Compare supplement label amounts without turning them into dosage advice
This is label arithmetic for a buying comparison. It does not decide how much any person should take.
Make amounts comparable without prescribing a dose
This is label arithmetic for a buying comparison. It does not decide how much any person should take.
Fix the portion basis
01Do this: Record whether the label amount is per tablet, capsule, scoop, prepared drink, serving or stated daily portion.
Why it matters: Two identical-looking numbers can represent very different quantities over a day or pack.
Evidence check: Copy the portion definition and number of units together.
Align the units
02Do this: Convert only compatible units, such as micrograms, milligrams or grams, before comparing the same named substance.
Why it matters: A larger printed number can simply reflect a smaller unit.
Evidence check: Show the original units and the transparent conversion; do not round away a material difference.
Find the actual named amount
03Do this: Distinguish the amount of the named nutrient or substance from the mass of a compound, blend, scoop or whole serving.
Why it matters: A blend total or compound weight may not disclose the amount a buyer thinks they are comparing.
Evidence check: Use only explicitly labelled quantities and mark an undisclosed amount as unknown.
Keep directions separate from need
04Do this: Record the maker’s use directions and any nutrient reference value, but do not turn either into an individual recommendation.
Why it matters: Pack directions and population reference information do not diagnose need or account for diet, medicines or health conditions.
Evidence check: Use a pharmacist, dietitian or clinician for personal dose or interaction questions.
Three checks before checkout
Enough detail to make the choice better informed and clearer, without turning a quick buying decision into a compliance manual.
- 1 Compare like-for-like units and stated portions, but do not infer an individual dose from a larger number.
- 2 Match the exact flavour, variant, pack and formula rather than a similar marketplace image.
- 3 Use the current physical label for ingredients, allergens, warnings and stated serving information.
Take the next useful step
Continue to the closest practical comparison or official source.
Why these checks matter in the UK
Compare the food label, ingredients, amount per stated serving, warnings and allergens; do not use the page as medical advice.
Food supplements are regulated as foods rather than medicines.
Great Britain · current
Treat a claim as a constrained label statement, not proof that the product will deliver the outcome for a particular person.
Nutrition and health claims used in Great Britain need an authorised basis and must meet the exact conditions of use.
Great Britain · current
Check the market named on the label and use the matching official source rather than assuming one UK-wide claims register.
Some food-supplement and claims rules differ between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Great Britain, Northern Ireland · current
Sources and review boundaries
- Department of Health and Social Care: Food supplements guidance — reviewed 2026-08-03; Food-supplement rules differ between Great Britain and Northern Ireland in some areas.
- Department of Health and Social Care: Great Britain nutrition and health claims register — reviewed 2026-08-03; A listed claim remains subject to its exact conditions of use and the product label.