Reading Dietary Supplement Labels

Before you buy a supplement read the label carefully including label claims packaging ingredients and directions for use.

Reading dietary supplement labels. The dsld is available at https dsld od nih gov. Labels are confusing things especially all the odd things you ll find on dietary supplements. The letters must be at least one sixteenth 1 16 inch in height based on the lower case letter o and not be more than three times as high as they are wide.

The makers of dietary supplements are allowed to make 4 kinds of claims on the labels of their products. It s easy to misread the claims that are being made about products. The dietary supplement label database dsld from the national institutes of health nih contains information taken from the labels of approximately 76 000 dietary supplement products available in the u s.

These claims must be followed by the words this statement has not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. She tells webmd why the following front label terms should be red flags. It is a requirement to use a print or type size that is prominent conspicuous and easy to read.

Check carefully for ingredients like fillers sweeteners preservatives and additives all of which will be listed on the label. The following label reading skills are intended to make it easier for you to use the nutrition facts labels to make quick informed food decisions to help you choose a healthy diet. Speed read the front label and go straight to the nutrition facts says kerry mcleod author of the last diet book standing.

Dietary supplement labels may include certain types of health related claims. Launched in june 2013 this free resource will grow to include most of the different dietary supplement products sold. Manufacturers are permitted to say for example that a supplement promotes health or supports a body function like immunity or heart health.

Reading labels can be tricky. When selecting a supplement reading the ingredient label is key.