Copper Fit ICE Compression Sleeves Offer No CoQ10 Benefits, Class Action Alleges [DISMISSED]

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A proposed class action alleges Copper Fit has falsely advertised the apparent health benefits of its popular ICE line of compression garments. 

The 38-page lawsuit in New York alleges Copper Fit has falsely claimed, in particular, that the antioxidant coenzyme Q10—CoQ10—infused into the fabric of its compression garments is “motion activated” and then released and absorbed into the body when using the products, and that the purportedly absorbed CoQ10 can increase energy, among other health benefits. 

The specific products mentioned in the complaint include the Copper Fit ICE Compression Knee Sleeve, Plantar Fascia Ankle Sleeve, Compression Gloves, Compression Elbow Sleeve, Compression Socks and Compression Back Support. The suit alleges Copper Fit introduced the aforementioned products “[i]n order to take advantage of the CoQ10 ‘health’ hype created by the diet supplement industry, and to deceive consumers.” 

According to the filing, the “vast majority” of people naturally produce enough CoQ10 and do not require any additional amounts for their health and well-being, including for energy. Although CoQ10 is one of the most popular dietary supplements in the U.S., the industry behind it has “engaged in a massive promotion of untold, but questionable, purported CoQ10 health benefits,” the lawsuit says. From the complaint: 

“The CoQ10 dietary supplement industry has generated its own controversy. To realize any benefits of CoQ10 supplementation at a cellular level, an individual must achieve effective or optimum CoQ10 blood levels. In its raw form, however, CoQ10 is a crystalline powder that is insoluble in water, and poorly soluble in fat, and thus not easily absorbed even in the digestive track [sic] when taken by mouth (let alone from fabric through the skin). CoQ10 supplement manufacturers have faced their own class action lawsuits asserting that they have made false claims regarding the effectiveness of their CoQ10 supplements and the absorption rates of such supplements when ingested.”

The plaintiff, a Staten Island, New York resident, says he would not have bought the products, or would not have paid the “premium price” Copper Fit charges for them, had he known the CoQ10 infused into the compression garments was not absorbed into the human body, or that the negligible amount that may be absorbed provides no health benefits. 

According to the suit, Copper Fit has extensively claimed that its copper-infused compression clothing can help relieve muscle and joint soreness, provide support for muscle stiffness and reduce recovery time, among other apparent benefits. Moreover, defendant Ideavillage Products Corp. has also implied that the copper infused into its compression garments is absorbed into the body to provide “essential” and “therapeutic” benefits, the lawsuit states. 

The complaint alleges that these representations were false given the copper infused into the products was not absorbed into the human body, and that any copper that was absorbed provided no therapeutic, health or performance benefits.  

The lawsuit looks to cover all consumers who, within the applicable statute of limitations period, purchased in New York Copper Fit ICE products that the company warranted as infused with CoQ10 that is absorbed into the body when the products are used, and that such CoQ10 provides health benefits, including improving energy.

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