Better Business Bureau finds that Soft Gel, Option did not misrepresent claims for Clarinol

NEW YORK The National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus on Monday determined that Soft Gel Technologies and Optio Health Products Inc. have provided adequate substantiation for claims made in print advertising and on product packaging for Clarinol CLA, a dietary supplement. Claims included:

· “Assists in reducing body fat and maintaining lean muscle tissue for healthy body

composition;”

· “PureGels Clarinol CLA. For Healthy Body Composition;”

· “Clarinol CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) has been proven in Clarinol-specific clinicals to help attain and sustain proper ratios of fat to lean muscle tissue;”

· “The clinical results show enhanced fat burning, lean muscle retention, and promotion of optimal BMI [Body Mass Index];”

· “PureGels Clarinol CLA in a soft gel is a powerful supplement from natural safflower oil which will help you Reshape Up!”

At the outset, the advertiser explained that Conjugated Linoleic Acid, the active ingredient in Clarinol, is an oil that exists naturally in foods such as dairy and meat products. Clarinol is marketed as a dietary supplement that assists in the reduction of fat mass and increase in lean mass in order to improve body composition.

NAD examined evidence in support of the advertising claims that included one study on the actual product and many on the active ingredient and determined that the studies followed sound methodologies and produced statistically significant results demonstrating a reduction in body fat mass, BMI, waist, waist-to-hip ratio and fat mass around the legs and abdomen, as well as an increase in lean mass.

Following its review of the evidence, NAD determined that the advertiser provided a reasonable basis for the claims at issue. 

The company, in its advertiser’s statement, said it “appreciates the opportunity to participate in this proceeding and is pleased with the NAD’s conclusion.”