Reading labels when buying supplements
Following are the key items of information that manufacturers are obliged to include on the labels of nutritional supplements.
Name of goods: Either the name of the goods (such as evening primrose oil) or, if there is no such name, the product name (that is, the proprietary or brand name - for example, the brand name of a proprietary tonic) must appear on the label.
Active ingredients: The names of all therapeutically active ingredients contained in the product must be listed. For example, the active ingredient in evening primrose oil is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). For products such as multivitamin and mineral supplements, the active ingredients are the vitamins and minerals themselves, and all must be listed.
Amount of active ingredients: The quantity or proportion of all active ingredients must be stated. For example, in the case of evening primrose oil capsules, it might be said that each 1000 mg capsule contains 100 mg (10%) of linolenic acid. In the case of a multivitamin and mineral supplement, the amount of each vitamin and mineral the product contains must be stated (using the appropriate metric unit of measurement, as specified in the regulations). Most ingredients are given in micrograms (meg) or milligrams (mg). Fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A. D and E, are usually expressed in International Units (IU).
List of excipients: Excipients are all ingredients contained in a product other than the active ingredients. These include such things as binders, fillers, coatings, preservatives and coloring agents. For consumers' benefit, manufacturers often choose to state that the product does not contain certain substances - such as colorings and artificial flavors, but also such items as yeast, dairy products, lactose, gluten and egg (to which some people are allergic).
Name of dosage form: This means the usual name of the pharmaceutical form of the product, such as tablets or capsules.
Quantity of goods: The quantity of the goods has to be specified - for example, the number of tablets or capsules in the container.
Warning statements: Where warnings apply to the product, these must be included on the label. The regulations specify the warnings required on particular categories of products. For example, iron tablets must carry the following warning: 'Use strictly as directed. Keep out of reach of children.
Batch number: The batch number of the goods must appear in one of the forms specified in the regulations. Examples are 'Batch' or 'Batch No'.
Expiry date: The expiry date must be shown in one of a number of specified forms, which include 'Expiry Date', 'Exp.’ ‘Use before' and 'Use by'. The expiry date indicates that the product will remain 'fresh' up to that date. In fact, supplements may retain their full potency for some time after the date indicated, but you cant be sure of this. It's always best to finish the product before the expiry date. This is particularly advisable in the case of the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K).
Storage conditions: Advice must be given on how best to store the product. Most nutritional supplements should be kept in a cool, dry place, which means they shouldn't be stored in the bathroom or the refrigerator, where moisture can damage them. However, there are some products that should be refrigerated after opening. If this is the case, the label will say so. Similarly, the label will say if the product should be stored below a certain temperature.
Directions for use: These directions tell you the suggested dosage (for example, one tablet swallowed whole) and when, how often and how best to take it (for example, three times a day with meals; or 30 minutes before a meal, with a glass of water). The suggested dosage is often followed by the words 'or as directed by your health professional'.
Supplier's name and address: The name and street address of the sponsor or supplier must be given. Many manufacturers include their telephone number, and some have a consumer advice number.
Statement of purpose: This specifies the purpose or purposes for which the product is intended to be used. For example, in the case of evening primrose oil, it might be stated that the product may offer temporary relief from conditions associated with a deficiency of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), including some skin disorders and premenstrual syndrome.
Name of goods: Either the name of the goods (such as evening primrose oil) or, if there is no such name, the product name (that is, the proprietary or brand name - for example, the brand name of a proprietary tonic) must appear on the label.
Active ingredients: The names of all therapeutically active ingredients contained in the product must be listed. For example, the active ingredient in evening primrose oil is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). For products such as multivitamin and mineral supplements, the active ingredients are the vitamins and minerals themselves, and all must be listed.
Amount of active ingredients: The quantity or proportion of all active ingredients must be stated. For example, in the case of evening primrose oil capsules, it might be said that each 1000 mg capsule contains 100 mg (10%) of linolenic acid. In the case of a multivitamin and mineral supplement, the amount of each vitamin and mineral the product contains must be stated (using the appropriate metric unit of measurement, as specified in the regulations). Most ingredients are given in micrograms (meg) or milligrams (mg). Fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A. D and E, are usually expressed in International Units (IU).
List of excipients: Excipients are all ingredients contained in a product other than the active ingredients. These include such things as binders, fillers, coatings, preservatives and coloring agents. For consumers' benefit, manufacturers often choose to state that the product does not contain certain substances - such as colorings and artificial flavors, but also such items as yeast, dairy products, lactose, gluten and egg (to which some people are allergic).
Name of dosage form: This means the usual name of the pharmaceutical form of the product, such as tablets or capsules.
Quantity of goods: The quantity of the goods has to be specified - for example, the number of tablets or capsules in the container.
Warning statements: Where warnings apply to the product, these must be included on the label. The regulations specify the warnings required on particular categories of products. For example, iron tablets must carry the following warning: 'Use strictly as directed. Keep out of reach of children.
Batch number: The batch number of the goods must appear in one of the forms specified in the regulations. Examples are 'Batch' or 'Batch No'.
Expiry date: The expiry date must be shown in one of a number of specified forms, which include 'Expiry Date', 'Exp.’ ‘Use before' and 'Use by'. The expiry date indicates that the product will remain 'fresh' up to that date. In fact, supplements may retain their full potency for some time after the date indicated, but you cant be sure of this. It's always best to finish the product before the expiry date. This is particularly advisable in the case of the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K).
Storage conditions: Advice must be given on how best to store the product. Most nutritional supplements should be kept in a cool, dry place, which means they shouldn't be stored in the bathroom or the refrigerator, where moisture can damage them. However, there are some products that should be refrigerated after opening. If this is the case, the label will say so. Similarly, the label will say if the product should be stored below a certain temperature.
Directions for use: These directions tell you the suggested dosage (for example, one tablet swallowed whole) and when, how often and how best to take it (for example, three times a day with meals; or 30 minutes before a meal, with a glass of water). The suggested dosage is often followed by the words 'or as directed by your health professional'.
Supplier's name and address: The name and street address of the sponsor or supplier must be given. Many manufacturers include their telephone number, and some have a consumer advice number.
Statement of purpose: This specifies the purpose or purposes for which the product is intended to be used. For example, in the case of evening primrose oil, it might be stated that the product may offer temporary relief from conditions associated with a deficiency of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), including some skin disorders and premenstrual syndrome.
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