Who is Navindra Seeram? Indian-American scientist marred in maple syrup row

Navindra Seeram has spent over a decade promoting maple syrup — calling it a “hero ingredient” and “champion food” with sweeping health benefits. But now, the biomedical researcher finds himself at the centre of a controversy.

The New York Times and The Examination reported that Seeram, dean of the School of Pharmacy at the University of New England, has published over 30 studies praising the health potential of maple syrup. Many of these studies were facilitated by Canada’s maple syrup industry and government grants, including at least $2.8 million in funding.

Dr. Seeram, a distinguished chemist, holds a Ph.D. from the University of the West Indies in Jamaica and completed postdoctoral studies at Michigan State University. His tenure at UCLA’s Centre for Human Nutrition further solidified his expertise. Dr Seeram said his interest in plant-based medicine comes from his Caribbean background and childhood experiences with natural remedies.

Seeram’s dual role as both researcher and promoter is raising red flags. “We have to convince the consumer that this sugar is good for you,” Seeram told maple producers at a 2023 conference. His studies often use lab-based tests of maple extract — not the syrup itself — to claim potential benefits like anti-cancer and anti-Alzheimer’s effects.

But experts say his conclusions don’t reflect real-world consumption. “They are framing it in a far more positive light than they should,” said Stanford nutrition scientist Christopher Gardner, as quoted by The New York Times.

While Seeram insists he never said maple syrup cures disease — noting his use of caveats like “may” or “”could”—critics argue these disclaimers are lost in the hype. One worm study linked to Alzheimer’s research, for example, was summarised in a paper as showing “protective effects,” even though the worms, on average, died sooner.

Even the USDA-funded human trial used to validate his work fell flat for independent reviewers, with UC Davis nutritionist Kimber Stanhope saying, “They took it too far.”

Moreover, Seeram has failed to disclose key conflicts of interest in several papers — including his paid consulting role with the Quebec Maple Syrup Producers and co-ownership of a patent for a maple extract.

Still, Seeram defends his work as part of a broader mission to promote natural remedies and says he’s just meeting the terms of his government-funded grants.

“No one can go back to direct-quote from me to say, ‘It’s going to cure cancer,’” he told The Times.

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