Dietary supplements labels information for consumers

A prototype product-based Dietary Supplements Labels Database on the web has been developed as part of the National Library of Medicine's Toxicology and Environmental Health Information Program. Included in the database is information on over 1,000 brands of dietary supplements, their ingredients, uses and manufacturers. Information for the database was collected from the labels of marketplace dietary supplements and manufacturers' websites. The Database content includes manufacturers' claimed medical benefits, recommended usages and dosages, active and inactive ingredients, and other product characteristics. Current categories of supplements include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, energy/weight management, and herbs/plants. Links to other web-based information resources and evaluations by other government entities are included in the database. These include links to research articles in PubMed® and information in MedlinePlus®, as well as links to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warnings and recalls. While the Database is designed for easy use by consumers, health care workers will also find it a useful resource. The navigation and search system allows approach to the content from various entry points. In summary, since the Dietary Supplements Labels Database consolidates label information on dietary supplements with research data, warnings, and recalls, it enables consumers to compare information on the active ingredients in various brands of dietary supplements and provides the opportunity for them to obtain concise, consolidated information for making informed decisions about the use of these products.