Unlike food, multivitamins are not reviewed or regulated by the government. Manufacturers of supplements, including multivitamins, must ensure a supplement's safety and efficacy before marketing and distributing it to the public. The Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, may take action against any supplement deemed unsafe. As a consumer, it is prudent to educate yourself about the important information found on multivitamin labels.
Supplement Facts
The FDA requires manufacturers of multivitamins to list all vitamins and minerals in a product since the product is designed to supplement the diet. In addition, the quantity by weight is required to be listed in the column designated "amount per serving." The serving size and servings per container must also be listed. To obtain the amount per serving listed for each nutrient, you must consume the serving size listed. Within the ingredient list, you will find the source of the vitamin and mineral, as well as any additional ingredients, such as fillers or additives.
Other Required Information
According to FDA law, the following dietary nutrients are also required to be listed when they are present in quantitative amounts: total calories, calories from fat, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrate, fiber, sugars and protein. If the quantity of any of the listed nutrients can be declared as zero, then the nutrient does not have to be listed.
Daily Value Percentage
The Daily Value, or DV, is a reference value established by the FDA for nutrients based on a daily 2,000-calorie diet. You will see the DV marked as a percentage, as noted by "% DV." Even if an ingredient does not have a DV established, it must be listed but noted that no DV exists. Women have different nutrient needs compared to men and children, and it can be difficult to remember how much is needed for each nutrient. Therefore, the DV is a useful tool for comparing products.
Health Claims
A manufacturer may make health claims on a multivitamin label stating the supplement is considered a "high" or "low" source of certain nutrients, such as being an excellent source of folic acid. A manufacturer may also make claims that the supplement may improve health or manage a condition. However, the claim must be followed by the statement, "This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."
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