Under DSHEA, which type of claims are allowed for herbal supplements?

• A. Efficacy claims with FDA approval
• B. No claims allowed
• C. Structure/function claims
• D. Disease treatment claims

Answer: (C)

Structure/function claims describe how a supplement may affect the body’s structure or function, without asserting it cures or treats a disease. Under DSHEA, herbal supplements can carry statements like “supports healthy joint function” or “helps maintain immune system health,” as long as these claims do not imply disease treatment and include the required disclaimer that the FDA has not evaluated the statement and that the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Claims of efficacy with FDA approval would cross into drug territory and aren’t allowed for dietary supplements. Saying no claims are allowed isn’t accurate either, since DSHEA specifically permits these structure/function claims within the outlined safeguards.