Groupon explained that the practitioner with whom they ran the promotion had qualifications in iridology and nutritional microscopy and had studied for a degree in Chinese medicine before qualifying as a personal trainer and a nutritionist. They maintained that this was important when considering issues 2, 3 and 4 because it provided a foundation on which to understand the basis of the claims. They said that blood analysis was only one element of the service provided by the practitioner and that patients were also able to receive dietary advice and tailor-made eating plans based on their individual needs.

1. Groupon did not provide any evidence to substantiate the claim that the Live Blood Test could detect food intolerances and allergies. They pointed out they had requested this documentation from the practitioner but he was only able to provide documentation explaining the theory on which his food intolerance and allergy testing was based.

2. Groupon explained that someone visiting the clinic with weight problems would discuss their needs and be prescribed a sensible eating and lifestyle plan which could help with those issues. They said the results were not guaranteed but the overall programme could help people achieve weight loss goals, hence the phrase "weight loss assisting test" in the ad. Groupon said they had not purported that a Live Blood Test alone was capable of achieving the weight loss.

3. Groupon said that poor diet, lack of exercise and sleeping problems could all contribute to feelings of fatigue and that an effective way to address these issues, and their consequences, was to look at the person's lifestyle, eating and exercise habits and work with them to implement a plan which would result in greater levels of physical stamina, a more efficient use of energy and an ability to rest adequately. They pointed out that a well-balanced diet may also help with levels of concentration, helping to tackle mental fatigue. They said they had not purported that a Live Blood Test alone was capable of helping to battle fatigue and that this was only part of the service, the other elements being dietary and exercise advice and tailor-made nutritional plans.

4. Groupon explained that "helping maintain the body's natural defence mechanism" related to a healthy lifestyle and diet which allowed the body to function efficiently and maintain resistance to the types of germs and allergens people encounter every day. They maintained that incorporating adequate levels of vitamins and minerals into one's diet could, alongside sensible amounts of exercise and rest, play a role in maintaining a level of defence natural to the body. They pointed out that they had not claimed to improve the ability of the body to resist illness or disease, but simply to maximise its natural function through sensible lifestyle choices. They said this particular claim was deliberately preceded by "... help to determine a suitable nutritional programme ..." in order to ensure clarity over what part of the assessment and implementation process would engender this benefit.