A practical guide to reading a supplement label

A supplement label helps you understand what is in the container and how the product is intended to be used. Read the full label, including directions and cautions, before adding a product to your routine.

Start with the serving

Find the serving size and the number of servings per container. A serving can include more than one capsule or a measured amount of powder or liquid. Compare the amount per serving, rather than assuming that a bottle count is the number of servings. The FDA explains these label elements in its dietary supplement questions and answers.

Read the amount with its unit

Keep the ingredient name, quantity and unit together. If a percentage Daily Value is provided, it describes the share of that nutrient's reference value in a serving; it is not a product-quality score or an individual recommendation. See the FDA's nutrition labeling guide for more detail.

Look beyond the main ingredient

Check the other ingredients, allergen information, directions and warnings for the exact formula and flavor. Products with similar names can differ. The FDA's consumer guide to dietary supplements is a useful starting point for questions to discuss with a healthcare professional.

This article provides general label-reading information. Ask a qualified healthcare professional about your individual health, medication, pregnancy or questions about combining supplements.