| What the health claims are |
| | FDA-Approved Health claim | Other clarifications |
| Folic acid | » “0.8 mg folic acid in a dietary supplement is more effective in reducing the risk of neural tube defects than a lower amount in foods in common form.” | » According to public health authorities, 0.4 mg of folic acid per day is just as effective—and the amount can come from a combination of fortified foods and supplements. |
| Nuts | » “Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.” | » The claim is restricted to almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, some pine nuts, pistachio nuts, and walnuts, even though other nuts may have health benefits. |
| Olive oil | » “Limited and not conclusive evidence suggests that eating about 2 tablespoons (23 grams) of olive oil daily may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease due to the monounsaturated fat in olive oil.” | » Use olive oil instead of butter or oils high in saturated fat. However, don’t increase your overall fat or caloric intake. |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | » Foods: “Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.”
» Supplements: “Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Although there is scientific evidence supporting this claim, the evidence is not conclusive.” | » The health claim for foods containing omega-3 fatty acids came later than that for omega-3 supplements. As a safety precaution, the FDA recommends that people take in no more than 3 grams per day of EPA and DHA, with no more than 2 grams per day from a dietary supplement containing the fatty acids. The FDA encourages manufacturers to limit the products that bear the qualified claim to those that have 1 gram or less of EPA and DHA. Supplements exceeding that amount must have a disclosure statement. |
| Selenium | » “Some scientific evidence suggests that consumption of selenium may reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer.” | » Supplements must have 20 percent or more of the Daily Value (14 mcg for selenium) to carry the health claim. |
| Soy-derived phosphatidylserine | » “Consumption of phosphatidylserine may reduce the risk of dementia in the elderly.” | » The FDA does not mandate a specific level for phosphatidylserine. |
| Vitamin B6, B12, and folic acid | » “As part of a well-balanced diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 may reduce the risk of vascular disease.” | » Go ahead and choose a multivitamin that has all three, but the FDA’s safe upper limit for folic acid is 1,000 mcg. |
| Vitamin E or vitamin C | » “Scientific evidence suggests that consumption of antioxidant vitamins may reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer.” | » The FDA recommends taking a dietary supplement with no more than 2,000 mg of vitamin C and 1,000 mg of vitamin E daily. |
| Walnuts | » “Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces per day of walnuts, as part of a low-saturated-fat and low-cholesterol diet and not resulting in increased caloric intake, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.” | » Enjoy a handful, but be aware of overindulging given walnuts’ high fat and calorie content. |
You’ve read the labels: Folic acid can reduce the risk of neural tube birth defects. Olive oil and walnuts ward off coronary illness. Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids lower heart disease risk. But what do all these health claims stamped on food packages really mean for consumers?