The pill pushing proselytising of Patrick Holford

Patrick Holford is a fellow of BANT. BANT have a code of ethics (thanks to Holfordwatch for the link). The BANT code of ethics clearly allows its members to earn commission and profit from selling products to clients which, as Holfordwatch point out, is inappropriate behaviour from want-to-be healthcare professionals. However, despite its faults, the BANT code does apply to its members and they are expected to adhere to its strictures.

Patrick Holford makes a career out of selling products and books and his grasp of science is shaky at best. I recently discovered a webchat from early last year that superbly illustrates the idiocies and unethicaliness of Patrick, who might be expected to adhere to the BANT code of ethics, as well as highlighting the relentless profit driven proselytising of his own products. In fact I have my suspicions that the bulk of the Holford Head is a clockwork counting machine that, with a ping and the roll of a pound sign across Patrick’s pupils, rapidly calculates the commercial benefit of any given situation. So I have decided to analyse this webchat with respect to Patrick’s ignorance, bad advice, wrong advice, profit making and breaches of the following sections of the BANT code of ethics:

6.3 The Member should strive for a good relationship and full co-operation with medical and other recognised health professions. Clients must not be led to believe that Nutritional Therapy replaces medical care.

7.1 b). The Member must never promise cure or recovery. Nutritional Therapy claims that the advice given may enhance the body’s natural means of resistance to disease.

7.1 e). The Member must not advise a client in any case which exceeds his capacity or competence, but should call in another nutritional therapist or refer the client to the appropriate practitioner or Registered Medical Practitioner.

12.1 The Member, placing an advertisement, must satisfy the requirements of the British Code of Advertising Practice and the Advertising Standards Authority (www.asa.org.uk).

Anyway, let us begin………….

Patrick Holford: Good morning! If you want to solve a health problem and find out how to feel fantastic I am here to help you! So keep sending your questions….

Honor: Where can you get an allergy test from?

Patrick Holford: That’s easy. Go to www.yorktest.com. These tests are done using a home-test kit and are excellent.

Yorktest kits are here and the allergy kits cost £89.50. The Advertising Standards Agency had this to say about the yorktest allergy kit:

we were concerned that those tests were not used by medical practitioners as sole diagnostic tools and concluded that YorkTest had not justified the implication that allergy could be diagnosed using the YorkTest allergy testing service alone.

So Patrick Holford is flogging an expensive kit that doesn’t work rather than recommend a visit to a GP or specialist which will cost nothing. He is also in breach of section 12.1 as the ASA have ruled against York Test.

Linda M: Can you suggest a diet that will help relieve the symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Patrick Holford: This is not an inflammatory disease, so anti-inflammatory painkillers rarely help. Try Magnesium Malate 300mg a day and eat magensium rich foods such as pumkin [sic] seeds. My book Say No to Arthritis has a chapter on it if you want more info.

While Patrick is right in saying this is not an inflammatory disease he is wrong about anti-inflammatory painkillers, according to the Mayo Clinic they may be of use in conjunction with other medications. The evidence that magnesium supplementation may help is almost non-existent in the peer reviewed literature. Not only does Patrick provide misleading and plain wrong information to Linda but he recommends she pay for his book, a bargain at £6.49 from Amazon, instead of suggesting she visit Fibromyalgia Association UK for unbiased free advice. Given that questions must be asked of Patrick’s competence as it is clear he doesn’t understand fibromyalgia is is fair to assume he is in breach of 7.1 e).

Trina: Can diet make any difference to fatigue caused by MS?

Patrick Holford: Absolutely. MS sufferers often have high ‘homocysteine’ levels (get this checked), solved by supplementing more folic acid, B12 and B6. Try Higher Nature’s H Factor supplement. Also, up your intake of essential fats - both Omega 3 from fish and Omega 6 from seeds.

The peerless Holfordwatch have a lot to say about Patrick’s obsession with homocysteine, and of course there is no evidence that supplementing with various vitamins or essential fats can effect homocysteine levels and fatigue caused by MS. A months supply of H Factor is £15.40 but a visit to to Multiple Sclerosis Society or a GP would cost nothing, it is no surprise that Patrick recommends the route that puts cash in his pocket. Now as Holfordwatch have amply illustrated Patrick’s incompetence in this matter it is fair to assume this is another breach of 7.1 e.

Julie: Can you suggest what to eat to prevent/treat osteoporosis?

Patrick Holford: It’s not just about calcium. There are many minerals needed to make healthy bones - zinc, magnesium, silica to name a few. You also need vitamin D. But one of the main reasons for osteoporosis is hormonal imbalances. If you are menopausal look into ‘natural progesterone’.

Patrick Holford: The best website on this is by Dr John Lee. Look it up on Google.

Patrick is of course quite correct in stating that there more to osteoporosis than a calcium deficiency but it seems odd that he neglects to mention dietary and lifestyle interventions instead choosing to focus on minerals (available in supplement form from a nutritionist near you). As Patrick implies one of the main causes of osteoporosis in women is different hormone levels following menopause, although his comment about natural progesterone is a little odd, progesterone is progesterone - that is it has a specific chemical structure whether it is synthetic or natural, perhaps Patrick is concerned about progestins, progesterone analogues, but it is hard to tell as his grasp of science is so obviously lacking. Anyway, this comment is notable as Patrick is kind of in the right continent in terms of accuracy and hasn’t plugged any of his own products. Oddly Patrick recommends the website of John Lee, John Lee is dead and his recent works have been ghostwritten by others. Personally I would have suggested people might want to visit the National Osteoporosis Society website or their GP for advice instead of relying on a dead man’s advice. I will be charitable because Patrick is kind of in the right direction, albeit +/- 90 degrees, and not classify this as a breach of the BANT ethical code.

Rach: Hi, I’m 20 and having a lot of problems at the moment. I feel sick when I eat, constantly tired and no energy… any advice?

Patrick Holford: Either see one of my nutritionists - go to www.patrickholford.com and select ‘consultation’, or have an on-line consultation with me (costs £24). I also have a book Beat Stress and Fatigue. As you’ve seen cyronic[sic] tiredness is easily solved in days not months.

Here we have Patrick recommending a book, priced at £6.99, and a £24 consultation or trip to a fee charging nutritionist instead of recommending a visit to the GP which will cost nothing. I’m tempted to flag this up as a breach of 6.3 and 7.1 e) as Patrick is both assuming competence and implies that nutritional therapy is better than proper medical advice.

Pinky: Could you give me any information on a diet for someone suffering with LUPUS?

Patrick Holford: This is an auto-immune disease. You definitely should see one of my nutritionists and get allergy tested. The last person I treated had complete relief!

First of all we should question Patrick’s claims of complete relief as lupus is a recurring incurable disease and complete relief implies that it does not recur and hence is cured. I am not sure of the medical rationale for recommending a £89.50 allergy test instead of a visit to the GP. I can only hypothesise that the former involves profit for Patrick. I think this also breaks section 7.1 b), and 7.1 e) as complete relief can be construed as cure and, as always, Patrick lacks competence.

Gill: what foods and supplements can I use to increase my sex drive and are they safe to continue during pregnancy?

Patrick Holford: General ‘optimum nutrition’ increases sex drive. Specifically getting enough zinc (in seeds but also supplement 10mg a day) and essential fats (again in seeds but worth supplementing) ups sex drive and is brilliant for pregnancy. Read ‘Optimum Nutrition Before During and After Pregnancy’.

Needless to say there is little evidence that zinc has any effect on libido so it is mystifying as to why Patrick should recommend it. His book costs £6.49, roughly the same price as a half decent bottle of wine and a couple of candles which when used in the right environment can increase sex drive. I can only question Patrick’s competence in the sex department, a breach of 7.1 e).

Audrey: Hi, my husband has suffered with mood swings for many years and won’t go to see anyone - can you recommend some supplements?

Patrick Holford: My all-time favourite, which I gave to Sarah, is Mood Food Formula (2 twice a day) and Omega 3 Fish Oil. The best value is the ‘mood pack’ on www.healthproductsforlife.com. There’s a chapter on Beating the Blues in my book ‘Optimum nutrition for the Mind’.

Who is Sarah? Is she Patrick’s other half or some other female of his acquaintance whose mood swings have to be controlled through regular doses of supplements. Is Patrick really suggesting that the best solution to a person with a bad mood is to drug them with teh happy pills? Incidentally a months supply of the mood pack costs £51.90 and the book costs £9.74. Evidentially Patrick considers £60/month money well spent when controlling a moody female.

Meggy: Hi, I follow a vegan diet, how do I ensure that I get sufficient Omega oils?

Patrick Holford: The difficulty is Omega 3. They are in flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and hemp seeds, so have a spoonful (ideally ground) a day. But the conversion to the really powerful EPA/DHA Omega 3s found in fish is poor.

Patrick Holford: I’m a ’smoked salmon vegan’ because I don’t think you can get enough of the really powerful Omega 3s from seeds alone.

Well this is a sensitive discussion of somebody’s principled dietary stance. Tell them they are not getting enough omega 3s then mock their position with a flippant comment about salmon. Nice one Patrick. I suspect his science is bollocks too.

Alex: Hi..I think my dad suffers from depression. Can what you said on the show really help?

Patrick Holford: Absolutely. Just do what I said for Audrey. The book is really helpful. Exercise and sunlight also improve mood. So get him out for walks.

Treat you dad like a dog, Alex. Walkies. It will do him good. Oh and buy my book.

Rahma: Good morning. I suffer from really bad paranoia. It eats up my life - is there anything that can help?

Patrick Holford: I am director of the Brain Bio Centre in London, where we work with people such as yourself. Check it out on www.brainbiocentre.com. Our success rate is very high.

Personally I would recommend a visit to the GP to ask for a referral to a mental health specialist. Patrick recommends a visit to a centre, staffed by largely non-medically qualified individuals, that makes him money. I will flag this up as a breach of 6.3, implying his therapy is better than medical care, 7.1 b) for implying cure through his success rate and 7.1 e), on grounds of (in)competence.

Tina: Hi, at Easter I changed my eating habits. I cut out coffee, chocolate, pasta, bread and dairy. I now eat lots of fresh fruit and veg, drink lemon juice with water and fresh fruit juices. I’ve lost weight and feel better for it except for one thing. I am constantly constipated. Please help.

Patrick Holford: Have soaked oats or porridge in the morning with a big spoonful of ground flax seeds. Drink lots of water. Take up yoga or something that gets you doing abdominal breathing. The exercise ‘udiyama’ is brilliant for constipation.

There is of course no yoga exercise called ‘udiyama’, perhaps Patrick means ‘uddiyana’. I am also not sure what Patrick’s rationale is for any link between breathing and constipation, in Patrick’s case there certainly is a link between speaking and defecation but the problem certainly isn’t a blockage. Yet another mark for 7.1 e), competence.

David P: Dear Patrick, I have a heart arhythmia and take magnesium and a number of other supplements. I’ve heard that Vit K2 is good at preventing clacification of the arteries. Is this true and do you know where I can source it in the UK?

Patrick Holford: It’s not where I’d focus. CoEnzyme Q10 (90mg a day) helps improve heart muscle function. Make sure your homocysteine level has been checked and is low. Yorktest also do a homtest kit. See www.thehfactor.com.

While Patrick is right in saying that Q10 may have beneficial effects in the case of arrhythmia, no wait he doesn’t use the caveats necessary to imply the uncertain nature of research - he makes a definitive statement that is too strong to be supported by the literature. Also, the H factor is a website that recommends a £75 test and a book priced at £6.74. That’s another breach of 7.1 e). Regretably there is nothing in the BANT code to prohibit taking financial advantage of clients.

Sharon: Hi, I was watching LK today and it was like looking in the mirror. Everything Sarah said related to how I feel and have done for years. I also feel that this has affected my family life as I am always tired, have headaches and do not seem to have any get up and go.

Patrick Holford: This approach is so powerful. GMTV put up some great links for each topic. My book ‘The New Optimum Nutrition Bible’ tells the whole story and it’s so doable.

Ahh Sarah must be a prize patient of Patrick’s to be paraded in front of the media, no doubt a Holford administered pilled up passive participant. Patrick’s book will cost you £8.44 with all profits going to his enterprises. I’m not sure a book by a man who openly admits giving his patients mood altering drugs then dragging them on tv (in an altered state?) to push his pills will be balanced and reliable, questions over competence - another breach of 7.1 e)

Paula: I constantly crave sweet things all day long. Please help.

Patrick Holford: I put Elaine and Sarah on my Holford Low GL Diet (see www.holforddiet.com) and gave them a supplement of chromium 200mcg x 2 with breakfast. If you do the diet and take chromium your cravings will go.

Holfordwatch did an excellent examination of Holfords claims regarding chromium and it turns out that he is displaying his usual talent for pseudo scientific reverse coprophagia. A months supply of Patrick’s chromium pills will cost you £14.95. The chromium episode also revealed the striking ignorances in Patrick’s knowledge, another breach of 7.1 e). Holford Watch also have an excellent examination of the GL diet here.

Clare: Hi Patrick. I have had an undiagnosed hip problem since the birth of my son 4 years ago which flares up when I am stressed. Have you any idea what foods can be the cause of this?

Patrick Holford: It sounds like inflammation. Meat and dairy encourage it, while fish and flax seeds are anti-inflammatory. You may have a food allergy and it’s worth getting tested (see www.yorktest.com).

Will Patrick’s powers of internet diagnosis never cease to amaze? Clare’s problem is undiagnosed implying that she has not seen a GP or a GP failed to find anything wrong with her, this doesn’t stop Patrick from coming up with an instant diagnosis of inflammation. This is a modern medical miracle. Patrick must have awesome superpowers to remote diagnose problems based on a one sentence description. There is of course no evidence to support his assertion on food types and inflammation, but this doesn’t perturb this diagnostic savant, he is also happy to plug his test kit which costs how much? Oh and another breach of 7.1 e) - competence.

Laura: Please could you tell me the best place to get a food intolerance test and roughly how much it will cost? Thanks.

Patrick Holford: www.yorktest.com. A full 113 food allergy test is about £200, but what they do (from a hometest kit which costs £20) is test if you have any allergic reaction. If not, you’ve wasted £20. If so, they’ll have your blood, deduct the £20 and recommend you have the full allergy test. It’s worth it.

Anybody else have the start of Pink Floyd’s ‘Money’ running through their head at this point? Patrick probably does. Now while wasting £20 may seem like nothing to a successful businessman like Patrick it probably is to those on low or average income. I’m curious as to how many of the £20 customers are told that they don’t have any allergies so don’t have to pay for the full kit?

Louise: Hi, I have seen your article today about tiredness and depression. I think I have the same symptoms. I am still breastfeeding - are the supplements suitable for me to take?

Patrick Holford: Yes. Everything I’ve recommended is suitable for both you and your baby. Supplementing fish oils makes your child smarter.

Here is a case study showing that over the counter supplements can cause health problems in young children. I wish Patrick would be more careful in his advice. Perhaps he did not receive enough fish oils as a child. Another breach of 7.1 e).

Artyone: I have a daughter who over the last year has had 3 kidney infections, bladder infections and inflamed gall bladder. She was a veggie for 7 years and started eating meat 18 months ago. She has gained 1 stone in weight. Can you help?

Patrick Holford: She needs to see one of my nutritionists. Go to www.patrickholford.com, select ‘consultations’. I’ll tell you who to see locally. It’s a free service.

Of course Patrick would never recommend that somebody see their GP, perhaps because it is free and won’t fatten the Holford wallet? It’s also odd that Patrick seems to suggest that he personally replies to people who fill out forms on the consultation section of his website, wouldn’t it be a better use of the Holford time, and time is money, to employ somebody to deal with such enquiries? Maybe this happens already and Patrick is lying to us, or maybe Patrick is his organisation, a vast money making pill pushing symbiotic organism. A superorganism - a cybernetic blend of organic life, inorganic minerals and technology all striving towards a common purpose. Scary.

Donna: Hi, I’ve not long had a baby, she’s almost 8 wks old, and I’d like to know what diet you would recommend to help me lose the baby fat!

Patrick Holford: Go on my Holford Low GL Diet. It’s available at www.holforddiet.com. It works brilliantly. Also, get your muscles back in shape.

Patrick Holford: There’s a brilliant exercise system- Psychocalisthenics - takes 15 mins. By the way, this weekend I’m teaching my 100% Health Weekend Workshop to transform people’s health. You learn this in the process. See www.patrickholford.com

The Holford Low GL Diet, yours for just £7.99. The GL diet is scientifically proven to be no better than the alternatives but endorsed by Holford. Is anyone surprised? Psychocalistenics appears to be absent from the academic literature. Sigh, yet another breach of 7.1 e) - competence.

Ross: Hi Patrick, I’m 17 years old and was diagnosed with crohn`s disease last year. I was on a diet of only elemental 028 liquid for 9 weeks, howerver I have gradually got back to eating most foods. Are there any foods that you would recommend that I eat or avoid to help try and control my condition?

Patrick Holford: Everynoe [sic] with Crohn’s has allergies. Get yourself tested. Most react to either wheat, milk or yeast, not oats. I suggest you read ‘ Imrpvoe Your Digestion’ - there’s a chapter on Crohns, available at www.patrickholford.com.

I suspected that Patrick’s assertion that everybody with Crohn’s disease has allergy is bollocks, I can’t find any evidence to support his claim. “Improve Your Digestion” clocks in at £5.49. I’m not surprised that Patrick doesn’t recommend that Ross check out the National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s Disease for their free advice as it would mean no royalties for him. And as is becoming clear - profit makes for happy Patrick. He doesn’t seem to care that his advice breaches 7.1 e) on yet more (in)competence.

Judy: Hello Patrick, How do I find a nutritionist in my area please, who can offer the same advice as you?

Patrick Holford: Either go to my website and click on ‘consultations’ or have me as your nutritionist by comnig [sic] to this weekend’s 100% Health workshop.

Patrick’s weekend seminars typically cost upwards of £126 depending on how much money you have given Patrick for other services. It’s not cheap but if you want to get healthy the Holford way then the more you spend the better you get, it’s like scientology really.

Nicki: Hi my name is Nicki, can you help me please? I suffer from low energy levels and lightheadedness, I follow the Weight Watchers programme, but do drink about 4 cups of tea a day, is there anything I can do to make me feel better?

Patrick Holford: You’d be much better off on what’s called a Low GL diet. This involves ‘grazing rather than gorging’ on the foods that keep your blood sugar level even. Read my Holford Low GL Diet.

Now personally I’ve never had to follow a diet plan so can’t vouch for the efficacy of various programmes. However, Weight Watchers has been shown to be reasonably good for you. There has been no scientific research in to Patrick’s Low GL diet, although GL diets in general have been shown to have no specific advantages, however there are numerous books written by Patrick on the subject. Profit for Patrick trumps evidence yet again. Of course 7.1 e) competence is breached yet again.

Dee: Hi, Is there anything I can include/exclude from my diet to help with aching joints? I am only 34 but when I get up in the morning, feel like I am 60 because my back aches and my ankle joints are stiff and crack. Thanks.

Patrick Holford: You almost certainly have allergies. Everyone is different. Also read ‘ Say no to Arthritis’ - available on my website.

Again this shows the remarkable remote diagnostic powers of Patrick Holford. If only establishing allergies was as easy as taking the word of a pill peddler. And buying his book at £6.49. What is it with Holford and allergies anyway, one would think every medical complaint has its roots in an allergic reaction. Does Patrick have a commercial interest in allergy testing? Oh and he is clearly incompetent, once more another breach of 7.1 e).

Paul: I have become really confused by the many conflicting diets that are around. Where can I get advice as to what constitutes a healthy diet?

Patrick Holford: The place to start is my book ‘The New Optimum Nutrition Bible’. It’s based on our 25 years research at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition and will clarify all your confusion.

The ION might have been doing research for 25 years but they have published nothing in peer reviewed journals. Instead they have consolidated Patrick’s business creating a network of nutritionists in hock to the charms of the man and his product. The book is £8.49. Profit for Patrick is better than scientific research.

Rob: Drinking guiness puts me on a high the next day, this presumably indicates low iron, should i get a blood test done by my doctor before getting a good multivitamin?

Patrick Holford: Guiness [sic] is higher in B vitamins too. If you’re not pale and chronically tired I’d just take a multi. I take Higher Nature’s Optimum Nutrition Pack for Mind and Body (www.healthrpoductsforlife.com).

I’m surprised Patrick with all his nutritional knowhow didn’t correct Rob and point out that, actually, there isn’t that much Iron in Guinness. However Guinness is fairly well endowed in the vitamin department and while it may not be good for you, it certainly is less bad for you than some if its competitors. The Optimum Nutrition Pack is a snip at £34.95 for a months supply. Or you could buy 10 pints of Guinness (in a classy establishment or London) for the same and have much more fun.

Jo: Would like to know if the GI diet is ok for someone who is underweight?

Patrick Holford: I’m recommending a GL diet which is better. If you are underweight the same principles apply, but not the quantities. Underweight often means digestion problems. Try taking a digestive enzyme with each meal.

Of course, as previously pointed out, there is no evidence that the GL diet has any special advantage. There is anecdotal evidence that it may increase the size of Patrick’s purse. I also think it is odd that Patrick would hypothesise that Jo might not produce enough digestive enzymes. If he really thought this was the case should he be advising an urgent trip to the GP and referral for a battery of tests as it would be a really, really fucking serious problem? Once again we must criticise Patrick’s competence - breach of 7.1 e)

Sparkle: Hi, I’ve suffered from panic attacks for the last 3 years and I’ve tried anti-depressants but the panic attacks came back. Im now seeing a psychologist to talk through the anxiety but was wondering if there any changes to my diet that may help? I’m 26.

Patrick Holford: The best option would be to come to our Brain Bio Centre (www.brainbiocentre.com). If you can’t do that read ‘Optimum Nutrition for the Mind’. There’s a lot in there that might help you.

An NHS psychologist will not cost the patient anything (directly, albeit through taxation we all fund it). The Brain Bio Centre state the costs as follows. “Most patients spend about £600 to £1100 over several months, plus between £2 and £3 per day for supplements over this time.”. Scandalous. Optimum Nutrition for the Mind is £9.74. I can see the pound signs revolving in Patrick’s eyes. This is a clear breach of 6.3 as he implies that his method is better than medical care, likewise a clear breach of 7.1 e).

Jennie: I have just watched your piece on fighting depression and the importance of fish oils, but I don’t like fish, is there anything else I can take?

Patrick Holford: Can you swallow a fish oil capsule? Best value is Omega 3 Fish Oil at www.healthproductsforlife.com. Flax and pumpkin seeds contain Omega 3 but not enough for a mood boost.

Now Patricks fish pills will cost you £15.94 for a months supply. Your local supermarket will no doubt be cheaper. I am also slightly concerned that Patrick is advocating pill popping for improving ones mood. I though the days of mothers little helper were long gone.

EileenAli: I would like to start trying for a baby in the new year and am confused what diets are right for me - eg GI, Low Carb etc.

Patrick Holford: My Holford Low GL Diet is perfect for everybody, pregnant or otherwise. Also read ‘ Optimum Nutrition Before, During, After Pregnancy’.

As before it is worth pointing out there is no published peer reviewed evidence stating the perfection of Patrick’s profitable diet programme. His book will set you back £6.49. Personally my advice for trying for a baby is unprotected sex and lots of it. Probably best with the same person though.

Hazel: Hi Patrick I’d really like some advice on good (and tasty) snacks to help keep my blood sugar levels even - I don’t like much fruit (although i do like fruit smoothies) and a handful of nuts and seeds doesn’t really appeal. At the moment I reach for a packet of crisps.

Patrick Holford: Get some Clearspring Roasted Pumpkin seeds. Surpisingly delicious. And try Nairn’s Oat Cakes and oat biscuits. The ginger ones are my favourite. Strawberries are great for you.

Well this is a first, Patrick recommending somebody else’s product. He has obviously not got into the oat cake business. However, the intention was to recommend a low sugar product then it aint oatcakes or biscuits. Oh, it turns out that Patrick officially endorses Nairn’s oatcakes. Kerching, profit in the Patrick pocket.  Funny how he neglects to mention his financial involvement with Nairns when plugging their product.

Rebekah: Please can you help with nutrition during the early stages of pregnancy?

Patrick Holford: You must either eat oily fish twice a week or/and supplement fish oils. Again, my book ‘ Optimum Nutrition Before, During and After Pregnancy’ tells you everything.

You must, must you? This man is an arsehole. He has no expertise in nutrition while pregnant. You need to see a GP or a dietician for that, which will cost you nothing. Alternatively you could pay £6.49 or Patrick’s book. The choice is yours, Rebekah with a ‘k’. Oh and yet more incompetence, 7.1 e) breached more times than the levee’s of New Orleans.

Jo: Hello Patrick, have you any ideas what could help my mother who is experiencing very severe menopausal hot flushes? She has cut out stimulants like tea and coffee etc and is taking black cohosh with no effect.

Patrick Holford: The most effective is ‘natural progesterone’ - look at the Natural Progesterone Society. Eat some soya everyday. Phytoestrogens help. Abdominal breathing helps big time. You’ll learn this in a yoga class.

I’ve previously pointed out that progesterone is progesterone whether synthetic or natural. Also, there is little if any scientific evidence that soya or phytoestrogens help despite Patrick’s claims. Patrick’s ignorance of yoga has been highlighted earlier. The man is a clueless pillock. Another breach of 7.1 e), competence.

Fiona: Hello. Can you recommend any foods to combat the symptoms of polycystic ovary?

Patrick Holford: This is mainly caused by ‘insulin resistance’, which is caused by blood sugar fluctuations, which is solved by follwing my ‘Holford Low GL Diet’ - see www.holforddiet.com.

Oh for crying out loud Patrick. You are wrong. Polycystic ovaries have many causes and there is a correlation with insulin resistance in some patients. It is not mainly caused by insulin resistance. Also while dietary interventions may help you would be best advised to discuss this with a GP/dietician. Still there is no profit in sensible advice for our Patrick, there is profit in ignorant pill and book peddling. I will also mark him down for breaching 6.1 for mentioning his product but not a medical practitioner, 7.1 b) for implying cure, ie solving, and 7.1 e) for incompetence.

Jackie: I am a 53-year-old woman, just about starting the change of life. I am not fat anywhere but my stomach, I have even been asked if I am pregnant by aquaintances! I have tried the slimming world plan but can’t seem to loose my tummy! Should I seek help from my GP?

Patrick Holford: You’ve probably got bloating. This means you are either allergic or not digesting properly. See www.patrickholford.com/ibs. Also, the exercise system I teach in my 100% Workshop this weekend is brilliant for flat tummies! See the website. There’s 8 places left.

Now looky here. Here we have somebody entertaining the thought that they should visit their GP. Look how quick Patrick is to remote diagnose then recommend his expensive workshop at the expense of a free visit to the GP. Can he sink any lower? Clear breach of 6.3, replacing medical care with his therapy, and of course 7.1 e) competence.

Antie: I suffer with heavy periods. Are there any particular foods or vitamins that could help combat this problem? Thanks.

Patrick Holford: Generally, this relieves quickly if you follow the advice for PMS on www.patrickholford.com/pms. If not, read ‘ Balancing Hormones Naturally’.

I would recommend the NHS pages on PMS, written by qualified individuals, rather than Patrick’s version of reality. His book costs £5.49.

Heather: Hello, I’m Heather and I’m 13 years old. I feel really sad all the time and I’m seeing a counsellor at school but I’m always crying and it’s really horrible - please help me!

Patrick Holford: Firstly, do what you can from www.patrickholford.com/depressionandmood. Secondly, do take a fish oil capsule and chromium 200mcg x 2 am. Thirdly, have you thought of calling Childline? If your folks can afford it come to my Brain Bio Centre. There is a solution. We’ve just got to find it.

OK, this is it, the ultimate low, taking advantage of children. Patrick Holford’s standards have finally dragged their flaccid underbelly across the floor of the Mariana Trench. Why the fuck should Patrick recommend his website, then recommend a bullshit capsule combination before mentioning Childline? Priorities Patrick. Your profit is not more important than child welfare. 7.1 e) breached of course.

Kate: How can i make an appointment to see you and is it expensive?

Patrick Holford: I don’t see people one-to-one but I do advise you via my 100% Health Weekend Workshop - and stay with you for 3 months afterwards. The next one is this weekend. I do have a team of great nutritionists. All the details are on www.patrickholford.com.

Patrick Holford: Great questions! If you have any more go to the question/answer section of www.patrickholford.com.Remember the definition of insanity is….to keep doing the same things and expect different results. This stuff works.

Well the 100% Health Weekend Workshops start at £159 for non-members.  This is expensive.  As always I must point people to the mighty Holford Watch when it comes to analysing Patrick’s claims for his products.

So in the course of this brief webchat Patrick has breached the BANT code of ethics numerous times, which as a Fellow one would expect him to respect, plugged well over a thousand pounds of his own products and courses, and offered advice that is at very best misleading and is mostly staggeringly wrong.  It is clear the man is a complete chump only interested in profiting from his bullshit ideas and scientific illiteracy.  It is also doubly staggering that BANT see nothing wrong in a man like Patrick who relentlessly takes financial advantage of others, is demonstrably stupifyingly ignorant and breaches their code of ethics.  In fact one might be compelled to complain to BANT about this.  It beggars belief that this man is taken seriously by some sections of the media and allowed to indulge in advertorials masquerading as advice sessions in their name.  Sometimes I feel like I am one of the few sane people in this world, even respectable instituitions such as the University of Teesside have fallen for his slick patter, sometimes I wonder if the definition of insanity is a world in which people respect the opinions of Patrick Holford.