Understanding What Needs to Be on a Supplement Label: A Guide to Safe Nutrition

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a study, over 50% of herbal and dietary supplements tested were found to be mislabeled, highlighting why it is crucial to know what needs to be on a supplement label to ensure consumer safety. Navigating the complex world of nutritional supplements requires a sharp eye and a solid understanding of regulatory requirements, as not all products are created equal. This guide provides the necessary knowledge to decipher a supplement label effectively.

Quick Summary

Deciphering a supplement label is critical for safe consumption. Key information includes the Supplement Facts panel, ingredient lists, and manufacturer details, plus important safety and quality certifications.

Key Points

Required Information: A supplement label must include the product name, net quantity, Supplement Facts panel, ingredient list, and manufacturer/distributor contact information.
Supplement Facts Panel: This section details serving size, amount per serving, and % Daily Value for nutrients, following a specific FDA format.
Proprietary Blends: Ingredients in proprietary blends are listed by total weight in descending order, offering less transparency about individual component dosages.
Third-Party Verification: Look for seals from independent organizations like USP, NSF, or Informed-Sport, which verify product contents and quality.
Structure/Function Claims: Claims describing effects on the body (e.g., 'supports immunity') require a mandatory FDA disclaimer stating they have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Allergen and Warning Statements: Labels must disclose major allergens and may include cautionary warnings for specific ingredients like iron.
Expiration Dates: An expiration or 'best by' date is important for ensuring the supplement's potency and safety over time.

Deciphering the Principal Display Panel and Information Panel

A dietary supplement label is divided into the principal display panel (PDP) and the information panel (IP). The PDP, on the product's front, displays the product name and net quantity. The IP, usually to the right of the PDP, contains the detailed 'Supplement Facts' panel, ingredient list, and manufacturer contact information.

The All-Important 'Supplement Facts' Panel

This panel provides nutritional details in a standardized format, similar to food labels but with differences. It is titled in bold as 'Supplement Facts'. Key sections include:

Serving Size and Servings Per Container: Indicates the amount per serving and how many servings are in the container.
Amount Per Serving: Lists the quantity of each dietary ingredient in one serving. Units vary for vitamins and minerals.
Percent Daily Value (%DV): Shows the contribution of a serving to your daily recommended intake based on a 2,000-calorie diet. A symbol indicates when the 'Daily Value Not Established'.
Proprietary Blends: Lists the total weight of a blend, with ingredients ordered by predominance, but not individual ingredient weights.

The Full Ingredient List

Following the 'Supplement Facts' panel is the ingredient list, including active dietary ingredients and 'other ingredients' like fillers and flavors. A shorter list of 'other ingredients' is preferable. Allergen information is also required.

Required Claims and Legal Disclaimers

Federal regulations differentiate claims. 'Structure/function' claims need an FDA disclaimer stating the statement hasn't been evaluated by the FDA and the product isn't for diagnosing, treating, curing, or preventing disease. Disease claims would classify a product as a drug.

The Critical Role of Third-Party Testing and GMP

Third-party testing and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are voluntary indicators of quality.

Third-Party Testing Seals: Look for seals from organizations like USP, NSF, or Informed-Sport, which verify contents, lack of contaminants, and adherence to quality standards.

GMP Certification: Manufacturers must follow GMPs, but the FDA doesn't issue a seal. Companies may include a cGMP statement or third-party GMP certification for assurance of proper production control and quality.

Comparison Table: Compliant vs. Misleading Labels


Feature	Compliant Label	Misleading Label
Product Name	Clearly states "Dietary Supplement" or equivalent.	May use ambiguous, unverified health claims like "miracle cure".
Supplement Facts	Lists all ingredients with their specific amounts and %DV where applicable.	Often uses proprietary blends to hide individual ingredient dosages.
Other Ingredients	Clearly lists inactive ingredients and potential allergens.	May omit fillers, undeclared ingredients, or allergens.
Claims	Includes required FDA disclaimers for structure/function claims.	Makes unsubstantiated disease-related claims or uses misleading marketing.
Quality Assurance	Features third-party verification seals (e.g., USP, NSF).	Lacks independent verification or uses self-created, unverified 'seals'.
Contact Info	Provides a complete and traceable address for the manufacturer/distributor.	Information may be incomplete or difficult to trace back to a specific location.

Conclusion

Understanding supplement labels is vital for consumers. While the FDA provides labeling guidelines, manufacturers are responsible for product quality. Consumers should examine the Supplement Facts panel, ingredient list, and disclaimers. Third-party certifications offer additional assurance of accurate labeling and lack of contaminants. An informed consumer is best equipped to make safe choices.

For more detailed information on supplement labeling regulations, you can review the FDA's Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 'Supplement Facts' panel is for dietary supplements and allows for ingredients without established Daily Values, such as herbs, to be listed. A 'Nutrition Facts' panel is for conventional food and has different requirements, such as requiring 'zero' amounts of certain nutrients to be listed.

A third-party testing seal indicates that an independent organization has verified the supplement's contents, confirming it contains the ingredients and amounts listed on the label and is free from harmful contaminants. It also verifies that the manufacturer adheres to good manufacturing practices.

No, unlike the 'organic' claim which has specific regulatory criteria, the term 'all-natural' is not officially defined or regulated by the federal government. It does not guarantee a product's safety or efficacy.

Check the 'Other Ingredients' section, which lists all components not considered active dietary ingredients. A long list of inactive ingredients, fillers, or unfamiliar chemicals can be a red flag for unnecessary additives.

Yes, supplement labels are required to declare common allergens, such as milk, eggs, fish, and soy. This is crucial for consumers with sensitivities or allergies to check before purchasing.

This footnote is used for dietary ingredients, such as certain herbs or botanical extracts, for which the FDA has not set a formal Daily Value recommendation. It is a required part of the 'Supplement Facts' panel for these ingredients.

Proprietary blends list the total weight of a group of ingredients but not the individual amount of each component. This lack of transparency can make it difficult to determine if you are receiving an effective dose of each ingredient within the blend.