Quick Claims Guide – Do’s and Dont’s when discussing supplements.

• Do refer to temporary emotions (“lifts mood,” “reduces irritability”).
• Do use cosmetic claims (“cleanses,” “improves appearance”).
• Do use structure-function claims only with products labeled for internal use.
  • Use words such as “health,” “wellness,” “supports,” “maintains,” etc.
  • Refer to general body parts and systems (“for heart health,” “supports the respiratory system”).
  • Refer to normal conditions associated with a natural state or process (“morning sickness during pregnancy,” “hot flashes during menopause”).
  • Use qualifiers such as “mild,” “typical,” “normal,” “occasional,” or other words to distinguish a temporary or minor condition from a symptom of disease (“occasional stomach upset,” “muscle soreness following exercise”).
• Do use the FDA disclaimer only with structure-function claims.

• Don’t use disease claims.
• Don’t use words such as “disease,” “illness,” “cure,” “treat,” “repair,” “chronic,” etc.
• Don’t refer to any disease or illness, such as cancer, diabetes, autism, cold, flu, etc.
• Don’t refer to symptoms of disease such as coughing, sneezing, fever, etc.
• Don’t recommend a product as a substitute for a drug.
• Don’t recommend a product to augment a therapy or drug.
• Don’t imply a disease claim through pictures or symbols.

Cosmetic claims: Claims that a product cleanses, beautifies, promotes attractiveness, or alters appearance.

Structure-function claims: Claims that a product helps the body stay healthy and function normally or contributes to general wellbeing, e.g., “supports the immune system.”

Disease/drug/medical claims: Claims that a product diagnoses, prevents, treats, or cures disease.

Disease: Damage to an organ, part, structure, or system of the body such that it does not function properly.

FDA disclaimer: “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.”