Most supplement shoppers focus on the marketing claims on the front of the box. The real information is on the back. Here's a 2-minute crash course on reading a supplement label.
Look for "Supplement Facts"
Every legitimate supplement sold in the US must carry a Supplement Facts panel. If you can't find one, that's a red flag.
Check the serving size
The "% Daily Value" and "Amount Per Serving" numbers all reference the serving size. If the daily dose is 2 strips but you only take 1, you're getting half.
Watch out for proprietary blends
"Proprietary Blend: 500mg" lumps multiple ingredients into one number. You don't actually know how much of each ingredient you're getting. Look for products that disclose individual amounts.
Manufacturing facility info
Quality brands disclose where products are manufactured. "Made in cGMP-certified facility" is the floor. Bonus points for third-party testing.
The DSHEA disclaimer
The line "These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA" is required by law for all dietary supplements. Its presence isn't a red flag — its absence is.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.