Serving size
Understand the portion the label uses and the recommended daily consumption.
Supplement Guide
Supplements are products, not shortcuts.
Food supplements are concentrated sources of nutrients or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect. They can be sold as tablets, capsules, powders, liquids and other dose forms.
The important question is not whether a supplement sounds impressive. It is what the product contains, how much it contains, and whether the label is clear.
What to look for
Active ingredients
Look at the nutrients or other substances the product is designed to provide.
Amount per serving
A large number on the front of a bottle does not tell you everything. Check how much is provided per recommended portion.
Other ingredients
Capsules, powders and tablets may contain flavours, sweeteners, stabilisers or carriers.
Warnings
Follow the product's directions and warnings. Do not exceed the stated recommended daily dose.
Claims
Nutrition and health claims in the EU are regulated and authorised claims have conditions of use.
Supplements should complement a varied diet
Irish and EU rules require food supplements to state that they should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet.
Sláinte follows that principle.
Be careful with health claims
Nutrition and health claims about foods and supplements in the EU are subject to specific rules. Authorised claims have conditions of use.
Sláinte explains evidence without turning marketing language into medical claims.
Sources
Last reviewed: August 2026
Food supplements are regulated as food, not as medicines. Sláinte does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.