How to read a supplement label

The front of a supplement pack is marketing. The back is the product. Learning to read the back panel takes about five minutes and it changes how you shop.

Start with the serving size. A pack of 180 capsules that requires three capsules a day is a two-month supply, not a six-month one. We show estimated supply duration on every product page for exactly this reason.

Next, check the elemental dose. Minerals are bound to a carrier — magnesium bisglycinate, for example — and only part of that weight is magnesium. Reputable labels state the elemental amount separately.

Finally, look at the NRV percentage. Nutrient Reference Values are population-level reference points, not personal targets, but they are a quick way to compare two products honestly.

This article is general information about supplement labelling and routines. It is not health advice and does not describe treating, preventing or curing any condition.