MURRAY, Utah - If you have been to a Real Salt Lake soccer match over the past several years, you probably noticed the name LifeVantage on the front of the jerseys as a team sponsor.
But as of this week, LifeVantage's name can also be found in a warning letter issued by the Food and Drug Administration.
LifeVantage is among 14 companies which received warnings from the FDA for allegedly making claims of "selling more than 65 products that fraudulently claim to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure cancer."
The administration singled out one of LifeVantage's main products, Protandim NRF2, saying, "this product is promoted with unapproved claims to treat or cure various types of cancer." According to the FDA, LifeVantage marketed Protandim on it's Web site with claims of "Cancer Prevention," "Diabetes Prevention," and "Alzheimers [sic] prevention," among other purported benefits.
Darren Jensen, CEO of LifeVantage, insists none of their products claimed to cure cancer. The company released this statement to Fox 13 Wednesday morning:
“At LifeVantage we pride ourselves on our science-based approach to product development. We proactively consult with distinguished FDA experts to ensure our promotional materials and websites adhere to FDA regulations. We will respond to the FDA in a timely fashion and make any changes needed to further ensure our compliance.”
The FDA gave LifeVantage 15 days to change its product's description.
"I think it's irresponsible," said Jackie McKay, a spokesperson for 'Giving Grinch,' an organization which helps provide funds and support to patients and families who are burdened with the costs of cancer treatment. "Lots of people are in a desperate situation, and they’re like I’ll do anything it takes to cure my myself or child of cancer."
