Researchers analyzed 80 million food and beverage purchases in the United States from 2008 to 2012. They found that products marketed as low-sugar, low-fat, or low-calorie often had poorer nutritional profiles compared to those without such claims. Chief investigator Lindsey Smith Taillie noted that, in some instances, items high in calories, sodium, sugar, or fat were more likely to carry low- or no-content claims. The government has played a significant role in creating this confusing landscape. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits food and beverage manufacturers to make various label claims differently across products. This study highlights that instead of clarifying nutrition information, these claims might have exacerbated the confusion.
The FDA is currently working on modernizing its labeling policies, starting with the term “healthy.” This term was first defined two decades ago, influenced by efforts to reduce fat intake and enhance nutritional value. Today, some sugary cereals can label themselves as “healthy” under this outdated definition, while nutritious options like almonds do not qualify. As the agency considers feedback on how to effectively revise label claims, it must proceed with caution and thoughtfulness about their future presentation.
During a public hearing focused on redefining “healthy,” FDA researchers indicated that nine out of ten consumers rely on health claims when making purchasing decisions. Studies showed that consumers are likely to perceive a wide range of products with health-related claims—ranging from chips to candy—as more beneficial than those without such claims. In this context, it’s important to note that understanding the best way to take calcium citrate can also influence health decisions, especially as consumers seek clarity in nutritional information. Ultimately, ensuring that label claims are transparent and informative could help consumers make better choices regarding their health, including how they approach supplements like calcium citrate.