Nu Skin investigating death of Chinese woman who relied on supplements and refused medical treatment

01-Apr-2019 - Last updated on 01-Apr-2019 at 23:55 GMT

A Chinese woman had died after refusing treatment and only relied on NuSkin's fruit juice for her flu and fever. ©Pixabay

Nu Skin China has formed a focus group, led by the firm's country CEO, to look into the death of a 34-year-old Chinese woman who died from organ failure after allegedly refusing medical treatment for flu and fever, and instead insisting on drinking Nu Skin's fruit juice.

The deceased, surnamed Lin, died from organ failure caused by a severe lung infection on March 2. Prior to her death, she had been suffering from flu and fever for days.

She was also a seller of Nu Skin's products. Chinese media reports claim she relied on her 'mentor's' advice, and insisted on consuming supplements and fruit juice instead of receiving medical care.

In a statement, Nu Skin China said that the firm had formed a focus group led by the firm’s China CEO to look into the matter.

On March 20, it also appointed its deputy CEO from the marketing department to meet the deceased’s family members.

According to the firm’s internal investigation, the seller involved in the saga had violated the firm’s regulations and their contract has been terminated.

The deceased’s family also has plans to file a police report and a complaint to the country’s Administration for Industry and Commerce on grounds of false promotion.

The lawyer representing the family also said that the family might even leave for the US to sue the US-based Nu Skin.

Mainland China is Nu Skin’s biggest market, accounting for about a third of the company’s overall revenue. Sales in the country also rose more than 21% in fiscal year 2018, although it had slowed down in the fourth quarter.

It acquired the direct selling license in China in year 2006.

With 25 branches throughout China, it is approved to conduct direct-selling in 225 areas within China. It also has 228 direct-selling trainers, according to information on China’s Ministry of Commerce website.

Supplement as cure?

It had become a habit for the deceased to only rely on Nu Skin’s G3 Superfruit blend and related supplements whenever she fell sick, her family members told local media.

It was also revealed that the deceased’s daily breakfast consisted of 16 gel capsules and two sachets of solid beverage.

According to Nu Skin’s website, the G3 Superfruit blend was developed with Gâc fruit and three other super fruits, namely the Chinese Lycium, Siberian Pineapple, and Cili fruit. The benefits stated include promoting eye health, supporting immune function, and providing body antioxidant protection. The recommended dosage is 30 to 90ml along with breakfast and dinner.