Can I say it?
Can I say “doctor recommended” in a supplement ad?
It depends. 2 rules fired across 3 sample sentences, and the checker's own text explains why.
The short answer
It depends. The bare phrase draws a warning, not a block. Add a few more words around it and the checker blocks it: 1 of 3 samples below hit a blocking rule. The first rule it hits is CG-REG-003. Its reason: Expert endorsement claims must be true, current and typical of the experts who actually reviewed it.
Source the rule cites: FTC Endorsement Guides, 16 CFR Part 255; FTC Act section 5
Checked as an ad promoting a supplement or wellness product. Context changes the result. The same samples hit these blocking rules: 1 in a drug or device ad, 1 in a supplement ad, 0 in a clinical service ad.
A clear result is not an all-clear. The checker flags wording for review and does not know your evidence, your state or your platform's review. Read the limitations.
Sample wording, run through the checker
These are sentences written to contain the phrase, not real claims. Each ran through the real engine and the shipped rule-set when this site was built.
Doctor recommended for joint health.
- WarningCG-REG-003Regulatory status. Matched: “Doctor recommended”
The doctor recommended supplement for energy.
- WarningCG-REG-003Regulatory status. Matched: “doctor recommended”
Doctor recommended by 9 of 10 doctors.
- BlockingCG-STA-005Outcome statistics. Matched: “9 of 10 doctors”
- WarningCG-REG-003Regulatory status. Matched: “Doctor recommended”
What to say instead
This version came back with no rule fired:
Our formula was reviewed by our medical advisor, who is paid by us. See the label for the full ingredient list.
What the rules themselves suggest:
- CG-STA-005 Cite the study (population, size, time frame) or your tracked data, and say what results are typical.
- CG-REG-003 Name the endorser, their credential and any payment or connection, or remove the claim.
The rules behind this answer
Reason, source and citation for each rule that fired, in the checker's own words. Blocking rules come first.
CG-STA-005 · Blocks approval · Citation checked against stored text
A share or ratio of people who got a result is an outcome statistic. It needs a source, the population, the time frame and a statement of what is typical.
Source: FTC Endorsement Guides, 16 CFR Part 255; FTC Act section 5; FTC Health Products Compliance Guidance
Safer wording: Cite the study (population, size, time frame) or your tracked data, and say what results are typical.
16 CFR Part 255 · Needs counsel review
CG-REG-003 · Warns · Citation checked against stored text
Expert endorsement claims must be true, current and typical of the experts who actually reviewed it.
Source: FTC Endorsement Guides, 16 CFR Part 255; FTC Act section 5
Safer wording: Name the endorser, their credential and any payment or connection, or remove the claim.
16 CFR Part 255 · Needs counsel review
Background: Endorsement disclosure in the glossary.
Questions
Which rule covers doctor recommendation claims?
Rule CG-REG-003. It cites 16 CFR Part 255. The rule's reason: Expert endorsement claims must be true, current and typical of the experts who actually reviewed it.
What should I write instead?
The rule's own suggestion for rule CG-REG-003: Name the endorser, their credential and any payment or connection, or remove the claim.
Does the answer change for a drug, a supplement or a service?
Context changes the result. The same samples hit these blocking rules: 1 in a drug or device ad, 1 in a supplement ad, 0 in a clinical service ad. Pick the type that matches what you promote when you run the checker.
Next step
Check your own wording
Paste your copy into the free checker. Every flag names its rule and its source.