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    How to Decode Dietary Supplement Labels

    8 tips to clear up those murky terms and claims

    Supplement labels may boast some enticing claims—“improves memory,” “whole-food formula,” and “FDA registered” are just a few examples—and highlight intriguing nutrients, botanicals, and other compounds.

    More on Supplements

    Yet it’s not always clear exactly what all the information on the label is telling you. And what the labels don’t say can be just as important. Chuck Bell, programs director for CR’s advocacy division and an expert on supplements, has some tips on how to decode some common terms and claims.

    To reveal the tips, click or hover your cursor over the dots (or tap, on mobile) on the illustration below.

    Click dots to learn more.

    Illustration: Chris Philpot

    Editor’s Note: A version of this article also appeared in the April 2022 issue of Consumer Reports On Health.