Handout 2 1 Health Claims and Structure Function Claims Reliable Health Claims on Food Labels The A List Diets adequate in calcium may reduce the risk of osteoporosis Diets low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol and as low as possible in trans fat may reduce the risk of heart disease Diets low in total fat may reduce the risk of some cancers Low fat diets rich in fiber containing grain products fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of some cancers Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol and rich in fruits vegetables and grain products that contain fiber particularly soluble fiber may reduce the risk of heart disease Low fat diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of some cancers Diets adequate in folate may reduce a woman s risk of having a child with a neural tube defect Sugar alcohols do not promote tooth decay Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include soluble fiber from foods may reduce the risk of heart disease Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 25 grams of soy protein may reduce the risk of heart disease Diets rich in whole grain foods and other plant foods and low in total fat saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 3 4 grams of plant stanol esters may reduce the risk of heart disease Diets containing foods that are rich in potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke Drinking fluoridated water may reduce the risk of tooth decay The FDA s Health Claims Report Card Grade A B C D Level of Confidence in Health Claim High Significant scientific agreement Moderate Evidence is supportive but not conclusive Low Evidence is limited and not conclusive Very low Little scientific evidence supporting this claim Required Label Disclaimers These health claims do not require disclaimers see list above for examples Health claim Although there is scientific evidence supporting this claim the evidence is not conclusive Some scientific evidence suggests health claim However FDA has determined that this evidence is limited and not conclusive Very limited and preliminary scientific research suggests health claim FDA concludes that there is little scientific evidence supporting this claim Examples of Structure Function Claims Builds strong bones Promotes relaxation Improves memory Boosts the immune system Supports heart health Defends health colds Slows aging Guards against Lifts spirits
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