Which statement best distinguishes a health claim from a general nutrition claim?

• A. A health claim describes nutrient content or function.
• B. A health claim is about packaging color.
• C. There is no difference between health claims and general nutrition claims.
• D. A health claim indicates a relationship between a food substance or dietary supplement and reduced risk of a disease or health-related condition.

Answer: (D)

Health claims tie what you’re eating to a specific health outcome or reduced disease risk, backed by evidence and regulated language. In contrast, general nutrition claims describe the nutrient content or basic roles of nutrients in the body without linking them to disease risk. So a statement that a product reduces the risk of a disease is a health claim, while a statement like “high in calcium” or “supports bone health” is about nutrient content or function and isn’t about disease risk. Packaging color or the idea that there’s no difference aren’t relevant to these definitions.