The Truth Company, LLC
FDA issued a warning letter to The Truth Company, LLC (Boulder, CO, United States) on Nov 14, 2022, citing 21 CFR 201.5. Subject: New Drug, Misbranded.
From the letter: “Your Betaine, Immune, Redwood, Sensolin, Thyrite, zuRelief, Kino Aminos, Kino Collagen Protein, and Kino Gains are not generally recognized as safe and effective for the above referenced uses and, therefore, the products are “new drugs”…”
FDA published a close-out letter on Oct 1, 2024. The findings below are from the original warning letter.
At a glance
What a reviewer notes before reading: findings, citations, the response deadline and what the letter warns of.
- Violations
- 2 findings · 2 issue types
- Cited
- 21 CFR 201.5
- Response due
- 15 working days after receipt of this letter
- FDA asks for
- 5 actions
- Named as possible actions
- Seizure, injunction
- Issued by
- Division of Human and Animal Food Operations West IV · Office of Inspections and Investigations
- Published status
- Close-out Oct 1, 2024
AI assisted findings
Model-assisted reading of each issue. Open one to see the FDA text it comes from, and check it against the full letter.
01Production & process controlsProducts are unapproved new drugs because they are intended for disease treatment without FDA approval.
Your Betaine, Immune, Redwood, Sensolin, Thyrite, zuRelief, Kino Aminos, Kino Collagen Protein, and Kino Gains are not generally recognized as safe and effective for the above referenced uses and, therefore, the products are “new drugs” under section 201(p) of the Act [21 U.S.C. § 321(p)].
02Labeling, claims & marketing · 21 CFR § 201.5Products are misbranded because they lack adequate directions for layperson use.
Your Betaine, Immune, Redwood, Sensolin, Kino Aminos, and Kino Gains products are intended for treatment of one or more diseases that are not amendable to self-diagnosis or treatment without the supervision of a licensed practitioner. Therefore, it is impossible to write adequate directions for a layperson to use your products safely for their intended purposes. Accordingly, Betaine, Immune, Redwood, Sensolin, Kino Aminos, and Kino Gains fail to bear adequate directions for their intended use and, therefore, the products are misbranded under section 502(f)(1) of the Act.
What FDA requested
- Notify FDA in writing of specific steps taken to address violations
- Provide explanation of each step being taken to prevent recurrence of violations
- Provide copies of related documentation
- If corrective actions cannot be completed within fifteen working days, state reason for delay and time within which you will do so
- If you believe products are not in violation, include reasoning and supporting information
FDA Warning Letter
48 paragraphs · 10 sectionsText as published on FDA.gov, retrieved Sep 8, 2026. Layout added for reading; the wording is FDA’s. View on FDA.gov (opens in a new tab)
Christopher Walker, CEO UMZU, LLC 6325 Spine Rd Boulder, CO 80301
1Introduction
4 paragraphs
This is to advise you that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed your websites at the internet addresses www.umzu.com and www.kinobody.com in June 2022 and has determined that you take orders there for the products Betaine, Immune, Redwood, Sensolin, Thyrite, zuRelief, Kino Aminos, Kino Collagen Protein, and Kino Gains. The claims on your websites establish that the products are drugs under section 201(g)(1)(B) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) [21 U.S.C. § 321(g)(1)(B)] because they are intended for use in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease. As explained further below, introducing or delivering these products for introduction into interstate commerce for such uses violates the Act. You can find the Act and FDA regulations through links on FDA’s home page at www.fda.gov.
Examples of some of the website claims that provide evidence that your products are intended for use as drugs include: On the Betaine HCl product page at Umzu.com
“Betaine has been shown in research to also improve . . . and even diabetes prevention.”
“Individuals with elevated levels of plasma total homocysteine are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.”
2On the Immune product page at Umzu.com
5 paragraphs
“Reduce Chance of Catching A Cold”
“According to the NIH, ’Vitamin C deficiency results in impaired immunity & high susceptibility to infections.’ . . . Every serving of UMZU Immune contains a full 500mg of Vitamin C to help you easily hit your daily requirements.”
“In one randomized clinical trial, 60 subjects with flu-like symptoms who took elderberry extract saw symptoms clear up 4 days earlier than placebo. Another clinical study showed positive results for helping clear up cold symptoms for air travelers.”
“Vitamin D3 deficiency can compromise the immune system’s ability to fight off infections . . . Each serving of UMZU Immune contains 10mcg of Vitamin D3.”
“Research shows that echinacea may help shorten the length & severity of colds, as well as upper respiratory infections (URIs).”
3On the Redwood product page at Umzu.com
1 paragraph
“Clinical research on Isoleucyl-Prolyl-Proline, Valyl-Prolyl-Proline has been shown that it . . . promotes arterial elasticity. . . . inhibiting a particular enzyme that causes blood vessels to shrink.”
4On the Sensolin product page at Umzu.com
4 paragraphs
[on the graphic of the product label] “Lowers Blood Pressure”
“Sensolin is all about helping you control your blood sugar naturally, lower A1C . . . .”
“The unique blend of ingredients in Sensolin help to increase your ability to use glucose properly.”
“The benefits of chromium may include . . . improved blood sugar sensitivity.”
5On the Thyrite product page at Umzu.com
2 paragraphs
“In one study, levels of copper were associated with increased levels of TT3 and TT4.”
“Research also shows that taurine supplementation may play a protective role against the increased oxidative stress resulting from poor thyroid production.”
6On the zuRelief product page at Umzu.com
3 paragraphs
“zuRelief: Reduce Pain . . .”
“I am an MD and there is no product on the conventional over the counter market that approaches the combination of safety and effectiveness of zuRelief for my own joint and muscle aches.”
“Low levels of Vitamin B6 have been associated with increased symptoms in people who suffer from inflammatory conditions.”
7On Umzu.com Blog Pages
6 paragraphs
Pain Support - Can Turmeric Relieve Arthritis, Joint Pain & Inflammation?
[Turmeric is described as an ingredient in your zuRelief product] o “What is Turmeric? . . . This spice is known to relieve blood clots…fight inflammation and even reduce depression.” o “Curcumin is the main active compound in turmeric. The research behind it suggests it’s one of the best forms of natural anti-inflammatories out there.” o “A 2009 study . . . revealed that curcumin was comparable to ibuprofen for treating osteoarthritis pain in the knee.” o “What about rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which tends to affect younger people? . . . In one study, . . .[t]he groups that took the curcumin only saw the most pain relief. The studies show that turmeric, or curcumin more specifically, is effective for treating . . . arthritis.” o “The Best Solution for Long-Term Pain Relief” . . . turmeric holds tremendous promise as an inflammation reliever . . . it’s one of the active ingredients in our zuRelief supplement . . . inflammation is the root cause of arthritis and other chronic illnesses.”
Blood Sugar Support– 10 Ways to Lower Blood Sugar Effectively
o “One small study . . . found that . . . cinnamon [described as an ingredient your Sensolin product] reduced mean fasting serum glucose by 18-29 percent.” o “GlucoHelp, also known as Banaba leaf [described as an ingredient in your Sensolin product], has been used in natural medicines to treat diabetes for centuries.” o “Another study, . . . found that chromium [described as an ingredient in your Sensolin product] increased insulin sensitivity in those with diabetes.” o “Other research has found that taking biotin [described as an ingredient in your Sensolin product] along with chromium is also highly effective at controlling blood sugar. Biotin levels in those with diabetes also tended to be lower compared to those that did not have it.” o “SENSOLIN . . . proven to help users lower their blood sugar and A1C . . .”
Circulatory Support - How Redwood’s Ingredients Are Proven to Improve Blood Flow and Circulatory Health
o “Boost nitric oxide levels with Redwood . . . Increasing your nitric oxide levels can benefit almost every aspect of your circulatory health from your blood pressure, symptoms of erectile dysfunction, and symptoms of varicose veins.” o “The active ingredient in horse chestnut extract is called aescin. You should aim to get 100-150mg of this compound to maximize its benefits such as reducing varicose veins and improving blood flow.” o “[Pine Bark Extract] also has a cardioprotective effects that can lower your risk of developing heart disease.” o “The biggest benefit of taking a supplement like Redwood is that you can increase blood flow and blood pressure naturally without the negative side effects that many blood pressure medications cause.”
8On the Kino Aminos product page at kinobody.com
1 paragraph
“L-Valine (1,000mg) . . . reduces viral load of Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver).”
9On the Kino Collagen Protein product page at kinobody.com
1 paragraph
“Several studies have found that hydrolyzed collagen reduces both inflammation and pain, and speeds up the healing process in conditions such as . . . osteoarthritis, and tendonitis/ Achilles tendinopathy.” “may prevent bone loss” “may help control blood sugar levels” “collagen seems to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects on injuries”
10On the Kino Gains product page at kinobody.com
8 paragraphs
“Deficiency in choline . . . can lead to increased threat of a condition known as Fatty Liver. . . .” “Improving cystic fibrosis symptoms” “Anti-inflammatory properties”
Your Betaine, Immune, Redwood, Sensolin, Thyrite, zuRelief, Kino Aminos, Kino Collagen Protein, and Kino Gains are not generally recognized as safe and effective for the above referenced uses and, therefore, the products are “new drugs” under section 201(p) of the Act [21 U.S.C. § 321(p)]. With certain exceptions not applicable here, new drugs may not be legally introduced or delivered for introduction into interstate commerce without prior approval from FDA, as described in sections 301(d) and 505(a) of the Act [21 U.S.C. §§ 331(d), 355(a)]. FDA approves a new drug based on scientific data and information demonstrating that the drug is safe and effective.
A drug is misbranded under section 502(f)(1) of the Act [21 U.S.C. § 352(f)(1)] if the drug fails to bear adequate directions for its intended use(s). “Adequate directions for use” means directions under which a layperson can use a drug safely and for the purposes for which it is intended (21 CFR § 201.5). Prescription drugs, as defined in section 503(b)(1)(A) of the Act [21 U.S.C. § 353(b)(1)(A)], can only be used safely at the direction, and under the supervision, of a licensed practitioner.
Your Betaine, Immune, Redwood, Sensolin, Kino Aminos, and Kino Gains products are intended for treatment of one or more diseases that are not amendable to self-diagnosis or treatment without the supervision of a licensed practitioner. Therefore, it is impossible to write adequate directions for a layperson to use your products safely for their intended purposes. Accordingly, Betaine, Immune, Redwood, Sensolin, Kino Aminos, and Kino Gains fail to bear adequate directions for their intended use and, therefore, the products are misbranded under section 502(f)(1) of the Act. The introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of these misbranded drugs violates section 301(a) of the Act [21 U.S.C. § 331(a)].
This letter is not intended to be an all-inclusive statement of violations that may exist in connection with your products. You are responsible for investigating and determining the causes of any violations and for preventing their recurrence or the occurrence of other violations. It is your responsibility to ensure that your firm complies with all requirements of federal law, including FDA regulations.
This letter notifies you of our concerns and provides you an opportunity to address them. Failure to promptly address this matter may result in legal action, including, without limitation, seizure and injunction.
Within fifteen working days of receipt of this letter, please notify this office in writing of the specific steps you have taken to address any violations. Include an explanation of each step being taken to prevent the recurrence of violations, as well as copies of related documentation. If you cannot complete corrective actions within fifteen working days, state the reason for the delay and the time within which you will do so. If you believe that your products are not in violation of the Act, include your reasoning and any supporting information for our consideration.
Your reply should be addressed to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Attn: Hanna L. Potter, Compliance Officer; 6th Ave and Kipling St, DFC Bldg. 20, PO Box 25087, Denver, Colorado, 80225-0087 or via email at hanna.potter@fda.hhs.gov. You may reach Ms. Potter at (303) 236-3094 if you have any questions about this matter.
Citations and trends
Each 21 CFR section, ISO 13485 clause and issue type in this letter, how often it appears across all letters, and its trend by the year FDA issued the letters. 2026 runs to Nov 3, 2026, compared with the same dates last year. Select a row or a bar to see those letters in Letters. As cited in this historical letter, not a statement of current requirements.
Regulations
Issue types
Record details
- Issuing center
- Office of Inspections and Investigations
- Issuing office
- Division of Human and Animal Food Operations West IV
- Location
- Boulder, CO, United States
- Letter posted date
- Nov 22, 2022
- Letter issue date
- Nov 14, 2022
- Addressed to
- CEO
- Inspection dates · model-assisted
- Jun 1, 2022 to Jun 30, 2022
- Response window
- 15 working days after receipt of this letter
Read the source clause
Within fifteen working days of receipt of this letter, please notify this office in writing of the specific steps you have taken to address any violations.
- Record length
- 1,724 words · 2 recorded redactions
- Published status
- Close-out published Oct 1, 2024
- Original letter
- View on FDA.gov (opens in a new tab)
- Dataset last checked
- Nov 11, 2026 · How this is built
A response window is not a calculated due date. Source excerpts are selected passages. Finding interpretations and categories are model-assisted. Verify the original letter before relying on a finding.