural ranges”;
• “Maintains lean muscle mass”;
• “Heightens energy levels, sex drive and physical performance”.

… Read the rest
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Biogen Tribulus – ASA Breach ruling – 8 November 2013

By on 8 November, 2013 in ASA (SA) Rulings, Biogen, USN
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In a previous ruling of 11 September 2013, the ASA accepted Biogen/USN’s voluntary undertaking to amend its packaging in a manner that would address the specific concerns raised. The complainant specifically objected to the following claims: • “Testosterone Booster” • “Increases Energy & Stamina” • “Libido Enhancer”.

On 28 October 2013, a complainant lodged a breach complaint against the Biogen’s website advertisement which continued to make the same claims. The complainant further argued that, as Biogen is a product of USN and Dis-Chem, both having had previous rulings against their claims, and considering that sanctions have previously been recommended against USN, this is a flagrant breach by a serial offender. Sanctions should be issued against both companies.

… Read the rest
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Biogen Tribulus

By on 16 September, 2013 in ASA (SA) Rulings, Biogen
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Posted 16 September 2013 

BiogenTribulusBiogen Tribulus Max claims to be a product that boosts testosterone (“Testosterone Booster”). Well, if we were to purchase and use this product, we would expect it to do exactly that. So we evaluated the evidence by checking a number of sources including Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. No suprise that there was no evidence to support the claims for the individual ingredients, never mind the mix of ingredients.

So the question is, how can this product claim to be a testosterone booster? The company could not supply any evidence to support the claims – hence the ASA ruled against the claims. Am I suprised? Not at all – Biogen is a brand co-owned by USN and Dischem.

… Read the rest
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Biogen Tribulus – ASA ruling – 11 September 2013

By on 11 September, 2013 in ASA (SA) Rulings, Biogen, USN
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A consumer complaint was laid with the ASA against Biogen’s (a USN/Dis-Chem product) packaging of its “Tribulus Max” Testosterone Booster product. The complainant specifically objected to the following claims:

  • “Testosterone Booster”.
  • “Increases Energy & Stamina”.
  • “Libido Enhancer”

Biogen submitted a copy of an amended label for its product. The amended label does not feature the claims “Testosterone Booster” or “Libido Enhancer” as disputed by the complainant. It also now stated “may help with energy and stamina”.

… Read the rest
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Biogen Andrenal Boost nonsense

By on 12 August, 2011 in ASA (SA) Rulings, Biogen, USN
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Posted 12th August 2011

There are a number of companies selling products that claim to treat “adrenal fatigue”. I have previously highlighted on CamCheck the nonsense claims of Solal for their product for “adrenal fatigue”, called “Burnout“. 

A consumer laid a complaint with the ASA against a similar product being made by USN. USN simply withdrew their claims rather than try to defend them. Indeed, USN makes a number of products with claims which could only be described as baloney. Oxygen-enriched water is probably the worst culprit although many of their products come close to this one.

… Read the rest
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