Healthy Diet for July 25 – And the Facts Are . . .

Imagine you’re comparing two supplements. Which one will you buy?

Start with the label. Supplement Facts and ingredient declarations on supplement containers look much like what’s on food labels.

You will find percent Daily Values (DVs) if the nutrient is present or if a claim is made about it. If an ingredient has no DV (perhaps omega-3 fatty acids or an herbal), just the quantity in a serving (dose) is listed.

You won’t find standardized dosages or potency. You likely can’t discern active ingredients.

A supplement container may display three types of claims. Science backs up U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved nutrient and health claims. But structure/function claims, such as “echinacea boosts the immune system,” aren’t FDA approved; research behind these claims is limited, without scientific agreement.

Another guide—a certifying mark, such as USP—may verify the contents. These marks aren’t FDA regulated, and criteria differ from mark to mark. They don’t mean a supplement is “safe and effective.”

The supplement savvy:

• Remember food first! A supplement is simply a supplement.
• Stay sensible. 100% DV for nutrients is enough.
• Talk to your doctor. Ask whether and how much is safe for you.
• Contact supplement manufacturers for documentation of label information and claims.