Metagenics to Ensure It Can Back Up Claims

Metagenics Inc., a marketer of nutrition products, agreed to make sure it has adequate scientific proof to back health claims for its calcium supplements, settling a Federal Trade Commission false-advertising complaint.

The negotiated settlement resolves FTC charges that the San Clemente-based company misled consumers by claiming that its Bone Builder supplements worked better than other forms of calcium and could restore lost bone in post-menopausal women, the FTC said.

Under the agreement, Metagenics pledged to avoid health-related claims for calcium products unless it has scientific evidence to support them. It also must comply with Food and Drug Administration guidelines for claims about the relationship between calcium and osteoporosis, a disease that weakens the bones in older women.

The FTC filed a complaint against the firm in August 1994. After a trial, an FTC administrative law judge ruled that Metagenics didn’t have adequate evidence to support claims that Bone Builder restores lost bone, eliminates pain involved with bone ailments and is more effective than other kinds of calcium.

The administrative law judge sided with the company, however, on other charges, saying Metagenics could support claims that its product builds bone, halts bone loss and helps prevent or treat osteoporosis.