• About Me
    • Disclosure and Disclaimer Policy
  • Blog
  • Shop Ebooks
  • Recommended Products

Pediatric Feeding News

Dedicated to up to date pediatric feeding and dysphagia information

Welcome!

Hi, I'm Krisi Brackett, PhD, CCC-SLP,C/NDT. This blog is dedicated to current information on pediatric feeding and swallowing issues. Email me at feedingnewsletter@gmail.com with questions.

Read More About Me Here...
  • Feeding Flock
    Research
  • For Parents
    & Caregivers
  • View The
    Resources
  • Pediatric Feeding
    & Dysphagia Newsletter
    • Volume 1
    • Volume 2
    • Volume 3
    • Volume 4
    • Volume 5
    • Volume 6
    • Volume 7
    • Volume 8
    • Volume 9
    • Volume 10
  • Workshops &
    Presentations
  • Work
    With Me
  • Links
    We Like

What Makes Nutrition Confusing? The 101 on Structure Function Claims

May 11, 2023 by Krisi Brackett Leave a Comment

Guest post by Lisa Richardson MS, RD, LDN

FormulaSense.com

KnowingNutritionHub.com

Pretty much everyone agrees that nutrition is confusing! One reason that it feels so confusing is the way that food marketing sells by highlighting nutritional science. Although the US FDA regulates nutrition claims, they remain prone to misinterpretation. 

Understanding nutrition claims is a key trait of a nutrition savvy feeding therapist. Feeding therapists are important educators and trusted sources of information for families. Tactful, gentle correction of nutrition inaccuracies and myths can reduce family stress and anxieties. 

In this blog post, I’ll break down food marketing speak and help you recognize one type of commonly used marketing claim, the structure function claim. 

(This post is adapted from an article on my website that is a specific to nutrition claims for infant formula.)

What are structure function claims for food?

Structure function claims are statements that describe in plain language the relationship between a nutrient or ingredient and the normal structure or function of the human body. For example, there is a well-known nutrition claim: 

At first blush, it seems straightforward, however, the words used to describe the relationship are imprecise from a scientific standpoint. Nutrients work through cellular reactions, which are complex processes. Cellular processes then influence body systems. Body systems are groups of organs and tissues that word together, such as like nervous, immune, and respiratory systems). 

An excellent example of the complexity is vitamin C, a nutrient that has multiple biological roles in cells. Some of these cellular roles can be grouped together through their influence on immune system functioning. 

Therefore, this function claim is true: 

But this relationship is not unique! Vitamins A, B12, D, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin all play roles in the immune system. The minerals zinc and selenium are important as well. 

Structure function claims are about general well-being, not diseases.

Structure Function Claims Regulations

Structure function claims are not pre-approved by the US FDA, but they are regulated. For conventional foods, the FDA doesn’t even require companies to notify the FDA about their use. However claims must be truthful and not misleading, though companies can stretch the truth with sly copy writing. 

The FDA must be notified about structure function claims for dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals, herbs, enzymes, and many other ingredients). Also, these products must include a disclaimer that the FDA has not evaluated the structure function claim. The disclaimer is usually written at the bottom of the label or website. 

What are health claims?

Health claims and structure function claims are easily misconstrued. 

Health claims are statements that show a food (or a component of a food) may reduce the risk of a disease or a health-related condition. These authoritative statements must be supported by scientific evidence. Health claims must be approved by the FDA before they appear on food labels. 

Since scientific agreement varies the FDA designates two types of health claims: 

  • Qualified health claims have some evidence, but the evidence is not powerful enough for significant agreement among qualified experts.  Examples of qualified. 
  • Authorized health claims do have significant agreement among experts. The 

FDA has set up an evidence-based review system for evaluation of health claims. 

What is the difference between a health claim and a structure function claim? (h2)

Structure function claims are about normal body functions. On the other hand, health claims focus on disease reduction or prevention. 

Earlier, I gave the example of a structure function claim about the mineral calcium, “calcium builds strong bones.”  One of the 12 FDA authorized health claims concerns calcium: 

“Adequate calcium and vitamin D throughout life, as part of a well-balanced diet, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.” 

You’ll immediately notice that health claims are longer statements than structure function claims. They also provide important contextual information about the relationship. In this example, time span is highlighted (throughout life) and the synergy with vitamin D. 

Structure Function Claims Are Summary Statements (h2)

Structure/function claims are mental short-cuts that loosely describe a relationship of a food to the body. They are summaries, handy but imprecise, more like an impressionist painting than a photograph.

Structure/function claims simplify something that incredibly complex. Certainly, making a concept easier to understand has advantages. The downside is that their imprecision (lack of exactness) leaves them open to exaggeration and logical errors. 

Structure Function Claims Are Easily Misunderstood

Nutritional science is confusing to many people and structure function claims are a big reason why. These claims come up not only in marketing, but also in news reports of the latest research. 

Structure function claims are logically because context is missing. Context is essential for understanding nutritional science. Without a backdrop, assumptions are easy to make. Indeed, context is what trips most people up when trying to understand the latest nutrition headline or article. 

Take for example, this structure function claim example “Carrots help you see” Many parents have used that one (along with “spinach will make you strong”) to entice children to eat their vegetables. 

Let’s unpack this relationship and examine the context. We’ll also look at how simplifying a message can lead to false assumptions. 

A Structure Function Claim Example (h3)

Carrots contain vitamin A, which is indeed important for normal vision. Vitamin A deficiency can cause vision problems, including night blindness or in its most severe form, irreversible blindness. 

The relationship between vitamin A and vision is limited to a state of deficiency. The relationship ends when one eats enough vitamin A. While tempting, one cannot extend the relationship further. 

Plus, many foods contain vitamin A! Carrots certainly are a convenient and tasty package for them, but it is not an exclusive one. There is a relationship, but it isn’t necessarily a strong one.  

Nutrition claims are often logically challenging! Young children with undeveloped logic skills will sometimes think the reverse is also true – that eating more carrots can make one’s vision even better than it is. But this simply isn’t true. It is a logical error easy to make. Indeed, the Allied Forces tried to fool the Nazis with this myth in World War II!

How can formula nutrition claims mislead?

Formula nutrition claims can mislead parents by leaving out important context. Just as a magician’s sleight of hand distracts you from what they are really doing, marketers artfully use nutrition claims for persuasion. 

Often a stronger relationship is implied than can be supported by science. The relationship is technically true, a company is violating any US labeling regulations. It is not actually misleading, only potentially misleading. Moreover, the First Amendment protects commercial speech. 

As I explain in my article specific to structure function claims for infant formula, marketers present the public with a set of complex set of “one-to-many relationships”. One ingredient is linked to many nutritional or biological functions, which is certainly accurate as shown in the example about vitamin C.

The reverse is also presented, a single body function that is influenced by more than one ingredient. This relationship is also true!  

The recent trend in promoting “gut health” is an excellent example of this relationship. Consider all the different foods and ingredients you’ve heard about using this structure function claim. You’ve likely seen it advertising cereals, protein bars, crackers, and smoothies, to name just a few. 

To sum things up:

  • Nutrition savvy feeding therapists can help parents reach their feeding goals through education and tactful correction of nutrition myths. 
  • Food marketers used nutrition-related claims about food frequently. The way they use claims can sow confusion. 
  • Structure function claims are statements that describe in plain language the relationship between a nutrient or ingredient and the normal structure or function of the human body. These types of claims are about general well-being. These claims are not approved by the FDA. 
  • Health claims connect foods to disease prevention or risk-reduction. These claims must be approved by the FDA. There are two types of health claims, qualified and authorized.
  • If you ever need to explain the concept of a structure function claim to a parent, the example of carrots and eyesight is a useful example. 

If you have questions about a nutrition claim, comment on this post! 

Connect with Lisa here

Let’s connect! Instagram  | LinkedIn

Schedule a Demo or Meeting with me

Verify my credentials RDN | State of NC (L002560)

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: Nutrition Tagged With: Lisa Richardson, nutrition

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Work with Krisi

Professional Consulting
Individualized Professional Training
Caregiver/Family Coaching

Girl Image
Click here for more infomation

Cart

Products

  • When Your Child Can't Or Won't Eat When Your Child Can't Or Won't Eat $10.00

Recent Posts

  • Special Considerations in the Treatment of Pediatric Feeding Disorders in Autistic Patients (2.5 Hours)- Free webinar
  • A Gold Standard for Meals with Children Using NG Tubes
  • Feeding Matters – Get Curious!
  • Universal Aspects in Feeding Intervention
  • Handout Info- Feeding and Syndrome Info

Recent Comments

  • Taralee Morgan on Special Considerations in the Treatment of Pediatric Feeding Disorders in Autistic Patients (2.5 Hours)- Free webinar
  • Debbie Frierson on Special Considerations in the Treatment of Pediatric Feeding Disorders in Autistic Patients (2.5 Hours)- Free webinar
  • NEYTZA RODRIGUEZ on Special Considerations in the Treatment of Pediatric Feeding Disorders in Autistic Patients (2.5 Hours)- Free webinar
  • Tara Wiley on Special Considerations in the Treatment of Pediatric Feeding Disorders in Autistic Patients (2.5 Hours)- Free webinar
  • Gloria Macias-DeFrance on Feeding Flock – Feeding Assessment Tools

Special Considerations in the Treatment of Pediatric Feeding Disorders in Autistic Patients (2.5 Hours)- Free webinar

Hello! I wanted to let you know about a free talk I am giving tomorrow with my colleagues Dr. Carmen Caruthers and Janet Martin. We are going to talk about our collaboration between the UNC TEACCH program and the feeding team and how we are working with some of our kiddos. Sorry for the late notice. It's 9-11:30 (not recorded)- please come if you are free! - Krisi Keep Reading >>

Feeding Treatment

Universal Aspects in Feeding Intervention

Let's talk about universal aspects in feeding interventionThis is any idea I have been playing around with for awhile now. We all know that there are different strategies and philosophies in feeding treatment. This is a good thing- we need many Keep Reading >>

Understanding Parenting Styles in Feeding Therapy

As feeding therapists, we work closely with caregivers and parents. Perhaps our biggest success in feeding intervention is helping a parent be able to feed their child. One way we do this is to help caregivers understand their child's cues and how to Keep Reading >>

Involving Caregivers in Feeding Therapy

Feeding children is a dyad between the child and their caregiver who is responsible to buying, preparing, and presenting food. In all of my classes whether it be for professionals or graduate students, I talk about the importance and benefits of Keep Reading >>

Adapted Baby Led Weaning

Information from Jill Rabin CCC-SLP/L, IBCLCI wanted to share some resources for adapted baby led weaning from Jill Rabin. I was lucky enough to catch a free seminar last month from Jill which inspired me to add in some of these techniques to my Keep Reading >>

More This Way

Swallowing

Implementing FEES for Infants in CVICU & NICU

BackTable / ENT / Podcast / Episode #165Implementing FEES for Infants in CVICU & NICU with Olivia Brooks, SLPIn this episode, pediatric speech language pathologist (SLP) Olivia Brooks (University of Florida Shands Hospital) shares her experience Keep Reading >>

What is a MBSS- video for kids

I wanted to share a video we made to help children coming to UNC for a modified barium swallow study. Please share with your clients if you think it is helpful. It's also on our feeding team page Keep Reading >>

Swallowing Difficulties May Be Caused by Misfiring Neurons

in Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN)Pediatric dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) is a frequent and serious clinical complication in a large number of clinically defined neurodevelopmental disorders including the genetic childhood Keep Reading >>

Swallow: A Documentary- Dysphagia

Nice Documentary on Dysphagia from the National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders. Keep Up the Good Work Everyone! Keep Reading >>

Oral-Motor and Sensory

Impact of Oral Motor Impairment in Infants with Poor Feeding Webinar

Impact of Oral Motor Impairment in Infants with Poor Feeding Presented by Debra Beckman, MS, CCC-SLP, https://www.beckmanoralmotor.com/A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending a wonderful free webinar presented by Debra Beckman, MS, Keep Reading >>

Musculus masseter pars coronidea

Scientists Just Identified a Brand New Muscle Layer in The Human Jaw DAVID NIELD23 DECEMBER 2021 It turns out there are still exciting new discoveries to be made in a field as well-studied as human anatomy: researchers have confirmed the existence of Keep Reading >>

Poster: Child Cain’t Chew

This poster from 2018 was shared with me by Sally Asquith who gave permission to post here. The objective of this study: REVIEW CURRENT LITERATURE PERTINENT TO THE ROLE OF ORAL-MOTOR DEVELOPMENT IN DX AND TX OF PFD. COMPLETE A RETROSPECTIVE CHART Keep Reading >>

The Sensory-Motor Approach to Modified Baby-Led Weaning for Babies with Feeding Challenges

by Jill Rabin & Lori Overland Baby-Led Weaning has become “all the rage” with many parents choosing this method of transitioning their little ones to solid foods. Everyone is jumping in, with speech pathologists, dietitians, occupational Keep Reading >>

More This Way

Case Studies

Challenging case with advice from Suzanne Evans Morris, PhD

In this post, I have described a challenging case  and solicited advice from Suzanne Evans Morris, PhD, one of the experts in our field. Suzanne graciously provided commentary and advice and challenged me to look differently at the feeding Keep Reading >>

Complex Case – Changing Therapy Strategies When Needed

Complex Case - Changing Therapy Strategies When Needed*I shared this case with Suzanne Evans Morris and she provided some   guidance and analysis at the end. Hope you enjoy John is a 6 year old male with a complex medical history:Downs Keep Reading >>

Feeding Harley

I am excited to share Harley’s story, written by his Mother about her journey to help her son wean from his g-tube and become an oral feeder. Thank you Liz for sharing and inspiring us all to continue looking for answers! I feel I do need post a Keep Reading >>

Cases From Clinic

Cases From Clinic This is my second post highlighting some of our kids and how we provide multidisciplinary intervention using a medical/nutritional/behavioral approach. I post this hoping it might give some treatment ideas to clinicians. There Keep Reading >>

More This Way

search

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Special Considerations in the Treatment of Pediatric Feeding Disorders in Autistic Patients (2.5 Hours)- Free webinar
  • A Gold Standard for Meals with Children Using NG Tubes
  • Feeding Matters – Get Curious!
  • Universal Aspects in Feeding Intervention
  • Handout Info- Feeding and Syndrome Info

Recent Comments

  • Taralee Morgan on Special Considerations in the Treatment of Pediatric Feeding Disorders in Autistic Patients (2.5 Hours)- Free webinar
  • Debbie Frierson on Special Considerations in the Treatment of Pediatric Feeding Disorders in Autistic Patients (2.5 Hours)- Free webinar
  • NEYTZA RODRIGUEZ on Special Considerations in the Treatment of Pediatric Feeding Disorders in Autistic Patients (2.5 Hours)- Free webinar
  • Tara Wiley on Special Considerations in the Treatment of Pediatric Feeding Disorders in Autistic Patients (2.5 Hours)- Free webinar
  • Gloria Macias-DeFrance on Feeding Flock – Feeding Assessment Tools

Archives

search

Categories

Archives

My Account | Shop | Shopping Cart
Copyright ©2025, Pediatric Feeding News. All Rights Reserved. Custom design by Pixel Me Designs
 

Loading Comments...