Vitamin C Health Claims: What is Allowed?

Vitamin C is one of the most frequently marketed vitamins in dietary supplements. However, not all marketing claims are legal.

Approved Health Claims

The EU has approved 7 health claims for Vitamin C:

1. Immune System

"Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system"

Conditions:

• At least 15% of the NRV per serving
• NRV = 80 mg/day
• Therefore, at least 12 mg of Vitamin C per serving

2. Collagen Formation

"Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of [skin/bones/cartilage/teeth/gums/blood vessels]"

Applications:

• Beauty supplements (skin)
• Joint products (cartilage)
• Dental health (teeth, gums)

3. Energy Metabolism

"Vitamin C contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism"

4. Nervous System

"Vitamin C contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system"

5. Psychological Function

"Vitamin C contributes to normal psychological function"

6. Fatigue

"Vitamin C contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue"

7. Iron Absorption

"Vitamin C increases iron absorption"

Prohibited Claims

❌ "Boosts the immune system" (too absolute)
❌ "Protects against colds" (disease-related)
❌ "Cures scurvy" (disease-related)
❌ "Antioxidant against free radicals" (only specific: "protection against oxidative stress")

Practical Tips

Correct Formulation:

✅ "With Vitamin C to support the immune system"
✅ "Vitamin C for normal collagen formation"
✅ "Contributes to the reduction of fatigue"

Incorrect Formulation:

❌ "Boosts your immune system"
❌ "Prevents colds"
❌ "Cures deficiencies"

Dosage Guidelines

• Minimum amount: 12 mg (15% NRV)
• Optimal: 40-80 mg (50-100% NRV)
• Maximum (BfR): 250 mg/day
• EU Safe Upper Level: 1000 mg/day

Automatic Claim Verification

Use Supplement-Check.eu for:

• Automatic validation of your claims
• Comparison with the EU Health Claims Database
• Linguistically correct formulations
• Country-specific considerations

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Updated: December 20, 2024
Source: EU Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006, EU Health Claims Database