When you look at a food supplement, the dosage is often one of the first things you notice. Milligrams, micrograms and percentages of the reference intake are figures that seem clear at first glance. But what do they actually tell you? And when is a dosage appropriate?
At Morgen is Nu, we see dosage not as a fixed number, but as an amount that always needs to be considered in context. Alongside legislation, scientific evidence, the reasons for taking a supplement and who will be using it. Only then do those figures become meaningful.
Contents
- What do we mean by dosage?
- Reference intake: a starting point, not an endpoint
- Not every substance has an RI
- Safety comes first
- International differences in dosage
- Dosage depends on context
- How we assess dosage
What do we mean by dosage?
Dosage refers to the amount of an active substance you take each day when using the product according to the instructions on the packaging. The amount per capsule, tablet, drop or scoop can vary, depending on the form of the supplement.
But a dosage on its own only tells part of the story. What it means depends on the intended use, the form of the substance and the guidelines that apply to it. That is why we always look beyond the number on the label when considering dosage.
Reference intake: a starting point, not an endpoint
Many vitamins and minerals have a reference intake (RI). This value indicates how much of a nutrient an average adult needs each day to prevent deficiencies. It is a useful point of comparison, but not a measure of what is optimal.
The RI does not take personal circumstances into account. Age, diet, lifestyle, stress levels and health are all factors that influence what your body needs. The reference intake is therefore a guideline, not personalised advice.
Not every substance has an RI
Not all active substances fall within this system. Herbs, mushrooms, plant extracts and other bioactive substances often have no established reference intake. This is because these substances are used differently, have a complex composition or have a history of traditional use without clearly defined dosage standards.
In these cases, dosage is usually based on:
- traditional use
- scientific studies
- concentration and extract ratio
- practical use and safety
Here too, context is essential.
Safety comes first
Alongside reference intakes, there are also maximum safe intake levels for certain substances. These limits are set by scientific committees and form the basis of Dutch and European legislation.
At Morgen is Nu, we always check dosages against these standards. This ensures that supplements are safe for daily use and comply with current regulations. Safety is non-negotiable.
International differences in dosage
Dosages can vary between countries because guidelines and legislation are not the same everywhere. Some countries allow higher dosages than the Netherlands, or take a different approach to them.
When we offer products from outside Europe, we adjust the instructions for use where necessary. This brings them into line with the standards that apply here, even if it means the recommended daily dosage differs from the original label. For us, transparency and compliance go hand in hand.
Dosage depends on context
What is considered an appropriate dosage depends on several factors. These include the intended use, the form of the active substance, how well it is absorbed and how the supplement is used.
Personal factors also play a part. That is why dosage alone tells you little about suitability for an individual. It is a tool for understanding and comparing products, not personalised advice.
How we assess dosage
In the product assessment boxes on our website, we give each product a dosage score. This score shows how the amount of active substance compares with existing guidelines, legislation and typical levels in products available in the Netherlands: from relatively low to relatively high.
We do this not to decide what is better or worse, but to help you understand. So you can weigh up what suits your circumstances, with all the information that matters.
