When it comes to supplements, the information on labels can be confusing. Have you ever wondered what makes a health claim authorised ornon-authorised? Understanding the difference is crucial, especially if you're someone who takes supplements regularly.
I’m Hala, founder ofDietapplements, and when I first entered the supplement industry, I had no idea what these terms meant. Even a year in, I was still clueless! So today, let’s break it down in simple terms and explain why this matters for you as a consumer.
Authorised vs. Non-Authorised Health Claims
What Are Authorised Health Claims?
Authorised health claims are statements backed bysolid scientific evidence and approved by regulators. In the UK and EU, these claims must meet strict guidelines to ensure they are not misleading.
For example, ourJoints & Bones Formula states that it“supports normal bones with Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Manganese & Zinc.” This is an authorised health claim because it is supported by scientific research and has been reviewed by regulatory authorities. If a supplement brand makes an authorised claim, you can trust that it has passed rigorous checks.
What About Non-Authorised Health Claims?
Non-authorised health claims are a different story. These claims may sound beneficial butlack the scientific evidence required for approval. They aren’t necessarily false, but they haven’t been officially recognised by regulatory bodies like theEuropean Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
In the UK, supplement brands are not allowed to claim that a product can“cure,” “heal,” or “treat” any medical condition—especially serious diseases like cancer. Making such claims could lead to serious legal consequences. However, non-authorised claims can still be misleading if they exaggerate a product’s benefits.
Who Decides What’s Authorised?
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for reviewing health claims in the EU. According to their official statement, EFSA is“an agency of the European Union set up in 2002 to serve as an impartial source of scientific advice to risk managers and to communicate on risks associated with the food chain.” Essentially, they ensure that supplement claims are based on facts, not marketing gimmicks.
Since supplements are considered food by law, EFSA ensures that companiescan’t mislead consumers with unsupported claims. Their work is grounded in science, though like any regulatory body, bureaucracy plays a role.
How to Protect Yourself as a Consumer
With so much information (and misinformation) out there, how can you make sure you’re choosing the right supplements? Here’s one simple tip:Do Your Research.
Before buying a new supplement, check its health claims against theEU Register of Health Claims here. This can help you verify if a product’s claims are backed by science. Yes, it might take a little extra effort, but in the long run, it ensures you’re getting what you pay for.
Do We at Dietapplements Love Authorised Claims?
Well… not exactly. Naughty, we know! But there’s a reason for that. Stick around for our next blog post, where we’ll explain why we think the system has its flaws and what we believe could be improved.
In the meantime, always stay informed, read labels carefully, and make sure the supplements you take have the backing of real science.Your health deserves it!
-- Written by Hala, founder of Dietapplements
