Every dietary supplement sold in the US carries a Supplement Facts panel. It looks technical, but it answers the questions that matter most: how much you take, what is in each serving and what else the product contains. Here is how to read it in a couple of minutes.
1. Start with the serving size
The serving size tells you how many capsules, softgels, tablets or scoops make up one serving. Every amount listed below refers to that serving, not to a single unit. If the serving size is 2 softgels, the amounts shown are for 2 softgels together.
Right below, servings per container tells you how long the product lasts. A bottle of 60 capsules with a serving of 2 capsules contains 30 servings, so about a month of daily use.
2. Read the amount per serving
This column lists each dietary ingredient and its quantity in milligrams (mg), micrograms (mcg) or colony-forming units (CFU) for probiotics. For example, an omega-3 label may show total fish oil, then the amounts of EPA and DHA it provides. Those last two numbers are usually the most useful to compare between products.
3. Understand % Daily Value
The % Daily Value (%DV) compares the amount in one serving to a reference daily intake for adults. A dagger symbol (†) means no Daily Value has been established for that ingredient, which is common for botanicals such as Korean red ginseng or Ceylon cinnamon.
4. Check the other ingredients
Under the panel you will find the other ingredients: capsule material, sweeteners, flavors, colors and processing aids. This is where to look if you follow a vegetarian diet, avoid gelatin or sugar, or need to check for allergens such as soy, fish or tree nuts.
5. Read the directions and warnings
Directions tell you how and when to take the product. Warnings may mention pregnancy, nursing, medications or interference with blood tests. Always follow the label and do not exceed the recommended serving.
A quick checklist
- How many units make one serving?
- How many servings are in the container?
- What are the key amounts per serving?
- Do the other ingredients fit my diet?
- Are there warnings that apply to me?
Use the same checklist when you shop with us. If anything on one of our product pages is unclear, or you would like to see the full panel before ordering, email us at support@solenvitals.com and we will send it to you. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.