Is that wellness product based on fake science?

Selling a product requires a good selling pitch, benefits to the consumer, and a willing buyer.

In the field of wellness products, many do not pass the smell test, but the sales pitch works.  In other words, the product may be useless or even harmful to you but you believed it was good for you.

Years ago, carnival barkers would hawk their miracle cures or potions that often did not work or were just plain nonsense.

Often, according to the NY Times, products promoting gut health, immunity support, or pro-biotic skin treatments or products sold themselves. One recent one that has been heavily advertised suggests it benefits the nervous system.  The question is, do they do anything?

Some like kombucha taste like old fermented soda and in my opinion, are disgusting.

The NY Times calls this Sciencesploitation.  It may sound like the product is scientifically formulated but is it or is there any science behind the product at all?

Check out this recent NY Times article regarding these products that are often found at Walmart and even your local CVS store.

How Fake Science Sells Wellness

Dubious claims in product marketing are everywhere. Don’t fall for them.

By Rina Raphael
Published July 26, 2023

You can’t browse a grocery store or pharmacy without being subject to flashy labels that promote health benefits. In the beverage aisle, for example, you might find “prebiotic” sodas that supposedly support “gut health.” In the beauty department, you’ll see “medical-grade” serums, “probiotic” facial creams and “skin detoxing” treatments. Go to the supplements section for promises of “immunity support,” “hormone balance” and “energy enhancement,” among other things.

Marketers have been using scientific-sounding buzzwords to sell products for centuries. But it’s becoming more common, said Timothy Caulfield, a research chair in health law and policy at the University of Alberta. Mr. Caulfield coined the term “scienceploitation” to describe how brands borrow language from emerging areas of science to market unproven products.

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