The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a nonprofit consumer group, Thursday announced its plans of filing a lawsuit against the multinational company, Bayer HealthCare, for its allegedly "deceptive and irresponsible" advertising that claims selenium in two of its multivitamins may lower the risk of prostate cancer.

Saying that Bayer has been informed about the intended course of action by CSPI, David Schardt, the center's senior nutritionist, in a teleconference with reporters said that the center has already filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The two multivitamins against which the CSPI's action is aimed are - One A Day Men's 50+ Advantage and Men's One A Day Men's Health Formula; both of which contain selenium.

The group contends that Bayer's extensive advertisements, claiming that selenium in its multivitamins helps in reducing prostate cancer risk, are misleading and not supported by most of the leading scientific studies - which say that selenium "does not prevent prostate cancer" in healthy men.

In its complaint to the FTC, the center urged "swift and strong action" against Bayer's claims that are being thus advertised - "A complete multivitamin plus selenium, which emerging research suggests may reduce the risk of prostate cancer."

Meanwhile, Bayer's global spokeswoman Trish McKernan said: "We are standing behind all the claims we make in support of the products."