Has anyone else been inundated recently with multi-level marketing (MLM) distributors flogging their supplements?

I am in no position to judge these products and they may be of very good quality.

Nor can I take the moral high ground on recommending supplements because I believe careful nutritional supplementation has its place.

But there are a few matters which concern me about the multi-level marketing of health products.

First, distributors tell you about the miraculous product they are selling, a guaranteed cure-all for your particular complaint. They require only one qualification to be able to dispense such advice - the gift of the gab.

However, listening to a few motivational tapes and going to lectures, semi-religious in their fervour, does not qualify anyone to dish out nutritional advice, however well-meaning they might be.

"Independent" distributors may have little or no nutritional knowledge and the MLM company behind them will not take responsibility for any miracle claims.

From a nutritionist's perspective, the main foundations of good health consist of good hydration, a healthy diet, optimal digestion, elimination of toxins or pollutants and balanced hormones.

An individual's unique biochemistry needs to be respected, as well as specific requirements for nutrients.

Nutritionists spend much of their time assessing client profiles and medical histories. Here are some of the questions we ask ourselves: Is there a likely dysfunction or imbalance in the client? What individualised treatment may be required? Would the client benefit from laboratory tests or being referred? When has function been restored?

The most valuable learning experience is gained from follow-up consultations to see if the suggested recommendations have been followed and are working.

The British Association of Nutritional Therapists does not permit its members to engage in multi-level marketing. And for good reason. Having listened to numerous network marketing sales raps, I have not heard much talk of the power of simple dietary changes or the importance of a well-functioning digestive system.

I have also not heard anyone explain the dangers of drug-nutrient interactions and the fact some people cannot tolerate specific supplements.

Instead, I hear talk of a "fabulous, home-based business opportunity" and "financial freedom for life".

All you need to do, apparently, is sell as many products as you can and recruit other distributors to do the same by trawling through your address book.

Despite the promises of wealth beyond avarice, the average distributor earns very little.

Most of the profits are reserved for people at the top of the pyramid and are generated from distributors consuming their own products.

Once the penny drops and is never seen again, people blame themselves rather than the scam merchants for selling them a dream. After all, it sounded so plausible at those gatherings where star distributors pontificated about the large sums of money they earn.

It is easy to believe them, until the day you realise you don't have any friends left.

Martina Watts is a qualified Nutritional Therapist at the Crescent Clinic of Complementary Medicine, Brighton (call 01273 202221), and the Dolphin House Clinic, Brighton (call 01273 324790), or visit www.thehealthbank.co.uk