Glossary of Supplement Terms: A Consumer's A-Z Dictionary

A: Active Ingredient to Antioxidant

In the supplement world, an active ingredient is the component responsible for the product's intended effect. Inactive ingredients are the other substances, such as fillers and binders, that help form the product but are not intended to provide a health benefit.

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are considered dietary ingredients in supplements. Antioxidants are substances that may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules.

• Active ingredient: The substance in a supplement that is intended to have a physiological effect.
• Amino acid: Organic compounds that combine to form proteins; some are used as dietary supplements.
• Antioxidant: A substance that may help neutralize free radicals, potentially reducing oxidative stress.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

B: Bioavailability to B-Complex

Bioavailability refers to the extent and rate at which a substance is absorbed and used by the body. A supplement may contain a nutrient, but if it is not bioavailable, your body may not get the full benefit.

A botanical is a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal or therapeutic properties. B-complex vitamins refer to the group of eight water-soluble vitamins that play important roles in energy production and other bodily functions.

• Bioavailability: How well a nutrient is absorbed and utilized by the body.
• Botanical: A plant-derived ingredient used in supplements, such as ginkgo or ginseng.
• B-complex: A group of eight essential water-soluble vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

C: Capsule to Current Good Manufacturing Practice

A capsule is a gelatin or plant-based shell that contains the supplement's ingredients in powder, liquid, or oil form. Chelated minerals are bound to another molecule, often an amino acid, to potentially improve absorption.

A clinical trial is a research study conducted with human volunteers to evaluate a medical, surgical, or behavioral intervention. In the supplement industry, CGMP refers to Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations enforced by the FDA to ensure products are made consistently and safely.

• Capsule: A common oral dosage form that encloses active ingredients.
• Chelated: A mineral attached to a carrier molecule, such as an amino acid, to enhance absorption.
• Clinical trial: A scientific study that tests how a product or treatment affects people.
• CGMP: FDA regulations that require manufacturers to follow quality standards in production.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

D: Dietary Supplement to Dropper

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994 defined dietary supplements as products taken by mouth that contain a 'dietary ingredient' intended to supplement the diet. Dietary ingredients include vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes and metabolites.

Daily Value (DV) is a reference amount on Nutrition Facts and Supplement Facts labels that helps consumers compare nutrient amounts. A supplement's dose is the amount taken at one time or per serving. A dropper is a device often used to administer liquid supplements.

• Dietary supplement: A product taken by mouth that contains a dietary ingredient as defined by DSHEA.
• DSHEA: The 1994 U.S. law that established the regulatory framework for dietary supplements.
• Daily Value (DV): A label reference that indicates how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet.
• Dose: The quantity of a supplement to be taken at one time.
• Dropper: A small tube with a rubber bulb used to measure and dispense liquid supplements.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition via PubMed Central

E: EPA, DHA, Electrolyte, and Enteric Coating

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil and certain algae, often used for heart and brain health. Electrolytes are minerals like sodium and potassium that help regulate fluid balance and nerve function.

Enteric coating is a special layer applied to a tablet or capsule that resists stomach acid, allowing the supplement to dissolve in the intestines. This can protect certain ingredients from degradation or reduce stomach upset.

• EPA/DHA: Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids commonly found in marine sources.
• Electrolyte: Minerals that carry an electric charge and are essential for bodily functions.
• Enteric coating: A protective layer that prevents disintegration in the stomach.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

F: Fat-Soluble, Fiber, FDA, and Filler

Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) dissolve in fat and can be stored in the body's fatty tissues. Fiber is a plant-based carbohydrate that is not fully digested, contributing to digestive health.

The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) regulates dietary supplements as a category of food, not drugs. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products are not adulterated or misbranded before they go to market. A filler is an inactive ingredient used to give a supplement form or bulk.

• Fat-soluble: Vitamins that dissolve in fat and are stored in the body.
• Fiber: A non-digestible carbohydrate found in plants.
• FDA: The U.S. agency that oversees the safety and regulation of dietary supplements as food.
• Filler: An inactive substance used to create the desired size or consistency of a supplement.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

G: Ginkgo, Ginseng, and Green Tea Extract

Ginkgo, ginseng, and green tea extract are popular botanical ingredients. Ginkgo biloba is derived from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, ginseng comes from the roots of Panax species, and green tea extract is concentrated from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. These botanicals are often used for their potential cognitive or energy-related benefits, though individual results can vary.

• Ginkgo: An herb derived from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree, sometimes used for memory support.
• Ginseng: A root used in traditional medicine, often for energy and vitality.
• Green tea extract: A concentrated form of green tea, rich in antioxidants called catechins.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

H: Herb, Herbal Supplement, and Hydroxy

An herb is a plant or plant part used for flavoring, food, medicine, or perfume. Herbal supplements are dietary supplements that contain herbs or botanical ingredients.

The term 'hydroxy' often appears as a prefix indicating a chemical structure containing hydroxyl groups. In the supplement industry, it may be found in names like hydroxycitric acid, a compound derived from the rind of the tamarind fruit, sometimes used in weight management products.

• Herb: A plant or plant part valued for its properties.
• Herbal supplement: A dietary supplement that uses one or more herbs as ingredients.
• Hydroxy: A chemical prefix indicating the presence of a hydroxyl group, often found in ingredient names.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

I: Inactive Ingredient to Iron

Inactive ingredients are substances in a supplement that do not provide a direct health benefit but serve useful purposes like binding or preserving. The FDA requires that these be listed on the label.

Iodine and iron are essential minerals. Iodine is crucial for thyroid function, and iron is a component of hemoglobin. Both are often included in multivitamins and can be sold as standalone supplements.

• Inactive ingredient: A non-therapeutic component that aids in manufacturing or stability.
• Iodine: A mineral needed to make thyroid hormones.
• Iron: A mineral that helps carry oxygen in the blood.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

L: Label, Lipid, and Low-Allergen

The supplement label is your primary source of information. It must include the Supplement Facts panel, which lists serving size, ingredients, and amounts. Lipids are fats and fat-like substances that are important for cellular structure and energy storage.

Low-allergen products are designed to reduce the risk of allergic reactions by minimizing or eliminating common allergens such as gluten, dairy, or soy.

• Label: The package information including the Supplement Facts panel.
• Lipid: A fat or fat-like molecule, such as triglycerides and cholesterol.
• Low-allergen: Formulated to avoid common allergens.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

M: Mineral, Multivitamin, and Magnesium

Minerals are inorganic elements required for various bodily functions, including bone formation, nerve signaling, and muscle contraction. A multivitamin is a dietary supplement containing a combination of vitamins, and often minerals.

Magnesium is a mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including energy production and muscle function. It is a common supplement ingredient.

• Mineral: A naturally occurring inorganic element needed for health.
• Multivitamin: A supplement that contains multiple vitamins and sometimes minerals.
• Magnesium: A mineral important for muscle, nerve, and heart health.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

N: Natural, NF, and Nutrient

The term 'natural' is not strictly regulated in the supplement industry, but it generally implies ingredients derived from plants, animals, or minerals without synthetic alteration. NF stands for National Formulary, a publication that sets standards for ingredients and is recognized by the FDA.

Nutrients are substances that the body needs for growth, maintenance, and repair. They include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids.

• Natural: Loosely means derived from natural sources, though not legally defined.
• NF: National Formulary, a compendium of standards for drugs and ingredients.
• Nutrient: A chemical substance required for life and health.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

O: Organic to Overdose

Organic, when used on food or supplement labels, refers to agricultural products grown and processed according to USDA standards. In the supplement industry, 'organic' can also indicate a chemical structure containing carbon.

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that are essential for health. Overdose refers to taking too much of a supplement, which can be harmful, especially for fat-soluble vitamins or minerals that can accumulate.

• Organic: Refers to farming practices; otherwise, a chemical term implying carbon-containing compounds.
• Omega-3: A type of polyunsaturated fat, including EPA and DHA.
• Overdose: Taking more than the recommended or safe amount, which may cause adverse effects.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

P: Probiotic, Protein Powder, and Preservative

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, may confer a health benefit. They are considered dietary substances in supplements. Protein powder is a concentrated source of protein, often derived from whey, soy, or plant sources, used to supplement dietary protein intake.

Preservatives are substances added to prevent microbial growth or spoilage. They are classified as 'other ingredients' on supplement labels.

• Probiotic: Live microorganisms intended to provide health benefits when consumed.
• Protein powder: A powdered supplement made from protein isolates, often used for muscle recovery.
• Preservative: An ingredient that helps prevent decomposition.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Q: Qualified Health Claim

A health claim describes a relationship between a food or supplement ingredient and a reduced risk of a disease or health condition. A qualified health claim is supported by some scientific evidence but does not meet the 'significant scientific agreement' standard. The FDA allows such claims if the language is carefully phrased to not mislead consumers.

• Qualified health claim: A claim that is supported by emerging evidence but not meeting the highest standard; must be accompanied by a disclaimer.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

R: RDA and Reference Daily Intake

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is the average daily intake level sufficient to meet the nutritional needs of most healthy individuals. Reference Daily Intake (RDI) is used on Nutrition Facts labels for vitamins and minerals, but in the supplement context, Daily Value (DV) is the standard used on Supplement Facts.

It's important to understand the difference: RDA is a nutrient-specific recommendation, while DV is a label reference based on an average adult diet of 2,000 calories.

• RDA: A set of nutrient intake recommendations for healthy individuals.
• RDI: A reference value for labeling purposes, often used interchangeably with DV on food labels.
• Daily Value: The label reference that shows how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

S: Serving Size to Standardized Extract

Serving size is the amount of supplement you are instructed to take at one time, as listed on the Supplement Facts panel. The Supplement Facts panel must list the serving size, servings per container, and the amount of each dietary ingredient per serving.

A standardized extract is a botanical extract that is processed to contain a consistent amount of a specific compound or group of compounds, ensuring a certain level of potency and consistency between batches.

• Serving size: The recommended portion per intake occasion.
• Supplement Facts: The label panel that details nutritional information.
• Standardized extract: An extract with a guaranteed level of one or more active constituents.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

T: Tablet, Tincture, and Trace Mineral

A tablet is a solid dosage form that may be scored or coated. A tincture is a liquid extract typically made by soaking herbs in alcohol or a mixture of alcohol and water. Trace minerals are minerals needed by the body in very small amounts, such as zinc, selenium, and copper.

• Tablet: A compressed solid form of a supplement.
• Tincture: A liquid herbal extract in which alcohol is often used as the solvent.
• Trace mineral: A mineral required in minute concentrations for health.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

U: Upper Limit and USP Verification

The Upper Limit (UL) is the maximum daily intake of a nutrient that is unlikely to cause adverse health effects. Consuming more than the UL over time may increase risk of toxicity.

USP verification is a voluntary program by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) that tests supplements for quality, purity, and consistency. A USP-verified mark indicates the product meets the criteria set by USP.

• Upper Limit (UL): The highest daily intake considered safe for most people.
• USP verification: A mark that indicates a product has been independently tested for quality.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

V: Vitamin and Vegetarian Capsule

Vitamins are organic compounds required in small amounts for normal body functions. They are categorized as fat-soluble or water-soluble. Vegetarian capsules are capsules made from plant-based materials like cellulose, rather than animal-derived gelatin, to accommodate vegetarian or vegan preferences.

• Vitamin: An essential organic nutrient needed in small amounts.
• Vegetarian capsule: A capsule shell made from plant sources, such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

W: Water-Soluble and Whey Protein

Water-soluble vitamins, including the B-complex and vitamin C, dissolve in water and are not stored extensively in the body; excess amounts are excreted in urine. Whey protein is a high-quality protein derived from milk, often used as a protein supplement.

• Water-soluble: Vitamins that dissolve in water and are readily excreted.
• Whey protein: A milk-derived protein containing all essential amino acids.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Y: Yeast (Selenium Yeast)

Yeast is a type of fungus used in food and supplement production. Selenium yeast is a form of selenium that is bound to yeast cells, which may affect its absorption or biological activity. Some supplements use this form to provide selenium in a natural matrix.

• Yeast: A microorganism used in fermentation; can serve as a carrier for minerals like selenium.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration