A reference glossary for journalists, students, and consumers trying to read a supplement label or compare a supplement to a regulated medication. Free to cite with attribution. This page is part of the Joint Pain Education hub on Evidence Before Claims. Content is for educational purposes only and is reviewed against peer-reviewed studies, FDA labeling,
Reviewed by Sarah Chen, MD (illustrative reviewer) — MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: May 2026. Educational content only; not medical advice.