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The Liver Doc Slams Samantha Ruth Prabhu for Promoting Fraud Supplements
Updated on: 04 June, 2025 03:48 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Samantha Ruth Prabhu
A recent Instagram promotion by popular actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu has ignited a firestorm. She endorsed a supplement brand, claiming its NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) content boosts NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) levels, leading to enhanced energy and focus. However, this endorsement quickly drew sharp criticism from Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, famously known as The Liver Doc, who didn`t mince words, labelling the actress a ‘science illiterate movie celebrity’ and the company a ‘fraud’.
The Liver Doc swiftly countered Samantha`s claims. Sharing a screenshot of her post, he wrote, “How science illiterate movie celebrities defraud their millions of followers by selling supplements that do not work at all.” He urged the public to “Beware of snake oil salesmen, or snake oil saleswomen. They come in various sizes and forms. Be a well-informed consumer. Progress with science and evidence. Listen to real doctors.”
Dr. Philips explained that while NAD is a vital coenzyme for metabolism, NMN supplements are "claimed" to replenish it without solid proof. He stated, “There is zero proof that it is absorbed properly and reaches organs as claimed. NMN, by default, cannot enter cells.” He further elaborated, “In practical terms, most NMN taken by mouth is first converted to plain nicotinamide before anything useful can happen. Whatever bump in blood NAD+ you get is small and fleeting, and we have zero evidence that the molecule reaches key tissues at effective concentrations in people.” Supporting his stance with various studies, he dismissed human trials on NMN as ‘short, small, and stuffed with useless indirect endpoints and nothing of clinical significance’.
Also Read: Samantha`s Latest Post Reignites Dating Rumours With Raj Nidimoru
This isn`t Samantha`s first brush with criticism over health endorsements. She previously faced backlash for recommending hydrogen peroxide nebulisation and discussing liver detox with dandelion on her podcast, both flagged by medical experts as unscientific.
Also Read: When Naga Chaitanya Broke Silence On Divorce With Samantha Ruth Prabhu
Despite the controversy, Samantha Ruth Prabhu`s professional life remains active. She is set to appear in the Indian adaptation of "Citadel" with Varun Dhawan and reportedly has Tamil and Telugu film projects in pre-production.
Samantha`s Claims Under Fire
In her promotional post, Samantha Ruth Prabhu asserted that ‘NAD+ declines with age, leading to lower energy, slower recovery, and reduced focus’. She championed the NMN supplement, stating it was “over 99% pure,” as the solution to reverse these age-related declines.The Liver Doc swiftly countered Samantha`s claims. Sharing a screenshot of her post, he wrote, “How science illiterate movie celebrities defraud their millions of followers by selling supplements that do not work at all.” He urged the public to “Beware of snake oil salesmen, or snake oil saleswomen. They come in various sizes and forms. Be a well-informed consumer. Progress with science and evidence. Listen to real doctors.”
Dr. Philips explained that while NAD is a vital coenzyme for metabolism, NMN supplements are "claimed" to replenish it without solid proof. He stated, “There is zero proof that it is absorbed properly and reaches organs as claimed. NMN, by default, cannot enter cells.” He further elaborated, “In practical terms, most NMN taken by mouth is first converted to plain nicotinamide before anything useful can happen. Whatever bump in blood NAD+ you get is small and fleeting, and we have zero evidence that the molecule reaches key tissues at effective concentrations in people.” Supporting his stance with various studies, he dismissed human trials on NMN as ‘short, small, and stuffed with useless indirect endpoints and nothing of clinical significance’.
Also Read: Samantha`s Latest Post Reignites Dating Rumours With Raj Nidimoru
Public Outcry and Previous Controversies
The internet largely sided with The Liver Doc, with many users criticising Samantha for promoting what they considered an expensive placebo. One user commented, “Victim post loading in 3..2..” Another remarked, “NMN is one of the most overhyped supplements, absolute garbage.” A particularly pointed comment read, “We Indians need to spot bullshit quicker & stop making health decisions on the basis of what their favourite influencer/actor/(never read a actual reserch) is saying/selling.”This isn`t Samantha`s first brush with criticism over health endorsements. She previously faced backlash for recommending hydrogen peroxide nebulisation and discussing liver detox with dandelion on her podcast, both flagged by medical experts as unscientific.
Also Read: When Naga Chaitanya Broke Silence On Divorce With Samantha Ruth Prabhu
Samantha`s Response and the Bigger Picture
In response, Samantha mentioned that she only shares treatments that have worked for her, positioning them as affordable alternatives. While acknowledging the criticism, she stated her intent to be more mindful. This incident highlights a growing concern about celebrities endorsing health products lacking scientific validation, emphasising the need for responsible influence.Despite the controversy, Samantha Ruth Prabhu`s professional life remains active. She is set to appear in the Indian adaptation of "Citadel" with Varun Dhawan and reportedly has Tamil and Telugu film projects in pre-production.
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