Do you ever check the Nutrition Facts panel on foods at the grocery store? It’s a great way to make sure you're getting the nutrition you want… and nothing you don't. Well, you can do the same with supplements! Dietary supplements are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA classifies a dietary supplement as a vitamin, mineral, herb, or other substance that’s consumed in addition to food. It’s something you take to supplement your diet. And you can find out a lot about a product and its ingredients just by taking a few minutes to read the label.

First, Check the Benefits

A dietary supplement label usually has a front panel, called the Principal Display Panel, as well as a required Supplement Facts panel. Start by reading the front of the label. How can this product benefit you? What are the key ingredients mentioned? Does the formula line up with your health goals? Does it match your personal values, like avoiding GMOs or buying more organic? You might want to take different supplements at different times of year, or on workout days or travel days. Knowing the benefits of each supplement can help you plan and adjust your regimen. You can talk to your healthcare professional about how to choose the best supplements for you.