ASA Ruling Against Supplement Company

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld that an advertisement published by Healthbio Ltd made specific health claims that breached the Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP)’s code, and that it implied the supplement could treat or prevent ADHD.

Healthbio Ltd published an advertisement using paid-for Facebook ads, that featured text stating, ‘I’m 50 and I have ADHD. One of my worst traits is that I have very poor memory. It is definitely helping.’ Text in the caption of the advertisement further stated, “No more brain fog, low energy & drive. You’re only few drops away from entering most enhanced mental and physical state. Ever.”

The company responded to the complaint by stating that the ad had been permanently removed and had not been used again in any form, and that it had intended to be run for a short testing period. The CAP Code states that claims which stated or implied a food prevented, treated or cured human disease were not acceptable in marketing communications for foods or food supplement products.

The ASA concluded that, as the advertisement contained, suggested, or implied a relationship between a food or ingredient, and health and no further information, the ad breached CAP code and would lead consumers to believe the product could help manage or treat symptoms of ADHD.