Can I say it?
Can I say “treats depression” in a supplement ad?
Usually no. 2 rules fired across 3 sample sentences, and the checker's own text explains why.
The short answer
Usually no. The checker blocks the bare phrase in this setting. The first rule it hits is CG-DIS-002. Its reason: A treatment claim for a named disease is a drug claim for a product, and needs support for a clinical service.
Source the rule cites: FDCA 201(g)(1); 21 CFR 101.93(g); 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: 2 in a drug or device ad, 2 in a supplement ad, 1 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.
Our herbal blend treats depression without drugs.
- BlockingCG-DIS-002Disease claims. Matched: “treats depression”
- BlockingCG-RFA-001Disease claims. Matched: “treats depression”
Treats anxiety and depression in weeks.
- BlockingCG-DIS-002Disease claims. Matched: “Treats anxiety”
- BlockingCG-RFA-001Disease claims. Matched: “Treats anxiety and depression”
This capsule treats depression and low mood.
- BlockingCG-DIS-002Disease claims. Matched: “treats depression”
- BlockingCG-RFA-001Disease claims. Matched: “treats depression”
What to say instead
This version came back with no rule fired:
Our blend is a daily supplement for general wellness. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your mood.
What the rules themselves suggest:
- CG-DIS-002 For a clinical service, state who delivers care and what is offered ("our licensed clinicians evaluate and manage ..."). For a supplement, remove the disease reference.
- CG-RFA-001 Remove the disease claim. Describe only a lawful structure or function benefit and keep the disclaimer.
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-DIS-002 · Blocks approval · Citation checked against stored text
A treatment claim for a named disease is a drug claim for a product, and needs support for a clinical service.
Source: FDCA 201(g)(1); 21 CFR 101.93(g); FTC Act section 5
Safer wording: For a clinical service, state who delivers care and what is offered ("our licensed clinicians evaluate and manage ..."). For a supplement, remove the disease reference.
21 CFR 101.93(g) · Needs counsel review
CG-RFA-001 · Blocks approval · Citation checked against stored text
Saying a product cures, treats, prevents, relieves or fights a named disease or condition makes it an unapproved drug claim, and the FDA cites this wording in warning letters.
Source: FDCA 201(g)(1); 21 CFR 101.93(g); FTC Health Products Compliance Guidance
Safer wording: Remove the disease claim. Describe only a lawful structure or function benefit and keep the disclaimer.
21 CFR 101.93(g) · Needs counsel review
Background: Disease claim in the glossary.
Questions
Which rule covers condition treatment claims?
Rule CG-DIS-002. It cites 21 CFR 101.93(g). The rule's reason: A treatment claim for a named disease is a drug claim for a product, and needs support for a clinical service.
What should I write instead?
The rule's own suggestion for rule CG-DIS-002: For a clinical service, state who delivers care and what is offered ("our licensed clinicians evaluate and manage ..."). For a supplement, remove the disease reference.
Does the answer change for a drug, a supplement or a service?
Context changes the result. The same samples hit these blocking rules: 2 in a drug or device ad, 2 in a supplement ad, 1 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.