Decode the supplement facts panel by learning what it contains and how it is presented. The supplement facts panel is the label section that lists serving size, servings per container, and a table of ingredients with amounts per serving and often the percent daily value. To compare brands, start with the serving size and total servings per container to understand how many doses you get. The panel may also note the presence of any active ingredients and, in some cases, a mention of proprietary blends that pack several ingredients under a single total amount. Use this panel as the primary reference point when assessing a product, rather than marketing claims. Understand the numbers: amounts per serving tell you how much of each listed ingredient you would receive in one dose; percent daily value helps you gauge how this serving contributes to reference intakes. If the product uses multiple ingredients, each line shows its own quantity and, if available, its percent daily value. When you see a “proprietary blend” or “complex” line, the exact amounts of individual ingredients may not be disclosed; in that case, you can only see the total amount of the blend. If no percent daily value is provided for a given ingredient, interpret that as no established daily value for that context. Spot hidden ingredients and warnings by reviewing the “other ingredients” or “inactive ingredients” list. Look for potential allergens or excipients such as fillers, binders, colorants, or capsules that may not align with personal needs. Check for allergen statements and manufacturing details, including the country of origin and facility codes if provided. Warnings on the label can include “not for use by children,” “seek professional advice before use,” “store in a cool, dry place,” and “do not exceed recommended use.” The note “this product is not evaluated by the FDA” or similar statements indicates regulatory status rather than safety endorsement and should be considered when evaluating risk. Tips for comparing brands and staying safe: prefer products with third-party certifications (USP, NSF) or transparent batch-specific information. Compare price per serving rather than price per container. Verify expiration dates and batch codes in case you need to trace a product. Consider contacting the manufacturer with questions about the supplement facts panel and ingredient sourcing. By focusing on the supplement facts panel and corroborating with third-party verifications, you can make more informed comparisons across brands and select products aligned with labeling needs.
