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Health Regulatory Agency Issues Caution over Misleading Health Promotion Claims

Regular use of dietary supplements prevalent among Germans; Misleading ads on social media raise consumer concerns

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Misleading advertising in dietary supplements misguiding a majority of German consumers, prompting...
Misleading advertising in dietary supplements misguiding a majority of German consumers, prompting calls for tighter regulation from the Consumer Center. Approximately 77% of Germans routinely consume vitamins, herbal remedies, or protein supplements. Yet, a significant number of consumers are influenced by deceptive advertising, particularly on social media platforms, as revealed in a study conducted by Lebensmittelklarheit.de. The surveys findings suggest...

Health Regulatory Agency Issues Caution over Misleading Health Promotion Claims

Rising Concerns over Misinformation in Dietary Supplement Advertising

Approximately 77% of Germans regularly use dietary supplements, including vitamins, herbal extracts, and protein powders. However, a recent study commissioned by Lebensmittelklarheit.de indicates that many consumers are susceptible to misleading advertisements, particularly on social media.

The study reveals that nearly a quarter of respondents (24%) perceive dietary supplements as a form of natural medicine, despite their legal status as food products. Moreover, 21% believe these supplements are part of a balanced diet. These perspectives prompt the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv) to call for stricter control over advertising, particularly on social networking sites.

Jochen Geilenkirchen, head of the food team at vzbv, expresses concern over the proliferation of questionable health claims promoted by social media influencers. "Even if the promised effects are unproven scientifically, these videos spread rapidly," he explains.

The vzbv advocates for enhanced food supervision to safeguard consumers from misleading promises. Moreover, the organization calls for Europe-wide approval procedures and legally defined maximum amounts for dietary supplement ingredients to ensure product safety.

The study also highlights significant gaps in consumer knowledge. For example, 49% of respondents mistakenly believe that dietary supplements undergo rigorous health safety testing before they reach the market. Additionally, 41% are unaware of legally prescribed maximum amounts for vitamins and minerals.

"Consumers should be able to trust that marketed products are safe," emphasizes Geilenkirchen. The vzbv continues its advocacy for stronger regulation of the billion-dollar dietary supplements market to better inform consumers and shield them from potential health risks due to false advertising.

The dietary supplements market is largely unregulated, with consumers often encountering exaggerated or prohibited advertising claims. For instance, 68% agree that ginger can assist with inflammation, although this claim is not scientifically proven and is legally forbidden.

For years, the vzbv has urged tighter regulation of the dietary supplements market to protect consumers from health risks resulting from false promises. The organization aims to raise awareness about the importance of compliant advertising and the risks associated with unsubstantiated health claims.

In the European Union, dietary supplement advertising is governed by a combination of EU and national regulations. The regulations aim to protect consumers from misleading claims, with the EU's Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation (NHCR) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) evaluating the safety of food additives. In Germany, the Dietary Supplements Act and Advertising Law also oversee labeling and advertising, ensuring compliance with EU standards and prohibiting misleading advertising, including on social media platforms.

To further protect consumers on social media, there are calls for stricter regulations, such as clearer guidelines on digital advertising and self-regulatory measures from companies and industry groups advocating for stricter advertising standards. Continuous updates and rigorous enforcement of these regulations are necessary to effectively protect consumers in the digital age.

  1. In the context of the rising concerns, it's crucial to note that many Germans believe dietary supplements are a form of natural medicine or part of a balanced diet, despite them being food products.
  2. To combat misleading advertising and ensure product safety, the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv) advocates for enhanced food supervision, stricter control over advertising, Europe-wide approval procedures, and legally defined maximum amounts for dietary supplement ingredients.

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