GNC Mega Men: Maximum Nutrition• Dietary supplement

• “Mega Men® Maximum Nutrition is more than just a multivitamin, it features the benefits of our Mega Men® multivitamin plus 6 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber and additional nutrients like essential fatty acids and phytosterols.”

• Powder form, easily consumed mixed with water, such as most protein supplements.

• Low cost for the amount given.

Fuels muscle for workouts with protein and creatine

Refuels body with electrolytes for maximum recovery

Increases energy and metabolism with a mix full of green tea, carbohydrates, and B-vitamins

Claims Made by Mega Men Dietary Supplement

Fights “cell-damaging free radicals” by boosting the bodies immune system with zinc selenium, and vitamin C and E.

Improves eye health with vitamin A and lutein “Features 1,000 mg of L-arginine, an

important amino acid and building block of nitric oxide which helps maintain blood vessel tone and plays a key role in sexual health”

Includes antioxidants that improve prostate health

Claims Made (continued)

Selenium- 265% of the daily value

Vitamin B-6- 2500% of the daily value

Vitamin B-1- 3300% of the daily value

Vitamin B-12- 8330% of the daily value

Key Supplemental Facts

High levels of B-12 can cause itching and rashes

Too much of vitamin A can cause an onset of dizziness

Vitamin B-5, which contains five times the daily amount in a single serving of Mega Men, can lead to nausea.◦ The daily amount of B-5 can be found in the

average humans daily intake

Side Effects from Mass Amounts of Vitamins

Use of “science-like” terminology Non-verified Results Single product cures a range of illnesses Personal testimony Confusing credentials

“Red Flags”

Heart and Cholesterol Support Supplies phytosterols - foods containing at least 400 mg per

serving of free phytosterols, eaten twice a day with meals for a daily total intake of at least 800 mg, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. One serving provides 800 mg of free phytosterols.

Combines vitamins B-6, B-12 and folic acid that may play a role in the maintenance of normal homocysteine levels, important for cardiovascular health.*

Energy Production Supplies B-vitamins that are essential for carbohydrate

metabolism and energy production.* Contains key minerals such as zinc and chromium that are

involved in carbohydrate metabolism and glucose utilization.*

“Science-like terminology”

Prostate and Sexual Health Features lycopene, an antioxidant that supports

prostate health.* Combines zinc that is required for normal

reproductive function and L-arginine, a building block of nitric oxide that helps maintain blood vessel tone and plays a role in sexual health.*

Eye Health Contains vitamin A, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin and

lutein for eye health and normal vision.*

Continued

“In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study 112 healthy volunteers, subjects taking the GNC vitamin and mineral blend in this product for six weeks experienced statistically significant improvements in markers of B vitamin and antioxidant status, as well as improvements in SF-36 Vitality and Mental Health scores compared to those taking a placebo.”

(These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.)

Non-verified Results

Multivitamin support Heart & cholesterol support Energy production Eye Health Prostate and sexual health Digestive support Immune protection

Single Product Cures Range of Illnesses

Who is Frank J. Costa M.D.? Is a urological surgeon, which covers

prostate, kidney, and urinary tract problems.

How could he give an expert opinion on nutrition?

Confusing Credentials

Product referred to me by GNC employee.

Bought the product at a very low cost.

Used product for about two months.

Didn’t see or feel any significant results.

Personal Testimony

Gnc mega men product. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11107347

Willett, B. (2011, july 17). Side effects of gnc mega men dietary supplement read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/494454-side-effects-of-gnc-mega-men-dietary-supplement/

Work Citied