Should any of us be surprised that Airborne, the popular cold remedy that was proudly invented by a second grade teacher, doesn’t really have any medical efficacy? What? Where is the evidence?
Not surprisingly, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) wasn’t
surprised. CSPI is a non-profit advocacy group that according to its website, is “a strong advocate for nutrition and health, food safety, alcohol policy, and sound science”
The Center’s Senior nutritionist, David Schardt stated, "There's no credible evidence that what's in Airborne can prevent colds or protect you from a germy environment," said CSPI. "Airborne is basically on overpriced, run-of-the-mill vitamin pill that's been cleverly, but deceptively, marketed."
How did the folks at Airborne convince anyone that its product would work? That should be a
I have never used the Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, not because I am any genius. I just don’t take many medicines and it didn’t sound like medicine to me. But I knew all about Airborne. I was sick for a nearly two weeks with the flu and a cold in January. I heard plenty of advice for remedies and medications. More than a few people told me they were taking Airborne and suggested I do the same. And that was not the first time.
So, Airborne was not founded on medical expertise. Apparently successful marketing of cold remedies does not require medical knowledge and testing, just a marketing budget and a gullible audience. But the jig is up – sort of.
According to CNN Money,
“Airborne - the herbal supplement company that once claimed to help fight off colds - will pay $23.3 million to settle a class-action lawsuit brought against the company for false advertising, according to one of the groups that joined the suit.”
A quick stop at their website wouldn’t give you a clue that they were even slowing down in their quest to peddle the snake the oil.
From the home page you can click on a link “Airborne Medical Question?”. But as seen below, there is nothing about this case, false or deceptive advertising on the target page.
Dear Airborne Consumers:
So many of you have told us how much you love Airborne. We so very much appreciate your loyalty and your comments. Rest assured that at Airborne, monitoring the safety and quality of our products is of utmost importance in our on-going product evaluation process. We also recognize that there will be questions, from time-to-time, regarding the use of our product and the immune-enhancing ingredients in our formula.
Recent discussions in the media regarding Vitamin A have prompted some of you to inquire about your usage of Airborne. If you have questions about this issue, or any other medical inquiries regarding Airborne, we have set up a special toll free number for you to call, so you can speak directly with a medical professional. The number is 1-866-291-8827. We encourage you to call so that your concerns can be addressed with accurate information. If you have other questions about your own medical condition, please consult with your physician.
Again, thank you for your confidence in Airborne.
Sincerely,
Airborne Health
In fact the company is sticking with the “second grade” teacher angle. It is still a prominent link on the Airborne home page.
Airborne changed its advertising campaign when a someone filed suit against it in March 2006 and ABC News broadcast a report disclosing that the company's clinical trials were not conducted by doctors or scientists, but instead carried out by two laypeople. Airborne has stopped advertising that study and cold-curing claims and instead touted claims that it helped boost the body's immune systems.
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