Group files complaint with FTC over sex supplement ads

A leading consumer advocacy group has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission over what it says is deceptive advertising of a nutritional supplement known as Enzyte, which is designed to improve erectile function. The nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest said there is little evidence to show that arginine, one of the main ingredients in Enzyte, remedies any kind of sexual complaint.

"Enzyte is more successful subtracting from the male wallet than it is adding to the male organ," said David Schardt, a senior nutritionist at the center. "It's basically just an expensive placebo."

The organization said its own research found little or no evidence that many common ingredients in sex supplements improved desire or performance. It called on consumers to trash unsolicited email messages touting the products pending action by the FTC and FDA, which Schardt said have been "lax when it comes to policing these so-called sex supplements."