What is a structure-function claim?

A structure-function claim refers to statements that describe the role of a nutrient or dietary ingredient in affecting the structure or function of the body. For example, a claim that a specific vitamin supports immune system health is a structure-function claim. It highlights how a nutrient contributes to a bodily function or structure without directly linking it to a disease or health condition.

These claims are generally less regulated than health claims, which are required to have scientific evidence and approval from the FDA, but they can still be made so long as they meet specific criteria. Structure-function claims cannot state that a product can diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure a disease, but they can discuss the general support of a physiological function or structure. This distinction is crucial for understanding how various claims about dietary supplements and foods are categorized and regulated in the marketplace.