Approved Health Claims in the EU

This page contains 122 different health claims that are authorized for use under European food law. Many of these statements can be applied to multiple nutrients simultaneously – specifically, this concerns 30 claims that are each associated with several ingredients. For better orientation, all claims are thematically sorted by areas of effect.

The basis for approval is the European Health Claims Regulation (Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006) along with its subsequent regulations, particularly Regulation 432/2012. Anyone wishing to use such a claim must meet the specified requirements – these include defined minimum levels, an appropriate target group, and any required additional information.

Overview of Thematic Areas

Skeleton, Teeth & Joint Structure (19 Claims)
Movement, Muscles & Physical Activity (7 Claims)
Skin Appearance, Hair Quality & Nail Quality (10 Claims)
Stomach, Intestines & Digestive Processes (8 Claims)
Sugar Metabolism & Nutrient Utilization (13 Claims)
Liver Metabolism (1 Claims)
Cardiovascular Health & Cholesterol (8 Claims)
Blood Formation & Supply to the Body (9 Claims)
Defense Forces & Immune Function (3 Claims)
Vitality & Performance Capability (3 Claims)
Brain, Concentration & Mood (7 Claims)
Eyes & Vision (4 Claims)
Hormone Regulation & Reproduction (7 Claims)
Cell Health & Antioxidant Protection (7 Claims)
Hydration & Water Balance (1 Claims)
Body Weight & Satiety (1 Claims)
Oral Cavity & Dental Health (3 Claims)
Motherhood & Child Development (4 Claims)
Other Areas of Effect (7 Claims)

Skeleton, Teeth & Joint Structure

Approved Statement	Applicable Nutrients	Number
[Nutrient] contributes to the maintenance of normal bones	Protein Magnesium Manganese Phosphorus Vitamin D Vitamin K Zinc	7
[Nutrient] contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth	Magnesium Phosphorus Vitamin D	3
[Nutrient] is needed for the normal growth and development of bones in children	Calcium Vitamin D	2
Calcium has a function in cell division and specialization	Calcium	1
Calcium contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes	Calcium	1
Calcium contributes to normal signaling between nerve cells	Calcium	1
Calcium and Vitamin D help reduce the loss of bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. Low bone mineral density is a risk factor for osteoporotic fractures	Calcium and Vitamin D	1
Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones	Calcium	1
Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal teeth	Calcium	1
The consumption of foods/drinks containing <sugar substitute> instead of sugar contributes to the maintenance of tooth mineralization	Sugar substitutes (Xylitol, Sorbitol, Mannitol, Maltitol, Lactitol, Isomalt, Erythritol, Sucralose, Polydextrose, D-Tagatose, Isomaltulose)	1
Protein is needed for normal growth and development of bones in children	Protein (Children)	1
Fluoride contributes to the maintenance of tooth mineralization	Fluoride	1
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for normal gum function	Vitamin C	1
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for normal bone function	Vitamin C	1
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for normal cartilage function	Vitamin C	1
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for normal tooth function	Vitamin C	1
Vitamin D contributes to normal calcium levels in the blood	Vitamin D	1
Vitamin D contributes to normal absorption/utilization of calcium and phosphorus	Vitamin D	1
Sugar-free chewing gum contributes to the maintenance of tooth mineralization	Sugar-free chewing gum	1

Movement, Muscles & Physical Activity

Approved Statement	Applicable Nutrients	Number
[Nutrient] contributes to normal muscle function	Calcium Potassium Magnesium	3
Protein contributes to an increase in muscle mass	Protein	1
Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass	Protein	1
Carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions contribute to the maintenance of endurance performance during prolonged endurance exercise	Carbohydrate solutions with electrolytes	1
Carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions improve water absorption during physical activity	Carbohydrate solutions with electrolytes	1
Creatine enhances physical performance during high-intensity training in the context of short-term intense physical activity	Creatine	1
Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function	Vitamin D	1

Skin Appearance, Hair Quality & Nail Quality

Approved Statement	Applicable Nutrients	Number
[Nutrient] contributes to the maintenance of normal skin	Biotin Iodine Niacin Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Vitamin A Zinc	6
[Nutrient] contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes	Biotin Niacin Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Vitamin A	4
[Nutrient] contributes to the maintenance of normal hair	Biotin Selenium Zinc	3
[Nutrient] contributes to the maintenance of normal nails	Selenium Zinc	2
Copper contributes to normal hair pigmentation	Copper	1
Copper contributes to normal skin pigmentation	Copper	1
Copper contributes to the maintenance of normal connective tissue	Copper	1
Manganese contributes to normal connective tissue formation	Manganese	1
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for normal blood vessel function	Vitamin C	1
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for normal skin function	Vitamin C	1

Stomach, Intestines & Digestive Processes

Approved Statement	Applicable Nutrients	Number
[Nutrient] contributes to the reduction of excessive bloating after meals	Activated charcoal Activated carbon	2
Chloride contributes to normal digestion through the formation of gastric hydrochloric acid	Chloride	1
Lactase improves lactose digestion in individuals with lactose malabsorption	Lactase	1
Lactulose contributes to accelerated intestinal transit	Lactulose	1
Live yogurt cultures improve the digestion of lactose contained in yogurt in individuals with lactose malabsorption	Live yogurt cultures	1
Rye fiber contributes to normal bowel function	Rye fiber	1
Wheat bran fiber contributes to accelerated intestinal transit	Wheat bran fiber	1
Wheat bran fiber contributes to an increase in stool volume	Wheat bran fiber	1

Sugar Metabolism & Nutrient Utilization

Approved Statement	Applicable Nutrients	Number
[Nutrient] contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism	Biotin Chromium Zinc	3
[Nutrient] contributes to a lower rise in blood sugar levels after this meal	Arabinoxylan (from wheat endosperm) Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC)	2
[Nutrient] contributes to normal protein synthesis	Magnesium Zinc	2
[Nutrient] contributes to the reduction of the rise in blood sugar levels after this meal	Beta-glucans from oats and barley Pectins	2
Choline contributes to normal fat metabolism	Choline	1
Chromium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood sugar levels	Chromium	1
The consumption of foods containing fructose leads to a lower rise in blood sugar levels compared to foods containing sucrose or glucose	Fructose	1
The consumption of foods/drinks containing <sugar substitute> instead of sugar results in a lower blood sugar rise after consumption compared to sugary foods/drinks	Sugar substitutes (see above)	1
Essential fatty acids are required for normal growth and development of children	Alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid	1
Vitamin B6 contributes to normal protein and glycogen metabolism	Vitamin B6	1
Zinc contributes to normal fatty acid metabolism	Zinc	1
Zinc contributes to normal carbohydrate metabolism	Zinc	1
Zinc contributes to normal acid-base metabolism	Zinc	1

Liver Metabolism

Approved Statement	Applicable Nutrients	Number
Choline contributes to the maintenance of normal liver function	Choline	1

Cardiovascular Health & Cholesterol

Approved Statement	Applicable Nutrients	Number
[Nutrient] contributes to the maintenance of normal cholesterol levels in the blood	Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) Beta-glucans Chitosan Glucomannan (Konjac mannan) Guar gum Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) Linoleic acid Pectins Plant sterols / plant stanols	9
[Nutrient] contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism	Betaine Biotin Choline Folate (folic acid) Vitamin B12 Vitamin B6	6
[Nutrient] has been shown to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. High cholesterol levels are a risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease	Native oat beta-glucans Phytosterols/phytostanols	2
[Nutrient] helps protect blood fats from oxidative stress	Olive oil polyphenols Polyphenols from olive oil	2
[Nutrient] contributes to normal heart function	DHA and EPA Thiamine (Vitamin B1)	2
Cocoa flavanols help maintain the elasticity of blood vessels, promoting normal blood flow	Cocoa flavanols	1
Potassium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure	Potassium	1
Walnuts contribute to the improvement of blood vessel elasticity	Walnuts	1

Blood Formation & Supply to the Body

Approved Statement	Applicable Nutrients	Number
[Nutrient] contributes to normal iron metabolism	Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Vitamin A	2
[Nutrient] contributes to normal blood clotting	Calcium Vitamin K	2
[Nutrient] contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells	Vitamin B12 Vitamin B6	2
Iron contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body	Iron	1
Iron contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin	Iron	1
Folate contributes to normal amino acid synthesis	Folate (folic acid)	1
Folate contributes to normal blood formation	Folate (folic acid)	1
Copper contributes to normal iron transport in the body	Copper	1
Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal red blood cells	Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)	1

Defense Forces & Immune Function

Approved Statement	Applicable Nutrients	Number
[Nutrient] contributes to the normal function of the immune system	Iron Folate (folic acid) Copper Selenium Vitamin A Vitamin B12 Vitamin B6 Vitamin C Vitamin D Zinc	10
Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system during and after intense physical activity	Vitamin C	1
Vitamin D is needed for the normal function of the immune system in children	Vitamin D (Children)	1

Vitality & Performance Capability

Approved Statement	Applicable Nutrients	Number
[Nutrient] contributes to normal energy metabolism	Biotin Calcium Iron Iodine Copper Magnesium Manganese Niacin Pantothenic acid Phosphorus Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Vitamin B12 Vitamin B6 Vitamin C	15
[Nutrient] contributes to the reduction of fatigue and tiredness	Iron Folate (folic acid) Magnesium Niacin Pantothenic acid Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Vitamin B12 Vitamin B6 Vitamin C	9
Carbohydrates contribute to the recovery of normal muscle function (contraction) after intense and/or prolonged physical activity leading to muscle fatigue and the exhaustion of glycogen stores in skeletal muscle	Carbohydrates	1

Brain, Concentration & Mood

Approved Statement	Applicable Nutrients	Number
[Nutrient] contributes to the normal function of the nervous system	Biotin Iodine Potassium Copper Magnesium Niacin Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Vitamin B12 Vitamin B6 Vitamin C	11
[Nutrient] contributes to normal psychological function	Biotin Folate (folic acid) Magnesium Niacin Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Vitamin B12 Vitamin B6 Vitamin C	8
[Nutrient] contributes to normal cognitive function	Iron Iodine Zinc	3
DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function	Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)	1
The intake of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by the mother contributes to the normal development of the brain in the fetus and in breastfed infants	DHA (Mother)	1
Iron contributes to the normal cognitive development of children	Iron	1
Pantothenic acid contributes to normal mental performance	Pantothenic acid	1

Eyes & Vision

Approved Statement	Applicable Nutrients	Number
[Nutrient] contributes to the maintenance of normal vision	Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Vitamin A Zinc	4
Cyanidin-3-glucoside contributes to the maintenance of normal vision function in light conditions with reduced pupil response	Cyanidin-3-Glucoside	1
The intake of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by the mother contributes to the normal development of the eyes in the fetus and in breastfed infants	DHA (Mother)	1
The intake of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contributes to the normal development of vision in infants up to 12 months of age	DHA (Infant formula)	1

Hormone Regulation & Reproduction

Approved Statement	Applicable Nutrients	Number
Iodine contributes to normal production of thyroid hormones and normal thyroid function	Iodine	1
Pantothenic acid contributes to normal synthesis and normal metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D, and some neurotransmitters	Pantothenic acid	1
Selenium contributes to normal thyroid function	Selenium	1
Selenium contributes to normal sperm production	Selenium	1
Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity	Vitamin B6	1
Zinc contributes to normal fertility and normal reproduction	Zinc	1
Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood	Zinc	1

Cell Health & Antioxidant Protection

Approved Statement	Applicable Nutrients	Number
[Nutrient] helps protect cells from oxidative stress	Copper Manganese Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Selenium Vitamin C Vitamin E Zinc	7
[Nutrient] has a function in cell division	Iron Folate (folic acid) Magnesium Vitamin B12 Vitamin D Zinc	6
Magnesium contributes to electrolyte balance	Magnesium	1
Phosphorus contributes to normal function of the cell membrane	Phosphorus	1
Vitamin A has a function in cell specialization	Vitamin A	1
Vitamin C contributes to the regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E	Vitamin C	1
Zinc contributes to normal DNA synthesis	Zinc	1

Hydration & Water Balance

Approved Statement	Applicable Nutrients	Number
The regular consumption of significant amounts of water can reduce the risk of dehydration and associated performance decline	Water	1

Body Weight & Satiety

Approved Statement	Applicable Nutrients	Number
Glucomannan contributes to weight loss in the context of a low-calorie diet	Glucomannan (Konjac mannan)	1

Oral Cavity & Dental Health

Approved Statement	Applicable Nutrients	Number
Sugar-free chewing gum with urea neutralizes plaque acids more effectively than sugar-free chewing gum without urea	Sugar-free chewing gum with urea	1
Sugar-free chewing gum contributes to the neutralization of plaque acids	Sugar-free chewing gum	1
Sugar-free chewing gum contributes to the reduction of dry mouth	Sugar-free chewing gum	1

Motherhood & Child Development

Approved Statement	Applicable Nutrients	Number
The additional intake of folic acid increases the folate level in the mother. A low folate level in the mother is a risk factor for the development of neural tube defects in the growing fetus	Folic acid	1
Folate contributes to the growth of maternal tissue during pregnancy	Folate (folic acid)	1
Iodine contributes to normal growth in children	Iodine (Children)	1
Sugar-free chewing gum with xylitol has been shown to reduce the risk of caries in children	Xylitol gum	1

Other Areas of Effect

Approved Statement	Applicable Nutrients	Number
Glycemic carbohydrates contribute to the recovery of normal muscle function (contraction) after highly intensive and/or long-lasting physical exercise leading to muscle fatigue and the exhaustion of glycogen stores in skeletal muscle	Fluid loss replacement	1
Melatonin helps alleviate the subjective sensations caused by jet lag	Melatonin	1
Melatonin contributes to the reduction of sleep onset time	Melatonin	1
Molybdenum contributes to normal metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids	Molybdenum	1
Vitamin B6 contributes to normal cysteine synthesis	Vitamin B6	1
Vitamin C increases iron absorption	Vitamin C	1
Zinc contributes to normal metabolism of vitamin A	Zinc	1

What to Consider When Using

Formulation of Claims: The approved texts should be adopted as faithfully as possible. Minor linguistic adjustments are permissible, but only if they do not change the meaning for the consumer.

Application Requirements: For a claim to be used, certain criteria must be met on the product side. This typically includes a sufficient amount of the relevant nutrient (measured against the significant amounts according to Regulation 1169/2011), an appropriate target group, and – where required – additional warnings or consumption instructions. The applicable details can be found in the official register.

Data Source: The information compiled here comes from the public register of the EU Commission for nutritional and health claims. Regulations that have come into force by 2024 have been considered.

Transparency Notice

AI-assisted tools were used to prepare this overview. The basis was the publicly available data from the EU register on health claims. Since automated processes do not work completely error-free, individual inaccuracies or incomplete entries are fundamentally possible.

The contents provided here are intended as informative information and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Once health claims are to be used concretely – for example, on packaging, in promotional materials, or other advertising contexts – only the official EU register and the current wording of Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 are binding.

No guarantee can be given for the completeness, factual accuracy, or current status of the presented contents.

cookiebanner	Meta cookie for the cookies that are set.
csrftoken	This cookie prevents Cross-Site-Request-Forgery attacks.
sessionid	This cookie is necessary to allow logging in, for example.

EU Health Claims