
Dietary supplements have emerged as a rapidly expanding sector within the global healthcare and wellness industry, driven by increasing public interest in preventive healthcare and self-medication practices. In many developing countries, the growing consumption of herbal and nutritional supplements has not been accompanied by equally robust regulatory oversight, particularly with respect to product labeling and health-related claims. Inadequate regulatory enforcement, ambiguous labeling practices, and scientifically unsupported claims continue to raise substantial concerns regarding consumer safety, product authenticity, and informed decision-making. This review critically examines the regulatory complexities associated with labeling standards and health claims of dietary supplements in developing nations. Key labeling components, including ingredient identification, dosage recommendations, safety warnings, nutritional declarations, manufacturer information, batch details, and expiration dating, are discussed in relation to their role in ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance. The review further categorizes health claims into nutritional, functional, and disease-risk reduction claims, with emphasis on the scientific substantiation necessary for regulatory approval.
