Comparing Supplements Label to Label 40 points
Instructions: Obtain the labels of two multi–nutrient supplements. Compare these two different
multivitamin preparations for their contributions of each vitamin and mineral to the percent of
Daily Values.
• You can look at brand–name supplements as compared to similar generic supplements.
• Or, you can compare a specialty formula (men’s/women’s formula, stress formula, dieter’s
formula, etc.) with a general multivitamin.
• Fill in the following table and answer the questions to help you compare different
multivitamins.
Supplements you compared (20 points):
#1 _________________________
#2 _________________________
Vitamin/Mineral Amount Listed % Daily Value UL
Supp. #1 Supp. #2 Supp. #1 Supp. #2
Vitamin A
Riboflavin
Thiamin
Niacin
Folate
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B12
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Calcium
Phosphorous
Sodium
Potassium
Magnesium
Chromium
Cooper
Selenium
Zinc
Supplements can safely provide 100% of the daily values for most vitamins and minerals.
1. What is the name of the supplement?
2. What is the cost per pill?
3. Is the supplement complete (does it contain all vitamins and minerals with established
DRIs)? If no, what is missing?
4. Are most vitamins and minerals present at or near 100% of the DRIs? Exceptions include
biotin, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are rarely found in amounts near
100% of the DRI. List any vitamins or minerals that are present in low amounts or in
dangerously high amounts.
5. Does the supplement contain unnecessary nutrients or no nutrients? If yes, list them.
6. Is there “hype” on the label? Does the label use the terms “natural,” “organic,” “chelated,”
“no sugar,” “stress–reliever,” etc.? List any terms used
