To assist the consumer in understanding what they are consuming, the strength of the product and the correct dosage, regulatory agencies require formulation information to be shown on the product label.
There are significant differences in this labelling, depending on the source country of the product. In most markets, Regulators demand full disclosure labelling. This form of labelling provides accurate, detailed information about the product so that the consumer can make an informed decision. In the US, however, the situation is vastly different.
The label shown here shows a typical US product label:
Some specific areas where this label fails to inform the consumer are summarised below:
- The label displays what are referred to as “Supplement Facts”. Unfortunately, there are very few “facts” shown on this label.
- The Label shows that this product contains a “Proprietary Blend” of ingredients. This is great for their protection, but does nothing to inform the Consumer what they are taking.
- It does not show how much of each ingredient, whether it is an Extract or what the Herbal Equivalent is and if any of the Herbs are delivered at a clinically effective level.
- To achieve the dosage of the “Proprietary Blend”, for which we have no idea of potency, the consumer has to take 3 Capsules as a single dose.
- While the consumer may believe that 90 capsules represents a value proposition, it still only equates to 30 days use.
This type of labelling does absolutely nothing to ensure that the consumer is making an informed decision on the product and serves no other purpose than to ensure that there can be no challenge to the efficacy of the product should the consumer choose to determine if clinically effective levels of any ingredient are actually present.
What it really means, cynically, is that it makes the task of comparing products to determine which one is likely to be most beneficial to the consumer impossible, thereby denying the consumer the benefit of Supplement Facts.
Full Disclosure Labelling:
The concept by which a consumer knows exactly what is in the product that they are consuming, thereby allowing them to make an informed decision about their health.
Makes it easier for consumers to compare products to ensure that they are comparing equivalent products.
Proprietary Blend:
A method used to conceal from the consumer the true content of the product.
Provides benefit to the marketer but significantly disadvantages the consumer.
