Claims, decoded
FDA memory claims: what a supplement label is allowed to say
FDA memory claims follow one line: a supplement may describe its role in normal body structure or function, but it may not claim to treat, cure or prevent a disease such as Alzheimer's. The FDA does not approve supplements before sale. MemoHoney's front line, with a star, leads to that disclaimer.
Written by the MemoHoney label deskUpdated · 5 min read
What can FDA memory claims on a supplement say?
A supplement may carry a structure/function claim about the role of a nutrient in the normal structure or function of the body, and nothing about a disease.
FDA gives the example "calcium builds strong bones." The label must also carry a disclaimer that FDA has not evaluated the claim and that the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease (FDA structure/function claims).
Naming a disease changes the category. FDA says that, to the extent a product is intended to treat or prevent disease, it is a drug, even if labeled as a supplement (FDA 101 supplements).
Why can't a supplement mention Alzheimer's or dementia?
A supplement cannot mention Alzheimer's or dementia as something it treats, because that is a disease claim and makes it an unapproved drug.
FDA sent warning letters about more than 58 products sold with such claims, and said they may be ineffective, unsafe and could keep a person from seeking diagnosis and treatment (FDA, Unproven Alzheimer products).
| Type | Allowed on a supplement? | Sample wording |
|---|---|---|
| Structure/function | Yes, with the disclaimer | "Supports a normal body function" |
| Disease claim | No | Names a disease it treats or prevents |
How do marketing lines compare with the evidence?
Marketing lines sit on the allowed side of the line, and the evidence behind them is thin.
- Common claim“Improves memory and focus”NIA recommends no supplement for memory, the Cochrane review found no meaningful effect of vitamin and mineral strategies on decline, and no trial tested this capsule's amounts. (NIA, Cognitive health and older adults) (Rutjes 2018, Cochrane vitamins)
- Common claim“Boosts nitric oxide”A 12-person study gave arginine by vein (500 mg per kg) and brain blood flow rose 9.5%; it ran no memory test and says nothing about 200 mg by mouth. (Reutens 1997, arginine cerebral flow) (Toda 2009, NO and brain blood flow)
- Common claim“Targets the real causes of memory loss”NIA lists treatable contributors such as thyroid, kidney or liver problems, medicine side effects, depression, sleep problems and low vitamin B12. None is on the panel. (NIA, Memory problems and aging) (Lancet Commission 2024 (AE summary))
- Common claim“Natural, so safe”Arginine can drop blood pressure too far with nitrates and ED medicines, and in one trial 6 of 153 heart-attack patients on arginine died, against none on placebo. (Mayo Clinic, L-arginine) (Schulman 2006, VINTAGE MI)
- Label front“ADVANCED MEMORY SUPPORT*”A starred line. A supplement may describe an effect on normal body structure or function, but it must carry the FDA disclaimer; naming a disease such as dementia would make it a drug claim. (FDA structure/function claims) (FDA, Unproven Alzheimer products)
- Name“MemoHoney” and honeyThe name is a brand. The seven panel rows list no honey, and honey-named supplements have been a warning sign in FDA notices on other products. (MemoHoney label) (FDA tainted sexual products)
- Common question“Can it replace a medicine?”No. Do not stop or change a prescribed medicine because of a supplement. Memory problems that are new or getting worse need a clinician. (NIA, Memory problems and aging) (FDA 101 supplements)
Claims as commonly marketed for capsules like this, and the one line on the label front (MemoHoney label). Health claims in ads need competent and reliable scientific evidence (FTC health products guidance).
MemoHoney capsules: 30 to a bottleOne capsule a day · 2, 3 or 6 bottles · price and shipping shown at checkout
See the priceWhat does the star on the MemoHoney label mean?
The star after "ADVANCED MEMORY SUPPORT*" leads to the label's FDA statement.
That statement reads that these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and that the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. MemoHoney is a dietary supplement, not a drug, and no trial has tested it. Read the benefits page and is it legit for more. Keep taking prescribed medicine. Memory problems that are new, getting worse or getting in the way of daily life need a clinician.
Can you order MemoHoney knowing this?
You can; the label is printed in full, so you can judge it yourself.
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FAQ
MemoHoney questions people ask
Does the FDA approve memory supplements?
No. FDA does not approve dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness before sale. The label disclaimer says FDA has not evaluated the claims. Treat any ad that says approved with suspicion.
What is a structure function claim?
It is a statement about how a nutrient affects the normal structure or function of the body, such as calcium and bones. It cannot name a disease, and the label must carry the FDA disclaimer.
Can a supplement say it helps with memory loss?
Wording about memory loss edges toward a disease claim, and FDA treats disease claims as drug claims. Supplements may use softer wording with the disclaimer, but the evidence still has to exist.
Who wrote this
Written and reviewed by
Pages built from the label, the seller's brief and linked NIH, FDA, CDC, FTC and peer-reviewed sources.
Last updated . Read our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is the information site of a USA Authorized MemoHoney Retailer. It is not the manufacturer, and the label names INSTITUTO EXPERIENCE (Ogden, Utah) as the distributor. We earn money when you buy through our order links.
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