Have you ever seen someone intently studying an item’s packaging at the grocery store? As lovely as the packaging may be, it’s much more likely that people are actually checking out the product’s “SFP.”

What’s an SFP?

“SFP” stands for Supplement Facts Panel, a standardized label found on dietary supplements that provides essential information about the product's ingredients, serving size, and nutrient content. Understanding the SFP on your dietary supplements is crucial for making informed choices about your health and wellness. 

The following is a comprehensive guide to decoding an SFP effectively. Let’s use our Magnesium L-Threonate product as an example.

1. Serving Size: 

This indicates the recommended amount of the supplement to consume per serving. In this case, it would be 1 pouch.)

2. Servings per Container:

Shows how many servings are in one container. Serving size X servings per container = the total amount in the container. (1 pouch X 30 servings per container = 30 pouches per container)

3. Nutrient Amounts:

Common nutrients include vitamins, minerals, and other substances like amino acids or herbal extracts.

• Amount per Serving: Specifies the quantity of each nutrient present in one supplement serving.
• % Daily Value (%DV): Indicates how much of the daily recommended intake of each nutrient is provided by one supplement serving.

3A. How to Calculate (Amount per Serving) of Protein:

To calculate the amount of protein in a supplement, follow these steps:

1. Identify the serving size: Look for the serving size specified on the label. This is important because all the nutrient amounts listed on the label (including protein) are based on this serving size.

2. Locate the protein amount: Find the section of the label that lists the protein content. It is usually listed in grams (g) under the "Protein" heading.

3. Convert if necessary: Ensure the amount is in grams. If it's listed in milligrams (mg), you'll need to convert it to grams (divide by 1000 to calculate this number).

4. Understand the % Daily Value (DV): This percentage indicates how much of the recommended daily protein intake is provided by one serving of the supplement. It's based on a daily diet of 50 grams of protein.

5. Calculate total protein per serving: Multiply the amount of protein per serving (in grams) by the number of servings you plan to take.

For example, if the label says each serving contains 20 grams of protein, and you plan to take 2 servings, you would calculate:

Total protein = 20 grams per serving times 2 servings = 40 grams of protein

Following these steps will give you an accurate protein content calculation based on the supplement label. This information is crucial for tracking your protein intake and ensuring it aligns with your dietary goals.

4. Look Closely at % Daily Value 

Be aware of trademark symbols on an SFP, such as the one after “Magtein,” as illustrated in our Magnesium L-Threonate product above. This indicates that the particular nutrient mentioned, like Magnesium L-Threonate or its patented name, Magtein, has been patented and is incorporated into the formula.

Each serving of our Magnesium L-Threonate provides 94 mg of elemental magnesium, representing 22% of the daily value. However, the  94mg listed comes from 1,300mg of Magtein or Magnesium L-Threonate. Magtein doesn’t yet have an official, standardized daily value, so the 22% (daily value of elemental magnesium) is used on the label instead. 

Always read carefully!

5. Ingredients List:

Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, from most to least. This list ensures you know exactly what substances you consume and helps identify potential allergens or sensitivities.

6. Other Information:

• Allergens: Indicate if the supplement contains common allergens like soy, wheat, dairy, or nuts.
• Additives: Note any artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or other additives included in the supplement.

6A. Look Out for “Natural Flavors”

Supplements can sometimes hide shady ingredients or information behind vague terms like "natural flavors" on the SFP. Here are some ways this can happen:

1. Proprietary Blends: Some supplements use proprietary blends, where the manufacturer lists a blend of ingredients without specifying the exact amounts of each. This makes it difficult for consumers to know exactly what they are ingesting.

2. Inaccurate Labeling: Occasionally, supplements may not accurately list all ingredients or may use misleading names for substances to disguise their identity, such as scientific or alternative names that are less recognizable to consumers.

3. Fillers and Excipients: "Natural flavors" could potentially be used as a cover term for fillers that are added to the supplement to improve texture, taste, or stability. These may not contribute to the nutritional value but are included in the product.

4. Inactive Ingredients: Sometimes, supplements include inactive ingredients that are not intended to provide any nutritional benefit but are used during manufacturing. These may be listed under general terms like "natural flavors" or "other ingredients."

5. Processing Aids: Ingredients used during the supplement's processing might not be fully disclosed if they are considered part of the manufacturing process rather than the final product. Terms like "natural flavors" could encompass these substances.

6. Synthetic Additives: Although "natural flavors" typically imply natural sources, there could be instances where synthetic additives or flavor enhancers are included under this broad term.

To ensure transparency and safety when choosing supplements, it's crucial to research brands, check for third-party testing and certifications, and consult healthcare professionals or trusted sources for recommendations.

7. Health Claims and Warnings:

Some labels may include FDA-approved health claims or warnings about potential side effects or interactions with other substances. Pay attention to cautionary statements and recommended usage instructions.

• Misleading Claims: Be aware of misleading claims that use ambiguous language, excessive scientific jargon, overstate benefits, hide through proprietary blends, or compare to placebos rather than to other legitimate treatments.  

8. Manufacturer Information:

• Contact Details: Provides information about the company responsible for the supplement's production and distribution.
• Quality Assurance: Look for certifications like GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) to ensure the supplement was produced under safe and sanitary conditions.

Tying it Together

Understanding how to read an SFP label empowers you to decide which supplements best meet your nutritional needs. You can confidently integrate supplements into your daily wellness routine by carefully reviewing the serving size, nutrient amounts, ingredients, and health claims. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it aligns with your health goals and existing conditions.

Whether you're looking to enhance your vitamin intake, support specific health goals, or ensure overall well-being, deciphering the SFP label helps you be your own advocate and get the most out of your supplement choices.