How to Read a Supplement Label

🏷️ Decoding a Supplement Label

🟢 Intro

Supplement labels can be confusing — especially if you’re not sure what to look for. This guide breaks it down, so you can understand what you’re taking and why it matters.

🔍 Key Sections of a Supplement Label

âś… 1. Supplement Facts Panel

  • Similar to a nutrition label, this section shows:
    • Serving size (how much to take)
    • Amount per serving (how much of each ingredient you’re getting)
    • % Daily Value (%DV) – how much that nutrient contributes to daily needs

💡 Tip: No %DV doesn’t mean it’s useless — some ingredients don’t have a daily value established.

🧪 2. Ingredients List

  • Below the facts panel, you’ll see other ingredients — like:
    • Capsule materials (gelatin, cellulose)
    • Fillers (rice flour, silica)
    • Sweeteners, colors, or flavors in chewables or powders

If you have allergies or sensitivities, this is where to check!

🧬 3. Active Ingredients vs. Proprietary Blends

  • If you see a “Proprietary Blend” listed with no breakdown, that means the total amount is given, but not the specific amount of each ingredient inside.

⚠️ Be cautious: Transparency matters. Some brands hide low doses behind blend labels.

🧾 4. Certifications & Quality Seals

  • Look for seals like:
    • USP (U.S. Pharmacopeia)
    • NSF Certified for Sport
    • GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
      These indicate third-party testing or quality standards.

🏷 5. The FDA Disclaimer

By law, most dietary supplements will include the following statement:

“These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”

This disclaimer tells you that the product is classified as a supplement, not a drug — and cannot legally make disease treatment claims.

âť“ What to Watch Out For

  • đźš© “Proprietary blend” with no transparency
  • đźš© Mega-doses (e.g., 5000% DV) without clear benefit
  • đźš© Vague claims like “boosts vitality” with no context
  • đźš© Missing contact or manufacturing info

đź“Ś Bottom Line

A quality supplement label should be:

  • Clear
  • Transparent
  • Backed by recognizable certifications
  • Free of unrealistic claims

If you can’t understand what’s inside — or why it’s there — it’s probably not the best option.

Want to learn more about supplement quality, safety, or scientific support?
👉 Return to Supplement Info Hub