Thursday, July 30, 2015

USANA Spends Less Than 1% of Net Sales on Research and Development While Claiming They Develop Science-Based Products That Reduce The Risk of Chronic Degenerative Disease.

USANA prides itself on science and research. However, that is one of USANA's most erroneous claims.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND USANA
"At USANA, scientific research is at the heart of every product we offer. Whether in studies conducted by top scientists in our on-site laboratories, or findings from the many research partnerships we have across the globe, USANA is fully committed to the research and development of cutting-edge nutritional technology.


And, of course, our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities ensure that each product we create is made with the same high quality that set us apart from others in the past and will allow us to lead the field in the future."

 - Dr. Myron Wentz
, Founder and Chairman, USANA Health Sciences

Since 1996, USANA has sold $6.5 billion in product. From that money, USANA has spent $50.3 million in research and development, which represents only 0.8% of net sales. This is not representative of a company that is committed to research and development. In contrast, drug manufacturer Merck in 2014 alone spent $7.1 billion on
research and development, which represents 17% of their net sales. In 2014, Pfizer spent $8.4 billion on research and development, which represents 16.9% of their net sales.

USANA 2014 10-K SEC Filing 
"Our research and development efforts are focused on developing and providing high-quality, science-based products that promote long-term health and reduce the risk of chronic degenerative disease."

USANA claims their products can reduce the risk of chronic degenerative disease? I thought dietary supplement manufacturers were not allowed to make such claims unless they can back it up with substantial evidence.