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FTC Finalizes $750,000 Order Against TruHeight Over Deceptive Supplement Ads Targeting Kids and Teens
The Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order against Vanilla Chip LLC, which sells supplements under the name TruHeight, requiring the company and its two principals to pay $750,000. The order also permanently bars them from making unsupported health claims and using fake or incentivized reviews.
What this means for you
Consumers in this situation — parents who purchased supplements based on growth or health promises — often have little way of knowing whether advertising claims are backed by scientific evidence. The FTC's order is a formal finding that the advertising crossed legal lines, not just a warning. When regulators finalize a consent order like this, it typically carries legally binding restrictions that remain in force for years. Families who rely on health claims in supplement marketing for children may want to know that the FTC actively monitors this product category.
The facts
- The FTC finalized a consent order requiring Vanilla Chip LLC (TruHeight) and its two principals to pay $750,000.per FTC press release · as of July 15, 2026
- The order bars TruHeight and its principals from making false or unsubstantiated health claims about their products.per FTC press release · as of July 15, 2026
- The final order also prohibits the use of fake or incentivized consumer reviews, a practice cited in the FTC's action.per FTC press release · as of July 15, 2026
- The FTC's enforcement action focused on supplement products marketed to children and teenagers.per FTC press release · as of July 15, 2026
What you can do
Keeping records of health-product purchases — including screenshots of ads and packaging claims — can be useful if you later seek a refund or file a complaint. The FTC accepts consumer complaints at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, which helps the agency track patterns across companies. Checking whether a supplement's specific health claims are supported by independent scientific evidence, rather than company-sponsored testimonials, is a practical step before buying.
Common questions
What did the FTC order TruHeight to do?
The FTC's final order requires Vanilla Chip LLC (TruHeight) and its two principals to pay $750,000. It also permanently prohibits them from making false or unsubstantiated health claims and from using fake or incentivized consumer reviews in their marketing.
What was TruHeight accused of doing wrong?
The FTC found that TruHeight engaged in deceptive advertising and made unsubstantiated health claims in its marketing of dietary supplements aimed at children and teens. The agency also cited the use of fake or incentivized consumer reviews as part of the conduct addressed by the order.
Does this FTC order mean parents who bought TruHeight products will get a refund?
The order does not automatically provide refunds to individual consumers. The $750,000 payment goes to the FTC, which may use such funds for consumer redress, but outcomes vary by case. Consumers who want to report a complaint or seek information about any potential relief can visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov.