Conflict of interest in Star's healthcare column
The Sunday Star has an alternative healthcare column, the latest of which recommended a particular type of fish oil supplement. But there appears to be a conflict of interest in the columnist's advice as he has an interest in a firm marketing such a product.
In his 30 May 2004 column, M Rajen cited a study that showed that fish oil supplements provide an affective source of omega-3. He also said that there were disturbing reports about mercury levels in fish. In his concluding paragraph, he said: “To ensure the highest quality of fish oil, look for pharmaceutical grade fish oil that’s been molecularly distilled.”
To the average reader, everything seems above board. But go to your pharmacy and check out the range of omega-3 fish oil supplements. Chances are you will find only one fish oil brand claiming to be "molecularly distilled" and toxin-free and that is the Pristin brand.
Pristin brand is manufactured in the United States and they have a local distributor. The product is marketed by Total Health Concept Sdn Bhd. Pristin fish supplements come with a booklet, which states that the Managing Director of Total Health Concept is - guess who? - M Rajen.
Now isn’t this a clear case of conflict of interest? On the one hand, Rajen's article, which purports to give independent advice from “a pharmacist with a doctorate in holistic medicine,” extols the benefits of a particular type of fish oil supplement (molecularly distilled). On the other hand, lo and behold, the company marketing such a product, Total Health Concept, is managed by him.
Those reading his column will most likely be unaware that M Rajen has a commercial interest in the advice he is giving out and the company he manages stands to gain commercially.
The Star has not provided any disclosure – and in this case, such disclosure is crucial – about M Rajen’s position as managing director of a firm promoting alternative health products. Why is his position as MD of Total Health Concept not disclosed in his column?
We have nothing against alternative healthcare but readers should be made aware of conflict of interest situations. If readers were aware that Rajen has a commercial interest in certain alternative healthcare products, they would be in a better position to evaluate his advice.
They certainly have a right to know about his interest in Total Health Concept as that has a key bearing on whether the advice he gives is impartial or otherwise.
posted by Media Monitors @ 3:32 PM
12 Comments
12 Comments:
Belated Discovery
I have have just found out that the Manufacturer, Winning Laboratories Inc. USA, (address 16218, Arthur Street, Cerritos, CA 90703) as stated on the label of Pristin Omega-3 Fish Oil cannot be found.
Why? Trying search for it on Mapquest.
It doesn't matter as I consider the warning by the author to be very good advice regardless whether you buy from THC or other brands
I've seen the results from a study of all fish oils in Malaysia. Pristin is the ONLY omega-3 oil in the country without mercury or poison chemicals.
Conflict? He's protecting our health. That's no conflict.
Have you heard of Krill Oil which is claimed to 38 times more power than the best Fish Oil available in the world. Refer to this link : http://www.mercola.com/products/krill_oil.htm
The research shows great results to control our HDL & LDL cholestrol (also with Statin drugs) as well a overall health improvement.
Krill Oil is not available in Malaysia. Not one pharmacy knows about this.
Is there anyone who is willing to import this wonderful product to Malaysia?
Rao
Till today I still can't find Winning Lab in US???? Non existent?
1) That's the way The Star works - most of the columnists get to indirectly promote their own products in exchange for writing the column. Other columnists,
- The Yeoh fella that writes the financial advice column, used to promote his books. He was with Public Bank, now with CIMB.
- Dr. Amir, who writes the Qigong column. Every now and then (not often) will promote his seminars.
2) I think it's a dirty trick by Malaysian marketers to say their products are produced in the US. A direct marketing product, Melilea, also claims to be produced in the US - but same thing like anonymous: I can't find ANY mention of the company, and the address is bogus.
You might try looking where the Pristin website says Pristin is manufactured: http://www.pronova.com/. That's Norway. Some people are a little lost here.
This is the best stuff on the planet and Pronova is currently researching krill and if it's economically viable, I'm sure Dr. Rajin will be bringing to Malaysia.
Here is my question: What rival company is paying this blog site to cast dispersions on one of the few companies that actually cares about people here in Malaysia?
BTW, if you want to control your cholesterol, cut down your carbs. That will have a much more direct effect and be more effective. Google 3-HMG Co A Reductase. Then you can begin your education.
Winning laborotary Inc is also supply thru ELKEN (EPA1000),and many Taiwanese brand. Check the web.
The USANA BIOMEGA are another brand that meet/exceed Mr. Raven's advise... There are many other examples .....
So THC is only one of the many companies and not THE only supplier of these high level purified/non heavy metal content products in Malaysia.
As long as Mr.Raven did not defined the product name, I think we should not say it is a conflict of interests, but accept his proffesional view.
Do you really believe that study of fish oils Pristin has no toxin? How credible is the result? Although its from independant lab, but money can buy many things. Why should he be so noble to protect your health? think about it...its all because of MONEY. Dont you agree? Money going in his pocket.
I always read Dr Rajen saying about fish oil, toxin free and etc. What about the rest of supplement? THC has other supplements as well, are they clean? not contaminated as well? Since many readers say he concern about our health, should we look into it as well? i take his product, but now i really wonder how sincere is he....
Malaysian marketers (especially those involved in direct sale) always like to say their products are produced in the US and therefore it's safe. Are their products really manufactured in US and safe to take? We don't know... Probably researchers in local universities (e.g. UM, USM, UKM, UPM, etc) should do some experiments on those products to verify their claims are correct.
Actually I'm wondering whether Omega-3 supplement has any side-effect to liver.
"I've seen the results from a study of all fish oils in Malaysia. Pristin is the ONLY omega-3 oil in the country without mercury or poison chemicals."
Could you share the article showing the finding?
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