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Professor Tim Noakes has warned people that the banting lifestyle of a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet is about eating real foods.
"The key to the success of the banting movement is to eat real foods that contain fat. These do not come in bottles – they come from the farm," he told Health24.
Noakes, who is a sports scientist, was responding to a ruling by the Advertising Standards Authority of South Africa (ASASA) against CNT Labs' Banting Support Range products.
A growing success
The banting movement was strong because it promoted real foods, Noakes said. "If it's processed in any significant way and contains many added ingredients, then its not likely to be 'real'," he said.
Three complaints were lodged against the CNT Labs, which is a division of California Pharmaceuticals, about its "approved Banting friendly" claim relating to internet and social media advertising.
CNT Labs, which supplies stores including Clicks and Dischem, did not respond to ASASA's queries, but it was ordered to withdraw its claim immediately as it was found to be "misleading" and "dishonest".
Logo is still advertised
However, Health24 found that it is still advertising the product range, which include Low Carb Protein Drink, Digestive Tract Cleanser and Appitex Appetite Support, with the "approved Banting friendly" logo on the company website.
Image: Screen grab from CNT Labs' website on its banting range with the "Approved Banting Friendly" logo.
Mokgosi Rampa, ASASA consultant for appeals and compliance, told Health24 that the matter was being investigated. "Please note that the matter is still under investigation in respect of compliance issue."
Ignore advertising
Real Meal Revolution Managing Director Jonno Proudfoot told Health24: "There is no such thing as banting approved because we have never approved anything."
He noted that banting was a philosophy of education and empowerment. "Educate yourself and ignore advertising."
Proudfoot said creating a body that authorised banting endorsements was not in line with the banting philosophy.
"We want people to think for themselves and decide what they are willing to put into their bodies," he said. "We’re not going to fight advertising with more advertising. We will fight it with education".
Health24 contacted CNT Labs for comment and was not able to get a response from the pharmaceutical company.
Read more:
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Tim Noakes defends Banting for babies
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Tim Noakes hearing: we need clarity, says Claire Julsing-Strydom
Why the Noakes- HPCSA hearing was postponed
Tim Noakes speaks out on the ‘Banting for babies' hearing
Why you may not lose weight on the Tim Noakes Banting diet
Noakes' 'real food' may not be kid friendly
