Which of the following is a structure-function claim? a. Fat-free b. Less sodium c. Supports immunity and digestive health d. A diet low in total fat may reduce the risk of some cancers
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is c. Supports immunity and digestive health.
Explanation:
A structure-function claim describes how a nutrient or dietary ingredient affects the structure or function of the body. It focuses on how the ingredient might influence the body’s normal functions or physiological processes without claiming to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any specific disease. Structure-function claims are permitted by the FDA but must be truthful and not misleading.
In this case, the claim “Supports immunity and digestive health” is a typical example of a structure-function claim because it refers to the general support of bodily functions—immunity and digestion—without making any direct claim to prevent or cure a disease. It suggests that the product may help in maintaining normal body functions related to immunity and digestion but doesn’t make an explicit link to specific illnesses.
Analysis of the other options:
- a. Fat-free: This is a nutrient content claim, not a structure-function claim. It describes the presence or absence of a specific nutrient (in this case, fat) in the product.
- b. Less sodium: This is also a nutrient content claim. It provides information about the amount of sodium in the product, indicating that it contains less sodium compared to other foods, but does not explain how it affects the body’s function.
- d. A diet low in total fat may reduce the risk of some cancers: This is a health claim, not a structure-function claim. Health claims describe the relationship between a nutrient or dietary ingredient and the risk of a disease or health-related condition, which is more specific than a structure-function claim. Here, it links the consumption of a low-fat diet to a reduced risk of cancer, suggesting a disease risk reduction, which is outside the scope of structure-function claims.
Thus, “Supports immunity and digestive health” is the only example that fits the definition of a structure-function claim.