Cracking the Code

10 Questions to Ask Yourself When Reading Dietary Supplement Labels

1. Are dietary supplements regulated at all by the FDA? Yes. While the FDA does not approve supplements before they are sold, we are required to ensure our products are safe, properly labeled, and meet the quality standards of the FDA. The FDA actively monitors the market, to make sure supplements meet certain standards for consumer protection. At AzureWell, we exceed these industry standards in Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) by: #1. Providing full transparency to all ingredients used including their potencies #2. Steering away from the use of non-nutritive chemicals commonly used in the manufacturing process #3. Use an extended list of third party laboratories to perform rigorous testing.  

2. How many servings will this dietary supplement last me? To determine how long a product will last, check the servings per container, the serving size, and the recommended use or dosage instructions that are on the back of the label. Divide the total servings by how many you take per day. For example, if a product has 30 servings and the directions say to take it 3 times a day, the product will last 10 days. Simply use the formula: (Total Servings) ÷ (Servings Per Day) = Number of Days the product will last.  At AzureWell, we prioritize transparency to the number of servings at the effective dose in hopes to achieve about a month’s supply for each product.   

3. How do I know the product I am buying is still fresh? At AzureWell, we prioritize product freshness and potency, providing the manufactured date on our packaging, so you know exactly when the product was made ensuring transparency about the product's age and quality. We research the most effective and natural delivery forms to maintain the volatile compounds of the active ingredients (i.e. AzureWell’s Alaskan Cod Liver Oil is in the triglyceride form vs. the molecularly distilled ethyl-ester form, which is unstable). We recommend storing our supplements in a cool, dry place to maintain their freshness. 

4. Are the supplements backed by science? Yes. When we make a health claim that a particular ingredient supports the health of the body, the statement is typically based on an ingredient that is typically listed at the top or highlighted in the health claim (e.g., "supports immune health with Vitamin C"). Check if the panel lists this ingredient by name along with its amount or potency, such as in milligrams (mg) or international units (IU). The amount of that ingredient, by law, needs to align with the claim being made. Unfortunately sometimes products mention ingredients in the claim but amounts are to low and are ineffective. Always compare the listed amount of that ingredient with what is considered an effective dose for the desired health benefit. AzureWell fully discloses every ingredient and its potency, that way we can provide nutrients in their most clinically effective form. 

5. Does the label have “Proprietary Blends” that hide ingredient amounts?  At AzureWell, we firmly believe that every ingredient in a product plays an active role in your health. We reject the industry norm of proprietary blends that obscure ingredient dosages.  We are fully transparent in disclosing all ingredients and their dosages on the AzureWell product labels.  

6. Are there any “non-nutritive” excipients listed, and what role do they play in this supplement? “Excipients” is a term used to describe ingredients that may aid in the manufacturing process or act as fillers. AzureWell is committed to safeguarding your health with pure and natural health products by avoiding commonly used excipients that we feel have enough substantiated science suggesting their potential adverse effects to your immune system and overall wellness. We work with leading experts to source, and rigorously test all of our products to ensure the ingredients used in our products are safe and free from any potentially harmful substances. 

7. Does the brand disclose all ingredients, even those making up less than 2% of the product? AzureWell believes in empowering consumers to make informed decisions about their health, which is why we ensure you know exactly what's in every product.  There are no ingredients hidden behind the wall of "GRAS" (Generally Recognized As Safe) or not disclosed because it is less than 2% of the formulation. We are dedicated to complete transparency, fully disclosing all ingredients in our supplements, even those that make up less than 2% of the product. This information is clearly listed on the Supplement Facts panel or in the Other Ingredients section on our labels. 

8. The label on my bottle lacks detailed information; how can I learn more about the product? At AzureWell we do our best to provide clear, detailed labels, but if you need more information, visit our website or contact our customer service team. We're committed to transparency and quality, backed by third-party certifications and consumer reviews to give you confidence in your choice. 

9. What is a CoA? Should I really ask for a CoA? A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is a document that confirms the quality, purity, and potency of a dietary supplement through end product testing. It verifies that the product meets label claims and is free from harmful contaminants. Please contact AzureWell anytime to ask us for a CoA. We realize this provides the transparency and assurance that you're getting a safe, high quality product. In the future we hope to be able to make this readily available to you online.

10. Is AzureWell responsible for the product as a legal dietary supplement? Yes. AzureWell directly oversees every step of the manufacturing process, maintaining documented control over ingredient procurement, formulation, production, and final testing. AzureWell strictly follows the Current Good Manufacturing Practices of 21CFR111 of the FDA, making sure that every product meets the highest industry standards for purity, potency, composition, identity and pathogen microbiology. From the selection of raw materials to performing end-product testing, our team of scientists, including 3rd party manufacturers and laboratories, are safeguarding you from adulterated ingredients that could be affecting the supply chain.