The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is a source of reliable, science-based information about dietary supplements.
On the ODS website you can find information you can trust including answers to Frequently Asked Questions about dietary supplements, their use and safety, regulatory details, and information about ODS itself. The publication, Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know, can help you understand what dietary supplements are. We also provide fact sheets on dietary supplement ingredients (with versions for consumers, health professionals, and in Spanish).
ODS is part of the federal government. Our mission is to strengthen knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements and foster an enhanced quality of life and health for the U.S. population. We accept no advertising, sponsor no products, and our information is free to the public.
Website Disclaimer
ODS provides general information you can trust about dietary supplement ingredients. We cannot provide personal medical advice or make referrals to healthcare providers. Many of your questions about dietary supplements are best answered by a physician or other qualified healthcare provider who is familiar with your medical history and situation.
The ODS website occasionally links to external sites for additional information. ODS is not responsible for the content of these external sites, nor does ODS endorse, warrant, or guarantee the products, services, or information provided on these sites.
ODS does not endorse or recommend any commercial products, processes, or services. The views and opinions expressed on the ODS website do not necessarily state or reflect those of the U.S. government. Mention of a specific product or ingredient on the ODS website does not imply endorsement by ODS, NIH, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The information provided on this website may not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes. Furthermore, this information provided is not intended to constitute an "authoritative statement" under Food and Drug Administration rules and regulations.
When you visit the ODS website, your internet browser may produce pop-up advertisements. These ads were most likely produced by other websites you have visited or by third party software installed on your computer. ODS does not endorse or recommend any products or services that may appear on your computer screen while visiting our site.