Additional Information for Vitality Science, Inc

In June 2022, BBB contacted Vitality Science, Inc. regarding some claims on their company website, https://vitalityscience.com.

Website Review Issue(s):
“Is Dog Cancer Curable? Treat The Whole Dog Holistically. Can a dog with any type of cancer, even advanced stage Mast Cell Tumors have its life extended with holistic remedies? The answer is YES!” (Entire blog)

“Has your cat been diagnosed with cancer? Don’t worry, we are here with you. With proper treatment from a vet and your dedicated efforts, you can cure your cat.”

“Help your dog kill cancer and improve their health by providing them with natural immune-boosting supplements. Vitality Sciences offers a variety of products that are made using clinically approved ingredients. Our products have been proven to increase mitochondrial production, improve oxygen utilization, and support detoxification.”

  - “Advanced Immune Restoration Protocol is the only program that supports the entire spectrum of feline immune system competence and normalizes cellular metabolism.”
  - “Within one to two months, these supplements will succeed in supporting the bodies natural process to defend and repair itself.”
  - “Vitality Science’s ingredients are world class proven winners.”
  - “This is according to world renowned scientist, Dr. Joanna Budwig.”

“We do not guarantee to cure cancer!” (Claimed results on one page of the website cannot be negated on another page of the website.)

BBB requested substantiation for the above claims. It was recommended if the company was unable to substantiate the claims, to modify or discontinue the claims to comply with BBB advertising standards.

The Foreword to the BBB Code of Advertising states: “In all instances, advertisers, agencies and media should also be sure that they are in compliance with local, state, federal and provincial laws and regulations governing advertising.”

Basic Principles of the Code says the primary responsibility for truthful and non-deceptive advertising rests with the advertiser. Advertisers should be prepared to substantiate any claims or offers made before publication or broadcast and, upon request, present such substantiation promptly to the advertising medium or the Better Business Bureau.

Claimed Results states claims relating to performance, energy savings, safety, efficacy or results for a product or service should be based on recent and competent testing or other objective data. 

To be considered competent and reliable science, the following elements should be represented in the substantiation: 

•  blinded, double blinded, or triple blinded
   have control groups to take into account the placebo effect
   performed by an independent third party to avoid pecuniary interest
   the scope should sufficiently represent the intended consumer (e.g. if the product is marketed toward humans, it should be tested on a diverse group of humans)
  
  Ideally, the substantiation in question should have been peer reviewed or independently replicated. 

The BBB Code of Advertising is available online at: www.bbb.org/code-of-advertising.

In August 2022, the company responded to BBB with "we do not have the man power to correct this situation at this time. It is on our list to do so. We will reach out when it it is finished. Thank you for the remember. Vitality Science."