Survey of label information of foods with function claims

Abstract

The consumption of health food products, such as Foods with Function Claims, has grown in Japan. Significant information, such as possible side effects or drug interactions, are expected to be described on the packaging to help consumers to make an informed choice about products. In this study, we checked the items described on the packaging of Foods with Function Claims containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and/or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), Salacinol/Fagomine/Neokotalanol, or Varyl-Tyrosine/Lactotripeptide. We found that the label information on the package have issues that need to be addressed; for example, the description about a warning for concomitant use with antithrombotic drugs was found in only 29.7% of EPA and/or DHA containing products (44 out of 148). Providing information for safe usage of products to consumers is pivotal. Therefore, improving product labeling, and further pharmaceutical support in case of taking health foods, should be considered.