No evidence dietary supplements for infertility help women get pregnant, watchdog says

A health and science watchdog group is asking federal agencies to act against manufacturers who say their dietary supplements can help women get pregnant, but who haven’t provided scientific evidence backing their claims. In letters sent to the FDA and the FTC, the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest says that an investigation it conducted into 39 “fertility” supplements sold by 27 different manufacturers found no evidence that the supplements increase a woman’s chances of getting pregnant. The products include pills and powders with names such as Fertile CM and Pink Stork, and are sold online and at major retailers including Walmart. A 1994 law prohibits supplement manufacturers from claiming their products treat a specific medical condition, unless there's clinical proof of such a benefit. One company told STAT its pills' effectiveness is supported by “user experience and testimonials,” while most didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.