How to Properly Read a Dietary Supplement Label

This name can be anything from a single ingredient, to a combination of ingredients, to a catchy name hinting at what the product does.

In order to report incidents and provide more information in case of adverse effects, manufacturers are required to provide their name.

Due to strict FDA guidelines, manufacturers can claim that their product supports general well-being or the normal structure and function of the body.

From tablets to powders, supplements can come in a variety of forms and may require different methods of delivery to the human body.

A list of all the ingredients in the product. This is usually listed out as "Amount Per Serving."

This section informs you how many capsules, tablets, or gels you will need to take to reach the amount on the label. Since supplements are regulated like food, they are considered serving sizes.

In the United States, the international unit is the standard of measure for fat-soluble vitamins.

Calculated on the average recommended daily allowance for adults. There is only one daily value for everyone 4 years of age and older.

This is where you'll find nonactive ingredients including binders, fillers, colorings, or solvents.

This is where you can find when to take the supplements — For example, "Take one tablet twice daily with meals."

An area to alert consumers about certain precautions before using the product.

In order to report a problem, the law requires that the manufacturer or distributor's place of business or phone number appear on the label.

A series of numbers/letters used to trace the product's manufacturing history.

The date when the ingredients in the product won't have the same potency listed on the label.

If a product passes an independent organization's quality assurance test, it may receive a "seal" on its label.