Structure/function claims describe the role of a dietary component intended to affect normal structure or function in humans; for example, “fiber keeps you regular.”

Label claims for functional foods

There are three categories of claims that U.S. food and beverage manufacturers may make in relation to health and wellness. They are: health claims, nutrient content claims and structure/function claims.

Health claims describe a relationship between a food or food component, and reducing the risk of a disease or health-related condition. Such claims are closely regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, with one such approved claim being: Adequate calcium and vitamin D, as part of a well-balanced diet, along with physical activity, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

The F.D.A. also allows for content claims, which describe the level of a dietary component in a product. One option is to identify the actual amount per serving of a specific component; for example, contains 32 mg of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (D.H.A.). Another option is to use an approved descriptor for dietary components that have an established Daily Value. For example, “high in protein” must deliver 20% or more of the Daily Value for protein, which would be 10 grams or more per serving.

Structure/function claims describe the role of a dietary component intended to affect normal structure or function in humans; for example, “fiber keeps you regular.” Such claims also may characterize the means by which the component acts to maintain such structure or function; for example, “fiber improves transit time.” Structure/function claims are considered general health promotion claims and cannot make reference to a disease state.