Not sure what you mean by red herring.

(R&D)Pharma products cost $ to be sure. But they have passed some measure of efficacy prior to marketing approval. We can certainly quibble about how “effective “ some approved meds actually are. But there’s no comparison with supplements.

The only thing you’re guaranteed to have, by taking supplements, is expensive urine.

The really hilarious part is when people shun the stuff that has shown some measure of efficacy, whilst embracing all the garbage that hasn’t.