Bayer Settled Lawsuit Over Sperm Health Vitamin Claims
Consumers alleged the company made unsupported claims about how its multivitamins affected male fertility.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Nutrition
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Bayer has reached a settlement agreement in a class action lawsuit that challenged marketing claims on its One A Day Men's Pre-Conception Health vitamins. The lawsuit alleged that the company falsely promoted the supplements as a way to support healthy sperm.
Why it matters
This settlement follows findings that the company's marketing claims lacked scientific support, highlighting the importance of consumer awareness regarding supplement labeling. The litigation focused on whether the product performed as represented to purchasers.
A federal court filing in New York confirmed the settlement after the National Advertising Division of the Better Business Bureau determined in March 2026 that the company's claims were unsupported. The case centered on allegations that product marketing violated consumer-protection laws.
The players
Bayer
A multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences company that produces over-the-counter health products and multivitamins.
National Advertising Division
A body of the Better Business Bureau that reviews the truthfulness and accuracy of national advertising claims.
The details
Bayer marketed the multivitamin product using ingredients such as vitamins C and E, selenium, zinc, and lycopene. The company had instructed users to take the supplement for at least three months before attempting to conceive to allegedly support sperm health. The litigation alleged that these specific claims on the packaging were misleading to the consumer.
Timeline
March 2026: The National Advertising Division found marketing claims unsupported.
September 18, 2026: Bayer informed a New York federal court of the settlement.
Health Landscape
This settlement reflects a broader pattern of increased regulatory and legal scrutiny regarding unsubstantiated health claims made by supplement manufacturers. It follows ongoing efforts by watchdogs to align consumer product labeling with validated clinical research.
Consumers should remain skeptical of health claims on supplement packaging that promise specific outcomes for complex biological processes like fertility. If you are concerned about preconception health, it is worth discussing appropriate clinical testing and evidence-based nutrition with your doctor.
The takeaway
When choosing supplements, look for products supported by robust clinical trials rather than marketing slogans that suggest performance benefits. Always consult with a physician to determine which nutrients, if any, are necessary to support your specific health goals.
Further reading
For more on evaluating dietary supplements and their health claims, visit our Nutrition section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Legal Newsline.
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