EFSA approved supplement claims — a working list and how to use them

Health claims sell supplements. The words on your label and in your marketing determine whether a customer picks up your product or scrolls past it. In the EU, those words are regulated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and enforced under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. You cannot say whatever you want. You can only use claims that have been scientifically evaluated and explicitly authorized.

This is not a bureaucratic inconvenience. It is the foundation of consumer trust in the EU supplement market. Brands that understand the claims framework and use it strategically build credible, defensible products. Brands that ignore it face label rejections, marketplace delistings, and regulatory fines. This guide gives you the working list of high-utility EFSA claims, explains what you can and cannot say, and shows you how to build a compliant label from scratch.

The regulatory framework

Before diving into specific claims, you need to understand the four foundational requirements that govern all health claims on supplements sold in the EU:

1. Claims must be authorized. Only claims that appear in the EU Register of authorized health claims may be used on food supplements. The register is maintained by the European Commission and is publicly searchable. If a claim is not in the register, you cannot use it — regardless of what published research may suggest.
2. Claims must be linked to specific nutrients or substances. Each authorized claim is tied to a specific ingredient at a specific condition of use. "Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system" is authorized for vitamin C. You cannot apply that claim to a different ingredient, even if the ingredient has similar effects.
3. The product must contain a significant amount of the nutrient. To use a health claim, your product must provide at least 15% of the Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) per serving for vitamins and minerals, or the specific condition of use stated in the authorized claim. A product with trace amounts of vitamin C cannot carry immune system claims.
4. Claims must not be misleading. Even authorized claims can be used in a misleading way. Positioning a supplement as a treatment for a disease, implying it is necessary for health, or suggesting that a balanced diet cannot provide adequate nutrients are all prohibited. The claim must be presented in context and not exaggerated.

Two types of authorized claims

Article 13 claims — general function claims

These are the most common claims used on supplements. They describe the role of a nutrient in normal body functions. Examples: "contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism," "contributes to the maintenance of normal bones," "contributes to the normal function of the immune system." Article 13 claims are based on generally accepted scientific evidence and are compiled in the EU Register. There are hundreds of authorized Article 13 claims covering vitamins, minerals, and certain other substances.

The wording of Article 13 claims is specific. You must use the authorized wording or wording that has the same meaning for the consumer. You cannot rephrase a claim to make it sound more compelling if the rephrasing changes the meaning. "Supports your immune system" is acceptable as equivalent to "contributes to the normal function of the immune system." "Supercharges your immunity" is not.

Article 14 claims — disease risk reduction and children's development

Article 14 claims go further than Article 13. They either describe a relationship between a nutrient and the reduction of a disease risk factor, or they relate to children's development and health. These claims require a higher standard of evidence and a specific EFSA opinion for each individual claim.

Examples: "Calcium and vitamin D help to reduce the loss of bone mineral in post-menopausal women" (disease risk reduction). "DHA intake contributes to the normal visual development of infants up to 12 months of age" (children's development). Article 14 claims are powerful marketing tools but carry stricter conditions of use, including specific populations, dosages, and mandatory statements.

The working list — high-utility claims

The full EU Register contains hundreds of authorized claims. Most supplement brands use a much smaller subset. Here are the highest-utility claims organized by ingredient — the ones that appear most frequently on supplement labels and in marketing.

Vitamin C

• Contributes to the normal function of the immune system
• Contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin
• Contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage
• Contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones
• Contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
• Contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
• Contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress
• Increases iron absorption

Vitamin C is the most versatile ingredient for health claims. A single product containing adequate vitamin C can carry claims for immunity, skin, energy, and antioxidant protection. This is why it appears in so many supplement formulations.

Magnesium

• Contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
• Contributes to electrolyte balance
• Contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
• Contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system
• Contributes to normal muscle function
• Contributes to normal protein synthesis
• Contributes to the maintenance of normal bones
• Contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth
• Contributes to normal psychological function

Magnesium is second only to vitamin C in claim versatility. The "psychological function" and "nervous system" claims make it particularly valuable for stress, sleep, and cognitive positioning.

Vitamin D

• Contributes to the normal function of the immune system
• Contributes to the maintenance of normal bones
• Contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth
• Contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function
• Contributes to normal absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus
• Has a role in the process of cell division

Vitamin D has strong consumer awareness, particularly for immunity and bone health. The claims are straightforward and well-understood by consumers, making them effective in marketing without requiring extensive explanation.

Iron

• Contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
• Contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
• Contributes to normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin
• Contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body
• Contributes to the normal function of the immune system
• Contributes to normal cognitive function

Iron claims are especially valuable for products targeting women, athletes, and vegetarians — populations with higher risk of iron deficiency. The "cognitive function" claim is underused and valuable for focus-positioned products.

Zinc

• Contributes to the normal function of the immune system
• Contributes to the maintenance of normal skin
• Contributes to the maintenance of normal hair
• Contributes to the maintenance of normal nails
• Contributes to normal fertility and reproduction
• Contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress
• Contributes to normal DNA synthesis
• Contributes to normal cognitive function

Zinc's skin, hair, and nail claims make it a staple in beauty supplement formulations. The fertility claim makes it essential for prenatal and reproductive health products.

B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12)

• Contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B12)
• Contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue (B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12)
• Contribute to normal functioning of the nervous system (B1, B2, B3, B6, B7, B12)
• Contribute to normal psychological function (B1, B3, B6, B7, B9, B12)
• Contribute to normal homocysteine metabolism (B6, B9, B12)
• Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and skin (B7)
• Folate contributes to normal maternal tissue growth during pregnancy (B9)

B vitamins are the backbone of energy, focus, and stress supplement formulations. The breadth of authorized claims across the B-complex makes these ingredients indispensable for multi-benefit products.

Omega-3 (DHA and EPA)

• DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function (at 250mg DHA daily)
• DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision (at 250mg DHA daily)
• EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart (at 250mg EPA+DHA daily)
• DHA maternal intake contributes to the normal brain development of the foetus and breastfed infants (at 200mg DHA daily, in addition to the 250mg EPA+DHA)
• DHA maternal intake contributes to the normal visual development of the foetus and breastfed infants (at 200mg DHA daily, in addition to the 250mg EPA+DHA)

Omega-3 claims have specific dosage conditions that must be met. The brain and heart claims are among the most consumer-relevant in the entire register. Note that the maternal claims are Article 14 claims with stricter conditions.

What you can and cannot say

Permitted

• Using the exact authorized wording from the EU Register
• Using equivalent wording that has the same meaning for the consumer (e.g., "supports normal immune function" instead of "contributes to the normal function of the immune system")
• Combining multiple authorized claims for the same ingredient or different ingredients in one product
• Using claims in marketing materials (website, ads, social media) as long as the product label also carries the claims
• Referencing the general category of benefit (e.g., "an immunity supplement") when the product contains an ingredient with an authorized immunity claim

Prohibited

• Using claims not listed in the EU Register, regardless of supporting evidence
• Making disease claims (e.g., "prevents cancer," "treats depression," "cures arthritis") — supplements are not medicines and cannot claim to prevent, treat, or cure disease
• Implying that health cannot be maintained without the supplement
• Referencing the rate or amount of weight loss
• Using claims attributed to individual doctors or health professionals as endorsement
• Making claims that refer to specific, non-authorized health benefits (e.g., "boosts testosterone" is not an authorized claim for any supplement ingredient)
• Using before-and-after imagery that implies medicinal or therapeutic effects

Restricted (requires specific conditions)

• Claims about disease risk reduction (Article 14) require specific EFSA authorization and mandatory accompanying statements
• Claims referring to children's development require age-specific wording and dosage conditions
• Claims using the words "natural" or "organic" must comply with separate EU regulations on those terms
• Comparative claims ("more vitamin C than product X") must be verifiable and not misleading
• Claims on products sold across multiple EU markets must account for country-specific restrictions (some countries have additional national rules)

How to build a compliant label

A supplement label in the EU has ten required elements. Missing any one of them can result in a product being rejected by retailers, removed from marketplaces, or flagged by national food authorities.

1. Product name. Must include the descriptor "food supplement" (or the equivalent in the language of the target market). You cannot avoid this term. "Dietary supplement," "nutritional supplement," and similar variations may not be accepted in all EU markets.
2. Ingredient list. Listed in descending order of weight. Each ingredient must use its legal name as defined in EU food law. Brand names for ingredients can appear in parentheses but cannot replace the legal name.
3. Allergen declarations. Any of the 14 EU-regulated allergens present in the product must be highlighted (bold, underlined, or CAPS) within the ingredient list. If the product is manufactured in a facility that also handles allergens, a precautionary statement ("may contain traces of...") should be included.
4. Net quantity. The total amount of product in the package, expressed in grams, milliliters, or number of units (e.g., "60 capsules" or "300g"). Must appear on the front of the package.
5. Recommended daily intake. The suggested serving size and frequency (e.g., "Take 2 capsules daily with food"). This must be clearly stated and must not exceed the maximum daily dose for any ingredient.
6. Nutritional information panel. For supplements, this is typically a table listing each active ingredient, the amount per daily dose, and the percentage of the NRV (Nutrient Reference Value) where applicable. Ingredients without established NRVs show the amount without a percentage.
7. Health claims. Any authorized health claims you wish to make. These must be accompanied by the mandatory general statements: "A varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important" and "Do not exceed the stated recommended daily dose." These statements are required for all supplements carrying health claims.
8. Storage conditions. How the product should be stored (e.g., "Store in a cool, dry place" or "Keep refrigerated after opening"). Important for product stability and consumer safety.
9. Best-before date. The date until which the product maintains its stated quality and potency. Expressed as "Best before: MM/YYYY" or "Best before end: MM/YYYY." The best-before date must be supported by stability data.
10. Responsible food business operator. The name and address of the entity responsible for placing the product on the EU market. This is typically the brand owner, not the manufacturer. The FBO bears legal responsibility for the product's compliance.

Common compliance mistakes

• Using non-authorized claims in marketing. The most common violation. Brands use unauthorized language on their website, social media, or Amazon listings while keeping the label compliant. This does not work — health claims regulations apply to all commercial communications, not just the label. If your Instagram ad says "boosts immunity" but the ingredient has no authorized immunity claim, you are in violation.
• Exceeding maximum permitted dosages. Some EU member states have set maximum levels for certain vitamins and minerals. A product compliant in Germany may exceed the maximum permitted dose in France. You must check country-specific limits for every target market. The European Commission has not harmonized maximum levels, so this varies.
• Incomplete allergen declarations. Failing to highlight allergens in the ingredient list or omitting precautionary allergen statements for shared manufacturing facilities. This is both a compliance risk and a safety risk. Allergen incidents are taken extremely seriously by regulators.
• Forgetting country-specific notifications. Many EU countries require you to notify the national food authority before placing a supplement on the market. France (DGCCRF), Italy (Ministry of Health), Belgium (FPS Health), and Spain (AESAN) all have notification requirements. Selling without notification can result in product seizure.
• Using disease-adjacent language. Brands get creative to imply disease benefits without making explicit disease claims. "Joint support supplement" is fine. "Arthritis relief supplement" is a disease claim and is prohibited. "Sleep aid" is borderline and depends on the jurisdiction. When in doubt, use the exact authorized claim wording.
• Not updating labels when regulations change. The EU Register is updated periodically. Claims that were previously under review may be rejected, new claims may be authorized, and conditions of use may change. Review your labels against the current register at least annually. A claim that was compliant when you launched may no longer be authorized.

The operational reality

Compliance is not a one-time exercise. It is an ongoing operational requirement. Every time you launch a new product, enter a new market, update your marketing materials, or reprint your labels, you need to verify compliance. This is not glamorous work, but it is the work that keeps your products on shelves and your brand out of regulatory trouble.

The most efficient approach is to build compliance into your workflow from the beginning. Choose a manufacturer that provides regulatory support. Use the EFSA register as your primary reference for claim wording. Have your label reviewed by a regulatory specialist before printing. Keep a compliance file for each product that includes the authorized claims, the conditions of use, the stability data supporting your best-before date, and the notification receipts for each target market.

Brands that treat compliance as a cost center will always be chasing problems. Brands that treat it as a competitive advantage — using the claims framework to make credible, defensible marketing claims that consumers trust — will build stronger, more durable businesses.

Quick FAQ

Where can I find the full list of EFSA-authorized claims?

The EU Register of nutrition and health claims is maintained by the European Commission and is publicly searchable at ec.europa.eu/food/safety/labelling-and-nutrition/nutrition-and-health-claims/eu-register. You can search by nutrient, by claim, or by regulation type. This is the definitive source — do not rely on third-party summaries that may be outdated.

Can I use health claims in advertising and social media?

Yes, but the same rules apply as for labeling. Any health claim used in advertising, on your website, in social media posts, or in email marketing must be an authorized claim used under the conditions specified in the EU Register. The claim must also appear on the product label. Using unauthorized claims in marketing while keeping the label compliant is still a violation.

What happens if I use a non-authorized claim?

Consequences vary by country but can include: a warning letter from the national food authority, a requirement to remove the product from sale until the label is corrected, fines (which vary significantly by jurisdiction — from a few thousand euros to hundreds of thousands), and marketplace delistings (Amazon, for example, actively enforces claims compliance and will remove non-compliant listings). In serious cases, repeated violations can result in prosecution.

Do botanical claims follow the same rules?

Botanical health claims are currently in regulatory limbo in the EU. EFSA assessed many botanical claims but the European Commission has not yet made final authorization decisions. In practice, many EU member states allow the use of botanical claims that were "on hold" under a transitional measure, but the legal basis is uncertain. This is an area where regulatory advice specific to your target markets is essential. The rules for vitamins and minerals are clear; the rules for botanicals are not.