Case Study: Rewriting Supplement Copy to Meet UK/EU Compliance (Lion’s Mane Example)
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Project Snapshot
Topic: Lion's Mane Mushroom & Cognitive Health
Goal: To revise an existing blog post on Lion's Mane to ensure regulatory compliance while preserving clarity and reader engagement.
Client: Self-initiated portfolio project for clean-label nutrition brands
Original Publication: Written for Feed Your Brain, a wellness publication on Medium
Word Count (Before): ~1800 words
Section Highlighted: 450-word snippet explaining scientific mechanisms
🚫 The Compliance Gaps
This article was originally written for Feed Your Brain before I began specializing in compliance-conscious copywriting. At the time, I aimed to make the science of Lion's Mane both engaging and informative. But once I deepened my understanding of UK ASA and EU EFSA regulations, I realized several statements needed reworking:
❌ Implied disease-risk reduction ("reduces amyloid plaques")
❌ Unapproved health claims ("brain-boosting benefits")
❌ Promotional tone ("magic of Lion’s Mane")
Instead of removing the article, I used it to show how wellness copy can remain effective while respecting regulatory boundaries.
✅ The Rework: Copy Comparison
Red text denotes non-compliance
Before Snippet
How does lion’s mane mushroom work?
Lion’s mane owes its brain-boosting benefits to several active compounds. These include erinacines in the roots (mycelium) and hericenones in the fruiting body.
Here are two main mechanisms by which lion’s mane can help with cognitive function.
Mechanism 1: Stimulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) activity in the brain
BDNF keeps nerve cells in the hippocampus and cortex functioning properly. It activates TrkB receptors. And these receptors signal the survival and growth of new nerve cells.
BDNF also supports the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize its neural networks.
Low BDNF levels are found in conditions like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and depression. And to make matters worse, the blood-brain barrier blocks most treatments that could boost BDNF activity. This leads to neurodegeneration — the gradual loss of nerve cells in the brain.
But here’s where the magic of lion’s mane comes in.
Bioactive compounds in lion’s mane can cross the blood-brain barrier. One of these compounds, Hericine A, activates the same signal pathways as BDNF in lab and animal studies.
Why is this important?
It promotes the growth of new brain nerve cells and neural networks. This can help with cognitive issues like memory loss and learning difficulties.
But that’s not all!
Mechanism 2: Stops the build-up of amyloid plaques in the brain
Once across the blood-brain barrier, these compounds can help reduce amyloid plaques.
Amyloid plaques are protein clumps that form around nerve cells in the brain. In conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, these plaques are more abundant. And when they break apart, they can block the spaces between nerve cells, leading to problems with memory, thinking, and movement.
In animal studies, lion’s mane root extract has been shown to reduce the formation of these plaques.
But this isn’t just relevant for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.
Remember when we mentioned the side effects of a busy modern lifestyle, including lack of sleep? Amyloid plaque build-up is also linked to poor sleep.
A night or two of bad sleep won’t cause much harm, but when it becomes a habit, the damage adds up. According to Harvard Health, it’s a vicious cycle — amyloid plaques make it harder to sleep, and less sleep leads to more plaque build-up. Over time, this can cause inflammation, cognitive decline, and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s later in life.
So far, lion’s mane’s ability to reduce plaque has only been proven in mice. But could it help humans, too? Studies are ongoing, and the potential looks promising.
After Snippet
How does lion’s mane mushroom work?
Lion’s mane mushroom is making waves in the world of brain health—not just for its shaggy appearance but for the fascinating compounds it contains.
Scientists have taken a closer look at this ancient fungus and uncovered some intriguing possibilities.
Inside lion’s mane, researchers have identified active substances like erinacines (from the mycelium, or root-like structure) and hericenones (from the fruiting body).
And these natural compounds have sparked interest for their potential effects on the brain.
Here are two key areas where lion’s mane is being explored in relation to cognitive function:
Pathway 1: Supporting the brain’s adaptability
At the center of this pathway is a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF.
Think of BDNF as a kind of "growth fertilizer" for your brain cells. It plays a role in how nerve cells develop, survive, and form new connections, especially in brain regions tied to memory and learning.
Preclinical studies (in labs and animals) suggest that compounds in lion's mane may influence the same signaling routes that BDNF uses. One such compound, Hericenone A, has been observed to activate these pathways in controlled research settings.
Why it matters: BDNF is associated with memory, learning, and overall brain plasticity. While lion’s mane isn’t proven to increase BDNF in humans, its role in activating related pathways is an exciting area for further study.
Pathway 2: Investigating amyloid plaque build-up
Amyloid plaques are sticky protein clumps that can accumulate between brain cells over time. They're often discussed in the context of brain ageing and neurodegeneration.
In animal models, lion’s mane extracts have shown promise in reducing the formation of these plaques. Although this research is still in early stages, it opens the door for future exploration.
Why this could matter beyond ageing brains:
There’s growing evidence that poor sleep can interfere with the brain’s natural cleaning processes, allowing proteins like amyloid to build up. Over time, this may contribute to cognitive decline.
While lion’s mane isn't a cure or treatment, its impact on this pathway in preclinical models adds to the broader conversation about natural ways to support brain health.
So, where does that leave us?
Can lion’s mane help humans in meaningful ways? The honest answer: we don’t know yet.
Human studies are limited, and more rigorous research is needed to confirm any cognitive benefits.
But what we do know is this: lion’s mane contains some rare and promising compounds. And that's enough to keep both scientists and wellness enthusiasts paying close attention.
The revised copy avoids health promises while keeping the voice warm, curious, and rooted in science.
What Changed and Why
Ensuring regulatory clarity while preserving brand voice
Context
As a UK-based brand publishing globally on Medium, we applied the strictest regulatory lens (primarily UK ASA CAP Code and EU Regulation 1924/2006) to this organic educational article.
The focus: ensuring claims were evidence-based, non-misleading, and compliant with rules around disease references and health claims.
Summary of Findings
Quick Results
11 regulatory red flags identified
450-word section rewritten to meet UK/EU compliance
Tone preserved: warm, science-driven, non-hypey
Result: Fully compliant and trust-building copy
Recommendations
1. Maintain Transparency Around Evidence Type
Always differentiate between preclinical, animal, and human research.
Consider using callouts or tooltips in digital formats (e.g., “Animal model”, “In vitro study”) to help readers understand context without interrupting flow.
2. Use Regulator-Approved Language as a Style Guide
For cognitive or brain-health-related content, reference the GB and EU Nutrition & Health Claims Registers when choosing verbs (e.g., “contributes to”, “supports”, “has a role in”).
Avoid unapproved structure-function phrasing like “enhances memory”, “improves focus”, or “restores brain function” unless explicitly authorized.
3. Avoid Disease Associations Unless Clearly Educational
If referring to conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or depression, do so in a way that educates about the biological context (e.g., BDNF’s role), not to imply your product affects them.
Consider moving disease mentions to citations, footnotes, or linked articles for depth, without regulatory risk.
4. Disclaim and Disarm When Discussing Promising Effects
Use subtle disclaimers throughout, such as:
“Not intended to diagnose or treat any condition” or
“Further research in humans is needed to validate these findings.”
5. Reinforce Scientific Curiosity, Not Therapeutic Promise
Keep future content focused on the “research frontier” without crossing into “health promise”.
6. Build a Repeatable Compliance Workflow
For future articles:
Run all scientific claims through a quick three-question check:
Is this phrasing on an authorized claims register?
Has this effect been demonstrated in humans, or just in animals/labs?
Could this be read as implying disease treatment, even indirectly?
Reflection
This project solidified a key lesson: it’s not enough to cite good science, you have to frame it responsibly. In regulated industries like supplements and functional foods, even accurate claims can backfire if they aren’t clearly positioned. Learning to rewrite for compliance not only strengthened my writing but made me a more trusted partner to brands that value both clarity and credibility.
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If your brand creates content in the wellness, functional food, or supplement space, you know how quickly strong copy can get tangled in red tape.
🧾 Need help turning expert content into compliant, science-backed copy?
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✍️ Compliance-conscious copywriting (UK, EU, US)
🧠 Content audits for blogs, sales pages, and packaging
📑 Regulatory rewrites that retain tone and trust
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