FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the site and its data.
What is supmane?
A database for looking up supplement ingredients, amounts and dosage forms, built from public data in the US and Japan. It does not guarantee that any product has a particular effect.
Where does the data come from?
US products come from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD), and Japanese products from the Consumer Affairs Agency's Foods with Function Claims notifications. Patents are checked on Google Patents. See the Data Sources & Citation Policy for details.
Are Japanese products included?
Yes: Foods with Function Claims in supplement form, such as tablets and capsules. Foods for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU) and Foods with Nutrient Function Claims are not included.
What is a UNII?
A code the US FDA assigns to each substance. Ingredients that share a code are grouped as one ingredient, however they are spelled.
Can I buy products here?
No, this site does not sell anything. Some products link to stores such as iHerb, and we may earn a commission on purchases made through those links.
Is this medical advice?
No. It is general information and not a substitute for diagnosis or advice from a physician or pharmacist. If you are being treated for a condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to a healthcare professional before taking supplements.
Is there information on patents and branded ingredients?
The Patents page lists US patents on supplement ingredients. The Branded ingredients page lists ingredients sold under a brand name and the status of their US and Japanese patents. A patent is not government approval of efficacy or safety.
How often is the data updated?
We re-import it as the original sources are updated. Check the product label and the original sources for the latest information.
Still have a question? Use the contact details on the About page.