CRN, CHPA and 2 others warn about coronavirus prevention, treatment claims

Four leading trade groups are coming together to fight misinformation as consumers worry about the spread of coronavirus. The Council for Responsible Nutrition, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, the American Herbal Products Association and the United Natural Products Alliance have come together lodge their concerns about some dietary supplement makers promoting their products by claiming to treat or prevent coronavirus.

Though the organizations noted that research supports the use of certain supplements to maintain immune health, no research suggests that a dietary supplement might treat or prevent coronavirus. Additionally, they noted that legally speaking, makers of dietary supplements in the United States are prohibited from making disease prevention or treatment claims.

The trade groups also issued an advisory, suggesting that marketers and retailers should refuse to stock or sell supplements presented as treating, curing or preventing coronavirus. Additionally, markets and retailers should not promote any supplement as a cure, treatment or prevention. They also noted that consumers should avoid and report products making such claims.

“While there is well-established research demonstrating how dietary supplements can play a role in supporting immune health, direction for prevention and/or treatment of Coronavirus should come from qualified healthcare professionals or public health authorities,” the organizations said. “Each trade association and its member companies prioritizes the safety and well-being of consumers above all else. The responsible industry is committed to providing the public with safe, high-quality dietary supplement products that provide many positive benefits to promote better health and wellness."