FTC Warns over Omega-3 Brain, Vision Claims

On February 16, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC; Washington, DC) announced that it sent warning letters to 11 supplement companies in January regarding claims made by the companies that their omega-3 products benefit children...s brain and vision function and development.

The letters instruct the companies to review their product packaging and labeling to ensure that they have scientific evidence to support any claims that their products boost, improve, enhance, or support brain and vision function and development in children.

FTC also noted claims that were made relating to intelligence, cognitive function, learning ability, focus, mood, memory, attention, concentration, visual acuity, and eye health.

FTC...s letters gave the companies two weeks to respond, warning that it would take enforcement action against any 'baseless' health-related claims made without scientific proof.

In its letters to the companies, FTC referenced its recent investigation of similar claims made by Northwest Natural Products Inc. (NNP) about the marketer...s L...il Critters Omega-3 Gummy Fish vitamins. FTC said that in response to its letter, NNP quickly changed its marketing materials, including packaging and labeling, to ensure compliance.