Do dietary supplements have nutritional information?

December 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), dietary supplements are legally required to bear a form of nutrition labeling known as a "Supplement Facts" panel. This panel provides specific nutritional information, distinguishing it from the "Nutrition Facts" label on conventional food products.

Quick Summary

Dietary supplements are required to carry a "Supplement Facts" panel, which lists the serving size, servings per container, and dietary ingredients. The panel has distinct requirements and formatting compared to a standard food label, including how ingredients without established daily values and proprietary blends are displayed.

Key Points

Supplement Facts Panel: Dietary supplements must carry a "Supplement Facts" panel, providing nutritional information distinct from food labels.
Serving Size is Key: Nutritional values are based on the manufacturer's serving size.
Proprietary Blends can Obscure Doses: These blends list total weight but not individual ingredient amounts.
Daily Value Context: %DV shows a nutrient's contribution based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Beyond the Panel: Check "Other Ingredients" and third-party certifications for fillers, allergens, and quality.
FDA Disclaimer is Standard: Structure/function claims require an FDA disclaimer.

Understanding the "Supplement Facts" Panel

While the answer to "Do dietary supplements have nutritional information?" is yes, the format differs significantly from that of conventional foods. The FDA mandates that dietary supplements carry a "Supplement Facts" panel, not a standard "Nutrition Facts" label. This panel provides a detailed breakdown of the product's contents, empowering consumers to make informed choices. A clear understanding of this panel is crucial, as the FDA does not pre-approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed.

What Information is on the Panel?

Serving Size and Servings Per Container: This specifies the suggested single dose and how many servings are in the package. All nutritional values are based on this serving size.
Dietary Ingredients: The panel lists all dietary ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, and herbs. Ingredients with Daily Values (DV) are listed first, followed by others. A dagger (†) indicates ingredients without an established Daily Value.
Amount Per Serving: This shows the quantity of each dietary ingredient in a single serving, typically in mg, mcg, or IU.
Percent Daily Value (%DV): This column shows a nutrient's contribution to your daily diet based on a 2,000-calorie diet. A %DV of 20% or more is high, while 5% or less is low.
Proprietary Blends: For proprietary blends, the total weight is listed, but not the amount of each ingredient within the blend. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight.
Other Ingredients: This section lists non-dietary ingredients like fillers and flavors. It's important for individuals with allergies.

The Critical Distinction: Supplement vs. Nutrition Facts

The "Supplement Facts" panel and "Nutrition Facts" label have legal and presentational differences.


Feature	Supplement Facts Panel	Nutrition Facts Panel
Application	Dietary supplements	Conventional foods
Ingredients without Daily Values	Listed with "Daily Value Not Established"	Cannot be listed
Ingredient Source	Can list the source of an ingredient	Cannot list ingredient source
Zero Amounts	Cannot list "zero" amounts	Must list "zero" amounts
Proprietary Blends	Lists total blend weight; ingredients by descending weight	Lists each ingredient and its amount
Claims Disclaimer	Required for structure/function claims	Not required

Reading Beyond the Panel

Other packaging information is also important. The FDA requires the manufacturer's name and address, plus a phone number for adverse events. Structure/function claims require a mandatory FDA disclaimer. Third-party certifications (e.g., NSF, USP) are voluntary but indicate testing for purity and potency.

Making Informed Decisions

Reading supplement labels carefully is essential. The supplement industry is less strictly regulated than pharmaceuticals, and labels, especially with proprietary blends, can be unclear. Choose products with transparent ingredient dosages. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice. Compare products based on serving size, daily values, and transparency. The National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements offers factual information. Visit the ODS website.

Conclusion: A Label for Specific Needs

Dietary supplements do have nutritional information, presented on the "Supplement Facts" panel. This differs from the "Nutrition Facts" label and provides details on ingredients, serving size, and potency. Understanding these differences, being cautious about proprietary blends, and seeking professional guidance allows consumers to make informed choices. While mandatory labeling exists, due diligence is needed for safety and effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Supplement Facts are for dietary supplements, and Nutrition Facts are for foods. Supplement panels can list ingredients without a Daily Value and ingredient sources, unlike food labels.

Yes, dietary supplements must have a "Supplement Facts" panel as required by the FDA.

Proprietary blends show the total weight but not individual ingredient amounts. Ingredients are listed by descending weight.

The † symbol means a Daily Value has not been established for that ingredient by the FDA.

The %DV shows how much one serving contributes to your daily diet, based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

No, the FDA does not approve supplements or their labels before marketing. Manufacturers are responsible for label accuracy.

Look for fillers, binders, and flavors. This is important for allergens.