The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized an order requiring TruHeight and its owners to pay $750,000 to settle charges that the company deceptively promoted dietary supplements as helping children and teenagers grow taller without adequate scientific evidence. The order also prohibits the company from making false or unsupported health claims and from using fake or improperly incentivized consumer reviews.

TruHeight, legally known as Vanilla Chip LLC, sold a range of supplements promoted to increase height and growth, such as its Growth Protein Shake powder and its Growth Capsules and Growth Gummies, which contain ingredients such as calcium, vitamin D, and “proprietary” herbal blends.

(See our article 8 Red Flags to Watch Out For When Buying Vitamins & Supplements and our product tests and Top Picks among protein supplements, calcium supplements and vitamin D supplements.)

According to the FTC, the company promoted its products through social media, online advertisements, email campaigns, and its website with statements such as “Help your child grow taller” and “The Only Supplement Clinically Proven to Help Height Growth.” The FTC’s complaint alleged that TruHeight lacked competent and reliable scientific evidence to support these claims.

The FTC’s complaint also alleged that TruHeight used five-star reviews that were actually written by company employees and vendors. The company also allegedly offered consumers free or discounted products in exchange for five-star reviews and used fake social media accounts posing as real consumers to post favorable comments on social media.

The final order imposed a $4 million judgment against TruHeight and its co-founders and co-CEOs, Eden Stelmach and Justin Rapoport, but this will be partially suspended after they pay $750,000 due to inability to pay the full amount.

Under the order, TruHeight and its owners are prohibited from:

• Making false or unsubstantiated claims about height or growth
• Making claims about a product’s health benefits, effectiveness, safety, or side effects unless supported by reliable scientific evidence
• Misrepresenting whether a reviewer exists, used a product, or had the experience described in a review
• Paying for reviews that are required to express a particular positive or negative opinion

For more information, use the link below.

FTC Approves Final Order Against TruHeight for Deceptive and Unsubstantiated Advertising of Supplements for Kids and Teens