What Is a Supplement Facts Panel?

If you’ve ever picked up a bottle of vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements, you’ve likely noticed a standardized label on the back or side called the Supplement Facts Panel. This panel isn’t just there for decoration – it’s a crucial source of information that helps consumers understand exactly what they’re putting in their bodies.

Definition of a Supplement Facts Panel

A Supplement Facts Panel is a standardized label required on all dietary supplements sold in the United States. It presents key information about the supplement’s ingredients, serving size, and nutritional content in a consistent format that makes it easier for consumers to understand what they’re purchasing and consuming.

Whether you’re a manufacturer bringing supplements to market or a consumer trying to make informed choices, understanding this panel is essential for safety, FSVP compliance, and effective use of these products.

Components of a Supplement Facts Panel

Serving Size

The serving size tells you how much of the product constitutes a single serving. This might be one capsule, two tablets, or a specific amount by weight or volume. This information is critical because all the nutritional information listed below it is based on this serving size.

For example, if the serving size is two capsules, but you only take one, you’ll receive half the listed nutrients.

Servings Per Container

This tells you how many total servings are in the package. For instance, if a bottle contains 60 capsules and the serving size is two capsules, there are 30 servings per container.

Active Ingredients

These are the ingredients that provide the nutritional or health benefits claimed by the supplement. They’re typically listed in descending order by weight.

Common examples include:

• ✔️ Vitamins (like Vitamin D or B-complex vitamins)
• ✔️ Minerals (such as calcium or zinc)
• ✔️ Herbs (like echinacea or ginseng)
• ✔️ Other dietary substances (like fish oil or probiotics)

Amount Per Serving

This section shows the quantity of each active ingredient in a single serving. Depending on the ingredient, this may be expressed in:

• ✔️ Weight (milligrams, grams)
• ✔️ International Units (IU)
• ✔️ Colony Forming Units (CFU) for probiotics
• ✔️ Other appropriate measurements

Percent Daily Value (%DV)

The Percent Daily Value shows how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet, based on a 2,000-calorie diet for healthy adults. If you see an asterisk (*) next to an ingredient, it means no Daily Value has been established for that ingredient.

For example, if a supplement provides 500 mg of calcium with a 50% DV, this means it provides half the recommended daily intake of calcium.

Other Ingredients

Below the Supplement Facts Panel, you’ll find a list of “Other Ingredients” which includes inactive ingredients that don’t contribute to the supplement’s nutritional profile but are necessary for manufacturing. These might include:

• ✔️ Binders and fillers (like microcrystalline cellulose)
• ✔️ Flow agents (like silicon dioxide)
• ✔️ Coatings (like hydroxypropyl methylcellulose)
• ✔️ Flavors, colors, and sweeteners

Suggested Use

This section provides instructions on how to take the supplement properly, including:

• ✔️ How many to take
• ✔️ When to take it (morning, evening, with meals)
• ✔️ How to take it (with food or water)

Purpose of the Supplement Facts Panel

Informed Consumer Choice

The primary purpose of the Supplement Facts Panel is to empower consumers with information. By standardizing how supplement information is presented, consumers can:

• ✔️ Compare similar products more easily
• ✔️ Identify allergens or ingredients they wish to avoid
• ✔️ Understand the potency of active ingredients
• ✔️ Make choices aligned with their health goals

Safety and Health

The panel helps consumers avoid potential health risks by:

• ✔️ Identifying ingredients that might interact with medications
• ✔️ Showing dosages to prevent overconsumption
• ✔️ Listing allergens that could cause reactions
• ✔️ Providing warnings about potential side effects

Regulatory Compliance

For manufacturers, the Supplement Facts Panel represents a key requirement for legal compliance. Correctly formatted and accurate panels help:

• ✔️ Meet FDA labeling requirements
• ✔️ Avoid enforcement actions and product recalls
• ✔️ Build consumer trust through transparency
• ✔️ Support quality control throughout production

Regulatory Context

Overview of DSHEA

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) provides the framework for supplement regulation in the United States. This landmark legislation:

• ✔️ Defined dietary supplements as a category of food
• ✔️ Established labeling requirements, including the Supplement Facts Panel
• ✔️ Created rules for ingredient safety and manufacturing practices
• ✔️ Set boundaries for permissible marketing claims

FDA Guidelines

The FDA provides detailed guidelines for Supplement Facts Panel formatting and content, including:

• ✔️ Required typefaces and font sizes
• ✔️ Order of ingredient listing
• ✔️ Specific terminology
• ✔️ Required statements and warnings

These guidelines ensure consistency across products and help consumers find information quickly.

International Regulations

If you’re planning to export supplements to the US market, it’s important to note that other countries have different labeling requirements. For example:

• ✔️ Canada requires a Natural Product Number (NPN) and bilingual labeling
• ✔️ European Union countries follow different nutritional reference values
• ✔️ Australia and New Zealand have their own regulatory framework through the TGA

Understanding these differences is essential for companies operating in multiple markets, particularly regarding FSVP services.

Conclusion

The Supplement Facts Panel serves as the foundation of informed decision-making in the dietary supplement market. Far more than just a regulatory requirement, it’s a crucial tool that helps consumers understand what they’re purchasing and consuming.

For manufacturers, creating accurate, compliant Supplement Facts Panels isn’t just about following rules—it’s about building trust with consumers and demonstrating a commitment to transparency and safety.

For consumers, learning to read and understand these panels is an essential skill for making smart health decisions in a market filled with options.

Ready to ensure your dietary supplements meet FDA labeling requirements for the US market? Global Import Agent specializes in FDA compliance and US import approvals for supplement manufacturers. Our team of experienced FDA consultants can review your Supplement Facts Panels, ensure they meet all regulatory requirements, and help you avoid costly delays at US customs.

We provide comprehensive label compliance reviews, FDA registration assistance, and ongoing support to ensure your supplements enter the US market legally and without disruption. Whether you’re launching a new product or updating existing labels to meet current regulations, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a quick consultation and get a free quote for your FDA approval needs.