Nutritional Supplement Label Guide - What to Look For on a Supplement Label

Nutritional Supplements can be a safe way to helpwords, 'Dietary Supplement.' Generally, you can see
your body receive the nutrients that it needs. Butthese words on the front of the label, along with the
how do we know exactly what we are getting frombrand name of the product itself. Sometimes you
a nutritional supplement? The simple answer is themay find the amount of pills that the bottle contains
Label. Outside of the actual supplement itself, theon the front of the label as well.
label is the most important part of a NutritionalThe back of the label contains the important
Supplement. It tells us everything we need to knowinformation regarding the ingredients of the product.
about the product, and what we are going to beHere you will find the amount of pills that are in the
putting in our bodies if we take it. This article will helpsupplement, as well as the dosage. In addition to this,
you better understand what is on a Dietaryyou will find a list of all of the ingredients that the
Supplement label, and why it must be disclosed.product contains. This is where you can determine
Unlike prescription drugs, Dietary Supplements do notwhat is actually in the product, and whether or not
have to be registered with or tested by the FDA.the supplement is right for your needs. Next to each
Therefore, the FDA does not regulate theof the ingredients you will also find the amounts that
effectiveness of a Nutritional Supplement. However,are present in the product. Many labels will include the
the FDA does regulate the 'quality' of theDaily Value is one has been established. The units of
supplement, and the ingredients that it contains.measurement can vary from ingredient to ingredient
In 1994, the U.S. Congress passed the Dietarybased on the amount present.
Supplement Health and Education Act. This act helpedIn addition to this, you may find some sort of
improve the safety and transparency of informationdisclaimer on the label. As mentioned previously, the
of Dietary Supplements. In addition to this, the U.S.FDA does not regulate the effectiveness of Dietary
government passed a set of guidelines referred to asSupplements. It is likely that you will see some sort
the Dietary Supplements current Good Manufacturingof disclaimer along the lines of, "This product is not
Practices to help further protect consumers. Theseintended to treat, cure, or diagnose any diseases or
laws together require that manufacturers abide by aillnesses."
set of guidelines when producing NutritionalNow that you have a better understanding of what
Supplements. Additionally, these acts require thatis on the label of Health Supplement, you will be able
Dietary Supplement labels contain the words 'Dietaryto make a more informed decision when considering
Supplement.' The two sets of laws also state that aone. It is best to consult your physician before
Dietary Supplement accurately displays thestarting a supplement program, as they will be able
ingredients that the product contains. Based on whatto determine if a product is right for your needs.
we know from these laws, we can now fullyAlways remember to read the label before you make
understand what is on the label of a Healtha decision, because it will tell you almost everything
Supplement.you need to know about a Nutritional Supplement.
As mentioned previously, the label must contain the