Supplements ads are prohibited on Meta and allowed with rules on Google. Supplements fall under the 18+ rule: "Meta restricts advertising content that promotes ... dietary or health supplements from targeting users under 18". The phrases most likely to cause trouble include "cures", "FDA approved", "clinically proven".
Allowed for 18+ (dietary and health supplements). Unsafe supplements are banned.
Sources: transparency.meta.com · transparency.meta.com
Allowed, with the unapproved substances ban and claims rules.
Sources: support.google.com · support.google.com
16 phrases that often lead to rejection, limited delivery or regulator action. High means the phrase or claim is named in a policy or ruling. Medium means it's our reading of a rule.
| Phrase | Why it's risky | Rule or source | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| cures / treats / prevents [disease] | A disease claim. US supplements must carry "not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease". | US FDA rule 21 CFR 101.93 · Google: Healthcare and medicines · CAP15 15.6.2 ecfr.gov · support.google.com | High |
| FDA approved | "FDA is not authorized to approve dietary supplements" | FDA dietary supplement rules fda.gov | High |
| clinically proven / scientifically proven (without RCTs) | Misrepresenting the level of substantiation | FTC notice on health claims (2023) · FTC health products guidance ftc.gov · ftc.gov | High |
| miracle / cure-all | Banned on Google | Google: Unreliable claims support.google.com | High |
| works like a prescription drug / natural Ozempic / nature's Ozempic | Implies Rx-level efficacy | Google: Healthcare and medicines support.google.com | High |
| natural = safe / 100% natural, no side effects | "must not suggest that any product is safe or effective merely because it is 'natural'" | CAP12 12.10 · 12.9 asa.org.uk | High |
| boosts immunity / supports overall health (with no authorised claim) | General benefit claims are only acceptable with a specific authorised claim | CAP15 15.2 · EU NHCR asa.org.uk | High |
| you can't get enough nutrients from food | Banned implication | CAP15 15.8 asa.org.uk | High |
| recommended by Dr X | Health claims citing an individual doctor are banned | CAP15 15.6.3 · EU nutrition and health claims rules · Art. 12(c) asa.org.uk · legislation.gov.uk | High |
| without it your health will suffer | Health "affected by not consuming" | EU nutrition and health claims rules · Art. 12(a) · CAP15 15.6.1 legislation.gov.uk · asa.org.uk | High |
| detox / colon cleanse for weight loss | The FTC acted against LeanSpa's colon cleanse in 2014. Not an authorised EU/UK health claim (inference). | FTC 2014 · CAP15 15.1.1 asa.org.uk | High |
| fat burner | Implied weight-loss claim needing proof that the loss is body fat | CAP13 13.4 · FTC Gut Check guide on weight-loss claims (inference) asa.org.uk · ftc.gov | High |
| lowers blood sugar / reverses diabetes | Disease claim. Diabetes is on Meta's incurable list and India's DMR Schedule. | Meta: Health and wellness · India Drugs and Magic Remedies Act transparency.meta.com · indiacode.nic.in | High |
| increase height / grow taller (India) | "Stature of persons" is a DMR Schedule item | India Drugs and Magic Remedies Act indiacode.nic.in | High |
| sexual stamina / cures impotence | DMR s.3(b) and the Schedule. Meta bans the sexual-enhancement focus. | India Drugs and Magic Remedies Act · Meta: Health and wellness indiacode.nic.in · transparency.meta.com | High |
| CBD cures anxiety/pain | CBD ads "must not make health or medical claims" | Meta: Drugs and pharmaceuticals transparency.meta.com | High |
Before and after examples. Swap the bracketed parts for your real details.
Cures joint pain naturally
Contains vitamin C, which contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage. (EU/UK authorised wording)
FDA approved formula
Made in a facility that follows FDA current Good Manufacturing Practices. (Only if true)
Clinically proven to boost immunity
Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
Nature's Ozempic: melt fat
Fibre to help you feel fuller, as part of a balanced diet.
100% natural, zero side effects
Made with plant-based ingredients. Check with your doctor if you take medication.
Doctor-recommended
Formulated with input from a registered nutritionist. (Avoid in EU/UK health claims)
Under DSHEA, the FDA "is not authorized to approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed".
EU Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation 1924/2006 adopted.
FTC Health Products Compliance Guidance replaces the 1998 supplement guide. RCTs are the expected standard.
FTC sends Notices of Penalty Offenses to about 670 companies. Penalties up to $50,120 per violation.
ASCI (India) requires health and nutrition influencers to hold and disclose relevant qualifications.
The adAyurvedic products giving "permanent relief" from diabetes, BP, asthma, glaucoma
OutcomeContempt proceedings, ad restraints, public apology. Self-declaration required for ads.
LessonDo not attach Schedule-disease claims to traditional or herbal products in India.
The adHealth claims lacking substantiation, including "scientifically or clinically proven"
OutcomeNotices of Penalty Offenses. Civil penalties up to $50,120 per violation for future violations.
LessonHold RCT-grade substantiation before the ad runs.
Structure/function claims need the disclaimer "This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease." Source: CFR_101_93.
Only claims listed in the GB NHCR register are allowed (CAP 15.1.1). No weight-loss rate claims (15.6.6). No doctor recommendations (15.6.3).
Only authorised claims are allowed. Art 12 bans "not consuming" claims, weight-loss rate or amount claims, and individual-doctor recommendations. Source: EU_NHCR_A12.
Health-product ads, including those by influencers, need prior MOHAP approval. Absolute or exaggerated claims must be avoided. Source: UAE_BIRD.
The DMR Act bans claims for Schedule diseases. ASCI requires health influencers to disclose qualifications. Sources: IN_DMR, IN_ASCI_2023.
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This tool is a pre-launch screen, not legal advice. Meta and Google do not publish banned-word lists, so each flag is a risk signal tied to a published rule, regulator ruling or court case. Policies change often. Data last checked 5 October 2026.