The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs has reviewed advertising claims made by Reus Research LLC for its Cata-Kor NAD+ Core and Cata-Kor NAD+ Advanced dietary supplements, following a challenge from competitor Niagen Bioscience Inc.
While NAD found certain claims supported, it recommended modifications or discontinuation for statements that lacked sufficient substantiation, including product content, health benefits, influencer disclosures, and review practices.
Ingredient Content and Testing Claims
NAD examined claims that Cata-Kor NAD+ Core contains 250 mg LipoNAD+™ and Cata-Kor NAD+ Advanced contains 500 mg LipoNAD+™. The claims, displayed on packaging, were deemed potentially misleading, as consumers could expect the stated weight to reflect the NAD+ content itself rather than the liposomal formulation. NAD recommended that these claims only appear in the supplement facts panel or be reworded to avoid implying the full dose of NAD+ per capsule.
Regarding testing, NAD confirmed Reus’ approach supported its claims of third-party verification for ingredient content. However, purity claims suggesting the products contain pure NAD+ were unsupported and should be discontinued or modified.
Health Claims Lacked Substantiation
NAD also reviewed statements suggesting the products influence NAD+ levels in the body. With no human clinical studies or testing on the Cata-Kor products themselves, NAD concluded there was no evidence to support these claims and recommended discontinuation.
Influencer Disclosures and TikTok Promotions
NAD found that TikTok influencers promoting Cata-Kor Products must clearly disclose any material connection. Small or subtle indicators like TikTok’s “Creator earns commission” were insufficient. Influencers are now required to display disclosures prominently in both audio and visual portions of their content.
Review Repurposing Concerns
The review also flagged that customer reviews for a previous nicotinamide riboside (NR) product had been combined with reviews for Cata-Kor NAD+ Advanced. NAD determined that ratings and reviews for substantially different products should not be combined, recommending removal of NR product reviews from the Cata-Kor page.
Voluntary Compliance by Reus
During the proceedings, Reus voluntarily agreed to permanently discontinue comparative superiority claims, doctor recommendations, Made in USA claims, and certain content, testing, and health claims. NAD will treat these claims as discontinued for compliance purposes. Reus affirmed it will comply with NAD’s recommendations.
