Feds sue Wellness Support Network for false diabetes prevention claims

An online marketer of dietary supplements is being sued by the Federal Trade Commission for making "baseless claims" that its products can treat and prevent diabetes.

The FTC has asked a federal judge to permanently bar Wellness Support Network Inc., of Glendale, Calif. and its two principals, Robert and Robyn Held, from making deceptive claims in violation of federal law. The commission is also attempting to make the defendants refund their customers or "give up their ill-gotten gains," court documents say.

The FTC's complaint challenges claims for two sets of dietary supplements Wellness Support markets to diabetics, primarily via its website, Realfoodnutrients.com.