What can, and can’t, you say about supplements?
Writing about supplements is regulated by the federal government. Does this mean you can’t, or shouldn’t, write about them? Definitely not. There are just some important guidelines you have to follow. We’re here to walk you through them.
Supplements are regulated under the Dietary Supplement Health & Education Act of 1994, referred to in short as DSHEA.
This law spells out a lot of rules when it comes to supplements, but this is the law that gives the FDA regulatory control over the supplement industry. The government didn’t want companies promoting their supplements as the cure for a disease, for example, and then having people believe it and spend all their money on products that may not help at all.
What does this mean for you. No supplement, not even our NBPure supplements as amazing as they are, can cure, prevent, or treat diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or obesity. They also can’t cure, prevent, or treat disorders like depression. These are called “Structure/Function Claims.” Here are some examples of what can and can’t be said:
As a result of DHSEA, all supplement companies are required to put a disclaimer on dietary supplements and in ads that feature supplements.
This statement is:
“This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease.”
As a result of DHSEA, you can use specific words when describing or writing about supplements.
Use language like “may” or “supports” or “maintains”, not “can.” Never make false claims or prescribe our supplements for any health ailment a customer may inform you of. Feel free to listen to them or make suggestions about products to take a look at, but always refer them to talk to their doctor or healthcare provider and don’t feel obligated or pressured to give them answers to their health problems.
You can also give general guidance on how to take the supplement by repeating the serving suggestion on the bottle and encourage them to tailor this to their unique needs and their own observations while taking the product. Always advise checking with a doctor or healthcare provider before using a new supplement and advise to stop taking the supplement if discomfort or diarrhea occurs.
You want to encourage people to listen to their body.
Some resources you may want to refer to if you want to learn more are here:
https://www.crnusa.org/regulation-legislation/fda-ftc-regulations/dietary-supplement-health-education-act-dshea
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/using-dietary-supplements-wisely
https://www.fda.gov/food/information-consumers-using-dietary-supplements/questions-and-answers-dietary-supplements
https://www.fda.gov/food/information-industry-dietary-supplements/notifications-structurefunction-and-related-claims-dietary-supplement-labeling
Examples of what you can, and can’t, say when it comes to supplements.
For vitamin/mineral-based supplements
You CAN say things like:
Deficiency in vitamin D may cause ____ [disease state]. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include XYZ.
Deficiency in vitamin D may cause ___ [symptoms] or is linked to ____ [disease state like osteoporosis, Covid 19, etc.]
Take vitamin D to promote immune, bone health, etc.
You may want to consider getting enough vitamin D if you do not get enough sunlight on your skin, something that can happen during the cooler weather months.
Taking this supplement will help promote a healthy immune response that may help you stay well this season.
You CANNOT say:
Take our vitamin D product so you do not get skin cancer.
You have/ will have skin cancer because you did not take a vitamin D supplement.
Taking these products will keep you from getting a cold or the flu.
For herbal supplements
You CAN say things like:
The milk thistle in our Liver Fend may support healthy liver function.
The botanicals in our supplements may help promote cardiovascular health.
The botanicals in our supplements have antimicrobial properties that may support cleansing and detoxing of bad bacteria.
You CANNOT say:
Take Liver Fend and it will cure your cirrhosis of the liver.
The botanicals in our supplements prevent heart disease.
Taking the botanicals in our supplements will help you not use antibiotics anymore.
For digestive health supplements
You CAN say things like:
Taking a supplement such as MagO7 may help get things moving again.
Taking MagO7 may help relieve the backed-up feeling you get from being on medications like GLP-1 agonists (Ozempic).
“I took MagO7, and it made me poop the next morning!”
“I used MagO7 on my weight-loss journey, and I believe it helped with my bloating and helped clear me out.”
“I feel lighter after using MagO7.”
You CANNOT say:
MagO7 will cure your diverticulitis.
Take MagO7 and you will lose weight.
MagO7 prevents and treats constipation.
You CAN say things like:
Daily Multi-Fiber can help get you toward the recommended 25g of fiber daily.
Fiber from whole foods is ideal, but if you are not eating enough, a fiber supplement like Daily Multi-Fiber can help.
You CANNOT say:
Daily Multi-Fiber will keep you from getting colon cancer.
Daily Multi-Fiber prevents diabetes because it prevents blood sugar spikes.
Daily Multi-Fiber replaces fruits and vegetables.
For our Performance products
You CAN say things like:
Getting enough protein and amino acids is recommended for overall health and weight management. It may promote lean, strong healthy muscles.
You CANNOT say:
You’ll lose weight and gain muscles from taking protein and amino acid supplements.
Supplementing with these products will prevent muscle loss.
Taking this supplement will replace your prescription medications. For instance, certain vitamins and amino acids benefit mental health but you cannot recommend taking these in place of antidepressant medications or encourage anyone to cease taking them and replace them with these supplements.
6 general tips for you as you’re writing about our products.
- In general, make assumptions not certainties or statements of fact about what products will or will not do. The products MAY give X effect or result, like regular bowel movements or improved stool consistency.
- You CAN share your personal experiences, and the experiences of others with the product just do not make assertive claims or guarantees about the products curing illnesses.
- You CAN talk about the features, functions, and possible benefits of a supplement (just be mindful of the claims you’re making about the benefits). The product descriptions on our website are a great reference.
- You can tell customers their satisfaction is guaranteed and if they do not experience the desired results, they can get their money back within 60 days of purchase, with proof of purchase.
- Supplements cannot replace medication or therapies but are intended to complement them. This is best done under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
- Managing expectations about supplements is important! Do not make promises that someone will have a certain effect on their health by using supplements because this is a liability if it does not come true, or worse, if someone gets hurt. Do not assume to know someone’s health history. Give people space to do their research and leave it to them and their doctor to decide what’s best for them.
Email or call us if you have questions!
If you have any questions about how to talk about supplements, please reach out to victoria@nbpure.com for more information. She’s our in-house holistic nutritionist who has a wealth of knowledge about nutrition and our supplements. In fact, she’s the one who answers our hotline during the day for free nutritional support, so it’s always a great idea to have followers call our 800 number (800-798-0707) if they need nutritional support or have questions about our supplements.
