A health claim refers to any statement about a relationship between the consumption of food and health.
There are three main categories of health claims. ‘Function Health Claims’ (or Article 13 claims), ‘Risk Reduction Claims’ (or Article 14(1)(a) claims) and Health’ Claims referring to children’s development (Article 14(1)(b) claims).
1- Function Health is any claim relating to the body’s growth, development, and functions of claims referring to behavioural functions, psychological effects, or weight-control or slimming.
2- Risk reduction refers to any claims which state a reducing risk factor in the development of a disease.
3- Health’ Claims referring to children’s development’ refers to any claim made about child development and food for example, “Vitamin D is needed for bone development in children.”
The table below lists some of the authorised claims allowed to be made within the E.U.
| Article | Nutrient | Claim | Health Benefit |
| Art.13(1) Art.14(1)(a) Art.14(1)(b) | Calcium | Reduces loss of bone mineral Supports normal energy-yielding metabolism and normal muscle function Contributes to normal neurotransmission Involved the normal function of digestive enzymes Has a role in the process of cell division and specialisation Needed for the maintenance of normal bones It is needed for the growth and development of bone in children. | Blood coagulation energy-yielding metabolism Muscle function and neurotransmission Muscle function and neurotransmission The function of digestive enzymes Regulation of cell division and differentiation Maintenance of normal bones and teeth |
| Art.14(1)(b) | Calcium and vitamin D | Reduces the loss of bone minerals in post-menopausal women. Maintains normal growth and development of bone in children | |
| Art.13(1) Art.14(1)(b) | Protein | Maintains muscle mass and normal bones Maintains growth and development of bone in children. | Growth or maintenance of muscle mass and normal bone mass Maintenance of normal bones |
| Art.13(1) Art.14(1)(b) Art.14(1)(a) | Vitamin D | Contributes to normal blood calcium levels Maintains normal bones and normal muscle function Involved in absorption/utilisation of calcium and phosphorus and normal blood calcium levels Maintains normal teeth Maintains normal function of the immune system Involved in the process of cell division Reduces the risk associated with postural instability and muscle weakness. Maintains growth and development of bone in children. Maintains normal function of the immune system (Children and Adults) | Maintenance of bones and teeth Normal muscle function Involved in the immune system and inflammation response Cell division Absorbs calcium and phosphorus and maintenance of normal blood calcium concentrations |