Nu-Zymes or Lifezymes? Can You Please Get the Name of Your Own Damn Product Straight!
February 28th, 2008 Paul Lucas
Imagine that someone put time and effort into writing, taping, and editing an infomercial. Imagine that people then spent substantial money to air that infomercial on television. I would have assumed that any such infomercial would at least know the name of the product they are trying to sell.
One infomercial currently being broadcast proves me wrong, however. The infomercial in question sells a digestive enzyme product called Nu-Zymes…or is it Lifezymes? During the main part of the infomercial Dr. Janet McCarrow and expert Dr. Michael Pinkus (a veteran of many health infomercials on TV and radio) refer to the product only as “Lifezymes.” The testimonials all feature people speaking of how the “Lifezymes” formula has helped them. But when this program goes to the “commercial” portion, the announcer and on-screen graphics mention only a product called “Nu-Zymes.”
I suppose that Lifezymes and Nu-Zymes are different names for the same product, but this is never made explicit in the infomercial.
Why in the world would a product name change be made in the middle of putting an infomercial together? Was there some legal reason, or did compelling consumer research that tell them that “Nu-zymes” was a far superior product name than “Lifezymes”? If so, why didn’t they just go ahead and re-shoot the entire infomercial?
If I were interested in the product, I’d be a bit intimidated to order something if I wasn’t actually sure of its name:
Operator: Thank you for calling. How may I help you?
Caller: I’d life to order Lifezymes.
Operator: What the hell are Lifezymes? This is the Nu-Zymes order line, you idiot!
So take this as a lesson all you aspiring infomercial producers: Do us all a favor and please decide on the name of your own damn product!
You are spot on! I saw the infomercial today and noticed the same discrepency and thought that maybe it was me! They really should check into correcting that so their customers won’t be confused as to what they are actually purchasing.
Comment by Charles Caiopella — April 21st, 2008 at 7:59 am
The product idea–enzymes–are critical to health. However, we have no assurance of actual ingredients v. excipients (that which is used to excise the vitamin, which oftentimes are poisons). Plus, when you call, the girl taking the order will read the ingredients (barely if able) and you find out that they’re using gelatin capsules, so you get mad cow as an added benefit. When the same product changes its name, it’s usually because of a lawsuit. So go to a reputable company at a top name health food store and get it there.
Comment by KT — April 24th, 2008 at 11:08 am
I remember when this tool used to appear on another infomercial, I think it was called “Health Update.” It was masquerading as a legit show (I LOVE those kind of infomercials) and I think it was hosted by some woman named Sherry Renedeer.
Comment by Evgueni — September 10th, 2008 at 3:05 am
I have been taking Nu Zymes for 3 years. It is the only thing that has helped my severe acid reflux. Several Dr. recommended substances failed to help to any degree. I don’t care what they call it Nuzymes or Lifezymes.;…it works for me.
Comment by J. Higgins — August 10th, 2010 at 9:46 am
UH this wouldn’t have been written by some of Dr. Pinkus’ competitors would it???
Comment by Jay Kamrowski — August 10th, 2010 at 9:49 am