Origin: a Latin derivative
meaning "Gift of the Earth."
Quick Claims Guide
Do
- Do refer to aroma and atmosphere (“has an uplifting aroma,” “creates a relaxing atmosphere”).
- 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
- 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.
Definitions
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.”
| Disease Claim | Structure-Function Claim* |
|---|---|
| Prevents, treats, cures any kind of sickness, illness, infection, disease, chronic condition, etc. | Supports, or maintains health, wellness, or structures and functions of the body like the brain, the heart, the liver, muscles and joints, the respiratory system, cognitive function, etc. |
| Fights colds and flu | Supports the immune system |
| Relieves insomnia | Relieves occasional sleeplessness |
| Relieves headaches | Relieves head and neck tension |
| Soothes arthritis pain | Supports cartilage and joint function |
| Reduces depression and anxiety | Reduces anxious feelings, helps you relax and soothe away tension, relieves restlessness, eliminates irritability |
| Lowers cholesterol | Maintains healthy cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range |
| For ear infections | For occasional ear discomfort |
| Helps fight obesity | Helps with weight loss plan |
| For dementia and Alzheimer’s | For mild memory problems associated with aging |
| For toxemia | For edema associated with pregnancy |
| For hyperemesis gravidarum | For ordinary morning sickness |
| Prevents osteoporosis | Supports bone health |
| Treats cystic acne | Treats mild acne |
| Relieves heartburn or acid indigestion (without further qualification) | Relieves occasional or mild heartburn or acid indigestion; also, for occasional upset stomach, aids digestion, and alleviates gas or bloating |
| For nausea (without further qualification) | For occasional nausea or motion sickness |
| Relieves constipation (without further qualification) | Relieves occasional constipation |
| Relieves pain (without further qualification) | Relieves minor discomfort or discomfort associated with non-disease states such as minor muscle aches following exercise |
| For chronic fatigue or daytime drowsiness | Helps restore mental alertness or wakefulness when experiencing fatigue or drowsines |
| Fights germs, viruses, bacteria, or allergens | For seasonal threats |
| Prevents diabetes | Use as part of your diet to help maintain an already healthy blood sugar level |
| Along with better dietary and exercise patterns, can prevent conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer | Along with better dietary and exercise patterns, can contribute to better health. |
*These are based on examples from the FDA and are not intended to simply be substitutes for disease claims. Structure-function claims should only be used when substantiated for the product being discussed.
