Save to favorites
This feature is restricted to active members.
Join now to save favorites and get all member benefits, including over 1,400 reviews.
Join NowAlready a member? Sign in here.
Recalls & Warnings
ConsumerLab.com is keeping you informed with current product recalls and warnings.
Posted January 20, 2021
FDA Warns Seller of Vitamin D, Curcumin and CoQ10 Promoted for Treating COVID-19
On December 28, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Smarter Nutrition, Inc. following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Smarter Curcumin, Smarter Ubiquinol, and Smarter Vitamin D3 to be drug claims. In addition, Smarter Vitamin D3 was sold with unsupported claims that it can treat coronavirus (COVID-19).
The FDA has previously stated: "There currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)."
Smarter Curcumin was promoted with statements such as "Curcumin Helps to Fight Free Radical Damage and Inflammation in the Body!" and "Curcumin not only helps to enhance the responses of certain antibodies and cells within the immune system but may also help downregulate the expression of certain proinflammatory substances."
See ConsumerLab's Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review for tests of related products.
Smarter Ubiquinol was promoted with statements such as "Targets free radicals that can damage ovaries and contribute to infertility."
See ConsumerLab's CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements Review for tests of related products.
Smarter Vitamin D was promoted with statements such as "And while there isn't a vaccine or a cure for the COVID-19 virus, there are plenty of steps you could, and should, be taking to strengthen your immune system... In fact, recent research shows us that supplementing with vitamin D on a regular basis could help your body fight off a respiratory illness—and not by just a little."
See ConsumerLab's Vitamin D Supplements Review for tests of related products.
Also see ConsumerLab's answer to the question: What are natural remedies for coronavirus (COVID-19)? Do supplements like zinc, vitamin C, or herbals work?
In addition, the products were found to be misbranded because they do not contain adequate directions for safe use, as required by federal regulations.
For more information, use the link below.
Warning Letter: Smarter Nutrition, Inc.
See Related Warnings:
Seller of Vitamin C, Elderberry, Silver, and More Warned for COVID-19 Claims
Niagen Cannot Be Promoted to Prevent or Treat COVID-19, Warns FDA
Seller of Cholesterol, Weight Loss Products, and More Warned for Claims
Report a Problem
If you have experienced an unexpected and adverse reaction to a dietary supplement, nutritional product, or generic drug, we would like to hear about it, as we may investigate the problem. Please select from one of these options:
Dietary Supplement or Nutritional Product Problem Report
If you believe that a dietary supplement (e.g., vitamin, mineral, or herbal supplement) or other nutritional product has caused an unexpected, adverse reaction, we would like to know about it. We are collecting and organizing this information and may publish it. We might test the product in the future. You may also want to report the problem to the U.S. FDA through their Safety Reporting Portal at https://www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov.
Please complete the form below as accurately as possible. You may need to check the label on the product.
Thank you for submitting your report.
Generic Drug Problem Report
If you believe that a generic drug has not acted like the original drug, we would like to know about it. We are collecting and organizing this information and may publish it. We might test the product in the future. You may also want to report the problem to the U.S. FDA through their MedWatch program at the FDA MedWatch website.
Please complete the form below as accurately as possible. You may need to check the label on the drug.
Thank you for submitting your report.
