The longevity supplement boom
and scientific reality

If you work in the food supplement industry or are considering launching a longevity product on the market, there is one thing you must understand: not every promised extension of life constitutes a lawful health claim. Regulation 1924/2006 has a clear position on this, and supervisory authorities in Poland are becoming increasingly active. Let us examine where the gap lies — and how to avoid falling into it.

What is the longevity boom and why the law is struggling to keep pace

Longevity is today one of the most popular terms in the food supplement industry. Manufacturers speak of extending healthspan, delaying ageing, regenerating tissue, and renewing mitochondria. Consumers seek these products with urgency — for who would not want to live longer and in better health?

The problem: the vast majority of these promises constitute health claims within the meaning of Regulation 1924/2006. A health claim is any statement, suggestion, or implication that a relationship exists between a food ingredient or product and human health. Even if communicated subtly — through words, images, packaging colours, or influencers on Instagram.

The law requires, for any such claim: scientific evidence, assessment by EFSA or another recognised body, and subsequent registration in the European Commission's register. Without this? It is an unlawful health claim, carrying the risk of suspension of sales, financial penalties, and removal of the product from the market.

Expert Tip: In practice, manufacturers of longevity supplements frequently fail to understand the distinction between a health claim (prohibited without registration) and a description of function (permitted). The difference is subtle, but legally critical.

Health claims under Regulation 1924/2006: what is permitted and what is not

Regulation 1924/2006 divides health claims into two categories: general function claims (Articles 13–14) and claims referring to the reduction of disease risk (Article 14(1)(a)).

General function claims must be registered on the EU list. They may relate to bodily functions (e.g. "supports metabolism", "supports the normal functioning of the immune system"), but may not imply treatment, prevention, or reduction of disease risk. If you state "delays ageing" — this sounds like a reduction in the risk of functional decline, which requires a significantly higher standard of evidence.

Disease risk reduction claims require authorisation by the European Commission on the basis of a scientific opinion from EFSA. This is difficult to obtain. For example: EFSA has for many years rejected petitions from food supplement manufacturers concerning the reduction of risk of neurodegenerative or cardiovascular diseases — because the evidence was insufficient.

• "Supports the natural process of cellular regeneration" — a function claim, requires registration on the EU list
• "Reduces the risk of ageing" — a disease risk reduction claim (ageing being a pathological process), requires a scientific opinion from EFSA and authorisation by the European Commission

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I state that my supplement 'supports the natural ageing process'?

No, if by 'supports' you mean reducing or slowing ageing. This constitutes a disease risk reduction claim (ageing being a pathological process), which requires a scientific opinion from EFSA. You may state 'contains ingredients studied in the context of ageing' — but without implying that the product actually delays ageing.

Can I cite scientific studies on the packaging or in the product description?

You may, but only if the citation does not imply that your product produces a health effect. For example: 'Studies show that resveratrol affects telomere length' — this is prohibited, as it implies an anti-ageing effect. However, 'The product contains resveratrol, a substance studied in scientific publications' — this is permitted, provided no health effect is implied.

What is the EU register of health claims and how should I use it?

It is a register available on the EFSA website (ec.europa.eu/food/safety/labelling_nutrition/claims) listing all authorised health claims for food supplements and food products. Before using any claim, verify that it is registered there for your specific ingredient. If it is not — you may not use it.

Can the Polish Chief Sanitary Inspectorate (GIS) suspend the sale of a product without a court order?

Yes. GIS may issue a decision to suspend sales with immediate effect (Article 104 of the Code of Administrative Procedure) if it identifies unlawful health claims. The manufacturer may appeal to the Regional Administrative Court (WSA), but until the case is resolved, the product may not be sold.

Does this differ for products sold online versus in physical stores?

No. The rules are the same regardless of the sales channel. GIS monitors both in-store packaging and websites, social media, and online catalogues. Many enforcement actions concern products sold exclusively via the internet.

Can I position a longevity supplement as a 'traditional product'?

Only if it meets the criteria of Regulation 2004/74/EC — meaning it contains exclusively plant-based, mineral, or microorganism ingredients, has a history of use of at least 30 years (including 15 years within the EU), and is safe in the proposed use. Most synthetic longevity ingredients do not meet these criteria.

What should I do if GIS has sent me a notice to remove health claims?

Act immediately: 1) Review the notice with a lawyer specialising in food law, 2) Identify which claims GIS considers unlawful, 3) Remove them from all promotional materials (packaging, website, social media), 4) Prepare a written response to GIS explaining the steps taken. Do not ignore the notice — the risk of financial penalties and suspension of sales increases the longer you wait.