Read the Supplement Facts panel
FDA requires the label to identify the serving size, servings per container and dietary ingredients. Amounts per serving are generally listed, although proprietary blends can obscure the amount of each ingredient inside the blend.
Understand proprietary blends
A proprietary blend is not automatically bad, but it limits dose transparency. If research on an ingredient uses a specific amount, you cannot confidently compare that research with a blend when the individual dose is hidden.
Separate claims from evidence
FTC guidance requires health advertising to be truthful, not misleading and adequately substantiated. Phrases such as “clinically studied ingredient” should not be read as “this exact finished product is clinically proven.”
Five-minute checkout checklist
- Save the product label.
- Check the serving size and exact daily amount.
- Identify caffeine-containing botanicals and other ingredients relevant to your medications.
- Read refund, subscription and shipping terms.
- Ignore urgency until the facts are clear.
Sources & verification notes