Abstract
The term "health foods" refers to all foods that claim to have health benefits, but there are differences in the form of these foods, their scientific basis for efficacy and safety, and whether they make functional claims. From a regulatory perspective, they are divided into two categories: "Foods with Health Claims", which can be labeled with functional claims, and other foods, commonly known as "so-called health foods". Foods with Health Claims is a broad term encompassing Foods for Specified Health Uses, Foods with Nutrient Function Claims, and Foods with Function Claims. Among these three categories, there are also differences in terms of eligibility to use them, which ingredients can be labeled as functional, how functionality is evaluated, and how these foods are regulated and reported to the government. Product information and labeling play a significant role in the selection and proper use of a wide variety of health foods. If we do not correctly understand product information and labels, we may not only miss out on the claimed health benefits but also put our health at risk. Therefore, this article will focus on essential information to consider when dealing with health foods and will provide insights into product selection and effective usage.
