Reading Supplement Labels
How to read a US supplement label: the Supplement Facts panel, serving size, Other Ingredients, claims, the FDA disclaimer, and what a label cannot tell you.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
If someone may have swallowed too much of a supplement, or a child has swallowed one, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 (US) or 911 if the person has collapsed, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing. See Poisoning: what to do first. This page describes United States labels only, as FDA explains them. Other countries use different rules; see the regulation pages linked at the end.
What a US supplement label must show
FDA says labels must carry a product name and a statement that it is a "dietary supplement" (or a term such as "herbal supplement"), the name and place of business of the maker, packer or distributor, a Supplement Facts panel, a list of other ingredients, and the net quantity of contents. [1] FDA notes that the Supplement Facts panel is not required for some small-volume products or those produced by eligible small businesses. [1]
Supplement Facts: what each part tells you
| Part of the label | What the FDA guide says | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Serving size | One serving equals the maximum amount recommended on the label per eating occasion, or one unit if no recommendation is given. [2] | All amounts below are per serving, not per bottle and not per day. |
| Servings per container | The panel must list the number of servings per container. [1] | Check how many servings the directions suggest per day. |
| Ingredient amounts | Amounts must be given per serving, except for ingredients inside a proprietary blend. [1] | See proprietary blends. |
| % Daily Value | The % DV is the percent of the Daily Value of a dietary ingredient that is in a serving. [2] | It only exists for nutrients that have an official Daily Value. |
| "Daily Value not established" | Ingredients with no Daily Value are listed by common or usual name and marked with a symbol. [2] | Most herbs have no Daily Value, so the panel shows weight only. |
| Plant part | The part of the plant a dietary ingredient comes from must be included in the panel. [2] | Root, leaf and seed products are not interchangeable. See Latin names and plant parts. |
Other Ingredients
Ingredients not listed in the Supplement Facts panel must appear in an "Other Ingredients" list beneath it. [1] FDA gives examples of these: fillers, binders, excipients, preservatives, sweeteners and flavorings. [1] If you have an allergy or follow a special diet, this is the list to read. The label cannot tell you whether an ingredient is a problem for you; a pharmacist can help.
Claims on the label
Supplement labels cannot claim to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent a disease, because such claims are permitted only for drugs. [3] Other kinds of claims are allowed, including "structure/function" claims, and these carry the FDA disclaimer. [3] The next page explains the difference: claims on labels.
Two cautions from NCCIH: strong evidence behind claims made for dietary supplements is often lacking, and a maker's use of "standardized", "verified" or "certified" does not necessarily guarantee quality or consistency. [3]
What a label cannot tell you
- Whether the contents match. NCCIH states that what is on the label may not be what is in the product. [3] See product quality and contamination.
- Whether it is safe for you. FDA does not approve dietary supplements or their labeling before they are marketed. [1] Interactions with medicines and conditions are not shown on the label. See how interactions work.
- Whether a study you read used this product. A result for one extract or form does not transfer to another.
- A safe amount for you. FDA says no laws or regulations limit the serving size or the amount of a dietary ingredient in a serving. [1]
Who to ask
FDA advises consumers to consult a health care professional before deciding to take a dietary supplement and to read the label carefully. [1] MedlinePlus advises telling your health care provider about any supplements you use and checking with them before any surgery. [4] For questions about the exact product in your hand, FDA suggests contacting the maker, whose name and address are on the label. [1] Labels must also give a domestic address or phone number for reporting serious adverse events to the maker. [1] See side effects and reporting.
Where to compare labels
NIH runs the Dietary Supplement Label Database, which searches any term that appears on product labels. [5] NCCIH describes it as holding the information found on the labels of many supplement brands marketed in the United States. [3] Its authors note that working out chemical forms, types of extract and amounts is hard, especially inside proprietary blends. [5] NIH's own DSLD site could not be opened by our system, so we link no further.
Frequently asked questions
Is "natural" or "herbal" on the label a sign of safety?
No. FDA states that natural does not always mean safe. [6] See evaluating safety claims.
Does the FDA disclaimer mean the product is unsafe?
Not by itself. It tells you the claim has not been evaluated by FDA, and that the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. [1]
Why do some herbs show no % Daily Value?
Because no official Daily Value has been established for them. Those ingredients are listed with a weight and a symbol referring to a "Daily Value not established" note. [2]
Does FDA check that the label is right before a product is sold?
FDA says it generally does not approve dietary supplement claims or other labeling before use. [1] Makers are responsible for accurate labeling. [6]
Who should look at my labels with me?
A pharmacist or clinician, especially if you take prescribed medicines. Bring every label. See questions to ask your pharmacist.
References
- FDA, Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements. FDA, Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements. Read 2026-10-22.
- FDA, Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide: Chapter IV. Nutrition Labeling (April 2005). FDA, Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide: Chapter IV. Nutrition Labeling (April 2005). Read 2026-10-22.
- NCCIH, Using Dietary Supplements Wisely. NCCIH, Using Dietary Supplements Wisely. Read 2026-10-22.
- MedlinePlus, Dietary Supplements. MedlinePlus, Dietary Supplements. Read 2026-10-22.
- Saldanha LG et al., Characteristics and Challenges of Dietary Supplement Databases Derived from Label Information, J Nutr 2018. Saldanha LG et al., Characteristics and Challenges of Dietary Supplement Databases Derived from Label Information, J Nutr 2018. Read 2026-10-22.
- FDA Consumer Update, Mixing Medications and Dietary Supplements Can Endanger Your Health. FDA Consumer Update, Mixing Medications and Dietary Supplements Can Endanger Your Health. Read 2026-10-22.