We’ve all heard about the new ‘super food’ group... but a recent report from the European Food Safety Authority found that many products are making misleading health benefit claims.
TODAY Nutritionist Joanna McMillan Price sorts through the marketing mess...
Cranberry Juice
Claim: Cranberry Juice prevents UTI's
Verdict: FALSE
What Joanna says: There is some research to support the fact that the anthocyanidins in cranberries can prevent bacteria from sticking to the cells of the Urinary Tract, but these studies use pure juice (not sweetened diluted juice as many of these are) or tablets. They also use up to three glasses a day - as a nutritionist I wouldn't be recommending this amount of a sweetened juice to the public. The trials are also not the best quality and none that I am aware of have used the commercially available juice.
Probiotics
Claim: Probiotics balance digestive system
Verdict: TRUE
What Joanna says: I support Yakult because they spend millions on research of their specific strain. It is one that is proven to aid with balancing good bacteria in the digestive system but some others are not beneficial as the bacteria don't survive the journey to the small intestine. In some products you don't know the quality of the bacterial strain you are buying.
Vitamin B Soluble Drinks
Claim: Vitamin B drinks give you energy
Verdict: FALSE
What Joanna says: People are in a habit of taking these products by way of good marketing - For example, everyone takes it to get over a hangover. B vitamins are involved in energy production and drinking alcohol does destroy thiamin (a b vit) but you could just have toast & vegemite.
There is little evidence to suggest that taking Berocca helps.There are only 2 studies cited on their website, for example, whereas a drug would have to have a whole host of studies proving efficacy and safety before it could make such claims. If you are eating a half decent diet you really don't need the supplement. Eat a banana on wholegrain bread or boiled egg with vegemite on toast instead.
Good Fats
Claim: Good fats lower cholesterol
Verdict: TRUE
What Joanna says: They don't all lower cholesterol to the same extent. Plant Sterol spread is by far the most effective. Oats have a significant effect due to the soluble fibre present, and olive oil is only really effective if it replaces saturated fats in your diet. So, adding olive oil to your day isn't the best approach!
Levels of claims ( www.foodstandards.gov.au )
Nutrition content claims are statements regarding the amount of a nutrient, energy or a biologically active substance in the food. Manufacturers must have proof that the nutrient, substance or property that is the subject of the claim is present at levels referred to in the claim.
General level health claims can refer to the presence of a nutrient or substance in a food and to its effect on a health function. A general level health claim cannot refer to a serious disease or condition or to an indicator of a serious disease (e.g. blood cholesterol).
Manufacturers must use either the FSANZ Model List of pre-approved statements, provide suitable scientific texts or dietary guidelines to support the claim, or must hold scientific evidence to substantiate such claims and produce this evidence, on request, for enforcement agencies.
High-level health claims are those claims that make reference to a serious disease or biomarker and will need to be pre-approved by FSANZ, with approved claims being listed in the standard.
