What law requires manufacturer claims about vitamins and minerals to be true?

The correct answer is based on the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, which specifically governs dietary supplements, including vitamins and minerals. DSHEA mandates that manufacturers must ensure that any claims they make about their products are truthful and not misleading.

Under DSHEA, dietary supplements are defined and regulated differently than conventional food or drugs. Manufacturers must adhere to certain labeling requirements, and they bear the responsibility to substantiate any claims regarding the effects of their products, ensuring that these claims are supported by scientific evidence. This law was pivotal in increasing the credibility and expectation of transparency for dietary supplements, helping consumers make informed choices about their health.

While the FDA (through the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, commonly referred to as FDCA) does have overarching authority regarding food and drugs, DSHEA specifically tailors its focus on dietary supplements, establishing a framework that includes the necessity for accurate claims. The other options do not provide the same level of specificity or relevance to the context of dietary supplements.