December 10, 2003

By: Doug Murphy
Website: http://www.1st-in-vitamins.com

Consumers' Association - Which health claims can you trust?

As consumers continue to stock up on healthy products to combat Christmas excesses, Consumers' Association's 'Honest Labelling' team has returned to the high street to expose the number of products making health and nutrition claims in our stores and the lack of controls to ensure consumers are getting the benefits they pay for.

At present health claims on food products are not checked before they go on sale, making it impossible for consumers to distinguish between bogus claims and those which will deliver the benefits they promise.

We found a whole range of "interesting" health claims in just one shopping expedition:

The Food Doctor's 'Get it on' sex, fruit and seed bar claims that 'the nutrients in this bar may balance hormones and with added ginkgo biloba support the flow of blood to the extremities'. Kombucha drink claims it 'cleanses and refreshes your body, your soul'. It also claims to have 'harmonising effects on both metabolism and intestinal activity' The Feel Good Drinks Co.'s Cranberry and Orange drink with aloe vera, jasmine and vitamins A, C and E claims it is 'naturally cleansing' Lipovitan ACE promises 'a natural lift and well being. Vitamins A, C and E work together to help reduce the harmful effects of free radicals. Vitamins B1, B2 and B6 aid the release of energy into the body and sharpen your edge.' It also claims to be perfect for men and women with hectic lifestyles. Kellogg's cereals use a series of logos on their breakfast cereals to indicate healthy bones, concentration, physical energy, heart health and low fat. Kellogg's Frosties carries the healthy bones, concentration and physical energy logos although it is 40 per cent sugar and the healthy bones claim is based on eating cereal with milk. Wellman promises to 'help maintain health, vitality, energy release for men of all ages'. It also claims to be 'ideal for those with a hectic lifestyle'.

We also found many products making nutrition claims such as claims about fat content. While these could help consumers to choose healthier products, lack of controls make it difficult for consumers to know what they are buying and make comparisons between products. For example the definition of 'light' varies from product to product.

Also see: healing with herbs and vitamins.

About The Author:

Doug Murphy is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-vitamins.com.  Recommending the best vitamins, minerals, herbs and weight loss products for optimum health.