The Core Regulatory Distinction
The fundamental distinction between a Supplement Facts panel and a Nutrition Facts panel stems from the legal framework that governs each product type. The FDA regulates conventional food products under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act, with strict requirements regarding safety and labeling. In contrast, dietary supplements are regulated by a different law, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, which places the burden of proof for safety and effectiveness on the manufacturer, not the FDA. This crucial difference in oversight dictates the content and flexibility of each label type.
Key Differences in Panel Content
Beyond the regulatory foundation, there are several practical differences in how information is displayed to consumers.
Ingredient Disclosure and Detail
One of the most significant variations involves how ingredients are listed. On a Nutrition Facts panel, manufacturers must list all food ingredients and their quantities in the ingredients statement below the panel. However, the details are more nuanced for supplements.
- Proprietary Blends: Supplement Facts panels can list proprietary blends, where the total weight of the blend is disclosed, but the specific amounts of each ingredient within the blend are not required. This practice, which is not permitted for conventional food labels, makes it difficult for consumers to know the exact dosage of each component in a proprietary mix.
- Ingredient Source and Plant Part: Supplement labels may, and sometimes must, list the source of a dietary ingredient and the specific part of a plant used, such as "Organic Ashwagandha Extract (Withania Somnifera) (roots and leaves)". This level of detail is prohibited on Nutrition Facts panels.
Mandatory Nutrients vs. Measurable Amounts
The way nutrients are reported also differs based on the product type.
- Nutrition Facts Panel: Must list certain mandatory nutrients, such as total fat, saturated fat, sodium, and carbohydrates, even if the amount is zero. This ensures a standard set of information for consumer comparison.
- Supplement Facts Panel: May only list nutrients that are present in measurable amounts. The panel cannot list a nutrient with a “zero” amount. If an ingredient doesn't have an established Daily Value (DV), the panel notes this with an asterisk and a footnote.
Daily Value Reporting
The Percent Daily Value (%DV) is a required component on both labels, but its application varies.
- Food Labels: The %DV is based on a standard 2,000-calorie diet and is provided for a set list of nutrients to help consumers understand a food's contribution to their daily dietary needs.
- Supplement Labels: The %DV is also used for ingredients with established DVs. However, many non-traditional dietary ingredients, like certain herbs, do not have established DVs and are listed with a footnote stating "Daily Value Not Established".
Comparison Table: Supplement Facts vs. Nutrition Facts
| Feature | Supplement Facts Panel | Nutrition Facts Panel |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Act | DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act) | FD&C (Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic) Act |
| Proprietary Blends | Permitted, with only the total amount of the blend listed. | Not permitted; all ingredients and their specific amounts must be listed. |
| Source/Plant Part | Can and often must specify the source and plant part (e.g., from bovine hide, root, leaf). | Prohibited from specifying the source or plant part. |
| Mandatory Nutrients | Only lists nutrients present in measurable amounts. | Must list specific mandatory nutrients, even if the amount is zero. |
| FDA Pre-Market Review | Generally not evaluated by the FDA for safety or effectiveness before going to market. | Requires FDA approval for ingredients not Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). |
| Disclaimer | Required for structure/function claims (e.g., "This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA..."). | No such disclaimer is required. |
Health Claims and Disclaimers
Manufacturers of conventional foods face a higher bar for making health claims, which must be supported by significant scientific agreement and are regulated by the FDA. In contrast, supplement manufacturers can use so-called "structure/function" claims, which describe the intended effect of a substance on the body's structure or function (e.g., "calcium builds strong bones"). While these claims must be truthful and not misleading, they do not require FDA pre-approval. They do, however, require a mandatory disclaimer to inform consumers that the FDA has not evaluated the claim.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice
The main difference between the facts panel of a supplement and of a food is rooted in the regulatory structure and is reflected in the transparency of ingredient listings and the type of claims that can be made. Consumers must understand these differences to make informed decisions. While a Nutrition Facts panel provides a reliable, standardized metric for comparing conventional foods, a Supplement Facts panel requires more scrutiny. The presence of proprietary blends and less stringent pre-market oversight means consumers should read supplement labels with a critical eye, ideally consulting a healthcare provider to ensure the product meets their specific health needs safely. For regulatory details on both types of labels, the FDA's website is the authoritative source [https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/labeling-nutrition-guidance-documents-and-regulatory-information].
By learning to interpret these panels accurately, consumers can navigate the complex world of food and supplements with greater confidence and prioritize products that offer clear, verifiable information.
