What to Look for (and Avoid) on Supplement Labels
Choosing the right supplement starts with knowing what’s inside the bottle, and that relies on your ability to understand the information on the label. Between scientific jargon, vague terms like "proprietary blend," and a long list of "other ingredients," it can be hard to tell which products will support your health and which are cutting corners.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to spot red flags that might signal low-quality formulas or misleading claims, as well as what indicates a trustworthy supplement.
Supplement Label Terms & Claims
Some terms and claims are carefully regulated by agencies like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). Others are marketing buzzwords designed to catch your eye but not always backed by science or safety standards.
While some of these terms or claims on supplement labels may be completely legitimate, others are not. It’s healthy to be a little skeptical and research the information backing such language.
Regulated Terms
The FTC regulates advertising claims and endorsements [1]. The FDA regulates health claims and how nutrients are described [2].
“Doctor-recommended”
The company must have proof that backs up this advertising claim. However, it doesn’t tell you how qualified those doctors are.
“Clinically proven”
This advertisingclaim must have solid scientific backing from well-controlled human trials. However, it doesn’t mean the studies were large or done on diverse groups.
“May support/reduce [function]”
This health claim suggests a possible link between the product and better health. I.e., “Calcium may support strong bones.” The FDA allows these claims if they are backed by a large body of credible science.
“High,” “low,” “good source”
These are nutrient content claims that must comply with FDA standards for what qualifies as “high,” “low,” “good source” of the nutrient [3].
“Maintains/builds”
These words are used in structure/function claims that describe how a nutrient or ingredient supports normal body function. I.e., “Antioxidants maintain cellular health.” The manufacturer must have evidence that the claim is truthful and include a disclaimer saying the product isn’t meant to treat, prevent, or cure diseases.
Unregulated Terms
“Natural”
There is no formal definition, but the FDA considers the term to mean no artificial or synthetic ingredients [4]. The supplement can still include processed ingredients, animal-derived substances, or even naturally-derived components that have been chemically altered.
“Patented/Proprietary”
Indicates a company owns the rights to a certain process or formula. It does not indicate effectiveness or proven results.
“Clean”
Often implies the product is free from harmful substances, but every brand defines “clean” differently. It’s a marketing term, not a safety guarantee.
“Doctor formulated”
A doctor may have been involved in development or simply consulted. It does not guarantee safety, effectiveness, or broad medical endorsement. It also does not speak to how much expertise the doctor contributed or their qualifications.
“Pharmaceutical-grade”
Suggests drug-like quality (which would require FDA approval) but is an unregulated term, and anyone can use this on their supplement label.
Supplement Ingredients
You’ll get the most information about a supplement’s quality from the list of ingredients, but you need to know what to look for. A clean, high-quality supplement should include recognizable, bioavailable ingredients. Any additives should complement the other ingredients and contribute to the formula’s overall effectiveness.
Active Ingredients
Start with the nutrients or herbs the product is promoting. Look for bioavailable forms (these are easily absorbed and used by your body). For example, methylcobalamin is a more active form of B12 than cyanocobalamin. And curcumin (the active component in turmeric) with black pepper extract is better absorbed than curcumin (or turmeric) alone.
Other Ingredients
This is where manufacturers hide fillers, binders, coloring agents, and flow agents. Some are harmless, but others are added purely to speed up manufacturing or make the product aesthetically pleasing, not to benefit your health.
Here are a few common additives and their possible health effects:
- Titanium dioxide – A coloring agent linked to potential health concerns. The European Food Safety Authority banned it as a food additive in 2021 [5].
- Magnesium stearate – A flow agent that may reduce nutrient absorption [6].
- Silicon dioxide – An anti-caking agent with no nutritional value.
- Maltodextrin – A highly processed filler and carbohydrate that can spike blood sugar [7].
Quality and Purity Certifications
Certifications on a supplement label are a sign that the brand has gone through extra steps to prove quality, purity, and transparency. Understanding what these seals mean can help you spot brands that hold themselves to higher standards.
USDA Organic
This seal means the ingredients are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, GMOs, or harmful chemicals. It also means the suppliers and manufacturers stick to stricter farming and processing standards that protect your health and the environment.
Non-GMO Project Verified
Products with this seal have been tested to ensure they do not contain genetically modified organisms.
NSF Certified/Certified for Sport
NSF certification confirms that the product contains exactly what’s listed on the label and is free from harmful contaminants. The Certified for Sport version indicates the supplement doesn’t have any substances banned from sports.
USP Verified
The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) seal means the product has been independently tested for quality, potency, and purity. It’s a rigorous certification recognized across the healthcare industry.
Beyond the Label
Reading supplement labels is a great start, but if you really want to feel confident about what you’re putting in your body, do some additional research. A trustworthy brand will make it easy for you to learn more.
Visit the company’s website and look for details about where their ingredients come from, how they’re grown, and how their products are made. Do they explain their testing practices? Are their products verified for purity, potency, and safety?
Don’t be afraid to reach out directly. Contact their customer service team and ask the hard questions: Can they share test results? Can they trace ingredients back to their source? Brands truly committed to your health will be proud to give you clear, honest answers. If getting information feels difficult or vague, that’s a red flag.
The more you ask, the more you’ll learn, and the better equipped you’ll be to choose supplements that align with your values and your wellness goals.
You deserve to know exactly what you’re putting into your body, where it comes from, and how it’s made. If you have questions, ask us. Our Customer Success Team is here to give you real answers. No runarounds. No vague claims. Just Pure Transparency. (Se habla Español).
References (7)
- Federal Trade Commission. “The FTC’s Endorsement Guides: What People Are Asking.” Federal Trade Commission, 2023, www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/ftcs-endorsement-guides-what-people-are-asking.
- Human Foods Program. “Label Claims for Conventional Foods and Dietary Supplements.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2024, www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/label-claims-conventional-foods-and-dietary-supplements.
- FDA. “Guidance for Industry Food Labeling Guide.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2019, www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/guidance-industry-food-labeling-guide.
- FDA. “Use of the Term Natural on Food Labeling.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2024, www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/use-term-natural-food-labeling.
- EFSA. “Titanium Dioxide: E171 No Longer Considered Safe When Used as a Food Additive | EFSA.” Www.efsa.europa.eu, 6 May 2021, www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/titanium-dioxide-e171-no-longer-considered-safe-when-used-food-additive.
- Uzunović, Alija, and Edina Vranić. “Effect of Magnesium Stearate Concentration on Dissolution Properties of Ranitidine Hydrochloride Coated Tablets.” Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, vol. 7, no. 3, 2007, pp. 279–83, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5736124/, https://doi.org/10.17305/bjbms.2007.3060.
- Cavaco Silva, Joana. “Maltodextrin: What It Is, Dangers, and Substitutes.” Www.medicalnewstoday.com, 21 Mar. 2024, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322426#what-is-maltodextrin.
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Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
