Question

Why do food companies make health claims on supplements and processed foods? Why do consumers believe these claims? Can these claims cause harm? Can processed foods or supplements replace a whole food diet? Why or why not?

Answer 1

1- The food companies make health claims on supplements and processed foods inorder to ensure their products are safe and also can reduce the risk of developing diseases or health conditions. It also make sure in some products that it is healthy, organic, low fat or no sugar added. The health claims are included only after a well designed studies with specified principles and procedures.

2- Health claims are totality of publically available evidences from the studies conducted. Since it is for public it should be known to them. Health claims in the processed food and supplements ensure the consumers about their health issues and conditions and are labelled only after the proper studies conducted in specified procedures and scientific evidences.

3- Deceptive health claims on foods and supplements can sometimes harmful and many of them are prohibited. Those claims which are not following the regulations are prohibited and government has taken legal action against them. Those are the claims which will not ensure the specified label requirements. Nowadays deceptive claims on children’s products are increasing.

4- The processed food and supplements cannot replace the food diet. They cannot replace the benefits of whole food like fruit and vegetables. The supplements are appropriate in some situations only. For example pregnant women require follic acid supplements. Also adults above 65 are suggested to take vitamin D supplements. Vegetarian sometimes take a very low variety of food so it is recommended to have supplements for them. People with milk allergy are supposed to take the supplements. Womens during menstruation may have severe bleeding are prefered to take follic acid supplements. Always consult your doctor to get the supplements and their doses to take. Ask about the side effects and interaction with your current medications with your doctor.