Nature’s Bounty sells vitamins and other supplements. One of its products is biotin, provided in high doses of 5,000 to 10,000 mcg. But what do such large doses of biotin actually do? Virtually nothing, the complaint claims.
The Multi-State Class for this action is all consumers who, within the class period, bought NBC biotin products anywhere in the US. There is also a Florida Class, made up of all such consumers in Florida. The class period has been defined only as “the statute of limitations period until the date that class notice is disseminated”.
Nature’s Bounty makes biotin supplements, among other things, and sells them under the brand names Nature’s Bounty and Solgar, including the following (the NBC products):
- Biotin, 5,000 mcg.
- Super Potency Biotin, 5,000 mcg.
- Quick Dissolve Biotin, 5,000 mcg.
- Biotin, 10,000 mcg. rapid release softgels
- Biotin, 10,000 mcg. health & beauty rapid release liquid softgels
- Similar Biotin products sold under the Solgar brand name
On the containers of the NBC products is a health benefit representation saying that the products “Support[] Healthy Hair, Skin, and Nails.” The complaint claims that neither the products nor biotin itself provide these benefits.
A water-soluble B-vitamin, biotin is a biochemical co-factor that helps enzymatic reactions to take place. It helps metabolize fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids. According to the complaint, the human body requires only a limited amount of biotin per day to assist in its enzymatic reactions. If there is more, the body cannot use it.
The complaint says that the Institute of Medicine (US) Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes says that an adequate intake of biotin is 30 mcg. per day. It also says that the average biotin in take for North American adults is 35-70 mcg.—in other words, already more than enough, except in rare cases when the person has a condition that creates a biotin deficiency. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) says, “No definitive studies demonstrate biotin deficiency in normal individuals in any group resulting from inadequate intakes.”
Because excess biotin is not used, the complaint says, there is no evidence that taking biotin supplements helps hair, skin, or nails, or that it can provide “increased energy”; in fact, the complaint notes that some evidence exists that taking too much biotin can cause such conditions as acne, allergic reactions, miscarriage, increased production of glucose or fatty acids (bad for diabetics), drug interactions, and respiratory problems.
The complaint alleges fraud for the products’ claims of health benefits, unjust enrichment, negligence, and the violation of Florida laws on deceptive and unfair trade practices.
Article Type: LawsuitTopic: Consumer
Most Recent Case Event
Nature’s Bounty Biotin Supplements Do Nothing Complaint
February 27, 2018
Nature’s Bounty sells vitamins and other supplements. One of its products is biotin, provided in high doses of 5,000 to 10,000 mcg. But what do such large doses of biotin actually do? Virtually nothing, the complaint claims, even though the labels claim they help hair, skin, and nails.
biotin_flas_claims_complaint.pdfCase Event History
Nature’s Bounty Biotin Supplements Do Nothing Complaint
February 27, 2018
Nature’s Bounty sells vitamins and other supplements. One of its products is biotin, provided in high doses of 5,000 to 10,000 mcg. But what do such large doses of biotin actually do? Virtually nothing, the complaint claims, even though the labels claim they help hair, skin, and nails.
biotin_flas_claims_complaint.pdf