South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

What statement is TRUE regarding the contents of labels on dietary supplements?

1. Must provide scientific proof of claims

2. Can indicate a cure for diseases

3. Structure/function claims are allowed

4. Must be evaluated for safety by the FDA

The correct answer is: Structure/function claims are allowed

The statement that structure/function claims are allowed on dietary supplement labels is accurate because the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) permits marketers to include such claims. These claims describe the intended role of a nutrient or dietary ingredient in affecting the structure or function of the body. For instance, a label might state that a product supports immune function or promotes healthy digestion, which indicates how the supplement may affect bodily functions without making specific claims about curing diseases. In contrast, dietary supplement labels must not include claims that imply a product can treat or cure diseases, which would fall under the category of drug claims and would require approval from the FDA, hence making such claims inappropriate in this context. Additionally, while FDA does monitor the safety of dietary supplements, it does not require them to be independently evaluated for safety prior to marketing, and there is no obligation for manufacturers to provide scientific proof of the claims they make on their labels at the time of marketing. Instead, they are responsible for ensuring that their products are safe and labels are truthful and not misleading.