How to read a supplement label without being misled

A supplement label is a marketing document that happens to carry some required information. Knowing which parts are which makes it far easier to read.

“Proprietary blend” is the one to watch. It lets a manufacturer list several ingredients and a single combined weight, without saying how much of each. A blend can be 99% the cheapest filler and 1% the ingredient on the front of the bottle, and the label will look identical either way.

Percent Daily Value tells you how a serving compares with general guidance for an average adult. It is not a recommendation for you, and for many compounds no daily value has ever been established — which is why you will often see a dash.

Words like “clinically studied” and “doctor formulated” carry no regulatory meaning. Neither does “natural”. A claim that a product treats, prevents or cures anything is not permitted, which is why you instead see carefully vague phrasing about supporting and promoting.

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