A Guide to Reading Supplement Labels

Welcome to your guide on deciphering supplement labels! With the vast array of dietary supplements available, understanding the information on their labels is crucial for making informed decisions about your health. Let's break down the key elements of a supplement label to help you choose products that are effective, safe, and of high quality.

Understanding Supplement Regulations

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements under the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA). This act outlines what manufacturers must include on labels, such as the “Supplement Facts” panel, ingredient list, and product claims. (2)

Decoding the ‘Supplement Facts’ Panel

The "Supplement Facts" panel is where you'll find detailed information about the ingredients and nutritional content. Here’s what to look for:

• Serving Size and Servings per Container: Indicates how much to take and how long the product will last. Remember, serving sizes are set by the manufacturer and can vary. (2)

• Amount Per Serving: Shows the dose of each ingredient per serving, using standard units like mcg, mg, or IU. (2)

• % Daily Value: This column tells you how much each nutrient contributes to your daily diet based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Note that some ingredients might not have an established daily value. (2)

Ingredients and Excipients

Supplement labels differentiate between active dietary ingredients and non-dietary ingredients (excipients) used in manufacturing. Excipients are included for stability, appearance, or texture and must be safe for consumption. (4)

Understanding Standardized Extracts and Proprietary Blends

• Standardized Extracts: These are herbal supplements designed to contain a consistent amount of a specific active constituent. (1)

• Proprietary Blends: A blend unique to the manufacturer, where the total amount per serving is listed, but individual ingredient amounts might not be. (3)

Label Claims: Health and Structure/Function Claims

Labels might include health claims, like "calcium may reduce the risk of osteoporosis," which are FDA-approved based on scientific evidence. Structure/function claims like "fiber maintains bowel regularity" do not require pre-approval but must include a disclaimer. (3)

Beyond Label Claims: Other Considerations

Be cautious of terms like "healthy," "natural," or "organic" (2). These might be used for marketing and may not have legal definitions enforced by the FDA.

Quality and Safety

The FDA's current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) ensure safety and quality in dietary supplement manufacturing. However, remember that FDA oversight is somewhat limited, and safety monitoring often occurs post-market.

Allergen Information: Major food allergens must be listed on labels, including eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soybeans, tree nuts, and wheat. (3) If you have a known food allergy or intolerance, always check the ingredient list.

Expiration Date and Third-Party Certifications: Manufacturers may include an expiration date to indicate the product's shelf life. Third-party certifications, like NSF Certified or USDA Organic, can provide additional assurance of quality.

Key Takeaways

Staying informed is key in the dietary supplement and nutrition industry. Use this guide to help you understand labels and make educated choices about supplements. If you’re a patient, speak with your integrative healthcare practitioner about supplements in your wellness plan.

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Resources:

1. Blumenthal, M. (2003). The ABC clinical guide to herbs (1st edition). American Botanical Council. http://cms.herbalgram.org/ABCGuide/FrontMatter/Introduction.html

2. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. (2018b, September 20). Dietary supplement labeling guide. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements-guidance-documents-regulatory-information/dietary-supplement-labeling-guide

3. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. (2020a, November 10). Food allergies. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/food-allergies

4. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. (2020b, November 10). Guidance documents & regulatory information by topic (food and dietary supplements). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/food/guidance-regulation-food-and-dietary-supplements/guidance-documents-regulatory-information-topic-food-and-dietary-supplements

5. Food and Drug Administration. (2007). Current good manufacturing practice in manufacturing, packaging, labeling, or holding operations for dietary supplements. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2007/06/25/07-3039/current-good-manufacturing-practice-in-manufacturing-packaging-labeling-or-holding-operations-for

6. Office of the Commissioner. (2015, July 15). FDA 101: Dietary supplements. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/fda-101-dietary-supplements

Medical Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog, including text, graphics, images, and other material, is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information on this blog is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen.

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