Multivitamin %DV: How to Read the Daily Value Column

Understand what the %DV column can show in a multivitamin comparison, and why it is not an individualized target or product ranking.

The %DV column gives a standardized reference for comparing a nutrient amount on a food or supplement label. It does not describe an individual’s needs, and the same package can look different if serving sizes differ.

Read the amount and %DV together

For each nutrient, record the quantity and unit as well as the %DV. Check the labeled serving size first: if one serving is two tablets, the panel values apply to both tablets together. FDA’s Daily Values are reference amounts used for label comparison, not personalized advice.

Compare the same nutrient across products and preserve the original unit. Some ingredients may have no established Daily Value, while some optional nutrients may appear in one product and not another. Do not interpret a blank as zero unless the label explicitly supports that conclusion.

Use %DV as a comparison field, not a score

A higher %DV is not automatically a better multivitamin. It tells you how the labeled serving relates to the FDA reference value. Keep formula breadth, serving count, format, and price as separate fields so the comparison stays factual.

Frequently asked questions

Does 100% DV mean this is right for me?

No. %DV is a standardized label reference, not an individual recommendation.

Should I compare products with different serving sizes?

First normalize the comparison to the labeled serving and show how many units that serving includes.

Sources and review

Sources: FDA, Daily Value information and Supplement Facts labeling guide. Reviewed September 28, 2026.

Use current SuppScan data

SuppScan presents the product data available in its catalog and does not manufacture missing values. Open the Multivitamins comparison to review current offers and normalized metrics.