Glossary

Quick definitions for jargon you will see on labels and in our guides. This is general education, not a dictionary for diagnosing conditions.

ASIN

Amazon Standard Identification Number — a stable product ID on Amazon listings.

CFU

Colony-forming units — a measure of viable bacteria in a probiotic, per label testing methods.

DHA / EPA

Omega-3 fatty acids commonly found in fish oil; amounts per serving should be read from Supplement Facts.

Elemental iron

The actual iron content in a salt form (for example ferrous sulfate vs gluconate). Labels may show both.

Folate / folic acid

B-vitamin family nutrients; form and dose matter, especially in prenatal planning.

Hydrolyzed collagen

Collagen proteins broken into smaller peptides for use in tablets, powders, or gummies.

Prebiotic

Ingredients (like certain fibers) that feed beneficial microbes; not the same as probiotics.

Softgel

A gelatin or non-gelatin shell containing oils or liquid suspensions—common for fish oil and fat-soluble vitamins.

Structure/function claim

Marketing language describing a nutrient’s role in the body; FDA does not evaluate these claims like drug claims.