Health Claims Simply Explained: What’s Behind the Health Promises

What are health claims?

Health claims are health-related statements that describe the effect of a food or food supplement on the body. They show how a certain nutrient can have a positive effect on health, such as:
“Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.”

In the EU, such claims are strictly regulated to protect consumers from misleading promises. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) checks whether a claim can be scientifically proven before it is approved. Only approved health claims may be used on products. This way you can be sure that the information is reliable.

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Why is there a legal regulation?

The legal regulation protects consumers from unsubstantiated and exaggerated advertising claims. In the past, companies could claim almost any health effect for their products. Since 2006, the Health Claims Regulation (No. 1924/2006) has ensured that only scientifically proven claims are permitted. The EFSA thoroughly checks every health claim.

Example:
❌ “This product cures joint pain in just 7 days!” (Invalid – no scientific basis)
✅ “Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.” (Allowed – scientifically proven and approved)

Thanks to this regulation, you can be sure that you will not find any false promises on dietary supplements.

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Which health claims are allowed?

Only health claims that are scientifically proven , clearly formulated and free from exaggerated statements may be used.

Approved health claims:
🔹 “Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA) contribute to normal brain function.”
🔹 “Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function.”
🔹 “Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.”

Not allowed:
❌ Exaggerated statements such as “rejuvenates the skin by years”
❌ Healing promises such as “cures arthritis”
❌ Statements without scientific basis

Tip: Look for reputable manufacturers who only use tested and approved health claims. If a claim sounds too good to be true, it usually is!

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What does this mean for dietary supplements?

Since food supplements are not medicines, they are not allowed to make any promises of healing . Companies are only allowed to use approved health claims that have been reviewed by the EFSA.

For manufacturers this means:
✔ Only scientifically proven statements are allowed.
✔ No advertising with exaggerated or unrealistic effects.
✔ Health claims must be used exactly as authorized.

For consumers this means:
🔍 When buying, look for manufacturers who follow the rules.
⚠️ Products with statements such as “heals” or “guaranteed to work” are dubious and often inadmissible.
📑 The EFSA Health Claims list helps you identify verified statements.

Example:
A vitamin D supplement may not claim: “Guaranteed to help against osteoporosis!”
✅ Instead it says: “Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.”

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What consumers should pay attention to:

When buying nutritional supplements, it is important to distinguish between serious and dubious advertising promises. Not every product keeps its promises.

Serious health claims:
✅ Reputable manufacturers use approved health claims.
✅ They do not make unrealistic promises of healing .
✅ Transparent information on ingredients and dosage.

Dubious health claims:
❌ Providers who use terms such as “miracle cure” or “instant cure” .
❌ Promises without scientific basis .
❌ Hide important information about origin and dosage.

Here's how to inform yourself:
📌 Check the EFSA list of approved health claims.
📌 Research the ingredients and their effects in reputable sources.
📌 Pay attention to quality seals such as GMP or ISO.
📌 Question exaggerated customer reviews – real reports are often more nuanced.

Remember: If a product sounds too good to be true, it usually is! Do your research to make better health decisions.

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Transparency & trust come first

At AgilNature, we attach great importance to scientifically sound and transparent communication . We only use approved health claims that are based on reliable scientific findings.

As a manufacturer of high-quality nutritional supplements, our goal is not only to offer effective products, but also to educate our customers. We want you to be able to make informed decisions for your health - without misleading promises.

Our principles:
✔ Scientifically proven health claims – no empty promises
✔ Transparency regarding ingredients and effects
✔ Natural ingredients for best results

Our mission is to provide nutritional supplements that are honest , effective and safe – so you can focus on your health while we take care of the quality.

👉 You can find more information about our products in the AgilNature magazine.

Further information and a list of approved health claims can be found on the official website of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): EFSA – Health Claims