Health Claims for Food Supplements

This list is taken from the Annex List to the Food Supplements Directive published by the EU. It covers each nutrient, substance, food or food category for which a claim has been allowed. It then describes the allowed claim and after that, detail any conditions of use of the claim, additional statements or warnings.

July 2013

Activated charcoal 

• Activated charcoal contributes to reducing excessive flatulence after eating

The beneficial effect is obtained with 1g which should be taken at least 30 minutes before and 1g shortly after the meal. 

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) 

• Alpha-linolenic acid contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels 

The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 2 g of ALA. 

Arabinoxylan produced from wheat endosperm 

• Consumption of arabinoxylan as part of a meal contributes to a reduction of the blood glucose rise after that meal

The claim may only be used for food which contains 8 g of arabinoxylan (AX)-rich fibre produced from wheat endosperm (at least 60 % AX by weight) per 100 g of available carbohydrates. 

Barley grain fibre 

• Barley grain fibre contributes to an increase in faecal bulk 

The claim may only be used for food which is high in that fibre.

Beta-glucans 

• Beta-glucans contribute to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels
• Consumption of beta-glucans from oats or barley as part of a meal contributes to the reduction of the blood glucose rise after that meal 

The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 3 g of beta-glucans from oats, oat bran, barley, barley bran, or from mixtures of these betaglucans. Foods should provide at least 1 g of beta-glucans per quantified portion. 

In order to obtain the claimed effect, 4 g of beta-glucans from oats or barley for each 30 g of available carbohydrates should be consumed per meal. 

Betaine 

• Betaine contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism

The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 1.5g of betaine. 

Caution: A daily intake in excess of 4g may significantly increase blood cholesterol levels.  

Biotin 

• Biotin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
• Biotin contributes to normal psychological function
• Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair
• Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes
• Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin

Calcium

• Calcium contributes to normal blood clotting
• Calcium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
• Calcium contributes to normal muscle function
• Calcium contributes to normal muscle function and neurotransmission
• Calcium contributes to normal neurotransmission
• Calcium contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes
• Calcium has a role in the process of cell division and differentiation
• Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones
• Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal teeth

Chitosan

• Chitosan contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels

The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 3 g of chitosan.

Chloride

• Chloride contributes to normal digestion by production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach

The claim cannot be used on chloride from the source sodium chloride.

Choline

• Choline contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism
• Choline contributes to normal lipid metabolism
• Choline contributes to the maintenance of normal liver function

The claim may be used only for food which contains at least 82.5mg of choline per 100g of food.

Chromium

• Chromium contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism
• Chromium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels

The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of trivalent chromium.

Copper

• Copper contributes to maintenance of normal connective tissues
• Copper contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
• Copper contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system
• Copper contributes to normal hair pigmentation
• Copper contributes to normal iron transport in the body
• Copper contributes to normal skin pigmentation
• Copper contributes to the normal function of the immune system
• Copper contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress

Creatine

• Creatine increases physical performance in successive bursts of short-term, high intensity exercise

The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 3 g of creatine.

The claimed effect is for adults performing high intensity exercise.

Docosahexanoic acid (DHA) 

• DHA contributes to maintenance of normal brain function 
• DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision

The claim may be used only for food which contains at least 40mg of DHA per 100g and per 100kcal. 

The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250mg of DHA.

EPA/DHA

• EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart

The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250mg of EPA and DHA.

Fluoride

• Fluoride contributes to the maintenance of tooth mineralisation

Folate

• Folate contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy
• Folate contributes to normal amino acid synthesis
• Folate contributes to normal blood formation
• Folate contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism
• Folate contributes to normal psychological function
• Folate contributes to the normal function of the immune system
• Folate contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
• Folate has a role in the process of cell division

Foods with a low content of saturated fatty acids

• Reducing consumption of saturated fat contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels

Foods with a low content of sodium

• Reducing consumption of sodium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure

Fructose

• Consumption of fructose containing foods leads to a lower blood glucose rise than consumption of sucrose or glucose containing foods

Glucomannan

• Glucomannan contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels

The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 4 g of glucomannan.

• Glucomannan (Konjac mannan) in the context of an energy restricted diet contributes to weight loss

The beneficial effect is obtained with at least 3 g of glucomannan consumed daily in three doses of at least 1 g each, together with 1-2 glasses of water, before meals and in the context of an energy-restricted diet.

Caution: Choking can happen to people with swallowing difficulties or when ingesting with inadequate fluid intake. Take with plenty of water to ensure that the substance reaches your stomach.

Glycaemic carbohydrates

• Glycaemic carbohydrates contribute to the maintenance of normal brain function

The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 130 g of glycaemic carbohydrates.

Guar Gum

• Guar gum contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels

The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 10g of guar gum.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)

• Consumption of Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose with meals contributes to a reduction in the blood glucose rise after those meals

At least 4 g of HPMC should be consumed per meal when wishing to control blood glucose levels.

• Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels

The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of at least 5 g of HPMC.

Iodine

• Iodine contributes to the normal production of thyroid hormones and normal thyroid function 
• Iodine contributes to normal cognitive function (e.g. thinking, problem solving and memory skills) 
• Iodine contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism 
• Iodine contributes to the maintenance of normal skin 
• Iodine contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system

Iron

• Iron contributes to normal cognitive function
• Iron contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
• Iron contributes to normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin
• Iron contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body
• Iron contributes to the normal function of the immune system
• Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
• Iron has a role in the process of cell division

Lactase enzyme

• Lactase enzyme improves lactose digestion in individuals who have difficulty digesting lactose

Consume with each lactose containing meal. Tolerance to lactose is variable and you should seek advice as to the role of this substance in your diet.

Lactulose

• Lactulose contributes to an acceleration of intestinal transit

Linoleic acid (LA)

• Linoleic acid contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels

To bear the claim, the food should contain at least 1,5 g of linoleic acid (LA) per 100 g and per 100 kcal. 

The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 10 g of LA.

Live yoghurt cultures

• Live cultures in yoghurt or fermented milk improve lactose digestion of the product in individuals who have difficulty digesting lactose

To bear the claim, yoghurt or fermented milk should contain at least 108 Colony Forming Units live starter microorganisms (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus) per gram.

Magnesium

• Magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue
• Magnesium contributes to electrolyte balance
• Magnesium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
• Magnesium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system
• Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function
• Magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis
• Magnesium contributes to normal psychological function
• Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal bones
• Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth
• Magnesium has a role in the process of cell division

Manganese

• Manganese contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
• Manganese contributes to the maintenance of normal bones
• Manganese contributes to the normal formation of connective tissue
• Manganese contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress

Melatonin

• Melatonin contributes to the alleviation of subjective feelings of jet lag

The beneficial effect is obtained with a minimum intake of 0.5mg to be taken close to bedtime on the first day of travel and on the following few days after arrival at the destination.

• Melatonin contributes to the reduction of time taken to fall asleep

The beneficial effect is obtained with 1 mg of melatonin consumed close to bedtime.

Molybdenum

• Molybdenum contributes to normal sulphur amino acid metabolism

Monascus purpureous (red yeast rice)

• Monacolin K from red yeast rice contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels

10 mg of monacolin K from fermented red yeast rice preparations should be consumed daily.

Niacin

• Niacin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
• Niacin contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system
• Niacin contributes to normal psychological function
• Niacin contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes
• Niacin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin
• Niacin contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue

Oat grain fibre

• Oat grain fibre contributes to an increase in faecal bulk

Oleic acid

• Replacing saturated fats in the diet with unsaturated fats contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels. Oleic acid is an unsaturated fat.

Pantothenic acid

• Pantothenic acid contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
• Pantothenic acid contributes to normal synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D and some neurotransmitters
• Pantothenic acid contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
• Pantothenic contributes to normal mental performance

Pectins

• Pectins contribute to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels

The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of at least 6 g of pectins.

• Consumption of pectins with meals contributes to the reduction of the blood glucose

At least 10 g of pectins should be consumed per meal when wishing to control blood glucose levels.

Phosphorus

• Phosphorus contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
• Phosphorus contributes to normal function of cell membranes
• Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal bones
• Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth

Plant sterols/stanols

• Plant sterols/stanols contribute to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol

The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of at least 0.8g of plant sterols/stanols.

Polyphenols in olive oil

• Olive oil polyphenols contribute to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress

The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 20g of olive oil. 

(20g of olive oil must contain at least 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives (e.g. oleuropein complex and tyrosol).

Potassium

• Potassium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system
• Potassium contributes to normal muscle function
• Potassium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure

Protein

• Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass
• Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass
• Protein contributes to the maintenance of normal bones

Resistant starch

• Replacing digestible starches with resistant starch at meals contributes to a reduction in the blood glucose rise after those meals.

The food must contain at least 14 % of total starch as resistant starch, in replacement to digestible starch.

Riboflavin (vitamin B2)

• Riboflavin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
• Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes
• Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal red blood cells
• Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin
• Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal vision
• Riboflavin contributes to the normal metabolism of iron in the body
• Riboflavin contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress
• Riboflavin contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue

Rye fibre

• Rye fibre contributes to normal bowel function

Selenium

• Selenium contributes to normal spermatogenesis
• Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair
• Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal nails
• Selenium contributes to the normal function of the immune system
• Selenium contributes to the normal thyroid function
• Selenium contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress

Thiamine (vitamin B1)

• Thiamine contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
• Thiamine contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system
• Thiamine contributes to normal psychological function
• Thiamine contributes to the normal function of the heart

Vitamin A

• Vitamin A contributes to normal iron metabolism
• Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes
• Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin
• Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision
• Vitamin A contributes to the normal function of the immune system
• Vitamin A has a role in the process of cell specialisation

Vitamin B12

• Vitamin B12 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
• Vitamin B12 contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system
• Vitamin B12 contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism
• Vitamin B12 contributes to normal psychological function
• Vitamin B12 contributes to normal red blood cell formation
• Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal function of the immune system
• Vitamin B12 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
• Vitamin B12 has a role in the process of cell division
• Vitamin B6 contributes to normal cysteine synthesis

Vitamin B6

• Vitamin B6 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
• Vitamin B6 contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system
• Vitamin B6 contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism
• Vitamin B6 contributes to normal protein and glycogen metabolism
• Vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological function
• Vitamin B6 contributes to normal red blood cell formation
• Vitamin B6 contributes to the normal function of the immune system
• Vitamin B6 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
• Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity

Vitamin C

• Vitamin C contributes to maintain the normal function of the immune system during and after intense physical exercise

The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of at least 200 mg in addition to the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. (Product must contain at least 200 mg vitamin C.)

• Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels
• Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones
• Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage
• Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of gums
• Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin
• Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of teeth
• Vitamin C contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
• Vitamin C contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system
• Vitamin C contributes to normal psychological function
• Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system
• Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress
• Vitamin C contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
• Vitamin C contributes to the regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E
• Vitamin C increases iron absorption

Vitamin D

• Vitamin D contributes to normal absorption/utilisation of calcium and phosphorus
• Vitamin D contributes to normal blood calcium levels
• Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones
• Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function
• Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth
• Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system
• Vitamin D has a role in the process of cell division

Vitamin E

• Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress

Vitamin K

• Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting
• Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones

Walnuts

• Walnuts contribute to the improvement of the elasticity of blood vessels

The beneficial effect may be obtained with a daily intake of 30 g of walnuts.

Water

• Water contributes to the maintenance of normal physical and cognitive functions
• Water contributes to the maintenance of normal regulation of the body's temperature

The beneficial effect may be obtained with a daily intake of at least 2.0 litres of water per day.

Wheat bran fibre

• Wheat bran fibre contributes to an acceleration of intestinal transit
• Wheat bran fibre contributes to an increase in faecal bulk

Zinc

• Zinc contributes to normal acid-base metabolism
• Zinc contributes to normal carbohydrate metabolism
• Zinc contributes to normal cognitive function
• Zinc contributes to normal DNA synthesis
• Zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction
• Zinc contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism
• Zinc contributes to normal metabolism of vitamin A
• Zinc contributes to normal protein synthesis
• Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal bones
• Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair
• Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal nails
• Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin
• Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood
• Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal vision
• Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system
• Zinc contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress
• Zinc has a role in the process of cell division