How to read a supplement label

Start with the Supplement Facts panel

In the United States, dietary supplements carry a Supplement Facts panel. It lists the serving size, servings per container, and each dietary ingredient with its amount per serving.

Read the serving size first. Every amount on the panel refers to one serving — which may be more than one capsule.

Understand % Daily Value

Vitamins and minerals usually show a % Daily Value (%DV). Botanicals typically show a dagger (†) meaning no Daily Value has been established.

Proprietary blends

A proprietary blend lists the total amount of the blend, but not always the amount of each ingredient within it. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight.

When transparency matters to you, look for products that disclose individual amounts.

Other ingredients and warnings

Below the panel you’ll find other ingredients (such as capsule material), allergen statements and warnings. These matter as much as the actives.