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Structure/Function Claims Explained

Once you can tell a structure/function claim from a disease claim, half of supplement marketing becomes readable.

Written by the Horsewood Editorial Desk Checked against the current bottle label Updated 6 August 2026 Cited: NIH ODS, NCCIH, FDA, FTC

On this page

  1. The two categories
  2. Why the wording sounds stilted
  3. The borderline cases
  4. The disclaimer requirement
  5. How to use this when shopping

The two categories

A structure/function claim describes an effect on the normal structure or function of the body: “supports normal muscle function”, “contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue”.

A disease claim says a product diagnoses, treats, cures, mitigates or prevents a disease: “treats erectile dysfunction”, “reverses low testosterone”. Dietary supplements may make the first and not the second.

Why the wording sounds stilted

Because it is precise rather than because it is evasive. “Maintenance of normal testosterone levels” sounds weaker than “boosts testosterone” because it is a weaker and more accurate statement.

A brand using the careful wording is telling you it has read the rules. One using the punchy wording is telling you it has not, or does not care.

The borderline cases

  • “Supports healthy circulation” — permitted
  • “Improves blood flow to treat ED” — disease claim
  • “Supports immune function” — permitted
  • “Prevents colds” — disease claim
  • “Helps maintain healthy blood sugar already within the normal range” — permitted
  • “Lowers blood sugar” — disease claim

The disclaimer requirement

Products making structure/function claims are required to carry the statement that the claims have not been evaluated by the FDA and the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

A page making bold health claims with no such statement anywhere is not merely aggressive; it is non-compliant. The FDA guidance is the primary source.

How to use this when shopping

Read the claims before the ingredients. Claims tell you about the operator's standards, and operator standards predict everything else you cannot verify from a webpage.

Horsewood — official website pricing

Men's vitality capsules with zinc, magnesium, ashwagandha and bacopa. The Horsewood discount runs from $49 per bottle with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

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Disclaimer: this article is general information, not medical advice. Horsewood is a dietary supplement and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual results vary. For adults aged 18 and over. Talk to your doctor before starting any supplement, particularly if you take prescription medication.

Horsewood Editorial Desk

We write from the product label outward, tag each ingredient by evidence strength, and publish the unflattering parts too. See our editorial standards.

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Answers

Frequently asked questions

A statement about how a nutrient affects normal body structure or function, permitted for supplements when accompanied by the FDA disclaimer.

No. Treatment, cure, mitigation and prevention claims are disease claims and are not permitted for dietary supplements.

This website may earn a commission on purchases made through links to the official Horsewood store, at no additional cost to you. Our editorial standards and affiliate disclosure are published in full on this site.

No. Horsewood is a dietary supplement and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, including erectile dysfunction or low testosterone.
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