In the U.S., FDA-regulated health claims on food labels link nutrients or foods to reduced disease risk and require scientific support and meeting specific nutrient requirements. Examples include calcium and osteoporosis; folate and neural tube defects; sodium and hypertension; soluble fiber (oats, psyllium) and heart disease; soy protein and CHD; plant sterols and CHD; sugar alcohols and dental caries. Consumers should read claim wording and verify current authorizations on the FDA website because specific claims and eligibility criteria can change.

What is a health claim?

A health claim on a food label links a food or nutrient to a reduced risk of a disease or health-related condition. In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows health claims only when scientific evidence supports the relationship. Products that use health claims must also meet nutrient and labeling requirements set by the FDA.

Types of claims and basic rules

  • Authorized health claims are supported by the FDA's determination of significant scientific agreement.
  • Qualified health claims may be allowed when the evidence is weaker; they must include qualifying language to avoid misleading consumers.
  • Structure/function claims (for example, "supports bone health") do not require pre-approval but must not imply disease risk reduction.
Products that carry health claims must meet specific nutrient-content criteria. For example, a product high in total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, or sodium may be disqualified from bearing a health claim even if it contains the named beneficial nutrient (for example, a high-fiber product that is also high in fat may not be eligible).

Examples of FDA health claims (authorized and commonly used)

Below are examples of health claims the FDA has allowed for food labels. This is illustrative, not exhaustive.

  • Calcium and osteoporosis: Adequate calcium intake may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
  • Folate (folic acid) and neural tube defects: Adequate folate intake before and during early pregnancy may reduce the risk of neural tube birth defects.
  • Sodium and hypertension: Diets low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
  • Saturated fat and cholesterol and coronary heart disease (CHD): Diets high in saturated fat and cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease; diets low in these nutrients may reduce risk when combined with other healthy choices.
  • Soluble fiber from oats and psyllium and CHD: Soluble fiber (for example, beta-glucan from oats or soluble fiber from psyllium) as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.
  • Soy protein and CHD: Diets that include a specified daily amount of soy protein as part of a low-fat diet may reduce the risk of heart disease.
  • Plant sterol/stanol esters and CHD: Foods containing added plant sterol/stanol esters, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.
  • Sugar alcohols and dental caries: Foods sweetened with certain sugar alcohols do not promote tooth decay (dental caries).
  • Fruits, vegetables, and some whole grain products and reduced cancer/CHD risk: Diets low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, and certain whole grains have been associated with reduced risk of some cancers and heart disease.
  • Potassium and blood pressure/stroke: Diets that provide adequate potassium may help reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.1

What to watch for on labels

Read the exact claim wording and look for qualifying statements. Also check the Nutrition Facts panel and ingredient list: a claim does not override high levels of disqualifying nutrients.

When to verify

Because authorizations and wording can change, consult the FDA's current guidance and the agency's database of authorized health claims for the most up-to-date list and exact wording before using or relying on a specific label claim.2

  1. Confirm current FDA-authorized claim wording and list for fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain related cancer/CHD claims.
  2. Confirm FDA's current authorized language for potassium and reduced risk of high blood pressure and stroke.
  3. Verify that the FDA's database and guidance cited remain current and note any recent additions or removals of authorized health claims.

FAQs about Dietary And Disease

How does the FDA decide whether a health claim is allowed?
The FDA evaluates the scientific evidence. If evidence meets the agency's standard of significant scientific agreement, it may authorize an unqualified health claim. For weaker evidence, a qualified health claim with limiting language can be allowed.
Can any food make a health claim if it contains a beneficial nutrient?
No. The product must meet FDA nutrient and labeling criteria. Foods high in disqualifying nutrients (for example, excess saturated fat or sodium) generally cannot bear a health claim even if they contain the named nutrient.
What’s the difference between a health claim and a structure/function claim?
A health claim links a food or nutrient to disease risk reduction and requires scientific support or qualification. A structure/function claim describes normal body functions (like "supports bone health") and does not claim disease risk reduction; it does not require pre-approval.
Are the exact claim wordings important?
Yes. Authorized claims have specific wording approved by the FDA. Qualified claims must include the qualifying language required by the agency to prevent misleading consumers.
Where can I check the current list of FDA health claims?
Check the FDA's official website for current guidance and the database of authorized and qualified health claims, since claims and wording are periodically updated.

News about Dietary And Disease

Using Artificial Intelligence to Predict Chronic Disease Through Diet and Multi-Omics Data - News-Medical [Visit Site | Read More]

High-fiber diet linked to reduced risk of heart disease in night shift workers - Medical Xpress [Visit Site | Read More]

How the New Dietary Guidelines Impact Chronic Disease - HealthCentral [Visit Site | Read More]

Eating More Ultra-Processed Foods Raises Heart Disease Risk by Nearly 50% - SciTechDaily [Visit Site | Read More]