Mixed
Commercial protein supplements frequently make unauthorized health claims (e.g., 'post-workout recovery', 'muscle growth') that are not supported by EFSA regulations, whereas only specific claims regarding muscle mass increase/maintenance and bone maintenance are legally authorized.
When buying protein supplements in Europe, ignore marketing buzzwords like 'fast recovery' or 'instant growth' on the label. Legally, these are unauthorized. Look for the specific, EFSA-approved phrase: 'Protein contributes to muscle mass increase' or 'maintenance of muscle mass'. If a product claims 'recovery' without this specific phrasing, it is non-compliant with EU regulations.
Of the 209 health claims evaluated, 60 claims fully complied with the recommendations, representing 28.7% of the total (n = 209). In contrast, 12 claims in which the stated text did not conform to the health claims established by EFSA were identified... The most widely used unauthorized health claims on the market are those referring to 'Post-workout recovery' (11.1%), followed by 'Promotes muscle recovery (casein)' (9.5% each)... Of all the products analyzed in the study, 43.8% (n = 46) of the products made health claims not authorized by the EFSA.
Why this rating
Observational cross-sectional study of labeling; no physiological intervention data.
Source
Health Claims for Protein Food Supplements for Athletes—The Analysis Is in Accordance with the EFSA’s Scientific Opinion
María Dolores Rodríguez-Hernández et al. · Nutrients · 2025
DOI 10.3390/nu17111923
Related findings · Mixed
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