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"Coral Calcium" Claims Debunked

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February 10, 2003
Television infomercials and scores of Web sites promote the supposed benefits of "coral calcium," a dietary supplement that its promoters say can help cure "over 200 degenerative diseases caused by calcium deficiency."

Among the most aggressive promoters is Robert R. Barefoot, of Wickenberg, Arizona, who has gained a wide audience with his relentless advertising and marketing schemes. But medical authorities dispute Barefoot's claims.

"Calcium intake is an important factor in bone health and may play some role in the prevention of colon cancer. Barefoot has embellished these simple facts to create an elaborate scheme to promote his publications and coral calcium products," said Stephen Barrett, M.D., chairman of Quackwatch, a Web site that targets dubious medical claims.

"For people who need to consume extra calcium, purified calcium carbonate pills are safer and far less expensive than 'coral calcium,'" Barrett said.

Thousands of Web sites refer to Barefoot as "Dr. Robert Barefoot" or "Robert Barefoot, Ph.D." However, according to Barrett, he is not a medical doctor and does not have a Ph.D. degree.

The curriculum vitae that Barefoot submitted when he was called as a witness in a 1999 court action described his formal education after high school as "1964 -- Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Chemistry" and "1967 -- Graduated with Honors, Chemical Research Technology."

"This means that his highest educational credential is a diploma that reflects three years of coursework, which is less than would be required to obtain a regular bachelor's level college degree!" Barrett said.

Kevin Trudeau, who hosts Barefoot's current infomercial, has been the object FTC regulatory action for false advertising. In 1998, in connection with six infomercials that he developed, Trudeau signed a consent agreement to pay $500,000 in consumer redress, be barred from making false claims for products in the future, and establish a $500,000 escrow account or performance bond to assure compliance, Barrett says in an article on his Web site.

As for "coral calcium," Barefoot's ads say it is derived from "remnants of living coral that have fallen from coral reefs, as a result of wave action or other natural processes." In fact, "coral remnants" are limestone, which coral organisms originally manufacture as a protective shell. Since coral reefs are protected by law, "coral calcium" is made by grinding up limestone that no longer contains live organisms.

Limestone has no unique health properties. It is merely calcium carbonate, with some magnesium and trace amounts of many other minerals. Limestone fertilizer, available at garden centers, costs as little as a dollar for an 80-pound bag.

More information is available on the Quackwatch site.

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