Final answer:
Allowable claims in buying nutrition-related products include specific health-related benefits that are not FDA-approved, but must include disclaimers. The FTC checks the accuracy of product claims to a certain degree, allowing some use of exaggerated language in advertising as long as it isn't outright false. Consumers should use Nutrition Facts labels to make informed choices about the nutritional content of foods.
Step-by-step explanation:
When it comes to buying nutrition-related products, such as dietary supplements, there are certain allowable claims that manufacturers can make. Supplements must meet the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Good Manufacturing Practices and are treated akin to food products rather than pharmaceuticals. While supplement manufacturers are permitted to mention that an ingredient may reduce the risk of a disease or target certain body systems, such claims are not formally approved by the FDA. Products making structural and functional claims must include a disclaimer stating that the item is not intended "to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."
Moreover, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) plays a role in checking factual claims about a product's performance to some extent. The main takeaway is that advertisements may contain exaggerated or ambiguous language, as long as they don't present untrue "facts." Consumers are advised to exercise caution and be skeptical of marketing claims, as signified by the saying Caveat emptor, which means "let the buyer beware."
It is also vital for consumers to refer to Nutrition Facts labels on packaged foods, which are required by law. These labels help in making informed choices by displaying nutrient content and ingredients, thereby guiding consumers to opt for foods high in desirable nutrients and low in less beneficial ones, like sodium and sugar.