How to Read a Supplement Label in the UK

A UK supplement label should be easy to check. Look for the words "food supplement", the amount of each active ingredient, the recommended daily dose, the required warnings, allergens in bold, a best-before date, and a named business with an address you can contact. If any of these are missing, ask questions before you buy.

What must be on a UK food supplement label?

UK food supplements are regulated as foods. According to GOV.UK guidance for businesses, the label must show:

• the category name, "food supplement";
• the name and amount of each nutrient or other substance in the product;
• the recommended daily dose;
• a warning not to exceed the recommended daily dose;
• a statement that supplements should not replace a varied diet;
• storage instructions, including keeping the product out of reach of young children;
• an ingredient list with allergens emphasised;
• the name and address of the food business;
• a "use by" or "best before" date.

If a product is missing any of these, that is a good reason to ask questions before you buy.

How do I compare the amounts in two products?

Start with the facts panel. Make sure the amount is given per serving, and that the serving size matches the number of capsules you would actually take.

• Per capsule or per serving? A product that says "500mg" may mean per capsule, while the daily dose may be two or three capsules.
• Named ingredients or a total blend? A "blend" weight can include fillers. Look for the amount of each named ingredient.
• Which form of the ingredient? Names such as "marine collagen" or "nicotinamide riboside" tell you what is actually inside.

How do I check the allergen and ingredient list?

Allergens should be emphasised in the ingredient list, for example in bold. Marine collagen comes from fish, so it will not suit everyone. The list also shows capsule shells, flowing agents and anything else added to the formula. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight.

Why do the batch code and date matter?

A genuine product usually shows a batch or lot number as well as a best-before date. They matter if there is ever a quality issue, because they let the maker trace exactly which batch you have.

Who is responsible for the product?

The label should name the business and give an address. You should be able to contact them. If you cannot tell who is behind a product, that is worth noting. You can look up any UK company on Companies House to check that it exists and see who runs it.

How should I read health claims?

In Great Britain, a health claim on a food supplement is only allowed if it is on the authorised list. Authorised claims are worded in a set way, such as "vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system." Be cautious about wording that promises to treat, cure or prevent a condition, or to reverse ageing. Food supplements are not medicines.

What evidence should I ask a brand for?

A reputable brand should be willing to share independent test results, often called a certificate of analysis. Our guide, How to Read a Supplement Certificate of Analysis (COA) in the UK, explains what to look for.

A quick checklist

• "Food supplement" stated on the label
• Amount of each active ingredient per daily dose
• Serving size that matches the capsule count
• The recommended daily dose, the warning not to exceed it and the "not a substitute for a varied diet" statement
• Allergens clearly shown
• Batch number and best-before date
• A named business with a contact address
• No claims about treating or preventing disease

Our view

Always read what is on the label. We were truly shocked by what some off-the-shelf supplements contain. Before we launched SellHealth UK®, we read a lot of labels, and that is why we wrote this guide and why we put the full details of each of our products on its page.

If you ever want a detail checked against one of our packs, email us at sellhealth@europe.com and we will help.

FAQ

Does "per serving" mean per capsule?

Not always. A serving can be one capsule or several. Check how many capsules make up the serving before you compare two products.

Does a longer ingredient list mean a worse product?

Not by itself. What matters is what each ingredient is, how much of it there is, and whether the label says clearly what you are getting.

Who should speak to a doctor before taking supplements?

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking supplements if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, take medicines or have a medical condition.

You can see how we present this information on our own products in the SellHealth UK® range.

Reviewed by Robert & Sandy.

Sources

• Food supplements: guidance for businesses (GOV.UK)
• Companies House: find and update company information

Robert & Sandy
SellHealth UK®