Nordic Naturals Class Action: Are Fish Oil Heart Claims Fishy?

Millions of Americans pop fish oil supplements daily, convinced they're doing their hearts a favor. But a new class-action lawsuit against Nordic Naturals, a major fish oil brand, alleges the company's marketing is misleading and their products may not deliver the promised heart health benefits.

Study Says No Heart Benefit, Label Says Otherwise

Filed by California resident Dayna Clark in the Northern District of California, the lawsuit takes aim at the labeling and marketing of Nordic Naturals' fish oil products. Clark alleges the company deceives customers by claiming their fish oil supports heart health when, according to the complaint, "multiple randomized trials pitting fish oil against placebos show no evidence of heart-related benefits from fish oil capsules."

The lawsuit cites specific studies from Harvard and Scientific American supposedly demonstrating a lack of cardiovascular benefit from fish oil supplements. Furthermore, it claims some studies suggest these supplements might even increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, a potentially dangerous irregular heartbeat.

Fish Oil Fraud? Class Action Seeks Refunds for Allegedly Ineffective Supplements

Clark argues that consumers like herself are misled by the "promotes heart health" and "supports healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels" claims on Nordic Naturals' labels. Believing these statements, she says she purchased the products and wouldn't have otherwise.

The lawsuit goes beyond just the misleading claims. It accuses Nordic Naturals of failing to disclose crucial information on their labels. Specifically, the suit alleges the company omits the potential risk of atrial fibrillation associated with fish oil supplements.

Clark argues that consumers like herself are essentially duped by the misleading marketing and lack of complete information.

“When a consumer picks up a bottle of Nordic Naturals Fish Oil Capsules, the consumer reasonably believes that taking the capsules will be beneficial to heart health. No reasonable consumer reads the label and expects that the capsule has no effect on heart health. When the label says “for heart...health,” consumers expect that to be accurate—that the product does help support a healthy heart. But the truth is, the product does not support heart health. In this way, Nordic Naturals’ affirmative representations are misleading to reasonable consumers,” the lawsuit states.

Nordic Naturals is not the only supplement brand accused of false or misleading advertising claims as of late. Zenwise LLC is currently facing a class action lawsuit over its Digestive Enzymes and No Bloat supplements, which a consumer claims did not deliver the promised relief.

Additionally, Miracle Moo colostrum supplements are being challenged over claims of scientific validation and clinically dosed immunity benefits. Onnit Labs, co-founded by Joe Rogan, is also defending its Alpha Brain pills against accusations that they fail to deliver the promised cognitive enhancements.

In the Nordic Naturals fish oil supplement class action lawsuit, Clark seeks to represent a nationwide class of consumers who bought Nordic Naturals fish oil and accuses the company of false advertising and unfair business practices. She is asking for financial compensation for all those who purchased the supplements, arguing that since they don't deliver the advertised heart benefits, and may even have health risks, they're essentially worthless.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Clark v. Nordic Naturals Inc.
• Case Number: 5:24-cv-04058
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Rick Lyon and Simon Franzini (Dovel & Luner LLP) 
• Zachary Arbitman and George A. Donnelly (Feldman Shepherd Wohlgelernter Tanner Weinstock & Dodig LLP)