Table of Contents

Component Description

The NHANES Dietary Supplement Database (NHANES-DSD) contains detailed information on the dietary supplements (DS) and non-prescription antacids containing calcium and/or magnesium (antacids) reported by survey participants since NHANES 1999. The NHANES-DSD release consists of three datasets containing information on the following: Dietary Supplement Product Information (DSPI), Dietary Supplement Ingredient Information (DSII), and Dietary Supplement Blend Information (DSBI).

Dietary supplement information from the in-house NCHS Product Label Database (PLD) is publicly released in three files that make up the NHANES-DSD. These files incorporate all products that have been reported by respondents since 1999 from the PLD. With subsequent releases, new products reported will be appended to the NHANES-DSD files.

The in-house PLD database is maintained by NCHS nutritionists. NCHS attempts to obtain a product label for all dietary supplements or antacids reported by participants from sources such as the manufacturer or retailer, the Internet, company catalogs, and the Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR). Label information has also been obtained from the Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD), which is a joint project of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) and National Library of Medicine (NLM). The DSLD contains the full label contents from a sample of dietary supplement products marketed in the U.S. Selected label information is then entered into the PLD including, but not limited to: supplement name; manufacturer and/or distributor; serving size; form of serving size; and ingredients and amounts. The ingredient information entered into the database is taken directly from the supplement facts box on the label or carton. The PLD is used to assist with data editing and then publicly released in the data files (DSPI, DSII, and DSBI).

In addition to entering labels into the PLD database, NCHS created generic and default dietary supplements and antacids, which are also maintained in the database. Generics were created in the database when we had information about a reported supplement, such as the strength of all ingredients, but no brand name. These were generally single ingredient supplements, which included a strength (e.g., vitamin C 500 mg) or multiple vitamins and/or mineral supplements made by a private label manufacturer that was known to us and for which we had a label with identical ingredients and strengths (e.g., brand X all-purpose multivitamin was reported, and we had a label for brand Y, made by the same manufacturer). When all ingredient strengths were unknown, a default supplement was created in the database. Defaults were created for single ingredient and multiple ingredient supplements based on our own data of most frequently reported supplements of that type, based on the survey cycle in which the data was collected. Created default products and the actual products or strengths that were assigned to these defaults are listed in the documentation for the files associated with participants’ use of dietary supplements, located on the NHANES website under the dietary data links.

In 2019, the application used to manage and access NHANES dietary supplement product database was updated to adapt to the .NET environment. This resulted in the new structure of dietary supplement identifiers. Variables DSDPID, DSDIID, DSDBID were added to indicate the updated supplement ID, ingredient ID, and blend component ID, respectively. The variables DSDSUPID, DSDINGID, and DSDBCID now indicate the old versions for supplement ID, ingredient ID, and blend component ID, respectively. In addition, six new variables were included to provide information on supplement reformulations: DSDPRDT, DSDPREID, DSDORGID, DSDSGPF, DSDSEQF, DSDLINRF to indicate the product type, previous product ID, original product ID, sequential group formulation, sequential formulation, and linear formulation, respectively.

Data Processing and Editing

The in-house PLD was used for processing and editing of the dietary supplement data since 1999.

Variables pulled directly from the in-house PLD

DSDSUPP: Name of Supplement
This is the name from the front of the product label. The brand name is generally entered first (i.e., Nature’s Way) and then the actual product name (i.e., lutein). Information such as the strength (i.e., 60 mg extract) of the product and other qualifiers that help distinguish a product from a similar product (i.e., mega, super, high potency, time release, chewable, extract) are also listed if they are on the front of the product label. Words like “dietary supplement” and “health claims” are not entered as part of the name.

DSDPID: Supplement ID Number
New Supplement ID is a unique number assigned to each product entered in the inhouse PLD.

DSDPRDT: Product Type
If the supplement was entered by NCHS as a regular product, it is equal to 1. If the supplement was created by NCHS as a generic product, it is equal to 2. Otherwise, if the supplement was created by NCHS as a default product, it is equal to 3. Previous Variable DSDGENRC was replaced by code “2” in DSDPRDT.

DSDSUPID: Supplement ID Number-Old version
Old Supplement ID is a 10-digit identifier assigned to each product entered into the in-house PLD. All identifiable products have a supplement ID beginning with the number “1”. The next 3 digits (positions 2-4) are “888” or “881” if the supplement was created by NCHS as a generic or default product; otherwise the digits in positions 2-4 are coded “000” or “001”. The next 4 digits (positions 5-8) are sequentially assigned by the system for each product. The last 2 digits (positions 9-10) indicate formulations of the same supplement: the first formulation entered into the database = 00, the first reformulation = 01, the next = 02, etc. Note that these are reformulations of the same product. Different versions of products (e.g., liquid vs. tablet, with iron vs. without iron, regular vs. high potency) are considered as different products thus have different 4-digit numbers in positions 5 to 8. When a product name was entered as "no product information available," "refused," or "don't know," its ID number starts with a string of 6s.

DSDSRCE: Supplement Information Source
The source of each product label is recorded into the PLD. Generic and default products do not have a source code.

DSDTYPE: Supplement Type
The type of supplements is recorded into the database. The supplement types are: infant/pediatric, prenatal, mature, or standard . Products are coded as infant/pediatric when the product name states “infant, children, child, or kid/s” or has an indication in the title, label, or the form (e.g., animal shapes) of the supplement that it is intended for children. If this is not the case, but the suggested dose or directions indicate dosage for children only, then the code is infant/pediatric, but if dosages for adults are also included, then the product is coded as standard. Products are coded as “Prenatal” when the product name states prenatal or a derivative of this name or has an indication in the title or label that it is intended for pregnant women. If this is not the case, but the suggested dosage or directions indicate dosage for pregnant women only, the product is coded as a prenatal, but if dosages for non-pregnant adults are also included, the product is coded as standard. Products are coded as "mature" when the product name or label includes words such as "mature, senior, geriatric, post-menopausal, or silver" or indicates with other words that it is intended for individuals 50 years and over. All other products are coded as "standard".

DSDSERVQ: Serving Size Quantity
This is the “serving size quantity,” which is recorded from the product label’s supplement facts panel for which the nutrient amounts are based on.

DSDSERVU: Serving Size Unit
This is the “serving size unit,” which is recorded from the product label’s supplement facts panel.

DSDPREID: Previous product ID
This represents the parent product from which this current product was derived.

DSDORGID: Original product ID
This represents the original or root product from which this formulation or product was derived.

DSDSGPF: Sequential group formulation
This represents the sequential order of creation from the original product within the group of identical product types.

DSDSEQF: Sequential formulation
This represents the sequential order of creation from the original product.

DSDLINRF: Linear formulation
This represents the direct line of descendancy order of creation from the original product. For example- original product being level 1, a product derived from original level 1 product being level 2 and a product derived from the level 2 product being level 3, and so on.

DSDIID: Ingredient ID
This is the new unique ingredient ID created by the PLD for each ingredient recorded from the product label’s supplement facts panel.

DSDINGID: Ingredient ID-Old version
This is the old unique ingredient ID created by the PLD for each ingredient recorded from the product label’s supplement facts panel.

DSDINGR: Ingredient Name
Ingredient names are recorded from the product label’s supplement facts panel.

DSDOPER: Ingredient Operator
This is a symbol =, <, or > that comes from the product label’s supplement facts panel.

DSDQTY: Ingredient Quantity
Ingredient quantity is recorded for each ingredient listed from the product label’s supplement facts panel. Some nutrient amounts are for a nutrient compound (generally a foreign-made product or an antacid) and these must be converted to an elemental nutrient amount (See Appendix 2 for recommended conversions).

DSDUNIT: Ingredient Unit
Ingredient unit is recorded for each ingredient listed from the product label’s supplement facts panel.

NHANES dietary supplement files have vitamin A and E expressed in different units based on what was reported on the product label’s supplement facts panel. Vitamin E may be reported in International Units (IU) or micrograms (µg). Vitamin A may be reported as International Units (IU) or as micrograms (µg) of retinol activity equivalents (RAE). Users should be aware of changes in dietary supplement labeling and are advised to use appropriate unit conversions, Unit Conversions.

DSDCAT: Ingredient Category
There are ingredient categories: Vitamin, Mineral, Botanical, Others, Amino Acid. These are assigned by NCHS staff. (Please see Appendix 1: Rules for Classifying Ingredients.)

DSDBCNAM: Blend Component Name
These are the ingredient names found within a blend. Blends in products will not give the actual breakdown of ingredient quantities in the blend. The ingredients will usually just be listed, and most of the time a total blend amount is given. The blend ingredients are released in file DSBI.

DSDBID: Blend Component ID
These are new unique ingredient ID numbers for blend ingredients created by the PLD.

DSDBCLID: Blend Component ID-Old version
These are old unique ingredient ID numbers for blend ingredients created by the PLD.

DSDBCCAT: Blend Component Category
There are blend ingredient categories: Vitamin, Mineral, Botanical, Others, Amino Acid. These are assigned by NCHS staff. (Please see Appendix 1: Rules for Classifying Ingredients.)

Variables created for the NHANES-DSD public release files

DSDBLFLG: Blend Flag
This indicator variable denotes whether an ingredient is a blend or not a blend. If the ingredient is a blend, then blend ingredients are contained in file DSBI.

DSDCNTV: Number of Vitamin(s) in Supplement
This variable indicates the number of vitamins in the supplement, including in blends. All ingredients categorized as “vitamins” in variables DSDCAT and DSDBCCAT are added up to get the number of vitamins in the product. If a product has the same vitamin listed as an ingredient as well as a blend, this vitamin was only counted once. Ingredients that are categorized as a blend (DSDBLFLG=1) in file DSII are not included in this count, but the ingredients within the blend are counted (blend ingredients in file DSBI).

DSDCNTM: Number of Mineral(s) in Supplement
This variable indicates the number of minerals in the supplement, including in blends. All ingredients categorized as “minerals” in variables DSDCAT and DSDBCCAT are added up to get the number of minerals in the product. If a product has the same mineral listed as an ingredient as well as a blend, this mineral was only counted once. Ingredients that are categorized as a blend (DSDBLFLG=1) in file DSII are not included in this count, but the ingredients within the blend are counted (blend ingredients in file DSBI).

DSDCNTA: Number of Amino Acid(s) in Supplement
This variable indicates the number of amino acids in the supplement, including in blends. All ingredients categorized as “amino acids” in variables DSDCAT and DSDBCCAT are added up to get the number of amino acids in the product. Ingredients that are categorized as a blend (DSDBLFLG=1) in file DSII are not included in this count, but the ingredients within the blend are counted (blend ingredients in file DSBI).

DSDCNTB: Number of Botanical(s) in Supplement
This variable indicates the number of botanicals in the supplement, including in blends. All ingredients categorized as “botanicals” in variables DSDCAT and DSDBCCAT are added up to get the number of botanicals in the product. Ingredients that are categorized as a blend (DSDBLFLG=1) in file DSII are not included in this count, but the ingredients within the blend are counted (blend ingredients in file DSBI).

DSDCNTO: Number of Other Ingredients in Supplement
This variable indicates the number of other ingredients in the supplement, including in blends. All ingredients categorized as “other” in variables DSDCAT and DSDBCCAT are added up to get the number of other ingredients in the product. Ingredients that are categorized as a blend (DSDBLFLG=1) in file DSII are not included in this count, but the ingredients within the blend are counted (blend ingredients in file DSBI).

The NCHS-DSD file may be linked to both the Household dietary supplement data use files and the 24-hour dietary recall interview dietary supplement files by the supplement ID number (DSDPID).

NCHS-DSD contains information on all DS and antacids reported from 1999-2020. New products will be appended as they are reported in future data releases. There are three files. The “Supplement Information” file (DSPI) and the “Ingredient Information” file (DSII) can be linked by supplement ID number (DSDPID), which is a unique product identifier. The “Ingredient Information” file (DSII) and the “Supplement Blend” file (DSBI) can then be linked by the ingredient ID number (DSDIID).

 Layout of DSQ_DSD

(DSPI): Supplement Product Information
Variable Name Label
DSDPID Supplement ID number
DSDPRDT Product Type
DSDSUPP Supplement Name
DSDSRCE Supplement Information Source
DSDTYPE Supplement Type
DSDSERVQ Serving Size Quantity
DSDSERVU Serving Size Unit
DSDPREID Previous product ID
DSDORGID Original product ID
DSDSGPF Sequential group formulation
DSDSEQF Sequential formulation
DSDLINRF Linear formulation
DSDCNTV Count of Vitamins in the Supplement
DSDCNTM Count of Minerals in the Supplement
DSDCNTA Count of Amino Acids in the Supplement
DSDCNTB Count of Botanicals in the Supplement
DSDCNTO Count of Other Ingredients in the Supplement
DSDSUPID Supplement ID number-Old version

 

 

 

 

 

 

(DSII): Supplement Ingredient Information
Variable Name Label
DSDPID Supplement ID Number
DSDSUPP Supplement Name
DSDIID Ingredient ID Number
DSDINGR Ingredient Name
DSDOPER Ingredient Operator (<, =, >)
DSDQTY Ingredient Quantity
DSDUNIT Ingredient Unit
DSDCAT Ingredient Category
DSDBLFLG Blend Flag
DSDINGID Ingredient ID Number- Old version

 

 

 

 

(DSBI): Supplement Blend Information
Variable Name Label
DSDIID Ingredient ID Number
DSDINGR Ingredient Name
DSDBID Blend Component ID Number
DSDBCNAM Blend Component Name
DSDBCCAT Blend Component Category
DSDBCID Blend Component ID Number-Old version

 

 

 

Analytic Notes

Source of Product Information
The best source of product information is the label itself, but when this cannot be obtained, other sources are used. Information from other sources may not always be an accurate reflection of what is actually on the supplement label. This is true for the supplement’s apparent name as well as for the ingredients. The apparent name on the container is most important, since interviewers see the supplement container and record the name as it appears to them. Differences from what appears on the label are particularly noted for information from the Internet (name and ingredients), the PDR (name), and supplement carton (name). In addition, supplement companies may change the appearance of a label and thus the apparent name without changing the content or may change content with minimal change to the label, or may change both. NCHS attempts to obtain updated labels as they come onto the market, but cannot guarantee complete success. The source of the supplement information is included in the data release.

Using Self-Reported Data
NHANES data are self-reported and recorded by interviewers, and thus may contain inconsistencies or errors. Some inconsistencies have been edited; however, users may notice situations that still need editing. Users are advised to assess the data and edit it as deemed appropriate for the analyses being undertaken.

Codebook and Frequencies

DSDPID - SUPPLEMENT ID NUMBER

Variable Name:
DSDPID
SAS Label:
SUPPLEMENT ID NUMBER
English Text:
Supplement ID number
Target:
Both males and females 0 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 to 20971 Range of Values 17709 17709
. Missing 0 17709

DSDPRDT - PRODUCT TYPE

Variable Name:
DSDPRDT
SAS Label:
PRODUCT TYPE
English Text:
Product type
Target:
Both males and females 0 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Regular 15654 15654
2 Generic 1301 16955
3 Default 754 17709
. Missing 0 17709

DSDSUPP - SUPPLEMENT NAME

Variable Name:
DSDSUPP
SAS Label:
SUPPLEMENT NAME
English Text:
Supplement Name
Target:
Both males and females 0 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
SUPPLEMENT NAME Value was recorded 17709 17709
< blank > Missing 0 17709

DSDSRCE - SUPPLEMENT INFORMATION SOURCE

Variable Name:
DSDSRCE
SAS Label:
SUPPLEMENT INFORMATION SOURCE
English Text:
Supplement Information Source
Target:
Both males and females 0 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Directly from manufacturer 23 23
2 Directly from distributor 7 30
4 Inferred from supplement name 1 31
5 Physician's Desk Reference (PDR) 30 61
7 Product Catalog 149 210
8 Internet Listing 4581 4791
9 Supplement label or carton 9978 14769
10 Supplement from same manufacturer 143 14912
11 Dietary Supplement Label Database 786 15698
. Missing 2011 17709

DSDTYPE - SUPPLEMENT TYPE

Variable Name:
DSDTYPE
SAS Label:
SUPPLEMENT TYPE
English Text:
Supplement Type (prenatal, infant\pediatric, standard, or mature)
Target:
Both males and females 0 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Infant/pediatric 1071 1071
2 Prenatal 378 1449
3 Mature 442 1891
4 Standard 15818 17709
. Missing 0 17709

DSDSERVQ - SERVING SIZE QUANTITY

Variable Name:
DSDSERVQ
SAS Label:
SERVING SIZE QUANTITY
English Text:
Serving size quantity
Target:
Both males and females 0 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0.02 to 60 Range of Values 17709 17709
. Missing 0 17709

DSDSERVU - SERVING SIZE UNIT

Variable Name:
DSDSERVU
SAS Label:
SERVING SIZE UNIT
English Text:
Serving size unit
Target:
Both males and females 0 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Caplet 953 953
2 Capsule 4329 5282
3 Dropper 56 5338
4 Drop 100 5438
5 Fluid Ounce 91 5529
6 Gel Cap 23 5552
9 Lozenge 42 5594
10 Milliliter 271 5865
12 Package/Packet 381 6246
13 Pill 51 6297
14 Tablespoon/Powder 98 6395
16 Softgel 2524 8919
17 Tablespoon/Liquid 186 9105
18 Tablet 6480 15585
19 Teaspoon/Liquid 247 15832
20 Wafer 43 15875
21 Ounce/Powder 4 15879
22 Spray/Squirt 20 15899
24 Scoop/Powder 352 16251
25 Cup/Powder 8 16259
27 Chew 777 17036
29 Vegicap 326 17362
30 Can/Liquid 2 17364
31 Capful 37 17401
32 Gumball 3 17404
33 Gram/Powder 84 17488
34 Teaspoon/Powder 194 17682
37 Cup/Liquid 1 17683
38 Gram/Liquid 1 17684
39 Drop/Lozenge 6 17690
42 Strip 2 17692
43 Bottle/Liquid 10 17702
99 Unknown 7 17709
. Missing 0 17709

DSDPREID - PREVIOUS PRODUCT ID

Variable Name:
DSDPREID
SAS Label:
PREVIOUS PRODUCT ID
English Text:
Previous product ID
Target:
Both males and females 0 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 to 20939 Range of Values 4927 4927
. Missing 12782 17709

DSDORGID - ORIGINAL PRODUCT ID

Variable Name:
DSDORGID
SAS Label:
ORIGINAL PRODUCT ID
English Text:
Original product ID
Target:
Both males and females 0 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 to 20922 Range of Values 17709 17709
. Missing 0 17709

DSDSGPF - SEQUENTIAL GROUP FORMULATION

Variable Name:
DSDSGPF
SAS Label:
SEQUENTIAL GROUP FORMULATION
English Text:
Sequential group formulation
Target:
Both males and females 0 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 to 18 Range of Values 17709 17709
. Missing 0 17709

DSDSEQF - SEQUENTIAL FORMULATION

Variable Name:
DSDSEQF
SAS Label:
SEQUENTIAL FORMULATION
English Text:
Sequential formulation
Target:
Both males and females 0 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 to 26 Range of Values 17709 17709
. Missing 0 17709

DSDLINRF - LINEAR FORMULATION

Variable Name:
DSDLINRF
SAS Label:
LINEAR FORMULATION
English Text:
Linear formulation
Target:
Both males and females 0 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 to 11 Range of Values 17709 17709
. Missing 0 17709

DSDCNTV - COUNT OF VITAMINS IN THE SUPPLEMENT

Variable Name:
DSDCNTV
SAS Label:
COUNT OF VITAMINS IN THE SUPPLEMENT
English Text:
Count of vitamins in the supplement, including those in blends
Target:
Both males and females 0 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 to 18 Range of Values 17709 17709
. Missing 0 17709

DSDCNTM - COUNT OF MINERALS IN THE SUPPLEMENT

Variable Name:
DSDCNTM
SAS Label:
COUNT OF MINERALS IN THE SUPPLEMENT
English Text:
Count of minerals in the supplement, including those in blends
Target:
Both males and females 0 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 to 72 Range of Values 17709 17709
. Missing 0 17709

DSDCNTA - COUNT OF AMINO ACIDS IN THE SUPPLEMENT

Variable Name:
DSDCNTA
SAS Label:
COUNT OF AMINO ACIDS IN THE SUPPLEMENT
English Text:
Count of amino acids in the supplement, including those in blends
Target:
Both males and females 0 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 to 24 Range of Values 17709 17709
. Missing 0 17709

DSDCNTB - COUNT OF BOTANICALS IN THE SUPPLEMENT

Variable Name:
DSDCNTB
SAS Label:
COUNT OF BOTANICALS IN THE SUPPLEMENT
English Text:
Count of botanicals in the supplement, including those in blends
Target:
Both males and females 0 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 to 117 Range of Values 17709 17709
. Missing 0 17709

DSDCNTO - COUNT OF OTHER INGREDIENTS IN SUPPLEMENT

Variable Name:
DSDCNTO
SAS Label:
COUNT OF OTHER INGREDIENTS IN SUPPLEMENT
English Text:
Count of other ingredients in the supplement, including those in blends
Target:
Both males and females 0 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
0 to 53 Range of Values 17709 17709
. Missing 0 17709

DSDSUPID - SUPPLEMENT ID NUMBER - OLD VERSION

Variable Name:
DSDSUPID
SAS Label:
SUPPLEMENT ID NUMBER - OLD VERSION
English Text:
Supplement ID Number - old version
Target:
Both males and females 0 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
SUPPLEMENT ID NUMBER - OLD VERSION Value was recorded 14629 14629
< blank > Missing 3080 17709

Appendix 1: Rules for Classifying Ingredients

VITAMINS
An ingredient is classified as a vitamin if it is:

  • A single vitamin listed by its name (e.g., vitamin A)
  • A standard chemical form of the vitamin (retinol, retinal, retinoic acid) in synthetic or natural form

A vitamin will be classified as "other" when it exists as:

  • A precursor or provitamin to the active form of the vitamin (e.g., 7-dehydrocholesterol, a precursor to Vitamin D)
  • A complex, since the ingredient content is unclear (e.g., B-complex)

The following appear in supplements as a source of vitamins and are therefore classified as a vitamin: 

  • Vitamin A: palmitate, vitamin A acetate, vitamin A palmitate 
  • Vitamin B-1/Thiamin: thiamin monophosphate or TMP, thiamin mononitrate, thiamin hydrochloride 
  • Vitamin B-2/Riboflavin: riboflavin mononitrate, riboflavin-5-phosphate sodium 
  • Vitamin B-3/Niacin 
  • Vitamin B-5/Pantothenic Acid: pantothenate, calcium pantothenate 
  • Vitamin B-6: pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B6 hydrochloride 
  • Vitamin B-12/Cobalamin: cyanocobalamin 
  • Vitamin C/Ascorbic Acid: ascorbyl palmitate, sodium ascorbate 
  • Vitamin D/Calciferol: cholecalciferol, ergocalciferol, calcitriol 
  • Vitamin E/Tocopherol: d-alpha tocopheryl acid succinate, dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate, d-alpha tocopheryl acetate, d-alpha tocopherol, d-alpha tocopheryl, tocopherols, mixed tocopherols, vitamin E acetate, tocotrienol 
  • Vitamin K/Menadione: phytonadione 
  • Biotin: Choline, choline bitartrate 
  • Folic Acid/Folate

MINERALS

An ingredient is classified as a mineral if it is a macro or micromineral (trace element):

  • in its elemental form (e.g., iron) 
  • is the source of the mineral in a supplement (e.g., ferrous gluconate, potassium iodide, nickel chloride)

An ingredient containing a mineral is classified as "other" when it is:

  • an enzyme (e.g., boron protease) 
  • a complex, since the ingredient content is unclear (e.g., Trace Mineral Complex) 
    used as an electrolyte (chloride, potassium, sodium)

The following are classified as minerals:

  • Arsenic
  • Copper
  • Phosphorus
  • Barium
  • Fluoride
  • Selenium
  • Boron
  • Iodine
  • Silicon
  • Bromine
  • Iron
  • Strontium
  • Cadmium
  • Magnesium
  • Sulfur
  • Calcium
  • Manganese
  • Tin
  • Chromium
  • Molybdenum
  • Vanadium
  • Cobalt
  • Nickel
  • Zinc

BOTANICALS

An ingredient is classified as a botanical if it is:

  • part of a plant, tree, shrub, herb, etc.

Botanicals may include the following words:

  • Extract, Powder
  • Leaf, Root, Flower, Stem, Peel, Fruit
  • Component of a botanical that specifically mentions it is from the plant (e.g., soy isoflavones, citrus bioflavonoids)

An ingredient containing a botanical is classified as "other" if it is:

  • listed only as an unspecified blend
  • a chemical structure derived originally from a botanical (e.g., bromelain, the enzyme found in pineapple; Alliin, a phytochemical in garlic; apple cider vinegar)

AMINO ACIDS

An ingredient is classified as an amino acid if it is an essential or nonessential amino acid. It can exist in:

  • it’s free form (e.g., lycine, glutamine)
  • its post-translational form with one or two added groups (e.g., Cystine, Hydroxylysine, Hydroxyproline, Dimethylglycine, and 3-methylhistidine)
  • one of its isomeric forms (e.g., l-tyrosine)
  • the source of an amino acid in a supplement (e.g., l-lysine monohydrochloride, glutamic acid hydrochloride)

An amino acid would be classified as "other" if it is:

  • in its post-translational form with three or more added groups (Trimethylglycine, Tetramethylglycine, etc.)
  • an alpha-keto acid (an amino acid with its amino group, NH3, replaced by a keto group) (e.g., -ketoglutarate)
  • a residue of an amino acid (-carboxyglutamic acid also known as GLA)
  • as a complex of amino acids (e.g., natural amino acid complex), since the ingredient content is unclear

The following are classified as amino acids:

  • Alanine
  • Glycine
  • Proline
  • Arginine
  • Histidine
  • Serine
  • Asparagine
  • Isoleucine
  • Taurine
  • Aspartic
  • Acid
  • Leucine
  • Threonine
  • Cysteine
  • Lysine
  • Tryptophan
  • Glutamic
  • Acid
  • Methionine
  • Tyrosine
  • Glutamine
  • Phenylalanine
  • Valine

OTHER

The following are examples of ingredients that would be classified as "other":

  • an electrolyte (e.g., chloride, potassium, sodium)
  • a hormone (e.g., DHEA, cholesterol), unless if it is the active form of a vitamin (calcitriol)
  • an enzyme (e.g., cellulase, glucoamylase)
  • Complexes and blends (unless all components are of the same type ex. amino acid blend)
  • Bioflavonoids and Isoflavones (if not associated with a plant, in which case it would be classified as a Botanical)
  • Vinegars
  • Phytochemicals (e.g., lutein, allin)
  • Vitamin precursors (e.g., some carotenoids)

Appendix 2: Conversion Factors for Supplement Nutrient Units to Food Units and for Nutrient Compounds to Elemental Nutrients

INGREDIENT INGREDIENT_ID CONVERSION FACTOR
Vitamin A Conversion Factors
ALPHA CAROTENE 587 1 IU alpha carotene = 7.2 mcg vitamin A
ALPHA CAROTENE 587 1 RAE = 24 mcg alpha carotene
BETA CAROTENE 392 1 IU beta carotene = 0.6 mcg vitamin A
BETA CAROTENE 392 1667 IU beta carotene = 1 mg beta carotene
BETA CAROTENE 392 1 RAE = 12 mcg beta carotene
VITAMIN A* 360 1 IU = 0.3 mcg vitamin A
VITAMIN A* 360 1 RAE = 1 mcg vitamin A
CRYPTOXANTHIN 614 1 RAE = 24 mcg cryptoxanthin
Vitamin D Conversion Factor
VITAMIN D† 364 40 IU vitamin D = 1 mcg
Vitamin E Conversion Factor
VITAMIN E‡ 365 1 IU = 0.67 mg vitamin E
Calcium Conversion Factors
CALCIUM CARBONATE 543 40% elemental calcium
CALCIUM L-THREONATE 4003 12.9 % elemental calcium
CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE 395 91.6% pantothenate
Iron Conversion Factors
FERROUS FUMARATE 782 32.9% elemental iron
IRON FERROCHEL 13380 27.65% elemental iron
Glucosamine Conversion Factors
GLUCOSAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE 410 83.0% glucosamine
GLUCOSAMINE SULFATE 143 65% glucosamine
GLUCOSAMINE SULFATE .2 KCL 850 29.6% glucosamine
D-GLUCOSAMINE SULFATE.2 NACL 1017 31.3% glucosamine
Magnesium Conversion Factors
MAGNESIUM ASPARTATE 13643 8.42% elemental magnesium
MAGNESIUM CARBONATE 556 28.9% elemental magnesium
MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE 544 41.7% elemental magnesium
MAGNESIUM PHOSPHATE TRIBASIC 616 27.7% elemental magnesium
MAGNESIUM TRISILICATE 2054 18.3 % elemental magnesium
Vitamin B-6 Conversion Factor
PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE 470 82% vitamin B-6
Other
ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE GEL 14221 34.59% elemental aluminum
CHROMIUM NICOTINATE 14270 12.43% elemental chromium
CHROMIUM PICOLINATE 487 12.4% elemental chromium
CHOLINE BITARATE 82 41% choline
CHOLINE CITRATE 2248 41% choline
CREATINE MONOHYDRATE 480 88% creatine
CYSTEINE HCL 776 76.9% cysteine
DOCUSATE SODIUM 109 5.1% sodium
GLUTAMIC ACID HYDROCLORIDE 653 80.1% glutamic acid
L-CYSTEINE HCL 488 69.0% cysteine
L-GLUTAMIC ACID HCL 611 80.1% glutamic acid
L-LYSINE HCL 743 80.03% lysine
LYSINE HYDROCHLORIDE 2088 80.03% lysine
POTASSIUM CHOLRIDE 287 52.5% elemental potassium
POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE 575 28.7% elemental potassium
POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE MONOBASIC 615 28.7% elemental potassium
THIAMIN MONONITRATE 468 92% thiamin
ZINC PICOLINATE 2629 21.1% elemental zinc
Basic Unit Conversion
1 gm = 1000 mg
1 mg = 1000 mcg

 

 

 

*  Conversion factor used for Vitamin A is Retinol, most common form

† Conversion factor for Calciferol

‡ Conversion factor for Alpha Tocopherol, most common form

Appendix 3: Proc Format

PROC FORMAT;
/********* variable DSD010 and DSD010AN ********/
VALUE DSD010F
1 = "Yes"
2 = "No"
7 = "Refused"
9 = "Don't Know"
. = "Missing"
;
/********* variable DSDCOUNT ********/
VALUE DSDCNTF
77 = "Refused"
99 = "Don't know"
;
/********* variable DSD070 ********/
VALUE DSD070F
1 = "Yes"
2 = "No"
;
/********* variable DSDDAY1 and DSDDAY2 ********/
VALUE DSDDAYF
1 = "Yes"
2 = "No"
;
/********* variable DSDMTCH ********/
VALUE DSDMTCHF
1 = "Exact or near exact match"
2 = "Probable match"
3 = "Generic match"
4 = "Reasonable match"
5 = "Default match"
6 = "No match"
7 = "Refused"
9 = "Don't know"
;
/********* variable DSD122U ********/
VALUE DSD122UF
1= "Tablets, capsules, pills, caplets, softgels, gelcaps, vegicaps"
2= "Droppers"
3= "Drops"
5= "Injections/Shots"
6= "Lozenges"
7= "Milliliters"
11= "Tablespoons"
12= "Teaspoons"
13= "Wafers"
15= "Cans"
16= "Grams"
17= "Dots"
18= "Cups"
19= "Spray/Squirts"
20= "Chews"
21= "Scoop"
22= "CC"
23= "Capful"
24= "MG"
25= "Units"
26= "Gulp"
27= "Ounces"
28= "Packages/Packets"
29= "Vial"
30= "Gumball"
31= "Strips"
32= “Bottle”
77= "Refused"
99= "Don't know"
;
/********* variable DSDANTA********/
VALUE DSDANTAF
0= "Non-antacid supplement"
1= "Antacid reported with dietary supplements(DSQ)"
2= "Antacid reported with medications(RXQ)"
;
/********* variable DSD124 ********/
VALUE DSD124F
1 = "Decided to take it for reasons of my own"
2 = "A doctor or other health provider told me to"
7 = "Refused"
9 = "Don't know"
;
/********* variable RXQ215A********/
VALUE RXQ215AF
1 = "Antacid"
2 = "Calcium Supplement"
3 = "Both"
4 = "Neither"
7 = "Refused"
9 = "Don't know"
;
/********* variable DSDSRCE ********/
VALUE DSDSRCEF
1 = "Directly from manufacturer"
2 = "Directly from distributor"
4 = "Inferred from supplement name"
5 = "Physician s Desk Reference (PDR)"
7 = "Product Catalog"
8 = "Internet Listing"
9 = "Supplement label or carton"
10 = "Supplement from same manufacturer"
11 = “Dietary Supplement Label Database”
7777 = "Refused"
9999 = "Don't know"
;
/********* variable DSDTYPE ********/
VALUE DSDTYPEF
1= "Infant/pediatric formulation"
2= "Prenatal formulation"
3= "Mature formulation"
4= "Standard formulation"
7777 = "Refused"
9999 = "Don't know"
;
/********* variable DSDSERVU ********/
VALUE DSDSRVF
1= "Caplet"
2= "Capsule"
3= "Dropper"
4= "Drop"
5= "Fluid Ounce"
6= "Gel Cap"
8= "Injection/Shot"
9= "Lozenge"
10= "Milliliter"
12= "Package/Packet"
13= "Pill"
14= "Tablespoon/Powder"
16= "Softgel"
17= "Tablespoon/Liquid"
18= "Tablet"
19= "Teaspoon/Liquid"
20= "Wafer"
21= "Ounce/Powder"
22= "Spray/Squirt"
24= "Scoop/Powder"
25= "Cup/Powder"
27= "Chew"
29= "Vegicap"
30= "Can/Liquid"
31= "Capful"
32= "Gumball"
33= "Gram/Powder"
34= "Teaspoon/Powder"
35= "Can/Powder"
36= "Scoop/Liquid"
37= "Cup/Liquid"
38= "Gram/Liquid"
39= "Drop/Lozenge"
42= "Strip"
43= “Bottle/Liquid”
99= "Unknown"
;
/********* variable DSDUNIT ********/
VALUE DSDUNTF
1= "mg"
2= "IU"
3= "%"
4= "mcg"
5= "gm"
6= "mL"
7= "kcal"
8= "DU"
9= "HUT"
10= "LU"
11= "CU"
12= "endo-PGO"
13= "AGU"
14= "PPM"
15= "Million"
16= "Billion"
17= "LacU"
18= "X"
19= "PPB"
20= "Trace"
21= "Unknown"
22= "PU"
23= "SEU"
24= "InvU"
25= "°DP"
26= "HCU"
27= "CFU"
28= "GALU"
29= "ALU"
30= "FTU"
31= "NG"
;
/********* variable DSDCAT ********/
VALUE DSDCATF
1 = "vitamin"
2 = "mineral"
3 = "botanical"
4 = "other"
5 = "amino acid"
7777 = "Refused"
9999 = "Don't know"
;
/********* variable DSDBLFLG ********/
VALUE DSDBLF
1 = "Ingredient is a blend"
2 = "Ingredient is not a blend"
;