Health claims on food supplements: the GB rules

What counts as a claim

A claim is any message, including words, pictures, symbols and brand names, that states, suggests or implies a food has particular characteristics (1924/2006 Art 2). Nutrition claims describe content, such as “high in vitamin C”. Health claims link a nutrient or the product to a body function, such as “vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones”.

Use the authorised wording

• Every health claim must match an authorised entry on the GB register. You can reword it only if the meaning to consumers stays the same.
• Don't strengthen it. “Contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue” cannot become “reduces tiredness” or “boosts energy”.
• The claim is about the nutrient, so it should name the nutrient, for example “Magnesium contributes to…”.

Look up any nutrient in our health claim finder.

Meet the conditions of use

Each authorised claim has conditions. For vitamins and minerals this is usually that the product is at least a “source of” the nutrient, meaning a significant amount, generally 15% of the NRV. For supplements this is assessed on the recommended daily dose. Use our %NRV calculator to check.

General wording needs a specific claim

Vague benefit statements such as “supports your wellbeing” are only allowed when they are accompanied by a specific authorised claim (1924/2006 Art 10(3)).

What is never allowed

• Claims to prevent, treat or cure a disease (1169/2011 Art 7). These also risk the product being treated as a medicine.
• Claims listed on the register as non-authorised.
• Claims for botanicals and other substances still under review can only be used in limited circumstances, so check the current position before relying on them.

Common mistakes we catch

• Shortened front-of-pack icons that change the meaning, such as “Immune support” on its own.
• Claims hidden in FAQs, directions or “why take it” panels.
• Product or brand names that imply an unauthorised claim.
• Claims for a nutrient present below the condition of use.

Every ProofMyLabel check compares each claim on your pack with the current GB register.